What is an inhaler device?

If you have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may need medicines to help you breathe better. Most of these medicines are inhaled into your lungs using an inhaler device, also known as an inhaler.

It's important to use your inhaler correctly to get the full benefit of your medicine.

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to show you how to use your inhaler. It's easier to use it correctly when someone shows you what to do.

Here are some helpful tips for all types of inhalers:

• Make sure your inhaler is not past its expiry date.
• Make sure your inhaler is not empty.
• Learn how to clean and care for your inhaler — and your spacer, if you use one.
• Keep your chin slightly lifted while using your inhaler — this helps the medicine reach your lungs.
• Wipe the mouthpiece of your inhaler with a dry cloth or tissue after every use.

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Are all inhaler devices the same?

There are many types of inhalers, and each one is used differently. When choosing the right inhaler for you, your doctor will consider:

• your age
• what type of medicine you need
• whether you need multiple medicines
• how well your lungs work
• which inhaler you find easiest to use

If you have difficulty using your inhaler, talk to your doctor. They can recommend a different type of inhaler that you might find easier to use.

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Who can use an inhaler?

Most adults can learn to use an inhaler.

It's best for children over 4 years of age to use a spacer with their inhaler. Using a spacer means more of the medicine reaches their lungs.

Babies and children under 4 years of age may need to use a face mask attached to the spacer. A face mask fits tightly around their mouth and nose to make sure none of the medicine leaks out.

You can also use a face mask if:

• you find it hard to press the inhaler at the same time as breathing through the spacer
• you find it difficult to hold the inhaler in the right position

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a face mask is right for you.

You should check how to use your inhaler device with your doctor if:

• your doctor has recently recommended a new type of inhaler
• your inhaler doesn't help your symptoms
• medicine comes out of your mouth when using your inhaler
• you haven't had your inhaler technique checked in the last 12 months

What is a metered dose inhaler (MDI)?

A metered dose inhaler, also known as a puffer, is a common type of inhaler. It can be used with a spacer. Some of the medicines available in an MDI include:

• salbutamol (Ventolin)
• fluticasone (Flixotide)
• budesonide-formoterol
• beclometasone-formoterol

How do I use an MDI?

Follow the instructions below to correctly use an MDI:

1. Remove the mouthpiece cap.
2. Hold the inhaler upright and shake it well before use. Your MDI may not need to be shaken, so check the instructions for your own inhaler.
3. Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
4. Hold the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it.
5. Breathe in slowly through your mouth and at the same time press down on the canister.
6. Hold your breath for 5 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable.
7. While holding your breath and keeping your lips closed, remove the inhaler from your mouth.
8. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler.
9. If you need to take another dose, repeat from step 2.
10. Replace the cap.

What is a spacer?

A spacer is a specially designed container that attaches to your inhaler at one end and has a mouthpiece at the other end. A spacer helps more of the medicine reach the small airways in your lungs. Not all inhaler devices can be used with a spacer.

How do I use a spacer?

Follow the instructions below to correctly use a spacer:

1. Put the spacer together (if necessary) by following the instructions.
2. Remove the protective cap from the inhaler.
3. Hold the inhaler device upright and shake well. Your MDI may not need to be shaken, so check the instructions for your own inhaler.
4. Insert the inhaler firmly into the end of the spacer, while keeping the inhaler upright.
5. Place the mouthpiece of the spacer between your teeth and close your lips to form a seal.
6. Breathe out gently into the spacer.
7. Keep the spacer horizontal while you press the inhaler once to release a dose into the spacer. Do not remove the inhaler.
8. Breathe in slowly and deeply and hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, or breathe in and out normally for 3 or 4 breaths. If you hear a whistle sound, this means you are inhaling too quickly.
9. Remove the spacer from your mouth and breathe out gently.
10. Remove the inhaler from the spacer.
11. If more than one dose is needed, repeat all steps starting at step 4.
12. Replace the mouthpiece cover on your inhaler and your spacer.

You should wash your spacer:

• before you use it for the first time
• once a month after that
  

Wash your spacer with warm water and dish-washing detergent. Allow your spacer to air dry after washing it. Do not use a cloth or towel to dry your spacer. Check your spacer is not cracked.

Children under 4 years of age may benefit from using a face mask that covers their mouth and nose. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if a face mask is needed.

Visit the National Asthma council Australia website for information on how to look after your spacer properly.

What is an Autohaler?

An Autohaler is an inhaler device that is activated by breathing in. It's easier to use than an MDI, because you don't need to time your breathing with pressing the canister. Medicines available in an Autohaler include Airomir and Qvar.

How do I use an Autohaler?

Follow the instructions below to correctly use an Autohaler:

1. Remove the cap.
2. Hold the inhaler upright and shake it before use.
3. Push the lever up.
4. Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
5. Hold the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it.
6. Breathe in deeply and slowly. Keep breathing in after you hear a click.
7. Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds.
8. While holding your breath, remove the inhaler from your mouth.
9. Breathe out gently.
10. Push the lever down.
11. If you need to take another dose, repeat from step 2.
12. Replace the cap.

It's important to keep your chin up and the inhaler vertical, when breathing in. This will help make sure the medicine passes into your lungs and does not end up on the roof of your mouth or your tongue.

What is an Accuhaler?

