Asthma Inhalers Ireland

Spacer for Inhaler

Spacer for Inhaler

Spacer is a metal or plastic canister that has a mouthpiece and an opening for an inhaler. Nowadays there are various types of spacers, which are appropriate for various types of inhalers (including over the counter inhaler). All of them are available to the patients by doctor’s prescription. It is also possible to buy them at the drugstores. If a spacer is used by you or your child, then you can be sure, that necessary amount of the medication will get into the lungs during inhalation.

Method of Application

If you are going to use an inhaler with a spacer, so you should consult your doctor about the method of application. Children and babies, suffering from asthma symptoms, should use face masks during inhalations. Follow the steps below to use your spacer in a right way:

  1. Remove the lid. Shake the inhaler.
  2. Apply the inhaler to the edge of the spacer.
  3. Breathe deeply and slowly, until you feel good.
  4. Bring the mouthpiece to your mouth and place it between your teeth and lips. Your lips should be around the mouthpiece.
  5. Push the canister tip making a puff in order to get the drug inside your spacer.
  6. Make a slow deep breath.
  7. Get the spacer out of your lips, keep breathing through the mouth for about 10 seconds and then begin breathing through the nose.
  8. If one dose is not enough, repeat the above-mentioned actions. Do it in 30 seconds after the first dose intake.

Using Spacers by Children

  1. Give the child instructions on the process of inhalation.
  2. Remove the lid. Shake the inhaler.
  3. Apply the inhaler to the edge of the spacer.
  4. Bring the mouthpiece to the child’s mouth and place it between his teeth and lips. His lips should be around the mouthpiece.
  5. Push the canister tip making a puff in order to get the drug inside the spacer.
  6. Tell the child to make 5 breaths in and out.
  7. For taking the second dose, repeat the above-mentioned steps in 30 seconds after the first dose.

Using Spacers with Masks by Babies

You can consult a doctor, if you feel difficulty using spacers within babies. 

  1. Before making the inhalation, cradle your baby. Gently hold the baby’s hands with your hands if the baby wants to take the mask away. Smile to the baby.
  2. Remove the lid. Shake the inhaler.
  3. Apply the inhaler to the edge of the spacer.
  4. Put the mask to the baby’s mouth and nose.
  5. Push the canister tip making a puff in order to get the drug inside the inhaler.
  6. Wait for 10 seconds.
  7. In order to take one more dose, repeat the above-mentioned steps in 30 seconds after the first dose.
  8. After the inhalation clean up the baby’s face.

Washing a Spacer

  1. Take the spacer apart into pieces.
  2. Wash the spacer pieces in soapy water.
  3. Don’t scratch the spacer pieces inside, not to damage it.
  4. Dry the spacer in the air.
  5. Assemble the dry spacer pieces together.
  6. Clear the mouthpiece from the soap layer before using.

Spacer Types

There are several various types of spacers. They can be appropriate to different inhalers. They can be released on the doctor’s prescription. They are the spacers, such as Compact Space Chamber plus, Able Spacer, Volumatic, Space Chamber plus and AeroChamber.

Storage Method

Keeping a spacer in a plastic container may cause the occurrence of statics inside it. It may diminish the asthma medication’s effect. You should store your spacer in a clean and not dusty place. While carrying the spacer in your bag, keep it in a smaller purse or pocket in order not to damage the spacer. If your child uses a spacer, let him keep it in a special small bag.

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