- 1). Sit upright if possible. You may not be able to sit completely vertically if you're still confined to your bed. Hold the spirometer upright and put the mouthpiece in your mouth. Place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece to form an airtight seal.
- 2). Inhale slowly until your lungs are filled to their maximum capacity. This should raise the piston of the spirometer to the top of the column and place the coach indicator in the outlined area. Hold your breath for at least five seconds.
- 3). Remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and let the piston drop to the bottom of the column. Rest for a few seconds and repeat steps one and two according to your schedule. Your doctor may require you to perform this test as many as 10 times each hour you are awake.
- 4). Cough deeply after each set of tests with the spirometer to ensure your lungs are clear. Place a pillow firmly against your incision to support it when you cough.
- 5). Use the indicator on the column of the spirometer to record your best effort. You should try to exceed this mark on each test. Walk around the house and cough thoroughly as soon as you are can. Your doctor may allow you to stop using the spirometer once you're able to get out of bed.
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