Delta-V Unit

A proprietary device developed by RRT Alex Grichuhin for use as a lung training tool. With adjustable airflow settings, this device can be used with an incentive spirometer to track lung capacity and build lung strength.

Instructions: The Delta-V can be used with an Incentive Spirometer (Recommended) by replacing the mouthpiece of your incentive spirometer with your new Delta-V. The Delta-V can also be used without an incentive spirometer.

1. Attach the Delta-V to your incentive spirometer by removing the mouthpiece from the incentive spirometer and replacing it with the delta V.
2. Move the mouthpiece dial to “0” (the large arrow should be pointing at the 0) and place the mouthpiece in your mouth past your teeth and breath out completely. This could take 4-6 seconds to accomplish.
3. Keeping the mouthpiece in your mouth, past your teeth and seal with your lips, breath in keeping the flowmeter marker between the proper indicator on the incentive spirometer. Note your volume on the incentive spirometer. If your volume is not at least 65ml per kilogram of ideal body weight (to determine let’s use an example of someone who’s ideal body weight should be 180 lbs., divide 180 by 2.2 = 81.8 or 81.8kg (to convert to kg’s) and multiply by 65 = 5330 or 5330ml; (most incentive spirometers go as high as 4000ml, if this is the case simply keep the piston up to 4000ml for a few seconds and you should be at 5000ml) you should be at 70-80% of your estimated max volume.
4. If your max volume is low, simply consult your doctor before starting a respiratory muscle training exercise. Keep track of your volume improvements by marking it down on a calendar.
5. To start the exercise, rotate the mouthpiece dial to any number besides “0” 1-7 (use a resistance number that you can breathe in and out with a good amount of resistance, some people start with a “4” to begin with. If a “4” seems too difficult, they can lower the resistance. This is just like going into gym, you see weights from 1-100lbs, would you start with a 100lbs weight or 1lbs? The weight should be something you can lift that gives you resistance, not too heavy where you cannot lift a weight, and not too light where you’re not gaining more muscle). Once you determine the resistance, breath in keeping the flowmeter on your incentive spirometer within the correct parameters. Keep breathing in till you cannot breathe in anymore. Once you reach your current max inhale volume, keep trying to pull more air in for an additional 1-2 seconds. You might notice the flow meter on your incentive spirometer stops moving or staying in the air. That’s normal.
6. Exhale through the device until you empty your lungs
7. Repeat 5-10 times a day 10 minutes each session. Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) should be done until your desired lung volumes have been reached but continuation of therapy is highly recommended. Once volumes are at least 70% of your calculated or predicted volumes have been accomplished, use the Delta-V 3-5 times a day 3 times a week. Only check volumes once a day with the Delta-V set to a “0” when using with an incentive spirometer.