How do you use spacers?

Using a spacer with an inhaler helps ensure you get the correct dose of medication. Here's a guide on how to use a spacer effectively, based on the provided reference:

Steps for Using a Spacer

Here's a detailed guide on how to properly use a spacer with your inhaler:

1. Prepare: Ensure the inhaler is correctly inserted into the spacer.
2. Exhale: Turn your head to the side and breathe out, closing your mouth around the mouthpiece of the spacer.
3. Inhale: Push down on the inhaler once to release the medication into the spacer.
4. Breathe In: Immediately take a slow, deep breath through your mouth to inhale the medication within the spacer.
5. Hold: Hold your breath for a few seconds, if possible, to allow the medication to reach your lungs.
6. Repeat if needed: If your doctor has prescribed multiple puffs, wait a few seconds, then repeat steps 2 through 5 for each dose.

Key Points to Remember

• Slow and Steady: When you inhale, ensure that you take a slow and deep breath to get the medicine deep into your lungs.

• Timing is Key: You need to breathe in right away once you activate the inhaler to ensure you get the full dose.

• Mouth Seal: Maintain a good seal around the mouthpiece of the spacer with your mouth to prevent any medicine from escaping.

Why Use a Spacer?

Spacers help make inhalers more effective by:

• Slowing down the medicine: They allow you to inhale the medicine more effectively as they slow the velocity of the spray.
• Reducing mouth and throat irritation: They minimize the amount of medication that can collect in your mouth and throat, thus reducing irritation.
• Improving coordination: They eliminate the need to coordinate pressing down on the inhaler and breathing in at the exact same time.

Step	Action
1. Prepare	Insert the inhaler correctly.
2. Exhale	Breathe out, mouth around spacer mouthpiece.
3. Release	Push down on inhaler once.
4. Inhale	Take a slow, deep breath.
5. Hold	Hold your breath for a few seconds.
6. Repeat if needed	If needed, repeat steps 2-5

By following these steps, you can ensure that you're using your inhaler with a spacer effectively.