Colorectal - Incentive Spirometer (1 ball)

What is it?

A small device that encourages you to take deep breaths by inhaling through a tube. 

Why is it important?

Before surgery it:

• Increases lung capacity
• Trains you to take deep breaths
• Prepares your lungs for surgery

After surgery it:

• Re-opens the bottom of the lungs after surgery
• Encourages the movement of phlegm (secretions) out of your lungs so you can cough it up
• Reduces the risk of chest infections
• Reduces your hospital stay and speeds up your recovery

Directions for use

1. Sitting in an upright position, fully exhale all the air from your lungs.
2. Place lips around mouthpiece – ensure a good seal and that the tube is connected properly.
3. Slow and controlled, take a deep breath in – the small yellow ball should hover in the smiley face region.
4. Maintain a slow deep breath in for as long as you can (the white marker on the right indicates how big a breath you are taking – the higher the better).
5. Complete 3 breaths, rest, and repeat, so you have completed this three times in total.
6. After using your incentive spirometer, make sure you cough and clear any phlegm (secretions).

●    Before surgery: aim to complete at least 4 times a day, in order to ‘train’ your lungs in preparation for surgery.
●    After surgery: Complete hourly until your mobility is back to normal. Your physio will provide more guidance on this.

Contact details:

Rachel Meskell
Email: rachel.meskell@nca.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0161 206 1249