A spacer device is a plastic cylinder, designed to make a metered-dose inhaler easier to use. Many people find it difficult to co-ordinate pushing down the canister of their inhaler with breathing in deeply, so a spacer device is a useful way to remedy this problem. The spacer device also helps to slow down the aerosolized particles that you breathe in, helping them to get down into the lung and giving you longer to breathe them in.

There are several different types of spacer device and they are all different, with different brands fitting different types of inhaler, so it is important to ensure you have the right spacer device that fits your inhaler.

It is important to look after your spacer device.

• You should clean it once a month with warm soapy water.
• Once washed, allow the spacer device to drip dry naturally

Advantages of using a Spacer:

• Reduce the amount of medication deposited in the throat and increase the amount of medication reaching the lungs.
• Minimize the side effects which may occur when using inhaled steroids.
• Do not require the coordinated action of puffers ("press and breathe" inhalers), hence making them easier to use.
• Are quicker and easier to use than nebulizers.
• Are inexpensive, durable and easy to clean.

To Use a Spacer:

1. Shake the inhaler well before use (3-4 shakes)
2. Remove the cap from your inhaler, and from your spacer, if it has one
3. Put the inhaler into the spacer
4. Breathe out, away from the spacer
5. Bring the spacer to your mouth, put the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it
6. Press the top of your inhaler once
7. Breathe in very slowly until you have taken a full breath. If you hear a whistle sound, you are breathing in too fast. Slowly breathe in.
8. Hold your breath for about ten seconds, and then breathe out.

If you do not feel comfortable with your inhalation device or feel uncertain, you can ask your doctor for simpler alternatives or systems with good control option. On the following pages you will find an overview of the current inhalation devices available.