1800 278 462
Your inhaler sends your asthma medicines straight into your lungs. So it’s no surprise that keeping it clean should be a big part of your asthma management routine.
Types of inhalers need to be cleaned in their own ways. Your puffer or inhaler will come with a guide in the package. It’s always best to check the insert for any instructions.
Here is a guide for the main types of puffers or inhalers. If you aren’t sure which sort of puffer or inhaler you have, ask your pharmacist.
Puffers
A puffer is what some people call a ‘pressurised metered dose inhaler’ or pMDI for short. This is one of the most common types of inhalers used for asthma. A puffer consists of a plastic case or holder with a cap, and a metal canister.
Blue Reliever puffers
Sometimes, the valve of your blue puffer can get clogged where the medicine sprays out. If it is clogged, it won’t work properly so it’s important to clean the plastic part of your puffer often.
Remove the metal canister and wash the blue plastic case at least once a week. Make sure it’s dry before using again.
Preventer puffers
These types of puffers need to stay dry, so can never be washed. Do not remove the metal canister. You can wipe the mouthpiece with a dry tissue weekly, or more if you feel it is needed.
Dry powder inhalers
Dry powder inhalers include the Accuhaler, Breezhaler, Easyhaler, Ellipta, Spiromax and Turbuhaler.
These inhalers deliver medicine to your lungs in the form of a fine dry powder. They rely on you taking a deep breath in to suck the medicine into your lungs.
Dry powder inhalers must stay dry, so can never be washed. You can wipe the mouthpiece with a dry tissue if you feel it is needed.
Note: The Handihaler capsule inhaler is a bit different. Wipe the mouthpiece with a dry tissue after each use. Wash your Handihaler at least monthly and make sure it’s completely dry before using again.
Mist inhaler
The only mist inhaler is the Respimat. These inhalers aerosolise the medicine into tiny particles for you to slowly breathe in. Wipe the mouthpiece including the metal part inside the mouthpiece with a clean, damp cloth or tissue only, at least once a week to clean.