A spacer or valved holding chamber is an accessory designed to improve the delivery of medication from an inhaler, puffer, or pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI). These devices help ensure the medication reaches the lungs, where it is most needed.

Spacer vs. Valved Holding Chamber

🔹 A spacer is a simple tube-like device that connects to the mouthpiece of an inhaler, guiding medication towards your mouth and lungs.
🔹 A valved holding chamber is a more advanced spacer that includes valves to hold the medication inside for a short time, releasing it only when you inhale.

Valved holding chambers are particularly helpful for children and for people using inhaled corticosteroids (steroids), as they improve the accuracy and efficiency of medication delivery.

Why Use a Spacer or Valved Holding Chamber with an Inhaler?

Using an inhaler alone can be challenging because you need to press the canister and inhale at the same time. A spacer or valved holding chamber makes it easier to inhale the medication correctly, offering several benefits:

✅ Reduces Side Effects
By minimizing the amount of medication that settles in your mouth and throat, spacers help lower the risk of side effects like irritation or infections.

✅ Enhances Drug Delivery
When used correctly, a valved holding chamber can improve medication delivery to the lungs by up to 4 times, compared to using an inhaler on its own.

✅ Simplifies Coordination
Spacers and valved holding chambers eliminate the need to coordinate pressing the inhaler and breathing in simultaneously, making it much easier to use an inhaler effectively.

Should You Use a Facemask or Mouthpiece?

The choice between a facemask and a mouthpiece depends on the user’s age and ability to use the device correctly:

👶 For Babies and Young Children:
Babies and children who cannot use the mouthpiece should use a facemask. It’s important to ensure that the mask fits snugly on the face to ensure they get the correct dose of medication.

👦 For Older Children and Adults:
If the child can close their lips tightly around the mouthpiece and take a slow, deep breath, they can use a mouthpiece instead of a facemask. Children who struggle with this should continue using a facemask.

Key Takeaways

• Spacers are simple tube-like devices that guide medication from an inhaler to your lungs.
• Valved holding chambers contain valves to hold medication temporarily, improving drug delivery to the lungs.
• These devices reduce side effects and improve treatment effectiveness.
• Facemasks are ideal for young children, while mouthpieces work best for older children and adults who can breathe in slowly and deeply.

Using a spacer or valved holding chamber can make your asthma or COPD treatment more effective and help ensure you’re getting the most out of your medication.