Australian Polyclinic · Patient technique guide

How to Use an Inhaler with a Spacer

A spacer connects to a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), often called a puffer. It helps medicine reach the lungs and makes coordinating the dose easier. This guide covers a mouthpiece spacer; children who need a mask require a separate demonstration.

Medically reviewed and approved by Dr G Sarwar Chaudhry, MBBS, FRACP (Australia), FCCP (USA) — Consultant Pulmonologist and Sleep Physician.
Last reviewed: October 28, 2026.

Before you start

Check that your inhaler fits your spacer. Remove the caps and check the mouthpieces for debris. Follow the inhaler's leaflet for priming and shaking: the number of test sprays and when to repeat them vary by product. Prime before attaching the spacer.

Method 1: One slow breath and a hold

  1. Sit or stand upright. Prepare the inhaler as directed and fit it securely into the spacer.
  2. Breathe out comfortably away from the spacer, then seal your lips around its mouthpiece.
  3. Release one puff and immediately inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth.
  4. Remove the mouthpiece. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable, then exhale gently.
  5. For another prescribed puff, wait as directed in the inhaler leaflet, shake again if required, and repeat the sequence.

Method 2: Several relaxed breaths

If a deep breath and hold are difficult, use the multiple-breath method your clinician has demonstrated:

  1. Prepare and attach the inhaler as above.
  2. Seal your lips around the spacer mouthpiece.
  3. Release one puff. Immediately take 4–5 relaxed breaths in and out through the spacer, maintaining the seal. Follow the instructions for your spacer if they specify a different number.
  4. Remove the spacer. Repeat separately for each additional prescribed puff, preparing the inhaler again as directed.

Do not spray several puffs into the chamber together. If your spacer has a whistle that sounds during inhalation, slow down.

After your dose and spacer care

After a steroid-containing inhaler, rinse your mouth and spit out the water. Replace the caps.

Follow your spacer manufacturer's washing, rinsing and replacement instructions. Many reusable spacers are washed in warm water with mild detergent and left to air-dry; avoid rubbing the inside with a towel. Cleaning frequency and rinsing requirements differ between products. Check for cracks and a damaged or sticking valve.

Watch our demonstrations

English demonstration:

Urdu/Hindi demonstration:

Use the instructions supplied with your particular device alongside the demonstration.

Common questions

Can I use this with any inhaler? These steps are for a compatible pMDI and spacer. Other inhaler types need their own instructions.

What if my reliever is not helping? Seek emergency care if an attack is not responding to your prescribed reliever. Follow your personal action plan.

Related guide: using a pMDI without a spacer.

Bring your inhaler to your appointment

Bring every inhaler you use, together with its packaging and spacer if you have one. At Australian Polyclinic in DHA Phase 5, Lahore, ask for a demonstration using your own device, then show the technique back to the clinician.

Explore our asthma guide or pulmonology services.

Ask about an appointment

References