Different inhaler types; use of spacers

Spacer devices

• • Used with pressurised MDIs. Various types

  • Valve at the mouth end ensures that the drug is kept within the spacer until you breathe in

  • Don't need to have good co-ordination to use a spacer device.

  • A facemask can be fitted on to some types of spacers, instead of a mouthpiece.

    • For young children and babies who can then use the inhaler simply by breathing in and out normally through the mask.

  • Examples are:

    • Able Spacer®,

    • Aerochamber Plus®

    • Nebuchamber®

    • Optichamber®

    • Pocket Chamber®

    • Volumatic®

    • Vortex®.

    • Some spacer devices fit all MDIs; others are only compatible with specific brands of inhalers.

  • Use

    • If your dose is more than one puff, then do one puff at a time.

    • Shake the inhaler before firing each puff.

    • Start breathing in from the mouthpiece as soon as possible after firing the puff into the device.

    • Try to hold your breath for a few moments when you have breathed in.

    • Breathe in and out a few times before firing the next puff. Try to hold your breath for a few moments each time you breathe in.

    • Check that the valve opens and closes with each breath.

    • A facemask can be put on to the valve end for babies and young children.

      • They just breathe normally with their face against the mask.

      • The valve opens and closes with each breath in and out.

      • Hold the spacer slightly tilted with the inhaler end uppermost to help the valve open and close easily.

    • Static charge can build up on the inside of the plastic chamber.

      • This can attract particles of drug, and reduce the output when the spacer is used.

      • To prevent this, wash the plastic spacer as directed by the maker's instructions.

      • This is usually before first use, and then about once a month with washing up liquid and water.

      • Let it dry in air without rinsing or wiping.