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Using A Spacer With A 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. Adding a mask to a small volume spacer ensures infants and small children receive the measured dose of medication. Spacers should be used by children of all ages who require a puffer.

Recommended age of use: 0 to 4 years

1. Remove cap and shake the puffer. 2. Fit the puffer into the end of the spacer. 3. Gently place the attached facemask over the mouth and nose of the child. Ensure there are no gaps around the edges of the mask. 4. Release one puff of medication into the spacer by pressing down on the top of the puffer. Watch the child breathe in and out 4-6 times (or count slowly to 10) before removing the mask. If more than one puff is required repeat step 4

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.

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