Spacer use - Series

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<p><strong>Spacer use - part one</strong></p><p>Spacers (also called holding chambers) work with your metered dose inhaler (MDI) to deliver inhaled medication more easily and effectively, and can reduce side effects. Spacers hold the "puff" of medicine between you and the MDI, so that you can inhale it slowly and more completely. As a result, more of the medicine gets into your airways. </p>

<p><strong>Spacer use - part two</strong></p><p>First, insert the MDI mouthpiece firmly into the oval opening at the end of the spacer.</p>

<p><strong>Spacer use - part three</strong></p><p>Hold your spacer and inhaler together and shake well, at least four or five times.</p>

<p><strong>Spacer use - part four</strong></p><p>Place the spacer in your mouth, and close your lips firmly around the mouthpiece.</p>

<p><strong>Spacer use - part five</strong></p><p>Keep your body straight and your eyes forward. Exhale.</p>

<p><strong>Spacer use - part six</strong></p><p>Spray one puff of medicine into the spacer, and immediately begin to inhale slowly for three to five seconds, taking a full deep breath.</p>

<p><strong>Spacer use - part seven</strong></p><p>Remove the spacer from your mouth. Hold your breath for as long as you can for up to 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly. If your doctor has instructed you to take more than one puff of medication, repeat this procedure. </p>

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Review Date: 4/21/2015

Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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