Most patients do not use their inhalers properly. Incorrect technique increases the risk of severe flare-ups and hospitalization.
There are multiple types of inhalers and techniques. Here we will detail the different steps for the two most common inhalers: the pressurised Metered-Dose Inhalers (pMDI) and the pMDI with spacer.
Please follow the instructions below to use your inhaler properly. If you have any question or issue with your device, do not hesitate to send a message to your moveUP healthcare provider, we will be happy to help you!
pMDI (without spacer)
- Remove inhaler cap
- Hold inhaler upright and shake well
- Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler
- Put mouthpiece between teeth without biting and close lips to form a good seal
- Breathe in slowly through the mouth and, at the same time, press down firmly on canister
- Keep breathing in slowly and deeply and hold breath for about 5 seconds or as long as comfortable
- While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth
- Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler
- If an extra dose is needed, repeat steps 2 to 8
- Replace cap
pMDI with spacer
- Prepare the spacer*
- Remove inhaler cap
- Hold inhaler upright and shake well before inserting into spacer
- Put mouthpiece between teeth without biting and close lips to form a good seal
- Breathe out gently, into the spacer
- Hold spacer level and press down firmly on inhaler canister once
- Breathe in slowly and deeply and hold breath for around 5 seconds or as long as comfortable. Take spacer out of mouth while holding breath
- Breathe out gently
- Remove inhaler from spacer
- If an extra dose is needed, repeat steps 3 to 9
- Replace cap on inhaler
* New plastic spacers should be prewashed in warm water and dishwashing detergent and air-dried before first use.
For information about other type of device, please ask your moveUP healthcare provider.