Your Child’s Inhaler, Spacer and Mask
To treat some medical conditions, the doctor may recommend an inhaler. This can help your child breathe easier. Your child will need your help using an inhaler with a spacer (chamber) and mask. Please follow the directions below.
Inhaler with Spacer and Mask
1. Remove the cap from your child’s inhaler. Insert the
inhaler into the spacer and shake it for 10 seconds.
2. Place the mask over your child’s nose and mouth.
Press gently on the mask to create a seal.
3. Press and release the inhaler 1 time to puff.
4. Keep the mask on your child’s face for 6 slow, deep breaths.
5. A soft whistle means your child is getting the medicine.
A big whistle means your child needs to take slower breaths.
6. Repeat for additional puffs (if needed). The doctor will tell you how many.
7. Wash your child’s face and rinse mouth.
Should you clean the mask and spacer?
Yes. Wash the mask after every use. Clean the spacer (chamber) once a week or when it is cloudy or foggy. The package instructions will tell you how to wash it.
How do you know when your child’s inhaler is empty?
If your child’s inhaler has a counter, it is empty when the counter says zero (“0”).
The medicine in your child's ____________________ inhaler lasts for _________ days.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner or call 212-263-5940. A member of our team would be happy to help you.
Created in partnership with families and expertise from our Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care
© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.
Your Child’s Inhaler, Spacer and Mask
To treat some medical conditions, the doctor may recommend an inhaler. This can help your child breathe easier. Your child will need your help using an inhaler with a spacer (chamber) and mask. Please follow the directions below.
Inhaler with Spacer and Mask
1. Remove the cap from your child’s inhaler. Insert the
inhaler into the spacer and shake it for 10 seconds.
2. Place the mask over your child’s nose and mouth.
Press gently on the mask to create a seal.
3. Press and release the inhaler 1 time to puff.
4. Keep the mask on your child’s face for 6 slow, deep breaths.
5. A soft whistle means your child is getting the medicine.
A big whistle means your child needs to take slower breaths.
6. Repeat for additional puffs (if needed). The doctor will tell you how many.
7. Wash your child’s face and rinse mouth.
Should you clean the mask and spacer?
Yes. Wash the mask after every use. Clean the spacer (chamber) once a week or when it is cloudy or foggy. The package instructions will tell you how to wash it.
How do you know when your child’s inhaler is empty?
If your child’s inhaler has a counter, it is empty when the counter says zero (“0”).
The medicine in your child's ____________________ inhaler lasts for _________ days.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner or call 212-263-5940. A member of our team would be happy to help you.
Created in partnership with families and expertise from our Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care
© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.