
How to Use a MDI with Spacer A spacer (or holding chamber) can be useful for all patients. A spacer makes it easier to correctly inhale the asthma medication out of the metered dose inhaler (MDI). A spacer is especially useful in younger children and older adults.
- STEP 1 - Shake the inhaler and then attach it to the spacer (holding chamber).
- STEP 2 - Breathe out completely.
- STEP 3 - Place the mouthpiece of the spacer in your mouth.
- STEP 4 - Press down on the inhaler. This will put one puff of the medicine in the holding chamber or spacer.
- STEP 5 - Breathe in slowly for 5 seconds.
- STEP 6 - Hold your breath for 10 seconds and then exhale.
- If your doctor has prescribed two or more puffs, wait 1 minute between each puff and then repeat steps 1-6.

How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler Dry powder inhalers require a different inhaling technique than regular metered dose inhalers (MDI). To use a dry powder inhaler, it is important to close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler and to inhale rapidly. Here are the steps:
- STEP 1 - Remove the cap and follow manufacturer's instructions to load a dose of medicine.
- STEP 2 - Breathe out completely.
- STEP 3 - Put the mouthpiece of the inhaler in the mouth.
- STEP 4 - Breathe in quickly and deeply.
- STEP 5 - Hold your breath for ten seconds to allow the medicine to reach deeply into your lungs.
- If your doctor has prescribed two or more inhalations, wait 1 minute and then repeat steps 2-5.