Public Health Alerts Emergency Information
You are here: Home »

Factsheet - Asthma - Using a Spacer without Face Mask


Using A Spacer Without A Face Mask

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

A spacer device is a plastic holding chamber that helps people with asthma to use their puffers (aerosol inhalers) effectively. They come in two sizes - small volume and large volume. Spacers should be used by children of all ages who require a puffer.

Recommended age of use:
Small Volume Spacer: All ages *Large Volume Spacer: 4 years and older

For children 0 to 4 years of age, click here.

1. Remove cap and shake the puffer. Insert puffer into the spacer as shown.
2. Place mouthpiece between the teeth and close lips around it. Release 1 puff of medication into the spacer by pressing down on the top of the puffer.

3. Breathe in and out normally through the mouth 4 times.

If more than one puff is required repeat steps 2 - 3

These diagrams depict a large volume spacer being used however; a small volume can also be used.

Document adapted from The Asthma Management Improvement Council for the South West of NSW.
Illustrations courtesy of Medical Illustrations, Prince Of Wales Hospital. Randwick. NSW.

Source: The Children's Asthma Resource Pack for Parents and Carers, June 2006
NSW Paediatric Network
Kids Health (CHW) Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick Kaleidoscope, Hunter Children's Health Network
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Tel: (02) 9845 3585
Fax: (02) 9845 3562
www.chw.edu.au		 Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick
Tel: (02) 9382 1688
Fax: (02) 9382 1451
www.sch.edu.au		 Kaleidoscope, Hunter Children's Health Network
Tel: (02) 4921 3670
Fax: (02) 4921 3599
www.kaleidoscope.org.au

© The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick
& Kaleidoscope, Hunter Children's Health Network - 2005-2009.

« Back to Factsheet Listing