When to Use an Inhaler Spacer in Luton

A spacer is mainly used with a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) – the type that releases a measured puff when you press the canister. It can make the medicine easier to breathe into the lungs and can be particularly useful if coordinating the puff with a slow breath is difficult. Spacers are not suitable for every inhaler, so the inhaler type and spacer need to be compatible. If you are unsure when to use an inhaler spacer in Luton, a pharmacist can help you understand the medicine and device instructions, or advise when you should speak to your GP, nurse or respiratory team.

What is an inhaler spacer?

A spacer is a hollow plastic or metal chamber that fits between a compatible inhaler and your mouth. The medicine is released into the chamber first, then breathed in from the spacer. This gives you more time to inhale the dose and reduces the need to press the inhaler and breathe in at exactly the same moment.

NHS guidance for salbutamol says a spacer used with a pressurised metered-dose inhaler can make it easier to get the right amount of medicine into the lungs.

Which inhalers can be used with a spacer?

Spacers are generally designed for compatible pressurised metered-dose inhalers. These are often called pMDIs or aerosol inhalers. NICE’s current asthma guideline says a spacer should usually be prescribed for use with a metered dose inhaler, particularly in children.

That does not mean every inhaler can or should be attached to a spacer. Dry powder inhalers, breath-actuated devices and other inhaler designs work differently. Use the spacer only if it is intended for your inhaler and follow the instructions supplied with both devices.

Why can a spacer help?

• It reduces the need to coordinate pressing the inhaler with the exact start of a breath.
• It can make a pMDI easier to use for children and for some adults who struggle with technique.
• With some inhaled steroid pMDIs, NHS guidance says a spacer can reduce the risk of local side effects affecting the mouth and throat.
• It can help the medicine from a compatible pMDI reach the lungs more effectively when used correctly.

Do children need a spacer?

Spacers are particularly important in children who use metered-dose inhalers. NICE says a spacer should usually be prescribed with a metered dose inhaler, particularly in children. NHS information for steroid pMDIs also recommends spacers for children, with a face mask sometimes used for younger children who cannot reliably use a mouthpiece.

The exact device, mask and technique should be chosen for the child’s age, ability and inhaler. Parents and carers should be shown how to use the specific combination rather than relying on a generic method.

Do adults ever need a spacer?

Yes. Spacers are not only for children. An adult using a compatible pMDI may benefit from a spacer if it improves technique, if the medicine is an inhaled steroid where a spacer has been recommended, or if a clinician has advised one for another reason.

Whether you need one depends on the inhaler itself and how well you can use it. NICE recommends observing inhaler technique – including spacer use where relevant – at asthma reviews and when technique needs checking.

Why are spacers not used with every inhaler?

Different inhalers deliver medicine in different ways. A pressurised metered-dose inhaler releases an aerosol puff from a canister, whereas a dry powder inhaler relies on your own inhalation to draw powdered medicine from the device. Because of these design differences, a spacer that is made for a pMDI is not a general attachment for all inhalers.

If you are not sure what type of inhaler you have, check the label and patient leaflet or ask a pharmacist, nurse or doctor before trying to attach a spacer.

How do you use a spacer correctly?

Technique can vary with the inhaler and spacer, so the manufacturer’s instructions and your clinician’s demonstration take priority. As a general principle, NICE COPD guidance for metered-dose inhalers advises using one actuation into the spacer at a time, inhaling after each actuation with minimal delay.

• Make sure the spacer is compatible with your inhaler.
• Prepare the inhaler exactly as its instructions say before attaching it.
• Use one puff into the spacer at a time rather than firing several doses into the chamber together.
• Breathe from the spacer using the technique you have been shown for that device.
• Repeat only if another dose has been prescribed, following the device instructions.

If your asthma or breathing symptoms are not controlled, do not assume the answer is simply to use more puffs or add a spacer on your own. Poor technique, the wrong device, adherence problems or worsening respiratory disease may all need assessment.

How should a spacer be cleaned?

Cleaning instructions differ between spacer products, so follow the manufacturer’s guidance for your device. NICE COPD guidance gives specific cleaning advice for spacers used with metered-dose inhalers, including hand washing in warm water with washing-up liquid and allowing the spacer to air dry.

Do not scrub, towel-dry or clean a spacer more frequently than its instructions recommend, because static inside some plastic spacers can affect medicine delivery. Replace the spacer according to the manufacturer’s instructions or when your healthcare professional advises.

When should you ask a pharmacist or respiratory clinician?

Ask for help if you are not sure whether your inhaler can be used with a spacer, if you find coordinating your inhaler difficult, if you are unsure whether your technique is correct, or if your device has changed.

NHS guidance recommends having inhaler technique checked regularly. A pharmacist, nurse or doctor can watch how you use your inhaler and explain the correct technique for that specific device.

If you are becoming more breathless, need your reliever inhaler more often than usual, or your asthma or COPD symptoms are getting worse, seek clinical advice rather than treating the problem as a spacer issue alone.

Inhaler spacer advice in Luton

Biscot Pharmacy is an NHS community pharmacy on Biscot Road in Luton. Its current website states that the pharmacy team provides advice on medicines and everyday health. If you have a question about how your inhaler or spacer should be used, bring the device and its packaging or patient leaflet so the exact inhaler can be identified. You can view Biscot Pharmacy’s current pharmacy services in Luton or contact the pharmacy for general medicines advice. This article does not imply that a separate inhaler-technique clinic is currently offered.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a spacer with my inhaler?

Not with every inhaler. Spacers are mainly used with compatible pressurised metered-dose inhalers. NICE says a spacer should usually be prescribed with a metered-dose inhaler for asthma, particularly in children. Your device and technique should be checked individually.

Which inhalers can be used with a spacer?

Spacers are generally intended for compatible pressurised metered-dose inhalers. Dry powder inhalers and other device types work differently and should not be attached to a spacer unless their instructions specifically say so.

Why does a spacer help?

A spacer gives you more time to breathe in medicine from a pMDI and reduces the need to coordinate pressing the canister with the exact start of a breath. With some steroid pMDIs, it can also reduce local side effects in the mouth and throat.

Can adults use inhaler spacers?

Yes. Spacers are not only for children. Adults using a compatible pMDI may benefit if a spacer improves technique or has been recommended for their inhaled medicine.

How do I know whether my inhaler needs a spacer?

Check the inhaler type, patient leaflet and any instructions from your prescriber. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist, nurse or doctor to identify the device and watch your technique rather than guessing.

Disclaimer

This page provides general information and does not replace an individual inhaler review or treatment plan. Inhaler and spacer compatibility, technique and cleaning instructions vary by device. Follow the instructions supplied with your inhaler and spacer and the advice of the healthcare professional responsible for your respiratory treatment.

Biscot Pharmacy

For general medicines advice in Luton, visit Biscot Pharmacy or review its pharmacy services.