An Accuhaler is a round inhaler device that contains dry powder. Some of the medicines used in an Accuhaler include fluticasone (Flixotide) and salmeterol (Seretide).

How do I use an Accuhaler?

Follow the instructions below to correctly use an Accuhaler:

1. Open the cover using the thumb grip.
2. Hold the inhaler horizontally and slide the lever until you hear a click. Don't shake the inhaler.
3. Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
4. Close your lips around the mouthpiece while keeping the inhaler horizontal.
5. Breathe in deeply and slowly.
6. Hold your breath for 5 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable.
7. While holding your breath, remove the inhaler from your mouth.
8. Breathe out gently.
9. Close the cover so that it clicks shut.
10. If you need to take another dose, repeat from step 1.

It's important to keep your mouthpiece horizontal while loading the medicine. If the mouthpiece is pointed down, this can dislodge the medicine.

What is a Turbuhaler?

A Turbuhaler is an inhaler device with a base that twists. The first time you use the device, you need to prime it (make it ready for use). You can do this by holding the inhaler upright and turning the base around and back again until you hear a click. Some of the medicines available in a Turbuhaler include terbutaline (Bricanyl), formoterol (Oxis) and Symbicort.

How do I use a Turbuhaler?

Follow the instructions below to correctly use a Turbohaler:

1. Unscrew and remove the cover.
2. Holding the inhaler upright, twist the base around and back again until you hear a click. Don't shake the inhaler.
3. Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
4. Hold the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it.
5. Breathe in deeply and strongly.
6. Remove the inhaler from your mouth.
7. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler.
8. If you need to take another dose, repeat from step 3.
9. Replace the cover.

If you are using the Turbuhaler for a corticosteroid medicine, rinse your mouth with water after inhaling the last dose.

What is a HandiHaler?

A HandiHaler is an inhaler device used with a capsule. It requires 2 breaths for each dose. It's used for the medicine Spiriva.

How do I use a HandiHaler?

Follow the instructions below to correctly use a HandiHaler:

1. Open the cover and mouthpiece.
2. Remove the capsule from the foil pack and insert it into the inhaler.
3. Close the mouthpiece until it clicks into place.
4. Press the green button on the side once to pierce the capsule. Do not shake your inhaler.
5. Breathe out fully, away from your inhaler.
6. Hold the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it.
7. Breathe in deeply — you should feel the capsule vibrate while you breathe in. Keep breathing in for as long as is comfortable.
8. Hold your breath and take the inhaler out of your mouth.
9. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler.
10. Repeat steps 6 to 9 to take a second breath.
11. Open the mouthpiece and remove the used capsule.
12. Close the mouthpiece and the cap.

If you have difficulty getting your inhaler open for the first time, ask your pharmacist to help you.

Ask your pharmacist for specific instructions about using and cleaning your HandiHaler.

What is a Breezhaler?

A Breezhaler is an inhaler device that uses a capsule. Some of the medicines available in a Breezhaler include Onbrez and Seebri.

How do I use a Breezhaler?

Follow the instructions below to correctly use a Breezhaler:

1. Remove the cap.
2. Tilt the mouthpiece to open it.
3. Remove the capsule from the pack and insert it into the inhaler.
4. Close the mouthpiece until it clicks into place.
5. Press both side buttons once to pierce the capsule. Do not shake your inhaler.
6. Breathe out fully, away from your inhaler.
7. Hold the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it.
8. Breathe in deeply — you should feel the capsule vibrate while you breathe in.
9. Hold your breath for 5 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable.
10. While holding your breath, remove the inhaler from your mouth.
11. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler.
12. Open the mouthpiece and remove the used capsule.
13. Close the mouthpiece and replace the cover.

It's important to use a new capsule for each dose.

What is an Ellipta?

An Ellipta is an inhaler device that contains different medicines and a combination of medicines. These are designed to work slowly over 24 hours and generally only need to be used once a day. Some of the medicines available in an Ellipta include:

• Anoro
• fluticasone (Arnuity)
• Incruse
• Trelegy

An Ellipta works slowly, so it's sometimes difficult to tell if it's helping you. If you are not sure, please discuss with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before you stop using it.

How do I use an Ellipta?

Follow the instructions below to correctly use an Ellipta:

1. Hold the Ellipta inhaler upright. Don't shake the inhaler.
2. Slide the cover down so you can see the mouthpiece. You should hear a click.
3. Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
4. Hold the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it. Don't block the air vents with your fingers.
5. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth.
6. Hold your breath for 5 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable.
7. While holding your breath, remove the inhaler from your mouth.
8. Slide the cover upwards as far as you can, to close the inhaler.

If your inhaler contains a steroid (such as Trelegy), rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after use. This can help prevent infections such as oral thrush.

Resources and support

Check out the following websites for more information and videos to help you use your inhaler properly:

• The National Asthma Council Australia
• Asthma Australia
• Lung Foundation Australia

The National Asthma Council offers advice on using your asthma or COPD inhaler correctly.

The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network provides:

• a fact sheet on the use of spacer devices and other inhalers suitable for children
• an Asthma and your child resource pack for parents and carers

Languages other than English>

Health Translations provides information in languages other than English. Learn more about how to correctly use and clean your spacer in your preferred language.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.