A spacer refers to all types of extension add-on devices used for holding medication in suspension until inhaled by the user. A holding chamber, such as the AeroChamber, has a one-way valve on one end to insert a metered dose inhaler, and a mouthpiece to inhale the medication on the other end. This process reduces the loss of the medication into the air resulting from poor hand-breath coordination. Monaghan Medical Corporation manufactures the AeroChamber.
Indications
The AeroChamber provides an effective method for delivering medication to infants, children and adults who are not able to coordinate releasing the medication while taking a breath. This process minimizes the loss of medication, thereby guaranteeing that some, if not all, of the medication reaches the lungs. The AeroChamber accommodates a mouthpiece or a mask. According to National Jewish Health, using an AeroChamber increases the effectiveness of medication and is portable enough to use in any locale, making it an efficient and convenient method of delivering an inhalation treatment.
Cost
Most pharmacies sell the AeroChamber, usually with a metered dose inhaler prescription. Costs range from $13 to $35, depending on the size and model. There are 13 holding chambers manufactured and made available to consumers, ranging from small to large, with either a mouthpiece or mask. They include the FlowVu, ComfortSeal, Z Stat and Plus models.
Assembly and Use
The AeroChamber consists of a cylindrical tube approximately 2 inches in diameter by 5 inches long with a mouthpiece or mask at one end and a flexible rubber sealed holding valve at the other. The AeroChamber comes assembled with a mouthpiece cap tethered to one end. To use the AeroChamber, a metered dose inhaler is inserted into the holding valve at one end while the mouthpiece is placed between the teeth. Depressing the metered dose inhaler releases medication into the holding chamber, suspending it for a few seconds until the user inhales the medication.
Advantages
The advantages of using the AeroChamber include reduced rainout of medication in the mouth, increased drug deposition in the lungs and ease of use by children and adults. Another advantage is there is no drug preparation required and it simplifies coordination of actuating the metered dose inhaler and breathing in the medication.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages are that the AeroChamber is large and bulky compared to the metered dose inhaler alone. There is an additional cost over the metered dose inhaler alone. Waiting too long to inhale the medication can lead to a lost treatment, as well as releasing too many puffs into the chamber can cause an overdose of the medication. Another disadvantage is possible contamination of the AeroChamber by not cleaning it after each use.
