Proper cleaning of your asthma spacer (also known as a valved holding chamber) is essential to maintain its performance. Regular cleaning removes medication residue and helps reduce static electricity, which can trap medication particles inside the spacer, reducing the amount delivered to your lungs.
Why Cleaning Your Spacer is Important
🔹 Removes Residue: Medication particles naturally stick to the spacer walls over time.
🔹 Reduces Static Electricity: Static electricity inside the chamber can cause medication to cling to the walls, lowering the dosage that reaches your lungs.
🔹 Prevents Contamination: Regular cleaning helps remove dust, debris, and germs, ensuring your device remains safe to use.
Spacers made from antistatic materials are recommended, as they reduce static build-up and improve medication delivery.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions
Follow these general steps to clean your spacer or valved holding chamber. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some brands may have specific cleaning requirements.
1. Disassemble
- Take the holding chamber apart as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Remove the mouthpiece cap, soft plastic port (where the inhaler is inserted), and mask (if applicable).
- Important: Do not disassemble the valve section unless specifically instructed.
- TIP: Always remove your metered-dose inhaler (MDI) from the chamber before cleaning. Inhalers have separate cleaning guidelines and should not be soaked in water.
2. Soak
- Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent.
- Place the spacer parts in the soapy water and let them soak for about 15 minutes.
- TIP: Use a bowl that’s large enough for the spacer to be fully submerged.
3. Rinse
- Rinse all parts thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
TIP: For non-antistatic spacers, leave the soapy solution on the device and let it air dry without rinsing. This can help reduce static electricity. However, using an antistatic chamber is more effective.
4. Air Dry
- Shake off excess water from each piece.
- Place the parts on a clean, lint-free cloth or drying rack to air dry.
- TIP: Rest the chamber vertically (on its end) rather than laying it flat.
- Avoid towel drying, as it can create static electricity inside the spacer.
5. Reassemble
- Once the parts are completely dry, carefully put the spacer back together according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check that all parts fit securely and there are no cracks or damage before using the spacer again.
Cleaning Frequency
- Clean your spacer once a week if you use it daily.
- Some devices may require cleaning before first use, so always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- After recovering from a cold or respiratory infection, it’s a good idea to clean your spacer to avoid contamination.
Key Tips for Cleaning
✅ Do not use hot water or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the spacer.
✅ Do not towel-dry the chamber to prevent static build-up.
✅ Check for cracks or damage before each use. If the spacer is damaged, replace it immediately.
Conclusion
Proper cleaning ensures that your asthma spacer remains effective, delivering the correct dose of medication to your lungs. By following these simple steps and maintaining your device, you can improve your asthma management and reduce the risk of medication wastage.