Metered-Dose Inhaler, How to Use with a Spacer: Teen Version

What is a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer?

A metered-dose inhaler is a pressurized container that releases a mist of medicine. You inhale the medicine into the airways of your lungs.

A device called a spacer can be used with an inhaler to help you breathe in more of the medicine into your lungs with each spray. You attach one end of the spacer to the inhaler and put the other end into your mouth.

Metered dose inhalers contain a gas that helps the medicine get into your lungs. Inhalers used to contain CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) gas, which is harmful to the environment. A different gas is now used in inhalers. The spray comes out with less force, is warmer, and has a slightly different taste than the CFS gas. You won’t feel it as much in the throat when you inhale the medicine, but you still get the right amount of medicine.

How do I use the inhaler with a spacer?

To attach the inhaler to the spacer:

1. Remove the caps from the spacer and metered-dose inhaler.
2. Shake the inhaler vigorously.
3. If the inhaler has not been used before or if the inhaler has not been used for a while, you must then “prime” the inhaler. Do this by spraying 2 or 3 sprays of the medicine into the air. Each time you use the inhaler, the next dose is drawn into a chamber inside the inhaler. If the inhaler has not been used or sits for a long time without being used, some of the medicine leaks out of the holding area. This means you will not get the full dose of medicine the next time it is used. Priming the inhaler makes sure that you get the full dose of the medicine.
4. Insert the mouthpiece of the inhaler into the rubber-sealed end of the spacer.

To use the inhaler with the spacer:

1. Breathe all of the air out of your lungs.
2. Put the spacer into your mouth between your teeth. Make a tight seal around the mouthpiece with your lips.
3. Press the inhaler down once to release a spray of medicine. The medicine will be trapped in the spacer.
4. Just after the mist fills the spacer, breathe in through your mouth slowly for about 5 seconds.
5. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. This gives the medicine time to reach your airways.
6. Take the spacer out of your mouth. Breathe out slowly.
7. Take a few normal breaths and then repeat steps 1 through 6 for another inhalation (puff) if required. Take the number of puffs prescribed by your healthcare provider.
8. If you are taking an inhaled steroid medicine, rinse your mouth and spit out the water after the last dose.

How do I clean the inhaler and spacer?

Wash the spacer and the plastic case for the inhaler once a week with soapy tap water. Rinse well and let the parts air dry.

Replace the one-way valve or get a new spacer when the valve dries out and starts to curl.