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Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI) Used with an InspirEase Spacer

The InspirEase is a device that traps medicine and increases the space between the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and the mouth. This helps your child inhale more medication into the lungs. It also decreases the amount of medicine deposited on the back of the throat. The use of a spacer or a valved holding device is recommended for all MDIs.

To attach the InspirEase spacer to the MDI:

  1. Attach the inhaler mouthpiece to the blue reservoir bag by matching the tabs in the reservoir bag.
  2. Push in, twist, and lock.
  3. Pull the blue reservoir bag all the way open so there are no wrinkles.
  4. Remove the inhaler canister from the plastic case and shake it vigorously.
  5. Attach the canister to the inhaler mouthpiece.

To use the MDI with the InspirEase spacer:

  1. Put the InspirEase mouthpiece between the teeth and seal the lips around it.
  2. Depress the metered-dose inhaler. The medication will be trapped in the reservoir bag.
  3. Breathe in slowly over 3 to 5 seconds. (The reservoir will collapse as you inhale. A whistling noise will sound if the breath is too fast.)
  4. Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds.
  5. Breathe out slowly back into the reservoir bag.
  6. Still using the bag, breathe in and out slowly once or twice more.

Cleaning the equipment

The InspirEase mouthpiece should be washed daily with warm water and dried. (Do not put it into the dishwasher.) The manufacturer does not recommend washing the reservoir bag. The bag should be replaced when it wears out, or once every month.

Written by the Asthma Task Force at The Children's Hospital, Denver.
Published by McKesson Provider Technologies.
Last modified: 2005-08-31
Last reviewed: 2005-08-22
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.
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