How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler with a Valved Holding Chamber (Spacer) and Mask

Proper inhaler device technique is important when taking your medicine(s). Learn the correct way to use your Metered-Dose Inhaler with a Valved Holding Chamber (Spacer) and mask.

Learn how to use a Metered-Dose Inhaler with a Valved Holding Chamber (spacer) with mask.

FULL TRANSCRIPT (with timecode)

 

00:00:01;30 - 00:00:05;26

How to use a meter dose inhaler with
 a valved holding chamber

 

00:00:05;28 - 00:00:09;12

and mask, also sometimes referred
 to as a spacer.

 

00:00:11;01 - 00:00:12;28

Check the dose counter on
 the inhaler.

 

00:00:13;06 - 00:00:17;07

Do not use it if it says zero. Zero
 means the inhaler is empty

 

00:00:17;09 - 00:00:18;22

and needs to be replaced. 

 

00:00:19;26 - 00:00:22;14

Prime a brand new inhaler before
 using it for

 

00:00:22;16 - 00:00:23;11

the first time. 

 

00:00:23;25 - 00:00:25;30

This prepares the inhaler for use.
 

 

00:00:26;14 - 00:00:31;05

Prime the inhaler by shaking the inhaler for 10 seconds
 and spraying two or

 

00:00:31;07 - 00:00:34;23

four puffs into the air based on
 your medicine instructions.

 

00:00:35;17 - 00:00:38;18

Prime again if you have not used
 this inhaler for 1 to 2

 

00:00:38;20 - 00:00:40;30

weeks or have dropped it.
 

 

00:00:41;02 - 00:00:43;19

Priming does not waste doses. 

 

00:00:43;21 - 00:00:44;12

To take a dose, 

 

00:00:44;20 - 00:00:46;24

shake the inhaler to mix
 the medicine.

 

00:00:47;28 - 00:00:49;15

Take the cap off the inhaler. 

 

00:00:49;23 - 00:00:53;02

Make sure the mouthpiece and valved
 holding chamber are clean

 

00:00:53;04 - 00:00:55;07

and there is nothing inside
 the mouthpiece.

 

00:00:56;04 - 00:00:58;28

Place the inhaler mouthpiece into
 the open end of the

 

00:00:58;30 - 00:01:00;09

valved holding chamber. 

 

00:01:01;04 - 00:01:03;19

Place the mask onto the mouthpiece
 of the chamber.

 

00:01:03;29 - 00:01:06;27

Some chambers may already have the
 mask attached.

 

00:01:07;27 - 00:01:10;18

Prepare your body by sitting or standing
 up straight.

 

00:01:11;03 - 00:01:14;03

Place the mask over the individual's
 nose and mouth,

 

00:01:14;05 - 00:01:15;12

making a tight seal. 

 

00:01:16;04 - 00:01:18;26

Hold the inhaler with your pointer
 finger on the top of

 

00:01:18;28 - 00:01:20;25

the inhaler and thumb on
 the bottom.

 

00:01:21;12 - 00:01:24;19

Press down on the inhaler once to
 release the medicine.

 

00:01:25;15 - 00:01:29;10

Hold mask on individual's face while
 they take six regular

 

00:01:29;12 - 00:01:31;14

breaths or for about 10
 seconds.

 

00:01:32;04 - 00:01:34;07

If the holding chamber
 whistles, you are

 

00:01:34;09 - 00:01:35;23

breathing in too fast. 

 

00:01:36;21 - 00:01:40;11

Repeat these steps in
 one minute if using more than one puff.

 

00:01:42;02 - 00:01:44;10

Rinse your mouth with water
 and spit it out.

 

00:01:44;21 - 00:01:47;14

Once finished, wipe your face with
 a damp cloth.

 

00:01:48;02 - 00:01:49;26

Store in a cool, dry place. 

 

00:01:50;20 - 00:01:54;14

Clean your inhaler, chamber, or
 spacer with mask according to

 

00:01:54;16 - 00:01:55;25

their package instructions. 

 

00:01:56;07 - 00:01:59;18

If you have trouble using the inhaler
 correctly, ask your

 

00:01:59;20 - 00:02:01;09

pharmacist or doctor for help. 

  • How to Use Your Metered-Dose Inhaler with Spacer and Mask

    Download
  • How to Use Your Metered-Dose Inhaler with Spacer and Mask (Spanish)

    Download
  • How to use MDI with Spacer & Mask (for children)

    Download

Page last updated: October 23, 2024

Living Well With COPD
, | Nov 20, 2024
Freedom From Smoking Clinic
Manchester, CT | Jan 06, 2025