Studies consistently find that a large proportion of children use their inhaler incorrectly, and a poorly used inhaler delivers very little medicine to the lungs. Technique matters more than dose. This poster makes checking it straightforward at home.
Download the poster (PDF, 2 pages) ↓
How to use it
- Find your child's device on the poster
- Scan the QR code with a phone camera
- Watch the short video and copy the technique
Spacers — start here for children
Most children under 12 who use a pressurised metered dose inhaler (a "puffer") should be using it with a spacer. The poster covers four spacer techniques:
- Spacer with a mask, for babies and young children
- Spacer without a mask, for older children
- Tidal breathing (multiple breaths) technique
- Single breath and hold technique
Inhaler devices covered
pMDI, Turbohaler, Accuhaler, Ellipta, Easyhaler, Easi-breathe, NEXThaler, Autohaler, Respimat, Spiromax, Breezhaler, Genuair, HandiHaler, Zonda, Forspiro, and nasal spray technique.
About the videos
The QR codes link to inhaler technique videos produced by Asthma + Lung UK and endorsed by the UK Inhaler Group. They are free to watch and the links were verified in August 2026.
