Hi, I'm Dr. Smith, a respiratory therapist with over 10 years of experience. I specialize in helping people manage their respiratory conditions, and I'm here to provide some guidance on using inhalers with spacers.

## Using a Spacer with Your Inhaler: A Comprehensive Guide

Inhalers are essential devices for delivering medication directly to the lungs, effectively managing conditions like asthma and COPD. However, using an inhaler correctly can be trickier than it seems. This is where spacers come in. Spacers are simple yet incredibly helpful attachments for your inhaler that make it easier to get the medication where it needs to go. Let's delve into the hows and whys of using a spacer with your inhaler.

Why Use a Spacer?

The primary goal when using an inhaler is to deliver the medicine deep into your lungs, where it can effectively work. Without a spacer, much of the medication ends up deposited in your mouth and throat, making it less effective and potentially leading to side effects. Here's how a spacer enhances your inhaler use:


1. Improved Coordination: Coordinating breathing in with pressing down on your inhaler can be challenging. Spacers act as a holding chamber for the medication, allowing you to press the inhaler and then breathe in the medicine at your own pace.

2. Enhanced Medication Delivery: Spacers help break up the medication into smaller particles, which are then suspended in the chamber. This makes it easier for you to inhale the medicine deeper into your lungs with normal breaths.

3. Reduced Side Effects: By minimizing medication deposition in the mouth and throat, spacers can help reduce side effects like oral thrush (a fungal infection), hoarseness, and bad taste.

Types of Spacers:

Spacers come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different age groups and preferences. The two main types are:


1. Standard Spacers: These are the most common type, resembling small tubes or chambers with a mouthpiece on one end and a hole on the other for attaching your inhaler.

2. Mask Spacers: Designed for young children or individuals who have difficulty using a mouthpiece, these spacers have a mask that fits over the nose and mouth, ensuring the medication is inhaled properly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Spacer:


1. Gather your supplies: Ensure you have your inhaler, spacer, and any prescribed medications readily available.

2. Attach the spacer: Firmly connect the mouthpiece of your inhaler to the designated opening on the spacer.

3. Prepare your inhaler: Shake your inhaler well for the recommended time, usually around 5-10 seconds, depending on the type of inhaler.

4. Exhale: Breathe out gently and fully to empty your lungs.

5. Position and Seal:
- For Mouthpiece Spacers: Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece, creating a seal to prevent any medication from escaping.
- For Mask Spacers: Gently place the mask over your nose and mouth, ensuring a snug fit.

6. Activate and Inhale: Press down on your inhaler once to release a single puff of medication into the spacer. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth (or through the mask if using a mask spacer).
7.
Hold Your Breath: After inhaling the medication, try to hold your breath for about 10 seconds (or as long as is comfortable). This allows the medication ample time to reach deep into your lungs.
8.
Exhale Slowly: Breathe out slowly and gently.
9.
Repeat if Needed: If your doctor has prescribed multiple puffs, wait about 30 seconds to a minute and repeat steps 4 through 8.
10.
Clean Your Spacer: Regularly cleaning your spacer is crucial to prevent bacterial build-up. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, which usually involves washing with warm soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and allowing it to air dry.

Important Considerations:

- Consult your doctor: If you have any questions or concerns about using your inhaler or spacer, please don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a respiratory therapist.
- Technique is key: Using the correct technique is crucial for effective medication delivery. Ask your healthcare provider to demonstrate the proper technique and observe you using the inhaler and spacer.
- Regular cleaning: Keeping your spacer clean is vital to prevent any build-up of medication or bacteria.

By following these steps and consulting with your healthcare provider, you can use your inhaler and spacer effectively to manage your respiratory condition and breathe easier.

read more >>

Single breath methodAssemble spacer (if necessary)Remove inhaler cap.Check dose counter (if device has one)Hold inhaler upright and shake well.Insert inhaler upright into spacer.Put mouthpiece between teeth (without biting) and close lips to form good seal.Breathe out gently, into the spacer.More items...read more >>