Using an Aerochamber® and Mask with a Metered-Dose Inhaler:
This device is called an Aerochamber® with a Mask. The Aerochamber® is a type of holding chamber. A holding chamber is often used with a Metered-Dose Inhaler.
It can be difficult to use a Metered-Dose Inhaler correctly, especially for very young children.
The Aerochamber® with a mask is helpful for young children who can't yet inhale the medication and hold their breath.
The Metered-Dose Inhaler often needs to be primed before using the first dose. Priming is spraying a number of doses into the air. Check the package insert that comes with the inhaler to see how to prime that inhaler.
When you are ready to take a dose of the medication, remove the cap from the inhaler. Look for foreign objects in the inhaler and in the Aerochamber®. Put the inhaler mouthpiece into the wider rubber end of the Aerochamber®.
Shake your inhaler and the Aerochamber® really well.
Hold the mask to the child's face so that both the nose and the mouth are covered. Press the inhaler once. Watch the child breathe in and out six times.
The mask has an escalation valve that is colorful. This often is helpful to watch to count the six breaths. Repeat for each dose you've been told to take.
To find out when your inhaler is empty, check the metal canister on the Metered-Dose Inhaler. There are more puffs of propellant in the inhaler than puffs of medication so it's important to stop using the inhaler when you run out of medication. Don't wait until you run out of propellant.
You will need to keep track of how many puffs you are using to get a new device before you finish the current device.
Clean the Aerochamber® weekly. To clean the Aerochamber®, take off the rubber-sealed end, soak the Aerochamber® and that rubber end in warm water with liquid detergent. Move both pieces around gently in the water. Do not put the Aerochamber® in the dishwasher, rinse the Aerochamber® with clean water, shake off the excess water, air dry both pieces standing up until they're completely dry. Do not rub the inside of the Aerochamber®. Replace the back rubber piece.
Check the package insert to see how to clean the Metered-Dose Inhaler, this varies depending on the medication in the inhaler.
Keep the cap on the inhaler after each use to stay clean.
