Do you use a spacer with any of your ... - Asthma Community ...
Do you use a spacer with any of your inhalers? (Feel free to comment below - i.e. No - because I have dry powder inhalers - so spacer na)
Yes definitely because I get more of the medication with the spacer and less side effects.
My inhalers are powder so I don't need an inhaler.
only for the prevention inhaler, the spacer is too big to carry around for the salbutamol.
If it helps and you want to use one, you can get smaller, portable ones - the Able brand can fit the inhaler inside. Not so helpful if you're just using pockets, but it fits well in all my handbags, with room for other things I need. I think there's a collapsible one now from Able which is even smaller.
I use an Able Spacer and it's great - even fits in my tiny waist pack that I take out when I do parkrun (walking, not running!! )
my daily inhaler is a dry powder so no but I use a spacer if I have to use Ventolin, my emergency inhaler
I used to use a spacer all the time when I was on Clenil. Now I'm on a dry powder one, I only tend to use the spacer if I need Ventolin when I'm at home. (I probably should take the spacer with me when I'm out, but it's so big that it's a hassle to carry around with me because I'd need a bag for it whereas the inhaler just slips into a pocket.
I use a big one at home and a smaller one (Able or Aerochamber) when I'm out - have also just discovered Able make a collapsible one.
Oh, that's interesting. I might have to look into getting one of those. My spacer is HUGE, and I can't be bothered to lug it round with me, especially if I'm just popping out for a walk, but it would make sense to get a smaller one as it can be tricky getting enough Ventolin into my lungs if I get an acute breathing problem. I like the idea of a collapsible one, although it would have to be fairly easy to un-collapse as my brain isn't at it's brightest when I'm short of oxygen!
It makes me look like a prat. It is already difficult enough to use an inhaler discreetly so nobody sees.
I really wouldn't worry. I used to be paranoid about people noticing, but I've used my inhaler right in front of people who don't even register I'm doing it! I find that unless someone either has an inhaler themselves or a close relative who does, they don't even seem to see it!
people notice when you suck on a dry powder inhaler 😂, but I no longer care and think people vape openly so why not use an inhaler?
Yes, nice way to think of it. Why do we feel silly when people freely vape?
Both my inhalers don't have the ability to work with spacers
Yes and should have been given one a long time ago. My vocal cords are in a terrible state from years of powdered inhalers. Started using inhalers when I was in mid 20s, I'm now almost 72 yrs old...
Yes with my inhalers that I can, although I don't take my spacer with me when I go running as it's too bulky
I use the spacer due to being easy to hold, getting the medication easily, and I don't get any of the side effects.
Only Ventolin
Now on Trimbow dry powder inhaler. Also, use Bricanyl dry powder reliever.
Husband can’t use a spacer with his inhaler as it’s a Fostair inhaler with dry powder.
I have a spacer for my Flutiform 250/30 but I choose not to use it as my inhaler technique is optimal - according to my GP. 😁
I have dry powder but if I use salbutamol I use one
my inhalers are both dry powder inhalers so no need
I use fostair and apparently my technique is OK. I've never asked for one.
I use one for reliever - all my preventers are dry powder/soft mist/tablets so not needed.
I use a large spacer (Volumatic) at home and a small portable out and about that the inhaler fits into - considering getting an even smaller one as I've just discovered you can get collapsible ones. My inhaler technique is fine but you do get more in with the spacer and with tidal breathing. Also means I don't have to bother with breath hold (I can do it but I'm lazy lol - plus tidal is easier and gets more in, especially if I'm coughing).
I probably do get weird looks using a spacer but don't particularly care. 😅 I have always been vaguely worried though that someone might think my portable nebuliser (consultant-approved and used sensibly) is a vape.🤔😅
I might look into getting one then. Although my technique is OK apparently, I do feel the fostair on the roof of my mouth. 🤔👍
Yes with flutiform and ventolin not with spiriva
I have a Volumatic at home and an AeroChamber for in my handbag as they're more portable when out and about
if you use the spacer you get more of the medication in to your lungs easily
I have one but I do not use it.
No. DPI user.
I only use the spacer with the Ventolin.
yes because I find it gets to my lungs easier instead of sitting on my tongue or roof of my mouth ,
I am on Fostair 200/6 and sometimes another steroid inhaler as well. If I don’t use a small spacer, I swiftly get quite severe thrush from my tonsils downwards towards my lungs. I still get this mildly with the spacer despite all the precautions, but extremely badly without the spacer.
I feel as if I get full use of my inhaler whilst using the spacer. I couldn’t do without it
I have two one for ventolin and one for fostair find it easier to inhale slowly and deeper into my lungs .
Yes, always. It means I can get the full dose and it also helps me to breathe more slowly when using the spacer.
No because my inhalers are dry powder
Only use a Spacer with the Ventolin. But don't feel like the Ventolin helps in any way. But not been given an Alternative. Brian
I was given an Aerochamber 5 years ago and despite being sceptical that it would improve the inhalation of Fostair 200/6, I have to admit it does feel as if more of the medication gets to where it needs to be!
I use it with mysteriod inhale and salmeterol only as my salbutamol is easi breather
have to with ventalin as breathing gets difficult.
You will not get your full medication with a pressurised inhaler with out using a spacer. Dry powder one obviously does not need a spacer.
Use a spacer due to voice problems but haven't found it helpful.
Yes, with my Ventolin - I have a small spacer and use it all the time when at home.
I also have a large balloon spacer but this is used infrequently as it so large and unwieldy.
No with my Symbicort (powder) and also no with a new salbutamol powder inhaler (cheaper than Ventolin?) which I have been asked to trial from today.
Sometimes, because I also carry a Ventolin in my bag but do not use that with a spacer.
I use them for both Fostair and QVAR
Yes .My daily inhaler is a dry powder so no but I use a spacer if I have to use Ventolin.
I was given one when I was prescribed Fostair, but it fell apart within a week.
Yes, my consultant prescribed one at the same time as my first inhaler.
Only with the ventolin inhaler which is not often needed - the others are dry powder inhalers
I don't know what's going on here but, having unsubscribed from Health Unlocked some time ago, I have had 3 emails in the last hour asking me questions about Asthma medication.
I'll unsubscribe again but it's slightly worrying that my preferences re contact have somehow got lost.
I use a spacer and find that it greatly reduces the sore throat from using cortizone inhalers
no as dry powder. But wouldn’t use with ventolin inhaler
Only use one with my Qvar.. not Relvar (DPI) or salamol (an easy breathe inhaler).
Way too embarrassing and cumbersome to carry around and use in public …😬😬 even the so called small ones!
Also don’t like spacers as I work in a dusty environment and have problems with static caused by all the plastic!
😊👍
I have power inhalers so not applicable.
A spacer works well for me.
Yes, the spacer (along with other habits) helps to reduce any thrush.
No- I have a dry powder inhaler but sometimes use a spacer with blue inhaler
no as I have a dry powder inhaler
I've never used a spacer, I was prescribed one but it was too bulky to carry in a pocket at work, and now I use dry powder inhalers
My inhalers are all powder ones. I’ve just changed to a Ventolin Accuhaler and am trying it out.
If I have a flare up and feel that the accuhaler is not on top of it, I’ll use the salamol with a spacer for the 10 puffs.
I’m not happy with the salamol because I don’t feel I can judge how much is left in the inhaler - it’s so light when I shake it and of course it doesn’t have a counter. Also I’ve had a couple that have just jammed and stopped working.
I talked to my asthma nurse who asked if I wanted to try the Accuhaler which has a counter. Think it’s going alright so far, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to suck hard if my asthma is bad, so I’ll have to see. Does anyone else use the Ventolin Accuhaler?
😊
Just with my spiriva respimat as it makes me cough when expelled too quickly into my throat - it’s fine with a spacer.
I always use a spacer as my consultant has me taking Fostair 200/6 as MART. I have to use a lot of additional asthma medications. I also have a lot of prescribed medications for other ailments.
Yes, the aerochamber. Easier at home and it's large to stick in a pocket or bag like others have commented, so thanks to those who've mentioned this and I will look at smaller/other ones. I wonder about how clean I can keep it, moving it from bag to bag.
I was told my technique was poor by one nurse, who really told me off after decades of being told I had a good technique, so I must use one, and was put off the whole process, meds and felt anxious about getting it all wrong (and of a sudden). Then I was told I must wash the spacer very frequently, which was and is a real faff as I was (often am) unwell, and was concerned it was cloudy etc. No dishwasher. The rubber seal was tough to remove and fit back and hard water meant it looked cloudy anyway. I seemed to collect a few so I always had one to hand or to replace as and when. It would be helpful to have more of a regular check to see if I need to continue/throw away etc I suppose like an asthma review (which I'm overdue). It's actually a helpful physical reminder to take it as it's larger and I spot it lying there!
It's sometimes hard to keep up with what I should take and when or how and I am aware my compliance is affected.
I use a spacer for my Ventolin, all my other inhalers are dry powder. Will look into buying the collapsible Able spacer, thanks to everyone who has mentioned it. 😀
Yes, I use an aero chamber with my fostair inhaler. The aero chamber is still cumbersome when going out even though its smaller than the last one I had. But it is also medicine /inhaler unfriendly due to the fact the inhaler needs to be re-attached each time you need to use the chamber. I have found the cap off the inhale keeps coming off and then the cap also eventually comes off the aero chamber which then allows bits into it so I end up inhaling tiny bits of crumbs or dirt or dust ! :/ I have also found that quite a bit if my medicine sticks to the inside of the chamber after a few uses. This means I'm not getting a full dose, i fear. 
The care information of the aero chamber is not helpful and I'm only allowed one chamber to be prescribed per year ! Not helpful. I would likenone that is easier to maintain and have 2 prescribed per year so i can wash one , let it dry naturally and use the other one . I may even need 3 Chambers one for use at home, one to use when washing the other, and one for when I go out. I would really like a collapsible chamber but this has not been offered to me Didn't know that type of chamber existed .
no was told not to for trimbo
Yes, I use a spacer device with my inhaler but I am extremely disappointed to have a spacer device that does not have a cap or bung at each end . Because there is a cap on one end the other end is open and then bits of debris can get in. I end up eventually inhaling some sort of foreign body ! This is feels so unsafe and even dangerous ! Please can we have a spacer device with a cap or bung at both ends ? 🙏 Thank you 🙂 Also I would prefer a spacer device that is collapsable so I can put into a pocket instead of having to carry a large bag around . Many thanks to anyone who can invent such a device. 😊
I use a spacer with my seretide 250 and my ventolin inhalers. I use an an aerochamber which I have to carry everywhere. I have never heard of the very small ones before. Would be interested in finding more about them name size are they available on prescription etc. Thanks.
yes for my Ventolin it’s easier to use
Yes, I do use one occasionally. I am lazy and quite often choose not to. My annual review with the Asthma Nurse at the GPs will no doubt remind me of the importance of using a spacer.
I discovered several years ago how much more efficient salbutamol (Ventolin) was when used with a spacer. I was converted then. I also use it as it is supposed to reduce risk of oral thrush.
Thanks so much for all you responses so far - really insightful!.
Just for information, 'Rightbreathe' rightbreathe.com/ is a really helpful website/app for looking at what spacers are available, you can also select the inhaler you are prescribed and it will give you a list of compatible spacers.
I use a spacer with clenil modulate and I find it much better no side effects .
Yes for 2of them but cicleside is a round mouthpiece
Only for the preventative inhaler
Only when using Salamol as Relvar Ellipta and Incruse are obviously dry powder inhalers.
I use Symbicort 400 dry powder inhaler
Used to but now I'm all-powder!
Used to use a spacer when I was on Clenil and I liked it. Now they have put me on the powdered versions of beclometasone and salbutamol "to save the planet from CFCs".
Yes I do with my Fostair, but not Spiriva Respimate. Fostair or Ventolin no if out, but will look into a smaller portable one. Thank you Lysistrata for sharing this information.
I have a powder inhaler and use a Ventolin inhaler always with a spacer as a reliever.