Health Library

Metered-Dose Inhaler with AeroChamber and a Mask

A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is a piece of equipment that enables your child to breathe or inhale a fixed dose of their medication.

When your child uses a metered-dose inhaler, the medicine works quickly, and it goes directly to their lungs. A spacer is always used with an MDI to maximize the amount of medication inhaled.

How to Use an MDI with AeroChamber

To use this type of spacer, your child must be able to inhale through the mouth at the right time. Usually this is someone over 5 years of age who is able to follow instructions with demonstration. If your child is unable to use a mouthpiece, see below for how to use an MDI with a mask.

1. Check the expiration date on the device before using it. Discard it if it has expired and get a new prescription.
2. Remove the plastic protective cap from the MDI and from the spacer.
3. Shake the canister for five seconds.
4. Prime the MDI.
1. If MDI has not been used in two weeks or has been dropped, prime by spraying one puff into the air.
2. If MDI has never been used before, prime by spraying __ puffs into the air according to the manufacture’s recommendations.
5. Insert the canister into the space.
6. Have your child put their finger(s) on top of the canister and support the bottom of the spacer.
7. Have your child breathe out normally.
8. Place the spacer mouthpiece into the mouth between the teeth. and close the lips around the mouthpiece.
9. Press down the top of the canister to release one puff of the medicine.
10. Have your child breathe in slowly and deeply (3-5 seconds). The spacer will whistle if your child is breathing too fast.
11. Have your child hold their breath for 10 seconds and remove the mouthpiece before breathing out.
12. For children under 12, a caregiver should supervise the process of medication with the spacer.
13. Repeat steps 7–11, depending on the number of puffs that are indicated on the prescription.

How to Use MDI with AeroChamber and Mask

This type of spacer is for a child who is too young to always be able to breathe in through their mouth at the right time. Usually this is someone 5 years of age or under or who is unable to use a mouthpiece for another reason.

1. Check the expiration date on the device before using it. Discard it if it has expired and get a new prescription.
2. Remove the plastic protective cap from the MDI.
3. Shake the canister for five seconds.
4. Prime the MDI.
• If MDI has not been used in two weeks or has been dropped: spray one puff into the air.
• If MDI was never used before: spray __ puffs into the air according to the manufacture’s recommendations.
5. Insert the canister into the spacer.
6. Have the child breathe out normally.
7. Place the mask on the child's face, covering the mouth and nose.
8. Check to make sure there is a good seal around the mouth and nose.
9. Press down the top of the canister to release one puff of the medicine.
10. Have the child take six breaths with the mask in place.
11. Repeat steps 7-10 depending on how many puffs are indicated on the prescription.

Cleaning the AeroChamber

• At least once a week, remove the back piece of the AeroChamber only.
• Soak the back piece and chamber for 15 minutes in lukewarm water and liquid detergent.
• Rinse in clean water and allow it to air dry in the upright position.