Weird question.. Lol

[Jezlilolme]

I just received a spacer from my doctor to use with my coriosteriod.. And I was wondering, is it okay to leave my Inhalor attached to it and use it daily and then wash everything once a week? Or should I take it apart every time I use it. Was curious what everyone does

[elanaoali]

Would like to know this one too

[Hidden]

Probably OK - BUT remember, you still need to shake the inhaler before using it the next time.

I now use Symbicort so mine are in the cupboard!

[Hay1234]

I do all the time

[risabel59]

I personally only wash occasionally but depends a bit on steroid. If it starts looking cloudy, wash. Warm water tiny bit of dish soap and really good rinse then air dry.

[emmasue in reply to risabel59]

My asthma nurse told me not to rinse. Leave the soap suds on when it dries. That way the particles don't stick to the inside of the spacer. Anyway, that i just what she recommended. I use Symbicort now so only use the spacer if I am having an attack.

[ElizabethC]

Mine's been permanently attached since New Year's day due to nasty viral infection that triggered a nasty asthma episode resulting in a hospital visit! Airways still very raw and tender so I can't take the inhaler on its own - so much better via the spacer (especially my nice shiny new one!)

In fact, with my nice shiny new one, its a bother to take it on and off all the time so much easier to leave it in place.

[risabel59]

Also if you have a virus, wash it a lot.

[steffiegirl]

Of course you can but you have to rinse out now and then.

[vrchad]

It's fine but make sure you shake your inhaler between use. No point me leaving mine attached because I have 4 different inhalers!! I'd love to be able to!!

Just beware with the washing every week tho. The last guidance from the British thoracic society says to wash once a month rather than once a week as the manufacturers say!

brit-thoracic.org.uk/docume...

It's a very interesting read for all asthmatics but the spacer advice is on page 89!!

Asthma uk give the same advice!!

asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

Once a week is old advice!! Don't wash just because it looks cloudy!! Optimal is once a month!!

Be well!!

[Hidden]

No need to wash it daily. I leave mine attached for months. When it becomes cloudy, then

wash it

[Geoff2000]

Good morning Jez - I use a spacer with my Alvesco and Fostair inhalers, have done for two years and always leave them connected. You are right about clearing them out, but I am a bit lazy and its more like a month between cleans. If emerged in boiling water the rubber ends can distort. Perhaps a sterilizer solution maybe be better.

[Superzob]

Not a weird question at all. I toyed with idea of leaving it on or removing it, then realised that, since the aero chamber has a cap, the whole thing is sealed if you replace the cap on the aero chamber. Therefore, I don't see the need to keep removing (and recapping the inhaler!) unless, of course, as others have said, you need to use more than one inhaler. Keep well.

[Jezlilolme]

Thank you all for all the great responses!