Anyone using an incentive spirometer?
My pulmonologist suggested I try it.
Any experiences on it appreciated.
If you are using one and like the brand, please recommend?
If you tried one and it was junk, please also advise?
Thanks.
Good health in the new year.
Hi again, Charley, and thanks for your post and question - it's a good one! While I am hopeful others in the community will join in by sharing their own anecdotal experiences, I have something to contribute as well.
Generally speaking, an incentive spirometer may be prescribed for patients with a COPD diagnosis, to encourage the patient to exercise their lungs.
Did the physician provide you with any instructions as to how you should use the device? Did he/she provide you with any rationale? And lastly, did he suggest any particular brand for you?
My thought is it would be unusual (but not unheard of), for a doctor to recommend a new type of therapy without any guidance.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net),
I use one daily. I use the Voldyne 5000. It was given to me when I did the breathing test by the technician administering the test. At the same time, I got a Portex Acapella machine. I was instructed to use the Acapella for ten reps and then use the Voldyne 5000 for ten reps, and to do it 5 times a day. I must say that it really helps with my breathing. Not to mention helping get rid of mucus out of my lungs. I was told my goal for the Voldyne 5000 was 2400 on the scale. At the time I started using it, I was recovering from mycobacterial pneumonia along with some cauterizing in my right lung to control bleeding. It took me a year to just get it up to 2000 from 1500. I still use it 5 times a day. Still working towards 2400. There have been a few times I came close, so it is working to strengthen my lung muscles. The other thing I will say is if I miss a day or even a half a day of these lung exercises, I definitely can feel it. So, I do my best not to miss them. Lately if I am going to be somewhere for an entire day, I take them with me and do my exercises wherever I am at. I am surprised your pulmonologist didn't provide one or at least recommend one. I would ask him/her for a recommendation. Let the forum know the outcome please. Tale care and God Bless.thanks for the recommendation. I asked my Dr. about doing pursed lip breathing exercises at home, and he mentioned I should also look up and buy an incentive spirometer.
Im guessing he presumed I’d just follow the instructions or ask him after I buy it.
Blessings on you as well.Hi again, Charley, and thanks for acknowledging my remarks to you. Once again, I am so sorry to hear the doctor did not provide you with guidance or instructions on the use of the incentive spirometer, or even positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy. Both together can go a long way towards managing this disease successfully. As our good colleague, , has pointed out (thanks dminor!), his experience underscores the importance of proactively treating COPD with these types of adjuncts on a regular and consistent basis.
My suggestion would be to have a frank conversation with your physician about your therapy, equipment and plans to tackle this aspect of treatment. Sometimes, one has to be their own best self advocate.
What are your thoughts?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I have been diagnosed with copd since 2011. You?
Officially, a year ago. But now that I know what COPD is and feels like, I must say I have been having symptoms for years. Most likely ten or so. But at that time the symptoms were a lot less intense than they are now and were seemingly not all the time. Although I am sure they were. The symptoms were so mild that I really didn't pay much attention to them.Best of luck
I was given a spirometer too when I got out of the hospital. For me, a spirometer is like a thermometer, it tells me where I am at a specific moment in time, which is helpful. I’ve never thought much of spirometers as providing much in the way of therapeutic benefit. Just my experience.
I subsequently found two great PEP devices that I use religiously. The Breather and Aerobika. The Breather really strengthened my respiratory muscles and helped open up my lungs. The Aerobika flutter device broke up the gunk in my airways. The two devices work very well together.Thx Spinbob I am keeping notes in case Dr recommends PEP. right now my mucus issue is limited to 1-2x year exacerbations. the days of waiting until you get sick to seek treatment are over…for all of us with COPD. Every exacerbation is potentially additional permanent lung damage. Your goal is ZERO exacerbations, achieving STABILITY and staying there. Those of us that really work at it do so 24/7, 365 days a year. Consider yourself to be in training. Get a home therapy routine going with the types of devices that have already been discussed here. Confer with your doctor, whatever good that will do. Ten minutes in the doctor’s office never cured any of us. It’s up to YOU to manage your COPD.
