How to Choose the Right Device for Asthma Management
Using a metered dose inhaler (MDI) can feel like trying to hit a moving target. Timing your breath perfectly while pressing a device to inhale an aerosol medication at just the right moment can be difficult. It is rare for most people to achieve perfect or near perfect timing all the time, especially if you are short of breath. This coordination challenge affects many people with pulmonary conditions like asthma and COPD who rely on these inhalers for daily medication delivery.
Common problems with MDIs without a chamber/spacer include:
- Perfect coordination between pressing the inhaler and inhaling at the same time is needed but difficult to achieve.
- Medication is released rapidly from MDIs often resulting in deposition in the mouth and throat instead of reaching the lungs
These issues can reduce treatment effectiveness and increase side effects. Spacers and Valved Holding Chambers (VHCs) were developed to address these exact problems, making inhaler therapy more effective and easier to use.
The choice between a spacer vs chamber isn’t just about personal preference – it may impact your treatment outcomes. While both devices seem to serve similar purposes, important differences exist in their design, functionality, and clinical benefits. Understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed decision about which device will work best for you.
It’s important to understand the key differences between spacers and chambers, know the benefits of each, and how to choose the right device for optimal asthma management. These inhaler assistance devices can significantly improve medication delivery, and that’s why we continue to innovate as a leading manufacturer in this space.
What Are Spacers and Valved Holding Chambers (VHCs)?
Though these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference in the functionality of both. Spacers are add-on devices that attach directly to metered-dose inhalers, creating a “space” between the inhaler mouthpiece and your mouth. This simple design allows the high-velocity aerosol spray to slow down making it easier to inhale into the lungs. Think of a spacer as a tunnel that can contain aerosol for a short period of time. Some coordination of inhalation with actuation is still needed to ensure adequate dosing.
The basic function of spacer devices involves reducing the speed of medication particles as they leave the MDI. When you press the inhaler, the medication travels into the spacer instead of directly into your mouth. However, spacers have no valve systems to protect the aerosol from escaping. Meaning once the medication is released, to ensure you don’t lose any, you need to inhale right away. If you exhale through the chamber or wait too long, the medication available to you can be lost.
Valved Holding Chambers are more advanced and are equipped with one-way inhalation valves. These breathing chamber devices hold the aerosol medication inside the chamber, preventing it from escaping until you are ready to inhale it. The valve system allows you to take multiple breaths from a single puff, making it especially helpful for children, elderly patients, or anyone who struggles with inhaler coordination.
When comparing spacer vs chamber functionality, valved holding chambers offer several advantages over basic spacers. The one-way valve prevents exhaled breath from entering the chamber, which could otherwise disperse the medication. This feature also allows patients to take slower, deeper breaths without worrying about losing medication through exhalation.
Valved Holding Chambers (VHCs) vs. Basic Spacers
Feature comparison of Basic Spacers and Valved Holding Chambers (VHCs).
| Feature | Basic Spacers | Valved Holding Chambers (VHCs) |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple tube attachment | Advanced design with one-way valves |
| Breathing flexibility | Single breath required | Single or multiple breaths (as needed) |
| Medication retention | Varies | Enhanced with anti-static properties |
| Exhalation protection | None | Prevents medication loss through exhalation |
| Ideal for | Coordinated adult patients | Children, elderly, coordination difficulties |
The AEROCHAMBER® brand of VHCs incorporates anti-static properties into the chamber and are not coatings that can wash off. Antistatic chambers reduce the amount of medication that sticks on the walls of the chamber, ensuring more medicine is available for you to inhale. Monaghan Medical and its affiliates have been at the forefront of developing these advanced features, using their state-of-the-art aerosol research laboratory to create clinically validated devices.
VHCs are FDA-approved medical devices that require a prescription for use in the United States. Healthcare providers typically recommend them based on individual patient needs, medication types, and coordination abilities.
Why Use a VHC over a Spacer?
The primary benefit of using spacers or chambers is to improve medication delivery to the lungs and reduce systemic side effects caused by impaction in the mouth and throat. Research shows Valved Holding Chambers can increase lung deposition by two to four times compared to using an MDI alone. This improvement means patients receive more therapeutic benefit from each puff, potentially reducing the need for higher doses or additional medications.
- Improved medication delivery to lungs
- Reduced medication deposition in mouth and throat
- Minimized side effects from upper airway impaction
- Enhanced coordination forgiveness for timing difficulties
- Better medication administration during acute symptoms
- Improved treatment compliance and adherence
VHCs significantly reduce medication deposition in the mouth and throat, which is particularly important for patients using inhaled corticosteroids. When these preventive medications impact in the mouth or throat, they can cause side effects like thrush, hoarseness, or throat irritation. Acidic medication ingredients in inhalers can damage tooth enamel along with creating a dry mouth which increases exposure to oral bacteria. By ensuring more medication reaches the lungs and less remains in the mouth, chambers help minimize these unwanted effects.
Coordination difficulties represent a major challenge for many inhaler users. The spacer vs chamber debate often centers on which device better addresses timing issues between pressing the inhaler and breathing in. Both devices allow for slower, more controlled inhalation, but VHCs with their valve systems provide additional time for proper breath coordination.
