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How To Use A Spacer Device with an MDI


Learning to use:



A Metered-Dose Inhaler  video



A Spacer Device with a Mask  video



A Turbuhaler  video



A Diskus  video



A Diskhaler



An Aerolizer



A Nebulizer



A Peak Flow Meter  video



A Nose Spray  video



Questions? Contact us











Download the How-To video.

1. Remove the cap and shake the Metered-Dose Inhaler.

2. Remove the cap on the SPACER DEVICE and insert the mouthpiece of the MDI into the opening at end of the SPACER DEVICE.

3. Place the SPACER DEVICE mouthpiece in mouth, making certain there are no air leaks. Check that the small holes on each side of the mouthpiece are not covered with the lips. Breathe normally into the SPACER DEVICE. Exhale.

4. Push down on the MDI canister to allow the medication to enter the SPACER DEVICE. Inhale slowly and deeply for about 3 - 5 seconds. After the inhalation, hold your breath for as long as possible, up to a count of ten.

NOTE: If you have trouble breathing deeply and holding your breath, inhale and exhale normally into the SPACER DEVICE 3 or 4 times.

5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 for the prescribed number of doses, waiting 60 seconds between inhalations.

6. Replace the cap on the SPACER DEVICE and on the MDI.


Cue Words

1. REMOVE the caps.

2. SHAKE the MDI.

3. ASSEMBLE MDI mouthpiece in the chamber.

4. SEAL LIPS around the SPACER DEVICE mouthpiece. EXHALE.

5. DEPRESS MDI into SPACER DEVICE.

6. INHALE slowly and deeply.

Certain populations i.e. pediatrics and geriatrics may not be able to use a single breath technique.

7. BREATH HOLD for 5 - 10 seconds.

8. EXHALE.

Proper technique means you get your medicine.


© 2001 The Children's Asthma Education Centre. No part of this document may be copied (either mechanically or electronically), altered or stored on any mechanical or electronic database without the prior written consent of The Children's Asthma Education Centre, a non-profit educational resource. This pamphlet is for information only and is not meant to replace physician advice.