How to use a soft mist inhaler (for adults)
Soft mist inhaler release a fine mist of medication that is release more slowly than other types of inhalers. Examples of soft-mist inhalers include ipratropium-albuterol ( Combivent Respimat), olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat), tiotropium (Spiriva Respimat), and tiotropium-olodaterol (Stioloto Respimat).
How do soft-mist inhalers work?
When you press a button on the side of a soft-mist inhaler, a thin mist of medication is release for you to breathe in.
The steps for using a soft-mist inhaler are different from those for other inhalers, which are describe separately. (See “Patient education: How to use a metered-dose inhaler for adults (The Basics)” and “Patient education: How to use a dry powder inhaler (for adults (The Basics)” )
Do I need to do anything before I use my inhaler?
Yes. First, install the medicine reservoir (which contains the medicine), as follows:
Press the safety catch on the side of the inhaler to pop out the clear plastic base.
Remove the base.
Push the narrow end of the medicine reservoir into the inhaler until it clicks.
Push the medicine reservoir to make sure it is fully insert. You can use a table or other hard surface to press.
Replace the clear plastic base and press it until it clicks.
Once the medicine reservoir is in the inhaler, do not remove the reservoir or base.
Also, before using the soft mist inhaler for the first time, you need to do some preparation so that it can release the correct dose of medicine, which is call “priming”, as follows:
Hold the capped inhaler upright
Twist the clear base to the right until it clicks
Open the cap and point the inhaler toward the ground, away from your face
Press the side button until you see a thin mist coming out
Repeat the above steps 3 more times
If you have not used the inhaler for > 3 days , you should complete a priming process before use, that is, perform the first 4 steps to release 1 spray of medicine.
If you have not used your inhaler for > 3 weeks , follow all the steps above, i.e. repeat the entire priming process, for a total of 4 sprays.
How do you use a soft mist inhaler?
Each inhaler comes with instructions for use, and your healthcare provider will show you how to use it. Generally, the steps are as follows :
1 Hold the capped inhaler upright with one hand.
2 With your other hand, twist the transparent base to the right until it clicks.
3 Open the cap.
4 Exhale slowly and thoroughly.
5 Hold the inhaler horizontally with the nozzle in your mouth, i.e. toward the back of your throat.
6 Cover the nozzle with your lips, making sure not to block the ventilation holes on the side.
7 Take a slow, deep breath. As you start to inhale, press the button on the side of the inhaler.
8 When your lungs are full, hold your breath for 10 seconds to keep the medicine in your lungs.
9 Remove the inhaler from your mouth and exhale slowly.
10 Close the cap on the nozzle.
You do not need to shake the inhaler.
Do you need to clean your inhaler?
Yes. You should clean it once a week by wiping the inside and outside of the nozzle with a clean, damp cloth.
How do you know if you have run out of medicine in your inhaler?
The soft mist inhaler has a dose counter built in to keep track of how much medicine is left. When
the counter reads 0, it means there is no medicine left and you should throw it away. You should prepare another inhaler before then.
