What does a spacer look like for an inhaler?
A spacer is a plastic tube that has a mouthpiece on one end. A person attaches the other end to their inhaler. An inhaler is a device that delivers puffs of medication for a person to breathe in. Using a spacer extends the amount of time it takes for the medication to enter the lungs.
Are there different spacers for inhalers?
There are several different brands of spacer that fit different inhalers and are available on prescription (including Volumatic, AeroChamber, Able Spacer, Space Chamber Plus, and A2A spacer). Speak to your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist about finding the right spacer for you.
How much does a MDI spacer cost?
Spacers are medical devices. Your doctor can write a prescription for one, and you can pick one up from most pharmacies. You can also buy them online, with or without a prescription. They cost between $8 and $20 depending on the model and the supplier.
Can you buy a spacer over the counter?
Spacers/VHCs are medical devices. Your doctor can write a prescription for a spacer to go with your inhaler and you will usually get the device at a pharmacy or durable medical equipment (DME) company. If you don’t have a prescription from your doctor for this device, you can buy them online.
How do you use asthma spacers?
Breathe in Slowly
- Put the spacer between your teeth and close your lips tightly around it.
- Keep your chin up.
- Start breathing in slowly through your mouth.
- Spray one puff into the spacer by pressing down on the inhaler.
- Keep breathing in slowly. Breathe as deeply as you can.
Which inhaler spacer is best?
It is better to use a small volume spacer than no spacer at all. Using the small spacer with the Metered Dose Inhaler or “puffer” inhaler gets about 60% of the inhaled medicine into the child’s lungs.
Which asthma spacer is best?
How often should spacers be replaced?
Plastic spacers should be replaced at least every 12 months but some may need changing at six months – talk to your doctor or if you have concerns, especially if you are due an annual review.
What is the difference between a spacer and a holding chamber?
A spacer does not suspend the medication, so you must still coordinate your breath to begin slightly before actuating the MDI. However, a valved holding chamber uses a one-way valve to trap and suspend particles of medication long enough to be inhaled over a period of a few seconds.
How many puffs are in a spacer?
Many times, the correct dose of your medicine will be to inhale 2 puffs. If this is what is prescribed for you, then wait one minute after the first puff, and then follow all of the steps again.