The Spiriva Respimat is a soft mist inhaler that delivers medication as a slow-moving aerosol cloud, making it easier to inhale than traditional pressurized inhalers. Getting the technique right matters because poor form means less medication reaches your lungs. Here’s how to set it up, prime it, and use it correctly each day.
How the Respimat Differs From Other Inhalers
Unlike a standard metered-dose inhaler (MDI) that fires medication in a fast burst lasting a fraction of a second, the Respimat produces a soft mist that lasts about 1.5 seconds. The spray moves roughly ten times slower than a traditional inhaler’s aerosol cloud, and 65 to 80 percent of the particles are fine enough to reach deep into your airways. This slower, longer spray makes it much easier to time your breath with the dose release, which is one of the biggest challenges people face with other inhalers.
Setting Up a New Inhaler
Before you can use a new Spiriva Respimat, you need to insert the medication cartridge and prime the device. You’ll only do this once per cartridge.
With the orange cap closed, press the safety catch and pull off the clear base. Take the cartridge out of its packaging and push the narrow end into the inhaler until it clicks into place. The cartridge should sit flush. Put the clear base back on and snap it shut.
Now stand the inhaler upright with the orange cap on top. Turn the clear base in the direction of the white arrows (about a half turn) until you hear a click. Flip the orange cap open until it snaps fully back. Point the inhaler toward the ground and press the dose release button. You should see a fine mist. Close the cap and repeat this process three more times, for a total of four test sprays. Once you see a steady, visible mist, the inhaler is primed and ready to use.
If you haven’t used the inhaler in more than three days, fire one spray toward the ground before your next dose. If it’s been more than 21 days, repeat the full four-spray priming sequence.
Taking Your Daily Dose
The standard dose is two puffs once a day, at the same time each day. Each puff requires its own twist-open-inhale cycle. Here’s the sequence:
- Twist. Hold the inhaler upright with the orange cap closed. Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks.
- Open. Flip the orange cap all the way back until it snaps into position.
- Breathe out. Exhale fully, away from the inhaler. Never breathe into the device.
- Inhale. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece without covering the air vents. Point the inhaler toward the back of your throat. Press the dose release button while breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth.
- Hold. Remove the inhaler from your mouth, hold your breath for about 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable), then breathe out normally.
Close the orange cap. Repeat the full twist-open-inhale sequence for your second puff. That completes your dose for the day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is covering the air vents while inhaling. The vents are small openings on the mouthpiece that allow air to flow in alongside the medication mist. If your fingers or lips block them, the drug won’t mix properly with the air you’re breathing in, and less reaches your lungs. Hold the inhaler so your fingers are away from the vents, and wrap your lips around the mouthpiece only.
Another common mistake is inhaling too quickly. Because the Respimat’s mist moves slowly, you want a slow, steady breath rather than a sharp gasp. Fast inhalation deposits more of the medication in your mouth and throat instead of your lower airways.
Forgetting to twist the base before each puff is also easy to do. If you press the dose release button without first turning the base until it clicks, no medication will come out. And if you twist the base but don’t inhale the dose, don’t twist it again. Simply open the cap and take the puff you already loaded.
Tracking Your Remaining Doses
The inhaler has a built-in dose indicator on the side that shows roughly how many puffs are left. When the indicator enters the red zone, it’s time to refill your prescription. Don’t wait until it’s completely empty. Once the indicator reaches the end of the red scale, the Respimat locks automatically and won’t release any more medication. At that point, you’ll need a new cartridge (or a new device, depending on your prescription).
Do not use the inhaler if the dose counter reads zero, even if it feels like there’s still liquid inside. The device is designed to lock at that point because it can no longer deliver a reliable dose.
Storage and Expiration
Once you insert the cartridge into the Respimat, the assembled inhaler is good for three months. After that, the medication may not deliver a full dose even if puffs remain on the counter. Write the assembly date on the inhaler’s label so you can track it. Store the device at room temperature, away from extreme heat or freezing cold, and keep the orange cap closed when you’re not using it.
Cleaning the Mouthpiece
At least once a week, wipe the mouthpiece with a damp cloth or tissue, including the small metal part inside. Don’t run it under water or use soap. Buildup around the nozzle can partially block the mist, so regular cleaning keeps each dose consistent. Let the mouthpiece air dry briefly before closing the cap.