Using an Inhaler and Spacer

Why use a Spacer?

Using a spacer with your Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) is a more effective way of getting the medication to your lungs. It helps to prevent deposits of inhaled medication in your mouth and stomach.

Directions for use

Using a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) with a spacer: 

1. Remove the caps from the inhaler and the spacer (if there is one).
2. Shake the inhaler briskly four or five times.
3. Insert the inhaler into the spacer.
4. Breathe out gently.
5. Place the mouthpiece of the spacer into your mouth and create a good seal with your lips.
6. Press the inhaler once to release one dose of the medication.
7. Take five relaxed breaths in and out, without releasing your lip seal.
8. Remove the spacer from your mouth and breathe normally.
9. If a second dose is required remove spacer from your mouth, wait approximately 30 seconds and repeat steps 2- 8.
10. When finished remove inhaler from spacer and replace lids.

Cleaning your Spacer

• Clean your spacer every one to two weeks.
• Take your spacer apart and rinse with warm, soapy liquid.
• Place on a paper towel to air dry, ensuring the canister is visibly clean.
• Reconnect spacer when it is dry.

Things to remember

• Never share your inhaler or spacer with others. 
• Never put two doses in the spacer at the same time.
• Do not dry your spacer. Always leave to air dry.
• Rinse your mouth out after using your inhaler.
• Monitor when you will need to order a new inhaler.
• Replace your spacer every six months.

Further Support

Respiratory support group - Our support group meetings provide the opportunity for patients to have an informal chat and a cup of tea, safe in the knowledge that the nurses and physiotherapist will be able to answer any questions or queries that you may have.

Singing for breathing - Patients, who have trouble with their breathing, are invited to attend free singing workshops at the George Eliot Hospital.

George Eliot Hospital is a smoke free environment. For help and advice to stop smoking you can call the national helpline on 0300 123 1044 or visit https://fitterfutures.everyonehealth.co.uk/stop-smoking-service/

Copyright

Figure of an inhaler being used with and without a spacer taken from Mcivor, RA., Devlin, H.M. and Kaplin, A. (2018) 'Optimising the Delivery of Inhaled Medication for Respiratory Patients: The Role of Valved Holding Chambers', Canadian Respiratory Journal, Article ID 5076259. Available at:https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crj/2018/5076259/ and published under a CC BY licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Except where otherwise noted, this item is licensed under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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