How does the Breather compare to Incentive Spirometry (IS) devices?

While Incentive Spirometry (IS) encourages deep breathing, there is no resistance to the intake of air through the device nor exhalation resistance which is absolutely necessary for maximum therapy. To increase the strength and endurance of respiratory muscles, inhaling and exhaling against varying degrees of resistances have been well documented. (Please review the medical abstracts under “Breather COPD” and “Speech Pathology” if you need documentation.)

Incentive spirometry does, however, remind the patient to take in a deep breath and may be used to roughly measure progress with the Breather. Note: There are no predicted normal values to compare IS as there are in pulmonary function studies; i.e., peak flows, FVC, MIPs. This is because patients begin the inhalation at various points of inspiration. This can be confusing to your patient.

Incentive spirometry is, however, goal oriented. A level is set and the patient tries to reach the goal. The Breather, too, is goal oriented. The robust sound of their breathing in and out against varying degrees of resistances is the audio feedback incentive to breathe deeply and correctly. Patients are also motivated to gradually increase their resistances from numbers 1 to 5 for inhalation and numbers 1 to 4 for exhalation.

The Breather also has numerous benefits other than encouraging a deep breath. To mention a few, it assists in teaching diaphragmatic breathing, assists airway clearance, and it strengthens the respiratory muscles which may enhance voice, articulation, and swallow functions.

Note: The FDA’s common name for the Breather is “Inspiratory/Expiratory Muscle Trainer. Its classification name is “Spirometer, Therapeutic.”

Patient Handout: The Breather patient handout helps your patient understand why resistive breathing training with the Breather is different than simple incentive spirometry.

Professional Comments

The Breather provides our patients with concrete feedback and motivation as they advance through the Breather’s numbers. Patients may struggle with breath control or strategies; but, they understand and are able to successfully use the Breather. We have experienced more rapid and complete recovery in patients with voice disorders, dysarthria, and dysphagia resulting from traumatic brain injury, a variety of neurological disorders, and degenerative diseases. If only the hospitals would throw out the incentive spirometers; the Breather is so much more effective and simple to use!
- Cally R. Stone, MS, CCC-SLP, The Talk Shoppe, Meridian, ID

The Breather has taken the place of incentive spirometry for PEP therapy in our facility. Upon discharge, our patients are asked to continue daily therapy. This is something that is carried over in everyday life.
- Arlene Quoyle, RRT, Health South Western Hills, Parkersburg, WV

I work as a respiratory therapist in long-term care facilities. I have found that in this particular population, it seems easier for the patients with mild to moderate dementia to understand the concept of breathing in and out with force rather than “sucking in” on an incentive spirometer. At this stage in their lives, they often are unable to suck through a straw because of a cognitive deficit. But breathing in and out is a more natural, involuntary movement. I also encounter less resistance from those who are alert and oriented because the Breather is seen a being “easier” by them. I simply see the Breather as being more efficient.
- Bev Joyce, CRT, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX