Resources · Managing Your Condition
Puffers & Inhalers

Spiromax

Dry-powder inhaler (reservoir) — open cover, breathe in hard.

For patients & health professionals
Respimat (Soft Mist Inhaler) Managing Your Condition · 24 of 26 Turbuhaler
Authorship & review
Dr Sean James Ledger, BSc Physio (Hons) MSc PhD FHEA
Director and Principal Physiotherapist
Ahpra registration PHY0002298174
Version
1.0
Last updated
12 August 2026
Next review
12 August 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 Spiromax is a dry-powder inhaler that looks like a puffer. Opening the mouthpiece cover fully loads a dose automatically — there is nothing to twist or press. Then you breathe in forcefully and deeply.

Spiromax
Spiromax. Device shown for identification — your medicine and colour may differ.
Check whether yours is also your reliever

DuoResp Spiromax (budesonide / formoterol) may be prescribed as a preventer only, or as both preventer and reliever (maintenance-and-reliever therapy, or MART). The two regimens are not interchangeable, and extra doses are only safe if MART has been prescribed for you. Your written action plan states which applies — if it does not, ask before taking an extra dose.

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
Hold uprightHold the inhaler upright with the mouthpiece cover at the bottom.
2
Open to loadFold the mouthpiece cover fully down until it clicks. This loads one dose — do not block the air vents while opening.
3
Breathe outBreathe out gently, away from the inhaler.
4
Seal and breathe in hardSeal your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in as forcefully and deeply as you can.
5
HoldRemove it and hold your breath about 6 seconds, then breathe out gently.
6
CloseClose the cover fully. Rinse your mouth — it contains a steroid.

Getting the best from it

  • One open = one dose; opening and closing repeatedly wastes medicine.1,2
  • Do not cover the air vents with your fingers or lips.
  • If also used as a reliever, follow your written action plan.

Looking after your inhaler

Wipe the mouthpiece with a dry tissue only; keep it dry. Watch the dose counter.

Not sure your technique is right?

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

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.