Asthma - Use of spacers

Inhalation is the best way to take most asthma medications. We now know that asthma medication given through a puffer and spacer relieves asthma symptoms just as well as a nebuliser.

The benefits of using a puffer and spacer are that it is:

  • Easy to use.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Portable.
  • Easy to care for.

It is important to remember the following when using a puffer and spacer:

  • A puffer and spacer are better than using a puffer alone as more medication gets to the lungs where it is needed.
  • The number of puffs given in hospital is usually more than is given at home.
  • You and your child need to know how to use the puffer and spacer properly for the medication to work as well as it can.
  • You and your child need to know how to care for the spacer.

Large Volume Spacers

(eg Volumatic)

Large spacer

How to use your Large Volume Spacer

  1. Put together the spacer as shown in the diagram.
  2. Remove the protective cap from the puffer
  3. Shake the puffer vigorously and insert it firmly into the end of the spacer.
  4. Place the mouth piece of the spacer in your mouth, making sure that you seal your lips around it. Hold the spacer level.
  5. Press the puffer ONCE to release a dose of the medicine into the spacer. Do not remove the puffer.
  6. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply, through your mouth, 4 or 5 times (do not remove your mouth form the mouthpiece in between each breath - there is a 2 way valve system which will prevent any of the medication from escaping from the chamber).

If a second dose is needed repeat steps 5 and 6

  • Make sure this has been shown to you and that you understand it.

How to care for your spacer

The spacer should be cleaned once a week

Take the spacer to bits and wash it in warm water containing a little dishwashing detergent.

DO NOT RINSE, and allow to drip dry. Do not rub dry. 

Small Volume Spacer

(eg Aerochamber or Space Chamber)

Small spacer

How to use your Small Volume Spacer

  1. Put together spacer as shown in the diagram
  2. Remove the protective cap from the puffer
  3. Shake the puffer vigorously and insert it firmly into the end of the spacer.
  4. Place the mask over your child's face, making sure that it covers the mouth and nose. Try to get a good seal on the skin so that no air can get in. In older children you may wish to use the mouthpiece on the spacer, rather than the mask.
  5. Press the puffer once to release a dose of the medicine into the spacer. Do not remove the puffer.
  6. Allow your child to breath in and out 4 or 5 times. This usually means leaving the spacer in position for about 15-20 seconds (do not remove the mask in between each breath - there is a 2 way valve system which will prevent any of the medication from escaping from the chamber).

If further puffs are needed, repeat steps 4 - 6.

How to care for your spacer

Take the spacer to bits and wash it in warm water containing a little dishwashing detergent.

DO NOT RINSE, and allow to drip dry. Do not rub dry. 

For spacers with removable valves (eg Breath-A-Tech): ensure the 4 holes in the valve fit over the location pegs. Spare valves can be purchased from your local chemist. 

More information on asthma

Developed in consultation with the RCH department of General Medicine.  First published 2000.  Last review Oct 2005.
 

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