Spacers and Holding Chambers

Some people, especially children, have trouble using an inhaler the right way. Using a spacer helps deliver more medicine to the lungs and helps decrease hoarseness that may occur with inhaled corticosteroids. Holding chambers allow you to breathe in and out more than once per puff of medicine. Wash the plastic spacer or chamber with soap and water when it is new to cut down on the electrostatic field that is inside the chamber.

STEP 1: The holding chamber or spacer attaches to the inhaler.

STEP 2:
Shake well.

STEP 3:
Breathe all the way out. Place the mouthpiece
in your mouth, then press the inhaler
button to release a puff of medicine into
the spacer or chamber.

STEP 4:
Breathe in slow and deep, keeping the
mouthpiece in place until finished.

STEP 5:
Hold your breath and count to 10, then
relax and breathe out.

STEP 6:
Young children may require a chamber
with a mask. It is necessary for the mask to
fit securely against the face for the child to
receive maximum dose.

• If you need more than one puff of medicine, wait at least a minute before using the spacer again.

• No matter what medicines you take and when, use your asthma diary and asthma action plan that you’ve created with your provider.
Always follow your plan, and your asthma can be controlled.