Spacers

What is a spacer?

A spacer is a plastic container, usually in two halves that click together. At one end there is a mask or mouth-piece and at other end the asthma inhaler is inserted. Sometimes spacers are referred to as a "Volumatic", which is one type of spacer.

There are several different brands of spacer, which fit different inhalers and some are available on prescription from your doctor.

Spacers are important because:

• They make aerosol inhalers easier to use and more effective.
• You will get more of the asthma medicine into your lungs than by just using the inhaler on its own. 

How do I use the spacer?

 Spacers only work with an aerosol inhaler and come in different shapes and sizes - if you have one of these your doctor or nurse will show you how it works by going through the following steps with you:

 When you first get the spacer, wash it in warm soapy water, rinse and leave it to dry.

1. Fit the mask onto the spacer if necessary.
2. Shake the inhaler well.
3. Fit the inhaler into the opening at the end of the spacer.
4. Place mouth piece in mouth.
5. Press the inhaler once and breathe in for a slow count of ten.(Your doctor or nurse will tell you how many puffs are needed.Always check with them if you are not sure.)
6. Remove inhaler and shake again.

Repeat steps 2 to 6 for each dose of medicine. 

Click here to watch the Asthma Society Online Video on How to use a Child's Spacer

Remember

Only put one puff of medicine into the spacer at a time. If you put in more than one puff, the droplets of spray stick together and coat the sides of the spacer. 

All spacers are available at cost price, plus postage and packaging from the Asthma Society of Ireland. Call 01 8178886 for more information or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).