Inhalers: Spacers

Many medicines that help your child breathe easier are given with an inhaler. The inhaler must be used the right way, or the medicine will not reach the lungs.

A spacer helps the medicine get into the lungs. It holds the medicine from the inhaler until your child breathes it in. This makes the medicine work better. Always use a spacer, no matter your child’s age.

There are different types of spacers. Your child’s doctor, health care provider, respiratory therapist, or pharmacist will teach you how to use it.

Important:

  • Give this medicine exactly as prescribed.
  • Do not give more than ordered.
  • Call your child's doctor or health care provider if the medicine is not helping or if you have questions.

How to Use

  1. Make sure the spacer is clean and dry. If it’s not, see the cleaning steps below.
  2. Prepare the inhaler by:
    • Removing the cap.
    • Priming it if needed. Inhalers need to be primed if they’re new or haven’t been used in 2 weeks or more. To prime it, shake the inhaler well, then spray 2 to 4 puffs into the air. Follow the inhaler manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds.
  4. Place the inhaler mouthpiece into the rubber end of the spacer.
  5. Have your child breathe out fully.
  6. Place the mouthpiece of the spacer in your child’s mouth. Have them close their lips tightly around it.
  7. Press down on the inhaler to release 1 puff. Have your child breathe in slowly and deeply. If you hear a whistling sound, they’re breathing in too fast.
  8. Have your child hold their breath for about
  9. seconds, then breathe out slowly.
  10. If more than 1 puff is ordered:
    • Wait at least 60 seconds (1 minute) between each puff.
    • Repeat steps 5 through 9.

Cleaning the Spacer

Clean the spacer 1 to 2 times each week.

  1. Remove the backpiece (rubber ring) from the spacer.
  2. Remove the mouthpiece cap.
  3. Place all parts in the top rack of a dishwasher or soak in a bowl of warm, soapy water. Use dish soap to loosen any dirt you can see. Do NOT scrub or use a brush.
  4. Gently move the pieces into a bowl of clean, warm water. Do NOT rinse under running water. This can damage the valve.
  5. Shake off extra water and place on a clean surface to dry. Do not dry with a cloth or paper towel.
  6. Make sure all parts are completely dry before putting them back together.

Getting a New Spacer

If the spacer is damaged or lost, tell your child’s doctor or health care provider. You can get a prescription for a new one. Spacers are available at most pharmacies and some clinics.

 

 

Helping Hands™ Patient Education Materials

Helping Hands™ are easy-to-read guides about different illnesses, therapies, surgeries, and more. They’re created by the Patient Education team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and are reviewed and approved by clinical staff, like nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and psychologists. Nationwide Children's Hospital is not responsible for misuse of information in patient education materials, including Helping Hands.

HH-V-136 | ©1998, revised 2026, Nationwide Children’s Hospital