Is my spacer working?

[Jingjong]

hi, I’m fairly new to all this. I have been using a vu plus spacer with my inhalers and previously it always made that honking noise when I inhaled too hard. However, yesterday it stopped doing that. I can breathe in as hard as I like it seems and it doesn’t make the noise, and it also feels different - like the rubbery mouthpiece thing sucks against my face when I breathe in which it didn’t do before, just feels different not as natural, harder to breathe in it.

the only change was that I put it in a plastic sealed bag in anither bag yesterday to go out, but then I forgot to take the bag. The plastic bag though was sealed so it kind of went a bit balloon like as had air trapped inside when I pushed it into the larger bag. Was wondering if could have damaged it

I also haven’t washed it as it says you can wash in teh top of dishwasher but I’ve been a bit apprehensive especially the rubber mouth piece so wondering if anyone has any experience,

when I breathe in it the little blue indicator plastic seems to move one way and the other inhaling and exhaling,

sorry for the questions would really appreciate some help.

thanks

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I can't comment on exactly what happened here, but maybe try handwashing it and leaving it to dry? They do need regular washing or they work less well. See if that helps.

Also, how long have you had this one? It may need replacing if it's really old.

This page may help: asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale....

[Danielmystar]

I use same type of spacer if it makes a honking noise it means your breathing to hard its not meant to make a noise as for the little thing that moves its meant to do that but the noise is letting you know your breathing to hard I hand wash mine in washing up liquid only a tiny bit then leave it to dry

[Jingjong in reply to Danielmystar]

hi thanks yeah it’s just that it’s stopped making the honking noise. It used to if i inhaled too hard but now makes no noise no matter how hard I breathe

[Danielmystar in reply to Jingjong]

Maybe try washing it in warm water I allways keep a spare one for when one gets washed take it apart and wash in warm see if it helps

[Itswonderful in reply to Jingjong]

request a new one from GP? I think they might be available from a pharmacy too? It sounds like you have lost confidence in it so you may never feel it’s working properly now.

[CDPO16]

Maybe ask for a replacement on prescription and have a fresh start.

[Boswell08]

It happened to mine, the noise was gone, it was because the little black rectangle thing that makes the noise at the back of the spacer was inserted backwards, you just need to remove it, turn it the other way, and re-insert it.

[Patk1]

I'd wash it.i use a baby's bottle brush,in hot soapy water,rinse+ leave to air dry