Spacers and inhalers | Right Decisions

Your healthcare professional will talk to you about several important topics to help you understand and manage your asthma. This includes how your inhaler medications work, when to use them and the proper way to use your inhaler.

It’s important to use your inhalers properly to make sure you are getting the most benefit from them. When you’re first given inhalers, your healthcare professional will show you how to use them. They should then regularly check how you are using them to make sure you’re doing it correctly. Your local pharmacist will also be able to show you how to use your inhaler correctly. You can watch a demonstration of how to use your inhaler on Asthma and Lung UK’s website.

You may be given a spacer to use with your inhalers. Spacers help deliver the medicine to your airways. They are plastic containers with a mouthpiece or mask at one end and a hole for your inhaler at the other. You can watch a demonstration of how to use an inhaler and spacer on Asthma and Lung UK’s website.

“Using a spacer with my inhalers helps me be sure that the drug is going where it’s needed – into my lungs.” Sophie

Recommendation based on the research evidence

Your healthcare professional should discuss the following with you:

Medications that are in your inhaler and how they help manage your asthma.
How the medications work to relieve your symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.
The specific times and situations when you should use your inhaler.
The proper way to use your inhaler. Your healthcare professional will demonstrate how to use it and will ensure you can do it correctly.
If you use a metered dose inhaler (a handheld device that delivers a set amount of medicine into your lungs in the form of a mist or spray), they will explain how using a spacer can help and show you how to use it.
The environmental impact of different inhalers and help you choose the most eco-friendly option if you want this.
If your inhaler has a dose counter, how to use it to keep track of your medication usage.
Routine checks on your inhaler technique during asthma reviews and consultations.
Alternative devices if you have trouble using your inhaler.

Recommendation based on the research evidence

Your healthcare professional will recommend using the same type of device (inhaler) if you need more than one inhaler.

Recommendation based on the research evidence

You should take any used or expired inhalers to the pharmacy for disposal.

Recommendation based on the research evidence

Your healthcare professional should always take your preferences into account when discussing inhalers and spacers, making sure that the treatment plan is tailored to your needs and comfort. If you have any questions or concerns, your healthcare professional can provide further explanations and support.

“Correct technique is key; it ensures that you get the absolute maximum benefit from your medications.” John