Department of Child & Adolescent Health

Respiratory Care
Using a Spacer and Mask

A spacer is a temporary holding chamber that allows its user to maximize the amount of
medication that gets into the lungs without having to synchronize breathing with actuations.
This makes spacers ideal for use in the Paediatric population.

1. Ensure that your spacer is correctly assembled and that the face mask is a proper fit for
the child.

2. Remove the cap of your metered dose inhaler (MDI)

3. Shake the MDI well to allow proper mixing of the medication and propellant which is
inside.

4. Insert the MDI into the end opposite the face mask.

5. Ensure the child is sitting upright in a comfortable position and allow them to breathe in
and out.

6. Place the face mask in position over the child’s nose and press the MDI once.

7. Hold in place allowing the child to breathe 6-10 normal breaths (tidal breathing)

8. If a second dose is to be given restart by shaking the MDI once again and following the
steps.

 New MDI
o Remember to prime. Shake well, remove cap and press once to release a small
quantity of the contents

 Unsure if medication in your MDI

o Check your counter if your MDI has one
o Do the “float test”
 Remove the canister from its housing
  Place in a container that contains sufficient water to cover the canister’s
height. NB: these are estimates:
 If your canister sinks it is most likely full
 If it floats upright it is most likely half-full
 If it floats on its side it is most likely empty

 Cleaning your Spacer

o Disassemble your spacer by removing the face mask from the cylindrical
component.
o Rinse in warm soapy water using dishwashing liquid
o Rinse off in clean water
o Place on clean surface to air dry