Replacing AeroChamber

[Difficul]

Well, after probably 2-3 years, I have just started using a new AeroChamber. My Trimbow inhaler does seem more effective as a result. Perhaps I should not have left it so long. I wonder if anyone else has noticed this.

[Karenanne61]

I was advised to take all inhalers through a spacer, so I do. They are available on prescriptio.

[peege]

Hahaha, should be available on prescription however when I requested one I had five missed calls from my practice apparently they were all respiratory and asking why I wanted one! They only had to check on my records to see I'd not had a new one for years. An unrecorded free one from PR course in 2013 and I bought one around 2019 🤬😡

[Swizzy]

I buy a new one from amazon when I need it.

[Mas117110 in reply to Swizzy]

I buy a replacement from Amazon when I need it as well. I originally had them put down as to request them as needed along with other medications. After asking for several months and it was always turned down, Went to Amazon !

[Difficul in reply to Mas117110]

Might be worth asking again if/when you have a review. I'm going to ask about prescribed ones at my next review.

[Mas117110 in reply to Difficul]

Will do but don't rate my chances of getting bone !

[purdeyspringer in reply to Mas117110]

That is terrible having to buy them on Amazon my doctor recommended I use one, and my chest specialist said always use it. What the hell is the matter with these people, obviously don't understand COPD 🙄

[Difficul]

I suspect some people get their AeroChamber on prescription and others buy from Amazon. I have written about this previously and it is clearly not an equitable situation, especially if like me the lack of clarity and the prospect of buying more delayed replacement. However, my point today is that my inhaler DEFINITELY works better with a new, clean one. As some posters have written about their inhalers becoming less effective over time, it may be worth trying a new AeroChamber before seeking a change of inhaler or increased dose of medication .

[knitter]

Get mine on prescription, although I have bought one in the past

[leo60]

I think I must have a really lovely surgery! I have 6 aerochambers on the go at one time! 1 in my handbag, one upstairs and one downstairs and three "in the wash"!! I wash them every week and get a new one every month or two. They need to be clean or the medicine sticks to the sides! xx

[Difficul in reply to leo60]

Wow!

[Patk1]

I use a baby bottle brush to clean mine then sterilise them

[Apollomycat in reply to Patk1]

I used to do that Pat and was told that it was the wrong way to clean them as you are taking the special stuff (forget what it's called) off the side of the chamber. Best way to clean them is to just soak in Luke warm soapy water for about 20 mins, then shake it, and rinse it in clean warm water and then leave to air dry.

[Danielmystar]

I get 2 a year on prescription but also buy on line does anyone know the best way to wash them ??

[Apollomycat]

You are supposed to change them about every 4 months 😊

[B0xermad]

I change mine every 6mths

[Shirazmataz]

I have been wondering about this, never been offered a replacement when having asthma checks and i forgot to ask. Mine is pretty old. I am going to mention it at follow up, so thanks for reminder Difficul!

[Biker88]

I have had the same one for about 10years and apart from regular rinsing and occasionally taking about to give it a good clean it’s still working ok

[Gummybearx]

I have been using a spacer for a few years now, since seeing the consultant who said I should use one with all my inhalers, I have clenil modulite and trimbow, and salbutamol when needed. Has definitely made a difference.

[Ratatouille]

Is your aero chamber one of the new type with the flutter valve on top ?AeroChamber plus Flow-Vu it’s called, I noticed that it works better than the original one but I am still getting a whistle from it which means you are breathing in too fast.

[Difficul in reply to Ratatouille]

Yes it seems so. I haven't had a whistle - yet!

[Apollomycat in reply to Ratatouille]

Yes you are definitely breathing in too fast, you must try to breath in slowly as it won't work properly, take care

[SuziElley]

I mean this in the kindest way, but do you wash out your your chamber regularly? Then leave to air dry. Should be done once a week to keep it sparkly and working well.

[Difficul in reply to SuziElley]

I have been washing it once a month when I start a new inhaler. So far, the new one still looks sparkly to me. I run with two so that the washed one can air dry. I also read somewhere recently that you shouldn't wash the detergent off.

[SuziElley]

I must admit to rinsing after washing….. no problems though. Don’t know what to suggest for you 😢

[Showgem]

last time I had an ‘in person’ annual review I was given a new one. I’d been using the old one since before lockdown and was told it should be renewed each year!

I think the new one does work a little better, It’s much easier to take apart than the old ones but apart from a wipe over after use I only give it a good wash when starting a new inhaler.

I may ask if I can have two next time as I find they don’t work well unless left for a day to completely dry after washing and then I would be able to rotate them.

[purdeyspringer]

I have used one for years now, it really does help, I wash the mask piece and tub over night every week, if I need a new one I just add to my prescription.

[Yeo58]

I get mine on prescription, I’m ‘allowed’ a new one once a year, again it was recommended by respiratory nurse so gp doesn’t argue

[Difficul]

Well thank you everyone for so many helpful and interesting replies.

I decided to read the instructions on my new AeroChamber plus Flow-Vu. The front piece of this new design can be removed by twisting. The instructions say to clean it once a week either by soaking for 15 minutes in a mild solution of liquid dish detergent and lukewarm clean water OR to put the parts 'face up' in the top rack of a dishwasher! There are also notes about re-assembly.

These instructions say that the AeroChamber should be replaced after 12 months.

There seems to be some agreement that, to allow for air drying, it is helpful to have two AeroChamber devices. I don't know if this means they can be retained for two years.

Where we seem to have a variety of experiences is the sourcing of the device. When I got my first inhaler, I was given an enormous spacer as part of the prescription. I was subsequently told about the AeroChamber by a respiratory nurse but told that they weren't available on the NHS. However, that conversation was 10 years ago. We may have an example of 'postcode lottery' here. However, it does seem to me that these days we should all be able to get one or two AeroChambers on our prescriptions and this could be an area for some campaigning.