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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed October 19, 2026Editorial policy
Medication21 min read

How to Properly Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler With a Spacer

Published: October 19, 2026Updated: October 19, 2026

Using a spacer or valved holding chamber with your metered-dose inhaler ensures that the maximum amount of medicine reaches your lungs instead of landing in your mouth or throat. This step-by-step guide explains how to prepare, inhale, and maintain your device properly. Following these instructions helps control respiratory symptoms and minimizes potential medication side effects.

Quick Summary

Connect your shaken inhaler to the spacer, exhale fully, press the canister once, inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth, and hold your breath for 10 seconds.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Inspect the Inhaler and Spacer

Remove the protective caps from both the inhaler mouthpiece and the spacer. Check the inside of both devices to ensure there are no dust particles, lint, or foreign objects lodged inside. If your inhaler has a dose counter, check that it still contains remaining medication.

2

Shake the Inhaler and Attach It to the Spacer

Hold the inhaler upright and shake it vigorously up and down for about 5 seconds to thoroughly mix the medication and propellant. Insert the mouthpiece of the inhaler firmly into the flexible rubber opening at the back of the spacer until it is snug.

Important: If using a brand-new inhaler or one unused for several days, prime it by spraying into the air as directed by the manufacturer before attaching the spacer.

3

Sit Up Straight and Exhale Completely

Sit or stand upright to allow your lungs to expand fully during inhalation. Turn your head away from the spacer and breathe out gently and completely until your lungs feel empty.

Important: Never exhale directly into the spacer mouthpiece, as moisture from your breath can cause medication particles to clump and adhere to the chamber walls.

4

Form a Tight Seal Around the Mouthpiece

Place the spacer mouthpiece into your mouth between your teeth, resting your tongue flat so it does not block the opening. Close your lips firmly around the mouthpiece to create an airtight seal.

5

Press the Canister and Inhale Slowly

Press down firmly on the top of the inhaler canister once to release a single puff of medication into the spacer chamber. Immediately begin breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth over 3 to 5 seconds. If your spacer makes a whistling or horn-like sound, you are breathing in too quickly; slow down your inhalation.

Important: Only actuate one puff at a time. Actuating multiple puffs at once causes drug particles to collide and stick to the chamber walls, drastically reducing your dose.

6

Hold Your Breath

Remove the spacer mouthpiece from your mouth and gently close your lips. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable, to allow the medicine droplets to settle deep into your airways. After holding, breathe out gently.

7

Wait for Next Dose and Rinse if Necessary

If your healthcare provider prescribed a second puff, wait approximately 30 to 60 seconds before repeating the process starting from the shaking step. If your inhaler contains a corticosteroid, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after completing your dose.

Important: Always spit the rinse water out. Swallowing it increases the risk of systemic absorption and localized side effects like oral thrush or hoarseness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a spacer instead of using the inhaler alone?
A spacer suspends the medicine aerosol cloud, slowing it down and breaking it into smaller particles. This eliminates the need for perfect timing between pressing the canister and inhaling, ensures significantly more medication reaches your lungs, and reduces drug deposition in the mouth and throat.
How often and how should I clean my spacer?
Clean your spacer about once a week. Disassemble any removable parts and soak them in warm water with a mild liquid dish soap for 15 minutes. Swish gently, rinse with clean water, and allow all parts to air dry completely on a clean surface. Do not scrub or dry with a towel, as towel-drying creates static electricity that attracts medicine to the plastic walls.
What should I do if my spacer whistles when I take a breath?
A whistle indicates that you are inhaling too fast. When you hear the whistle, relax and inhale more slowly and smoothly. A slower, deeper breath allows the medication to travel past the upper airway and penetrate deeply into the bronchial tubes.
Can I spray two puffs into the spacer at the same time to save time?
No. Spraying two puffs simultaneously causes the medication droplets to collide and stick to the inside walls of the spacer rather than remaining suspended in the air. This dramatically lowers the amount of active medication you actually inhale. Always take one puff at a time.
  1. 1
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Source
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)Source
  3. 3
    National Health Service (NHS)Source
  4. 4
    Mayo ClinicSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed October 19, 2026. · Read our editorial policy