How to Use a Peak Flow Meter

Slide the marker or arrow on the Peak Flow Meter to the bottom of the numbered scale.

Stand up straight. Take a deep breath (as deep as you can). Put the mouthpiece of the peak flow meter into your mouth, tongue down. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.

In one breath, blow out as hard and as quickly as possible (like you are blowing out candles on a birthday cake). Blow a "fast hard blast" rather than "slowly blowing" until you have emptied out nearly all of the air from your lungs.

The marker should move along the numbered scale. Note the number in your peak flow diary.