All Asthma and COPD Patients Should be Using a Spacer with Their Inhalers, Are You?

What is a Spacer?

A spacer is a hand-held, portable valved holding chamber (VHC), that is placed between a metered dose inhaler (pMDI, or “puffer”) and the user’s mouth, to function as a reservoir from which an aerosol medication is dispensed to minimize delivery of large aerolsilised particles.

Why Should I Use a Spacer?

The World Health Organisation recommends inhalers should be used with a spacer device as you may have difficulty coordinating the release of medication with inhalation, making it less effective.

According to the Lung Foundation Australia, using a spacer with your puffer to help improve delivery of the medication into your airways is critical to ensure you get the most benefit from your medication.

One of the significant weaknesses of pMDI devices is their tendency to be used sub-optimally or incorrectly.

MDI Alone	MDI with Spacer Device

Less drug delivered to the lower airways More drug is deposited in the mouth and throat	Reduces the requirement to coordinate inhalation with actuation Increases lung deposition of medication Reduces likelihood of adverse effects to the mouth and throat

How is the oapl Spacer Different?

The oapl Space Chamber contains a one-way valve behind the mouthpiece which is based on Cross Valve Technology™.

This technology features a robust designed valve that works effectively when the spacer is held at different angles, ensuring a very low resistance when inhaling your medication. This also allows you to easily breathe out through the chamber as it prevents exhaled breath from re-entering the spacer.

	oapl Spacer & Mask Combo packs	oapl Universal Spacer

Easy cleaning and convenience Boiling and dishwasher safe	✔	✔
Safe for at home everyday use	✔	✔
Fits most pMDI	✔	✔
Fits most face masks Including the Breath-A-Tech face masks	✔	✔
Convenient value packs Cheaper to purchase than purchasing the spacer and mask separately	✔

How do I Care for My Spacer?

It is recommended to clean the Space Chamber once a month, and to store it in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Before using the device for the first time or after dishwashing, it will need to be primed.

To disassemble the spacer, remove the base by placing your thumb in the hole, then pull and twist at the same time. There is no need to dismantle the mouthpiece.

How do I Prime My Spacer?

1	To prime the device, immerse in warm water with mild liquid detergent.
2	Shake off excess liquid.
3	Do not rinse and allow to air dry as this can cause static electricity which traps the medicine in the device and not enter the lungs.
4	The device is now ready to use.

How do I Clean My Spacer?

Method 1:

1	The device can be cleaned in a dishwasher (up to 12 cycles) but must be primed again
2	Place the base and spacer on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Position the base flat
3	Place the spacer in an upright position in the dishwasher, with the mouthpiece facing up

Method 2:

Hand wash both parts in warm water with a mild liquid detergent.

Do not rinse. By not rinsing, static electricity in the device will be minimized.

Static electricity causes the medicine to get trapped in the device and not enter the lungs.

Shake off excess water and allow both parts to dry in a vertical position

Do not rub dry.

How do I Assemble My Spacer?

Firmly replace base once the device is dry.

Where Can I Purchase the oapl Spacer?

The oapl Spacers can be purchased online or at your local Chemist Warehouse.