ProAir RespiClick is a breath-activated dry powder inhaler that delivers albuterol to quickly open your airways during asthma symptoms or before exercise. Unlike traditional metered-dose inhalers, it requires no priming, no shaking, and no spacer. The technique is straightforward, but a few details matter for getting the full dose into your lungs.
How It Differs From a Standard Inhaler
Most rescue inhalers use a pressurized canister that sprays medication as an aerosol mist. The RespiClick works differently: it holds a dry powder that’s released by the force of your own breath. When you inhale quickly and deeply through the mouthpiece, the device activates and delivers the dose automatically. This means you don’t need to coordinate pressing a canister and breathing in at the same time, which is the most common mistake people make with traditional inhalers.
Because it’s breath-activated, you should never use a spacer or volume holding chamber with the RespiClick. Those accessories are designed for pressurized inhalers and will prevent this device from working correctly. The RespiClick also never needs priming, not before first use, not after sitting unused, and not after being dropped.
Step-by-Step Inhalation Technique
Before you start, check the dose counter on the back of the device. If it reads zero, the inhaler is empty and needs to be replaced.
Hold the RespiClick upright (mouthpiece pointing up) and open the cap fully until you feel and hear a click. That click means a dose is loaded and ready. Only open the cap when you’re actually ready to inhale, because opening it is what loads the dose.
Sit up or stand up straight. Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler. Never exhale into the device. Moisture from your breath can clump the dry powder and ruin doses. Tilt your head back slightly, then place the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips tightly around it. Be careful not to cover the small air vent on the top of the mouthpiece with your lips or fingers.
Breathe in quickly and deeply through your mouth. This is different from some other inhalers where a slow, steady breath is recommended. The RespiClick needs a fast, strong inhalation to pull the powder down into your lungs effectively.
Remove the inhaler from your mouth. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly, again away from the device. Close the cap after each dose.
Taking a Second Puff
The standard dose is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed. For some people, 1 inhalation every 4 hours is enough. If you need the second puff, close the cap after the first inhalation, wait about 30 seconds to a minute, then repeat the full process: open the cap until it clicks, exhale away from the device, inhale quickly and deeply, and hold your breath again.
Don’t take more than 2 puffs per dose, and don’t use it more frequently than every 4 hours unless specifically directed otherwise. If you’re reaching for your rescue inhaler multiple times a day or more than twice a week, that’s a sign your asthma isn’t well controlled and your treatment plan may need adjusting.
After You Finish
Rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after each use. Albuterol powder left in your mouth and throat can cause irritation, and rinsing helps prevent that. You don’t need to swallow the rinse water.
Always close the cap firmly after your last puff. Leaving the cap open can expose the powder to humidity, which degrades the medication. Keep the inhaler in a dry place at room temperature. Don’t store it in a bathroom, car glove compartment, or anywhere that gets hot or humid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent errors with the RespiClick come down to a few habits:
- Breathing out into the device. Even a small exhale into the mouthpiece introduces moisture that clumps the powder. Always turn your head away before exhaling.
- Inhaling too slowly. A gentle breath won’t generate enough airflow to pull the powder deep into your lungs. You need a quick, forceful inhalation.
- Covering the air vent. The small vent on the top of the mouthpiece allows airflow that helps carry the powder properly. If your lip or finger blocks it, you’ll get less medication.
- Opening the cap without inhaling. Each time you open and close the cap, a dose is counted whether or not you actually inhale. If you accidentally open it, close it, and open it again, you’ve wasted a dose.
- Washing the inhaler with water. Because this is a dry powder device, water will damage it. If the mouthpiece needs cleaning, wipe it with a dry cloth or tissue. Never rinse or submerge any part of the inhaler.
Using It Before Exercise
If you experience breathing difficulty during physical activity, you can use the RespiClick about 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. The same technique and dose apply: 2 inhalations with the same breathing method described above. The protective effect typically lasts a few hours, though this varies from person to person.
Knowing When to Replace It
The dose counter counts down with each dose loaded (each time the cap is opened). When the counter reaches 20, it’s time to request a refill so you aren’t caught without medication. When it hits zero, the inhaler is empty and should be discarded, even if it feels like there’s still something inside. Using it past zero means you can’t be sure you’re getting a reliable dose.
Don’t try to track doses by memory or by how heavy the device feels. The built-in counter is the only reliable way to know how much medication remains.