We're constantly doing it but never really think about it. Our breathing is something we may take for granted but for people living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other chronic lung diseases, it is always top of mind. Even relatively healthy people can find themselves with breathing difficulty after illnesses like the flu and most recently COVID-19.

Just like normal body temperature, a good heart rate, and normal blood pressure, our respiratory rate is often a vital indicator of abnormalities in the body. It is considered one of the major vital signs. Respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person takes per minute. According to the UC San Diego School of Medicine, "In general this measurement offers no relevant information for the routine examination. However, particularly in the setting of cardio-pulmonary illness, it can be a very reliable marker of disease activity." Respiratory rate can be simply taken by counting the total number of breaths per minute. However, with the advancement of technology in spirometry and spirometry tests we now have the capability of not only measuring but analyzing lung capacity more easily and effectively.

What Are Spirometers?

Spirometers are medical devices that perform a simple diagnostic test, known as a spirometry test, to measure the air that an individual's lungs can breathe, according to Medical International Research (MIR). "It is a check-up of proper functioning of the lungs." Spirometers come in many different types including incentive spirometers, peak flow meters, windmill type, and more.

Think of your body like a car, a complicated piece of machinery. You make sure to take care of a car by taking it to a mechanic for its necessary checks and services. You do this in order for the car to continue running smoothly and avoid breakdowns. Because our bodies, unfortunately, did not come with a check engine light, we use vital signs to measure the levels of critical information about a patient's health. Spirometers help us measure, and more importantly, analyze our respiratory rate.

MIR and Spirometry

Spirometry tests are usually administered by medical professionals. Now with advancements in spirometry equipment, you can test your own lung health at home. MIR is one of the leading global manufacturers in the fields of spirometry, oximetry, and telemedicine. One of their international claims to fame was the invention of the first disposable turbine, the FlowMIR Disposable Turbine. For more than 20 years, MIR spirometers have helped patients in 100 countries. For that reason, they have become one of MFI Medical's favorite brands among customers. Here are the top 3 spirometers by MIR at MFI Medical.

#3 - MIR Spirotel Spirometer

The MIR Spirotel Spirometer is designed for both medical professionals and patients. It is a pocket-sized home care and telemedicine spirometer for complete respiratory analysis. It includes everything needed for single patient use and is trusted by medical professionals for any patient who needs treatment at home.

It is Bluetooth capable and features an easy to use color touchscreen. The parameters and trends are displayed on the screen and can easily be answered by touching the corresponding answers. In addition to being a spirometer, the MIR Spirotel incorporates an oximeter for SpO₂ readings. The Spirotel is a pocket laboratory that integrates four devices in one.

#2 - MIR Spirobank II Basic Spirometer

The MIR Spirobank II Basic Spirometer is ideal for family doctors, primary care, occupational medicine, and screening. It can test for estimated lung age (ELA) for smokers who are on the path to quitting. The Spirobank II Basic is fast and intuitive to operate with its icon-based navigation menu and backlit high-resolution display which shows on-screen results and curves for immediate data analysis. It features a rechargeable battery with 40-hour battery life for continuous use and enough memory for up to 10,000 spirometry tests.

#1 - MIR Smart One Spirometer

The MIR Smart One Spirometer is the number one choice for spirometers among MFI Medical customers. It is a peak flow and FEV1 meter with the same accuracy as a clinical setting. The Smart One Spirometer is designed to be used by asthma sufferers, smokers, athletes, people with respiratory problems, people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or for people who want to keep track of their health. It can be used by children from the age of 5 to adults age 93. The MIR Smart One App connects the spirometer to your smartphone allowing you to monitor your test results conveniently at home from your mobile device. In addition, the app allows you to track symptoms and make notes about each test. Stay up to date on the trends of your results so you can monitor your lung health from day-to-day.

MFI Medical: Your Spirometry Superstore

MFI Medical is a trusted distributor for MIR and carries many of its top-rated products. To find all of MIR's spirometers and spirometer accessories, visit the MFI Medical MIR Collection page. If you are having trouble finding the right spirometer for you or your practice, contact our team of experts and they would be happy to assist you!

*Note: Due to the nature of manufacturer and supplier restrictions, the availability of these products may change. Our team will work closely with you to ensure we find the right medical equipment for your specific needs.