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MDI Spacers
I believe most of us probably use a MDI of some sort, whether it be Albuterol, Levalbuterol, or another SABA/LABA (Bronchodilator). How many of us use a “spacer”at the end of the MDI before the medication enters our lungs? I believe in theory this is supposed to keep the medicine compact so more enters our lungs. Is this true? I for one was told to use the ribbed plastic tube that are called reservoirs that are with some nebulizer cups. Now I noticed the after awhile the medicine residue builds up on the inside of the tube, so therefore some is obviously not getting to my lungs. Many med companies sell them, Pari (Vortex). Monaghan, etc. and they are quite a bit larger than the reservoir tubes, and some state non hydrostatic. Can anyone tell me what the use, if any and if they have found one better than the other. Thank-you Better Breaths to all.
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I use a valved holding chamber which is the one your asking about by different companies. You use a spacer, which is term for any device from a simple tube to VHC's, that are between the inhaler and your mouth. It's hard to get most of medication into lungs rather than mouth without one of these.
The idea behind the holding chamber is that the reservoir holds the medication as you inhale and the valve prevents exhalation into chamber if your timing isn't correct, leaving the med for your inhale.
I haven't used just a tube, but am old enough to remember when the tubes were encouraged as an improvement on just using the inhaler.
@spider109 Like @pacathy, I use the reservoir. I prefer the Vortex because it can be taken apart & sterilized with my other equipment, but the AeroChamber seems to work the same, I just was it with hot soapy water each week. My pulmonologist supplies one or the other at each 6 month visit - beyond that the valves begin to wear and it is not as effective. I ask for a Vortex, but take whatever she has.
My kids and I used to use the spacer tube, just because that is what was available, but also noticed the medication depositing, so we were happy when the spacers came out.
As for making a difference, if I leave the chamber home when on a short trip, I notice the difference in effectiveness of my inhaler. AND, since I use Symbicort, which also contains a small does of corticosteroid, if I do it for more than a day or two, I get sores in my mouth - probably thrush.
Thank you Sue for your reply, I also will try the vortex or areochamber to see if I can tell the difference in effectiveness. I use Levalbuteral and Bevespi, both MDI’s.