Resources · Managing Your Condition
Puffers & Inhalers

HandiHaler

Single-dose capsule dry-powder inhaler.

For patients & health professionals
Genuair Managing Your Condition · 21 of 26 Rapihaler
Authorship & review
Dr Sean James Ledger, BSc Physio (Hons) MSc PhD FHEA
Director and Principal Physiotherapist
Ahpra registration PHY0002298174
Version
1.1
Last updated
6 September 2026
Next review
6 September 2027
Every guide on this site is reviewed at least once a year, and sooner when the evidence changes.
How these guides are written and reviewed →
In plain language

A HandiHaler delivers one powder capsule at a time. You pierce the capsule with a side button, then breathe in slowly and deeply enough to hear it vibrate. The capsules are for inhaling only and must never be swallowed.

HandiHaler
HandiHaler. Device shown for identification — your medicine and colour may differ.
This is a maintenance inhaler, not a reliever

Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium) is taken once a day to keep the airways open over the whole day. It is not a rescue medicine and a second dose must not be taken during an attack. The capsules are for inhaling only — never swallow them. Keep your separate blue reliever with you.

Examples of this type

Different medicines come in this device. Common examples include:

Brand names are examples only and availability changes — always go by the name on your own inhaler and your prescriber's instructions.

How to use it — step by step

1
OpenLift the dust cap and then the mouthpiece. Take one capsule from the blister only now and drop it into the central chamber.
2
Close and pierceClose the mouthpiece firmly until it clicks (leave the dust cap open). Press the green piercing button in fully once and release.
3
Breathe outBreathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
4
Breathe in slowly and deeplySeal your lips on the mouthpiece and breathe in slowly and deeply, enough that the capsule vibrates/rattles. Hold your breath about 6 seconds.
5
Repeat to emptyBreathe in from the same capsule a second time to make sure it is completely empty.
6
RemoveOpen the mouthpiece, tip out the used capsule, and close. Rinse your mouth if directed.

Getting the best from it

  • Hearing/feeling the capsule vibrate confirms the dose is being drawn.1,2
  • Press the piercing button once only — pressing repeatedly can shatter the capsule.
  • Never swallow the capsules; load them only just before use.

Looking after your inhaler

Wipe the mouthpiece and chamber with a dry cloth; allow to air-dry fully if it gets damp. Keep capsules sealed until use.

Not sure your technique is right?

Most people lose some accuracy over time.3,4 We can check your inhaler technique at your appointment.

Getting your inhaler technique right →

Book an appointment

References & evidence base

  1. National Asthma Council Australia. Inhaler technique for people with asthma or COPD. Information paper for health professionals. Melbourne: National Asthma Council Australia, 2026.
  2. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Inhaler technique — device-specific checklists. Sydney: ACSQHC, 2020.

Further reading

References are numbered in citation order (Vancouver/BMJ style) and were current at the time of writing. Always follow the leaflet for your specific device and your prescriber's instructions.

How we treat this at the clinic

Everything starts with an assessment — your symptoms, breathing, exercise tolerance and daily function measured properly, so what follows is built on your lungs rather than an average.

Physiotherapy Assessment →
Important: This page is general information on inhaler technique, not a prescription or medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber and pharmacist, and the leaflet inside your specific medicine. If you are unsure your inhaler is working, or your breathing worsens, contact your care team — or in an emergency call 000. For a technique check, contact Inspire Clinic.

Corrections: If something on this page is wrong, out of date or unclear, we want to know. Email reception@inspireclinic.au with the page name and what you believe is incorrect. Substantive corrections are made promptly, and the guide’s version and last-updated date are changed to reflect it.