A spacer is a tube-like device that attaches to some asthma puffers. It helps more of the medicine reach the lungs and can make inhaler use easier during asthma symptoms or an asthma attack.
What is a spacer?
A spacer is a hollow chamber that fits between an inhaler and the person’s mouth. It is commonly used with pressurised metered-dose inhalers, which are often called puffers.
The spacer holds the medicine briefly after it is released. This gives the person more time to breathe it in properly.
Why is a spacer used?
A spacer can help:
- more medicine reach the lungs
- less medicine stay in the mouth or throat
- make inhaler use easier when someone is short of breath
- improve coordination for children and adults who struggle to press and breathe at the same time
In first aid, a spacer is often useful when someone is having worsening asthma symptoms and needs their reliever medicine.
How is a spacer used in first aid?
If the person has asthma symptoms or may be having an Asthma Attack:
- Sit them upright and stay calm.
- Attach their inhaler to the spacer if it is the right type of puffer for spacer use.
- Place the mouthpiece in the mouth and make a good seal with the lips.
- Press one puff into the spacer.
- Ask the person to breathe in slowly and deeply if they can, or take several normal breaths through the spacer.
- Repeat as directed by their asthma action plan or emergency advice.
For the broader device page, see Asthma Inhaler.
When should you call 000?
Call 000 in Australia if:
- breathing is getting harder
- the person cannot speak properly
- the inhaler and spacer are not helping
- the person looks exhausted, floppy, or confused
- lips are turning blue
- the person becomes Unresponsive
If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, start CPR.
Is a spacer the same as an inhaler?
No. A spacer is an attachment device. An Asthma Inhaler is the puffer that contains or delivers the medicine. They are often used together, but they are not the same thing.
Quick answer
A spacer is a chamber that attaches to some asthma puffers and helps medicine reach the lungs more effectively. In first aid, it can make reliever treatment easier during worsening asthma symptoms or an asthma attack.
Sources reviewed
- National Asthma Council Australia: using a spacer
- National Asthma Council Australia: asthma medicines
Reviewed against current Australian first aid and emergency guidance by the First Aid Glossary Editorial Team. This article is general information and does not replace emergency-operator directions, professional medical advice or hands-on first aid training.