For patients experiencing active asthma symptoms, using inhaler assistance devices makes medication administration much easier. During breathing difficulties, it may be hard to coordinate the rapid, deep inhalation required for effective MDI use. Chambers allow for gentler, more natural breathing patterns while still delivering medication effectively. Spacers, without a protective one-way valve, would allow the aerosol medication to escape making it unavailable for you to inhale.
The asthma chamber comparison between different devices often highlights how specific features benefit different patient populations. For example, The AEROCHAMBER PLUS® FLOW-VU® aVHC includes an audible FLOWSIGNAL® Whistle sounds when patients are inhaling too fast, helping them adjust their technique.
Feature comparison of AEROCHAMBER PLUS® FLOW-VU® and Spacers:
Feature comparison of AeroChamber Plus Flow-Vu aVHC and Spacers.
| Device Feature | AEROCHAMBER PLUS® FLOW-VU® aVHC | Spacers |
|---|---|---|
| Visual breathing indicator | Yes (FLOW-VU® Indicator) | No |
| Anti-static properties | Yes | No |
| Valve system | One-way valve | No |
| Ideal patient type | Anyone | Well-coordinated adults |
Valved Holding Chambers enhance overall treatment compliance by making inhalers easier and more comfortable to use. When patients experience better symptom control with fewer side effects, they may be more likely to maintain their prescribed treatment regimen. This improved adherence may also lead to better long-term asthma management and reduced healthcare costs.
Who Should Use a Spacer or VHC?
Healthcare providers recommend spacers and VHCs for anyone using metered dose inhalers, regardless of age or coordination ability. However, certain groups benefit more from these devices due to specific challenges they face with standard inhaler use.
Primary Beneficiaries:
- Young children (especially under 5 years)
- Anyone with coordination difficulties
- Individuals taking inhaled corticosteroids
- Patients using quick-relief medications during attacks
Specific Populations:
- Adults and children with special physical or cognitive needs
- Elderly people with dexterity challenges
- Patients with arthritis or neurological conditions
Inhaler users may benefit from using a valved holding chamber, but young children represent the primary beneficiaries of these devices, often requiring chambers with facemask attachments. Children under five typically lack the ability to follow directions and coordinate inhalation with actuation. The spacer vs chamber choice for pediatric patients favors VHCs because the valve system allows children to breathe naturally without losing medication between breaths.
People with coordination difficulties, including those with arthritis, neurological conditions, or cognitive impairments, may find these devices essential for effective medication delivery. Chambers may help overcome imperfect technique to help deliver medication more effectively to the lungs. These types of users may also benefit from use of a chamber with a facemask attachment if they find it difficult to create a seal around the mouthpiece.
Individuals taking inhaled corticosteroids can consider using a VHC to reduce oral deposition and prevent systemic side effects. These preventive medications are typically used daily, making it crucial to minimize impact in the mouth and throat, while optimizing lung delivery. The asthma chamber options available today include features specifically designed to address these needs.
Patients who rely on quick-relief medications during attacks may particularly benefit from breathing chamber devices. During acute episodes, coordination becomes even more challenging, and the ability to take multiple breaths from a single puff can be life-saving. The valve system in VHCs ensures that medication remains available even if the first breath isn’t perfect.
Individuals who aren’t able create a seal over a mouthpiece or follow directions for use could benefit from using a chamber with a mask for more effective treatment. The inhaler assistance devices available from Monaghan Medical accommodate various mask sizes to fit a wide range of face shapes.
Conclusion
Spacers and valved holding chambers have improved inhaler therapy by addressing the fundamental challenges of metered dose inhaler use. These devices improve medication delivery to the lungs, reduce unwanted side effects, and make inhaler therapy accessible to patients who struggle with coordination. While both devices offer substantial benefits, VHCs with their valve systems and anti-static properties provide enhanced advantages for many patients.
The choice between different devices depends on individual patient needs, age, coordination abilities, and specific medications being used.
| Patient Factor | Recommended Device Type | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Age 0–5 years | VHC with facemask | Valve system essential; supports natural breathing |
| Age 6–12 years | VHC with mouthpiece | Visual/sound indicators helpful; coordination still developing |
| Adults with good coordination | VHC or spacer | Consider inhaler cost and medication type |
| Coordination difficulties | Anti-static VHC | Multiple-breath capability; enhanced delivery |
| Children/adults with cognitive issues or facial paralysis | VHC with facemask | Emergency accessibility; ease of use; avoids medication loss during rapid breathing |
Monaghan Medical and its affiliates stand at the forefront of this field, developing clinically proven valved holding chambers that represent the latest in respiratory therapy innovation. Our commitment to research and development, backed by advanced aerosol research capabilities, ensures that patients have access to the most effective inhaler accessory devices available.
The right chamber device can improve your asthma management experience, turning a challenging daily routine into a simple, effective treatment process. By ensuring that each puff delivers the intended therapeutic dose with minimal side effects, our chambers can help patients achieve better symptom control and improved quality of life.
For optimal results, work with your healthcare provider to determine which asthma device comparison factors matter most for your situation. Consider your coordination abilities, age, specific medications, and lifestyle needs when making this important decision. With the right device and proper technique, you can maximize the effectiveness of your inhaler therapy and take control of your respiratory health.
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
For questions about the clinical references, therapeutic claims, or product usage described herein, please contact Monaghan Medical Corporation.
