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Published: 23 July 2026
🩺 Medically reviewed by the Health Decoded Guide Editorial Team · Last reviewed: July 2026.
🔍 Quick Summary
A spacer is a device that attaches to an inhaler and helps more medicine reach the lungs instead of staying in the mouth or throat.
Using an inhaler with a spacer correctly can improve asthma control and reduce side effects.
1️⃣ Introduction
A spacer is a plastic chamber that connects to a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). It slows down the medicine spray, making it easier to inhale properly.
Children and adults can both benefit from using a spacer, especially if they find it difficult to coordinate pressing the inhaler and breathing in at the same time.
• improves delivery of medicine to the lungs
• reduces medicine left in the mouth and throat
• easier to use than an inhaler alone
👉 A spacer helps you get more of the medicine where it is needed—in your lungs.
2️⃣ How it works
When the inhaler is pressed:
• the medicine is released into the spacer chamber
• the spacer holds the medicine briefly
• you inhale the medicine more slowly and deeply into your lungs
This improves the amount of medicine reaching your airways.
👉 Good inhaler technique is just as important as the medicine itself.
3️⃣ Who should use a spacer?
A spacer is commonly recommended for:
• children using a metered-dose inhaler
• adults with asthma
• people who struggle to coordinate inhaler use
• anyone prescribed a preventer inhaler delivered by an MDI
👉 Your healthcare professional can advise whether a spacer is suitable for your inhaler.
4️⃣ Step-by-step guide
Before using the inhaler:
• remove the inhaler cap
• shake the inhaler well
• attach the inhaler firmly to the spacer
Using the spacer:
• breathe out gently
• place the mouthpiece between your teeth and seal your lips around it (or place the mask securely over the nose and mouth for young children)
• press the inhaler once
• breathe in slowly and deeply
• hold your breath for about 10 seconds if possible
• breathe out gently
If you cannot take one deep breath:
• breathe in and out normally through the spacer about 4–6 times after one puff
If another puff is needed:
• wait about 30 seconds
• shake the inhaler again
• repeat the process one puff at a time
👉 Only release one puff into the spacer at a time for the best results.
5️⃣ Common mistakes
• forgetting to shake the inhaler
• spraying several puffs into the spacer at once
• breathing in too quickly
• not sealing the lips around the mouthpiece
• not cleaning the spacer regularly
👉 Small mistakes can reduce the amount of medicine reaching your lungs.
6️⃣ Cleaning and maintenance
Most spacers should be cleaned about once a month or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
General advice includes:
• wash in warm water with mild detergent
• allow to air dry naturally without rinsing off all the detergent
• avoid wiping the inside with a cloth, as this can create static electricity
Check the spacer regularly for cracks or damage and replace it if necessary.
👉 A clean spacer works more effectively and lasts longer.
7️⃣ When your inhaler isn't enough 🚨
Seek urgent medical attention if:
• your inhaler does not relieve severe breathing difficulty
• you are struggling to speak because of breathlessness
• your lips or fingertips turn blue or grey
• symptoms continue to worsen despite using your reliever inhaler
👉 These may indicate a severe asthma attack requiring emergency treatment.
8️⃣ Tips for getting the best results
• always use your inhaler exactly as prescribed
• check your inhaler technique regularly with a healthcare professional
• replace empty or expired inhalers
• keep your spacer clean and in good condition
• carry your reliever inhaler when recommended
👉 Correct technique can make asthma medicines much more effective.
9️⃣ How healthcare professionals check your technique
They may:
• watch you use your inhaler and spacer
• correct any mistakes in your technique
• review whether your symptoms are well controlled
• recommend a different inhaler if needed
👉 Even experienced inhaler users benefit from having their technique checked from time to time.
🟢 Important Message
Using an inhaler with a spacer correctly helps more medicine reach your lungs, improving asthma control and reducing side effects.
👉 Learning the correct technique is one of the simplest ways to get the best results from your asthma treatment.
FAQ
• Do I need a spacer with every inhaler?
No. Spacers are mainly used with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). Dry powder inhalers and some other devices do not require a spacer.
• Can adults use a spacer?
Yes. Spacers can improve inhaler technique for both adults and children.
• How often should I clean my spacer?
Usually about once a month or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Can two people share the same spacer?
No. A spacer should only be used by one person to reduce the risk of spreading infections.
• Can I spray several puffs into the spacer at once?
No. Use one puff at a time to ensure the medicine reaches your lungs effectively.
🧠 Why We Delay
"I've been using my inhaler for years—I already know how."
Many people believe they are using their inhaler correctly because they have used it for years. However, incorrect inhaler technique is common, and some people do not realise that using a spacer properly can help more medicine reach the lungs.
A quick review with a healthcare professional can identify simple mistakes that may significantly improve asthma control.
👉 Even small changes in inhaler and spacer technique can make your treatment work better.
🔗 Related Health Topics
• Asthma
• Asthma in Children
• Allergic Asthma in Children
• Exercise-Induced Asthma in Children
• Night-time Asthma in Children
• Wheezing
📚 Medical References
• Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention.
• National Health Service (NHS). How to use your inhaler.
• Asthma + Lung UK. Using your inhaler with a spacer.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Asthma.
• American Lung Association. Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI).
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
If you have difficulty using your inhaler, your symptoms are worsening, or your reliever inhaler is not working as expected, consult a qualified healthcare professional.