How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler with a Spacer and a Mask

To treat your child's asthma using a metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer and a mask:

  1. Remove the cap form the MDI. Look inside the spacer to make sure it is empty.
  2. Shake the MDI four to five times
  3. Insert the mouthpiece of the MDI into the soft rubber ring at the open end of the spacer. Make sure the MDI is pointing upwards.
  4. Place the mask gently over your child's face so that his mouth and nose are covered. Be certain that there is a good seal. Your child can breathe in and out comfortably while the mask is held in place.
  5. Press down on the MDI canister to release the medicine into the spacer. Keep the mask on your child's face and watch her take six breaths.
  6. Wait one to three minutes before repeating steps 2 through 5 for the second puff.

Download these resources with step-by-step instructions and illustrations: