How are spacer inhalers administered?
The spacer connects to the inhaler mouthpiece, and the medicine goes into the spacer tube first. This allows you to breathe in the medicine more easily. Using a spacer wastes a lot less medicine than spraying the medicine directly into your mouth.
How do you administer MDI with spacers?
Put the end of the spacer into your mouth, between your teeth and above your tongue. Close your lips around the spacer. Press down on the inhaler to release the spray, and begin to breathe in through your mouth. Breathe in deeply and slowly (for about 5 seconds) to pull the medicine deep into your lungs.
How frequently should spacer devices designed to be used with inhalers be cleaned?
Spacers should be cleaned at least once a month; otherwise their performance is adversely affected. They should be washed in warm, soapy water and allowed to dry naturally in the air.
Should you use a spacer with Ventolin?
Incorrect technique can leave some of the particles from the medicine on your tongue or throat, where it is useless. Inhalers spray the medicine out so that you can breathe it deep into the lungs. A spacer, or holding chamber, is an attachment that should always be used with your inhaler.
How do you use an adult spacer and inhaler mask?
Put your inhaler into the hole at the back of the spacer with the indent for the nose on the mask facing upwards. Breathe out gently and slowly away from the inhaler and spacer until your lungs feel empty and you feel ready to breathe in. Put the mask on your face to make a tight seal over your nose and mouth.
What is a Ventolin spacer?
A spacer is a holding chamber shaped like a football or tube. It makes it easier to take asthma or COPD medication from the type of puffer called an MDI (metered dose inhaler).
How do adults use an inhaler with spacers?
Check that there’s nothing inside the inhaler mouthpiece. Shake the inhaler well. Put your inhaler into the hole at the back of the spacer with the indent for the nose on the mask facing upwards. Breathe out gently and slowly away from the inhaler and spacer until your lungs feel empty and you feel ready to breathe in.
What steps should the nurse include when reviewing the use of MDI with a spacer with the child?
Place the mouthpiece of the MDI into the soft rubber ring at the open end of the spacer and make sure the MDI is pointing upwards. Place the spacer mouthpiece between your child’s lips. Press down on the MDI canister to release the medicine into the spacer. Then have your child breathe in slowly and deeply.
How do you clean a spacer chamber?
Tips for cleaning your spacer
- Take your spacer apart and gently clean it with warm water and a detergent, such as washing-up liquid.
- Only a small number of brands of spacer are dishwasher safe, so check the instructions on the label.
- Use warm water instead of boiling water, as boiling water may damage the spacer.
How do you know when Ventolin inhaler is empty?
A full canister is heavy and either sinks or floats with its top pointing down in the water. A half-full canister is less heavy and floats at a 45 degree angle with the surface of the water. An empty canister is light and floats nearly horizontal with the surface of the water.
Do adults need to use a spacer with an inhaler?
It is important for everyone to use a spacer each time they use their inhaler. A spacer is an attachment that fits onto the end of your inhaler. If you use your inhaler without a spacer, then most of the medicine ends up inside your mouth or stomach, instead of your lungs, where it works best.