How often should pt use the airlife breathing training device (looks like a plastic toy) post cabg surgery? it measures how much air you can pull in

Commercial Breaks: What you're talking about is an "incentive spirometer" which helps regain breathing muscle strength and prevent and treat partial lung collapse (atelectasis). An easy way to get the recommended use is to use it continuously during commercial breaks of a tv program, and rest when the show is on. Technique is critical; slow breaths in and hold for 3-5 sec before exhaling again.

Variable: Acbt (active cycle of breathing techniques) and is (incentive spirometry such as an airlife spirometer) are used effectively to restore and improve lung function following open heart surgery. When to discontinue your airlife will depend upon how well you're breathing and specific lab measures of your "vital lung capacity, " tests performed when you revisit your cardiac surgeon or cardiologist.

10x/hour: This sounds like an incentive spirometer. It is a 'toy' that you take deep breaths into to lift the marker and measure the depth of your breaths. If that is what it is you are describing, we tell patients to use it 10x per hour. So the best is during a commercial while watching tv. But it helps to expand the lungs and decrease the chance of pneumonia. Check your md for more details.