Understanding Spacers for Asthma and COPD Treatment

Spacers are devices used with pressurized metered-dose inhalers to help deliver medication more effectively to the lungs. They hold the medication released by the inhaler, allowing the user to inhale it slowly and deeply.

Spacers FAQ

Image credit: homedepot.com

What is a spacer & how does it work?

What is a spacer? yA spacer is a clear, plastic tube that holds your inhaled medicine, so you can breathe it into your lungs without having to coordinate your breath with activating your pressurised metered- dose inhaler (pMDI)1,2

What does spacer mean?

SPACER definition: 1. a device used to keep two things apart: 2. a large empty tube that attaches to an inhaler (= a…. Learn more.

What is a spacer in a medicine inhaler?

Spacers are empty tubes that are usually made from plastic. You slot your inhaler into one end of the spacer and breathe the medicine in through the other end. They help you get the best from your medicine if you use a metered dose inhaler (MDI).

What are the different types of spacer devices?

There are several brands of spacer device available and they are all different (including Volumatic, Optichamber and Aerochamber). Each spacer device fits different inhalers so it is important to get the right spacer device that fits your inhaler. The inhaler mouthpiece must fit snugly into the spacer hole. Spacers are available on prescription.

Why do I need a spacer?

Why use a spacer? Spacers are important as they help get the medicine in to your child’s lungs more effectively than using the inhaler on its own. They stop the medicine from sticking to the back of the mouth, reducing the risk of thrush (a fungal infection that can occur in the mouth) and sores.

What is a large volume spacer?

4,5 A "Large Volume Spacer" is shaped like a cone and has a slightly larger volume to collect medication. In this type of spacer, the medicine can exist statically before inhalation, allowing it to be breathed in evenly over multiple breaths. 4,5 There are also spin-off brands of spacers.

What are common problems with a spacer inhaler?

Common Problems: Not standing, sitting or holding the inhaler upright. Not shaking the inhaler before using it and in-between doses. Not breathing in soon enough after pressing the inhaler and the medication falls to the bottom of the spacer. Not holding your breath long enough after inhaling from the spacer.