The hydrofluoroalkane inhaler or HFA (formerly metered dose inhaler or MDI) is used to deliver asthma medication.
- Remove the caps from the inhaler and spacer device. Shake the inhaler.
- Put the inhaler into the open end of the spacer -- it’s opposite the spacer's mouthpiece.
- Breathe out completely.
- Put the mouthpiece of the spacer between your teeth and close your lips tightly around it. If the spacer has a mask, you won't be able to insert the mouthpiece into your mouth. Instead, the mask should sit over your nose and mouth.
- Press the inhaler canister once to release the medicine, which will be trapped in the spacer.
- Breathe in slowly and completely through your mouth. Some spacers will make a horn-like sound if you breathe too quickly. This means you need to slow down on your next breath.
- Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to allow the drugs to get to your lungs.
- Remove the spacer and breathe out slowly.
- Wait the specified amount of time for your inhaler, then repeat for every puff your doctor tells you to take.
- Replace the caps on the asthma inhaler and spacer when you’re done.
- If you have an HFA with a steroid, gargle and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after each use.