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Inhaler spacer: how to use one, and mask vs mouthpiece

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Why use a spacer

MedlinePlus says many people do not use their MDI the best way, and when it is used the wrong way, less medicine gets to the lungs and most stays in the back of the mouth. A spacer connects to the inhaler mouthpiece so the medicine goes into the spacer tube first, then you breathe it in. Spacers come in different shapes and sizes, so ask your provider which is best for you or your child.

The FDA lists holding chambers as a direct patient interface device, product code NVP, and its device records list AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu chambers as prescription devices.

Mask or mouthpiece

The Flovent HFA label says an adult should help a child who needs help using the inhaler, with or without a valved holding chamber that may be attached to a mask, and should follow the instructions that came with the chamber.

In lab studies described on the Ventolin HFA label, the dose delivered through a valved holding chamber with a mask, when simulating a child's breathing, was comparable per kilogram of body weight to an adult dose taken without a spacer.

How to use an inhaler with a spacer

• Prime if needed. If you have not used the inhaler in a while, follow its priming instructions. The Flovent HFA label, for example, says to prime with 4 sprays into the air away from the face before first use, shaking well for 5 seconds before each spray, and again if unused for more than 7 days or dropped.
• Get ready. Remove the caps, check the mouthpiece is clear, shake the inhaler and attach the spacer.
• Breathe out gently to empty your lungs.
• Seal and spray. Close your lips around the spacer, start breathing in slowly, press the inhaler once, and keep breathing in as deeply as you can.
• Hold. Hold your breath for a count of 10 if you can, then breathe out slowly.
• Wait between quick-relief puffs about 1 to 2 minutes, MedlinePlus says.

Steps summarize MedlinePlus guidance; your inhaler and chamber instructions come first.

After each dose

The Flovent HFA label says to rinse your mouth with water without swallowing after each inhalation, to help reduce the risk of a yeast infection in the mouth and throat (oropharyngeal candidiasis). Put the caps back on the inhaler and spacer.

The same label says the inhaler should be at room temperature before use, and not to use the medicine canister with an actuator from any other inhaler.

Young children

MedlinePlus says almost all children can use a spacer. Still, drug labels show limits for the youngest: the Ventolin HFA label says the safety and effectiveness of the inhaler, with or without a spacer, have not been demonstrated in children younger than 4 years. Follow your child's provider on which medicine and chamber to use, and watch your child use it to be sure it is done correctly, as the Flovent label advises.

If your child uses a nebulizer instead, see our nebulizer guide and nebulizer mask guide.

Inhaler care and tracking

• Check the counter and replace the inhaler before it runs out; MedlinePlus says not to float the canister in water to test it.
• Let it reach room temperature before use, as the Flovent HFA label advises.
• Follow the chamber's own cleaning instructions, since spacer designs differ.

To track how your asthma is doing between visits, see our peak flow meter guide.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Does a spacer really help?

MedlinePlus says a spacer helps get more medicine into your airways.

Do I need a spacer for a dry powder inhaler?

No. MedlinePlus says you do not need a spacer for dry powder inhalers.

How long should I hold my breath after a puff?

MedlinePlus suggests counting to 10 if you can.

Can babies use a spacer?

With a mask, as their provider directs; drug labels note limits for children younger than 4.

Should I rinse my mouth after using an inhaler?

For steroid inhalers like Flovent HFA, the label says rinse with water and do not swallow.

Sources

• How to use an inhaler - with spacer (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
• Flovent HFA (fluticasone propionate) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Global Unique Device Identification records: AeroChamber Plus (file: https://api.fda.gov/device/udi.json), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (openFDA)

Sources checked 2026-10-15.