How to use a standard metered dose inhaler (MDI)

• Sit up straight or stand up and lift the chin to open the airways.
• Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler vigorously.
• If you haven't used the inhaler for a week or more, or if it is the first time you have used the inhaler, prime first.
• Take a few deep breaths and then breathe out gently. Immediately place the mouthpiece in your mouth and put your teeth around it (not in front and do not bite), and seal your lips around the mouthpiece, holding it between your lips.
• Start to breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece. As you breathe in, simultaneously press down on the inhaler canister to release the medicine. One press releases one puff.
• Continue to breathe in deeply to ensure the medicine gets into your lungs.
• Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as you comfortably can, before breathing out slowly.
• If you need to take another puff, wait for 30 seconds, shake your inhaler again, and repeat steps four through seven.
   

How many puffs are left?

• Don't let your asthma medications run out without getting a refill.
• When you get a new inhaler, look on the box to see the number of puffs the inhaler contains.
• Divide the number of puffs your new inhaler contains by the number of puffs you take, and then by the number of times you use it. This will tell you how many days it will last.
• Mark the date the inhaler is due to run out on your calendar so you will be able to have a refill on hand. You could also write it on the label of the MDI.
   

Care of your Inhaler

• Look at the hole where the medicine sprays out from your inhaler.
• If you see powder in or around the hole, clean the inhaler.
• Remove the metal canister from the L-shaped mouthpiece.
• Rinse only the mouthpiece and cap in warm water.
• Let them dry overnight.
•  Place the canister back inside and put on the cap.
   

How to use your Aerolizer

• Remove the cap.
• To open, hold the base of the aerolizer firmly and turn the mouthpiece in the direction of the arrow.
• Remove the capsule from the blister pack and place in capsule-shaped compartment at base of the aerolizer.
• Return the mouthpiece to the ‘closed’ position.
• Keep the inhaler upright and firmly squeeze the side buttons fully one time. This will pierce the capsule. Release the buttons.
• Exhale fully.
• Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and tilt your head slightly backward. Close your lips around the mouthpiece and inhale deeply.
• Hold your breath as long as possible, while removing the inhaler from your mouth.
• Exhale.
• After use, open the inhaler to check that the capsule is empty. If not, close the inhaler and re-inhale - following steps six, seven, and eight.
   

Care of Aerolizer

• After each use, remove the empty capsule from the capsule department.
• Wipe the mouthpiece and capsule department with a dry cloth.
• Store the blister packs in a dry place at room temperature.
   

How to use your Diskus

• Wash your hands.
• Open: Hold the outer case in one hand and put the thumb of the other hand on the grip.
• Slide the lever away as far as it will go until a click is heard.
• Inhale: Hold the Diskus inhaler away from your mouth and exhale completely.
• With the mouthpiece to your lips, inhale quickly and deeply through the Diskus.
• Remove the Diskus inhaler, hold your breath for about 10 seconds, and breathe out slowly.
• Close: Slide the thumb grip as far as it will go until a click is heard.
   

Care of your Diskus

• Store the device in a dry place, not a damp environment.
• Keep away from direct frost, heat, or sunlight.
   

How to use your Nebulizer

• Wash your hands.
• Place the medicine in the nebulizer cup.
• Breathe in normally. Every 10 breaths, take in a deep breath and hold it for five to 10 seconds, making sure to get all the medication into your lungs.
• A nebulizer treatment should last about 10 minutes or until the mist is gone.
• A dirty nebulizer can make you sick, so it is important to keep your nebulizer clean.
• After the treatment, remove the nebulizer from the tubing. Then, take apart the mouthpiece or facemask, tubing, if present, and nebulizer cup.
• Empty the nebulizer cup, rinse the cup with water, shake off the excess water, and place it on a paper towel to dry.
• At the end of the day, wash the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece/facemask, in warm soapy water (mild dishwashing liquid is a good choice). Rinse the soap completely off the equipment and place it on a clean paper towel to dry.
• Disinfect your nebulizer cup and mouthpiece/mask at least once a week using a vinegar/water solution.
   

Helpful Tips:

• If a mist does not form, check to see if the machine is plugged in or if the battery is charged.
• Make sure the tubing is securely connected and make sure there are no kinks.
• Check the nebulizer cup for cracks and clean the air filter.
   

How to use your Turbohaler