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How to help your child use a metered-dose inhaler with a mask spacer

Follow these steps for using a metered-dose inhaler with a mask spacer.

Person shaking inhaler and removing cap.

1. Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds. Remove the cap.

Mouthpiece of inhaler being placed into spacer.

2. Hold the inhaler upright with the mouthpiece at the bottom. Then place the mouthpiece of the inhaler into the spacer.

Mask spacer placed securely over child's mouth and nose.

3. Place the mask spacer securely over your child's mouth and nose. Be sure to get a good seal. The mask must fit snugly, with no gaps between the mask and the skin.

Person pressing down on inhaler to spray medicine into spacer.

4. With the mask spacer in place, press down on the inhaler to spray 1 puff of medicine into the spacer.

Child breathing in and breathing out through mask spacer.

5. Keep the mask spacer in place, and have your child breathe in and out normally for 5 or 6 breaths.

Wristwatch with shading to show elapsed time.

6. If your child needs another puff of medicine, wait 1 minute between puffs.

Person putting cap on inhaler.

7. Replace the cap on the inhaler.

Child rinsing mouth and spitting into cup.

8. Have your child rinse their mouth with water if the inhaler has corticosteroids, such as fluticasone. (Controller inhalers usually have corticosteroids.) Do not let your child swallow the water.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

Clinical Review Board
All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. WebMD Ignite, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.