Proper medication delivery through metered dose inhalers can be surprisingly difficult for many people with lung conditions like asthma or COPD. Valved Holding Chambers attach to your inhaler and capture the aerosol spray when it’s released, giving you more time to control the inhalation of medication into your lungs.
The coordination required between pressing the inhaler and breathing in at exactly the right moment can be difficult, which is why holding the medication suspended in a chamber until you’re ready to inhale, is helpful. The built-in one-way valve is very important as it contains the medication spray from the inhaler inside the chamber and releases the medication only when you inhale. This prevents medication waste and improves treatment effectiveness.
We’ve prepared this comprehensive guide to share everything you need to know about Valved Holding Chambers. You’ll discover how these devices can improve your respiratory treatment, learn proper usage techniques, explore different types and features, and understand the importance of proper maintenance – practical insights that can make a real difference in managing respiratory conditions.
What Is a Valved Holding Chamber (VHC)?
A Valved Holding Chamber is a medical accessory designed to work with metered dose inhalers, temporarily storing the medication after it’s released and before you breathe it in. The AEROCHAMBER PLUS® FLOW-VU® VHCs can also be used with soft mist inhalers. The key feature that sets these devices apart from traditional spacers is the one-way inhalation valve mechanism. This valve allows the aerosol medication to enter the chamber and be held there but prevents it from escaping when you exhale.
The chamber creates a holding space where the medication can slow down and remain suspended until you’re ready to inhale. This design gives you more control over when and how you breathe in your medication. Unlike simple tube spacers, a Valved Holding Chamber maintains the aerosol cloud for several seconds, allowing for a more relaxed, natural breathing pattern.
The one-way valve system works by opening when you inhale and closing when you exhale and/or when there’s no airflow. This mechanism prevents the loss of medication that would otherwise escape into the surrounding air. The result is more efficient medication delivery to your lungs and less waste of expensive prescriptions.
Why Use a Valved Holding Chamber?
Research shows that using a Valved Holding Chamber can greatly increase lung deposition of medication compared to using an inhaler alone. This dramatic improvement occurs because the chamber allows medication particles to slow down, break up into smaller particles and reduces the amount that gets trapped in your mouth and throat. Better lung delivery means you get more benefit from each dose of medication.
Key benefits of using a Valved Holding Chamber include:
- Helps deliver medication to the lungs better than inhaler alone
- Eliminates the need for exact coordination between pressing the inhaler and breathing in the medication
- Reduces medication deposition in the mouth and throat, which lowers the incidence of side effects like thrush or hoarseness
- Helps prevent the risk of tooth decay
- Helps prevent coughing from medication hitting the throat too quickly
- Particularly helpful for children, elderly patients, and those with dexterity issues
- Makes treatment more effective and easier during asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations (sometimes called lung attacks or flare ups)
Many patients struggle to press and inhale at the same time, especially when breathing is hard during respiratory distress. Children, elderly patients, and those with arthritis or other conditions that affect dexterity find these devices particularly helpful for maintaining their treatment regimen.
When medication settles in your mouth and throat instead of reaching your lungs, it can cause irritation and fungal infections (called ‘thrush’). A Valved Holding Chamber directs more medication to where it’s needed while minimizing these unwanted effects.
These devices also help prevent coughing that can occur when medication hits the back of your throat too quickly. The slower, more controlled delivery allows you to take your medication even when you’re experiencing symptoms. This makes treatment more comfortable and effective during asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations.
How To Use a Valved Holding Chamber with an MDI: Step-by-Step Guide
Proper technique is essential for getting the maximum benefit from your valved holding chamber. Follow these steps for optimal medication delivery:
- Check that the Chamber is clean and free from debris
- Remove caps from both inhaler and Valved Holding Chamber
- Shake your metered dose inhaler well according to manufacturer’s instructions
- Attach inhaler firmly to the chamber’s connector end
- Exhale normally before placing lips around mouthpiece to form complete seal
- Press down on inhaler to release one puff of medication
- Immediately begin breathing in slowly and deeply
- Hold breath for about 10 seconds
- Exhale slowly through the chamber
- Wait at least 30–60 seconds between puffs and repeat if multiple doses needed
When using a Chamber with a mask, ensure the mask covers both your nose and mouth completely without any gaps. Multiple slow breaths through the mask can be more effective than trying to take one large breath. It is recommended to rinse your mouth after using your inhaler, especially after corticosteroid medications to help prevent thrush and other oral side effects.
Types of Valved Holding Chambers
Valved Holding Chambers come in various sizes and configurations to meet different patient needs and preferences. The AEROCHAMBER PLUS® FLOW-VU® aVHC incorporates a anti-static technology to help keep the medication in suspension in the Chamber until you are ready to inhale.
Key features available in Monaghan Medical’s Valved Holding Chambers include:
- Anti-static technology to help prevent medication from sticking to chamber walls
- FLOW-VU® Indicator is designed to provide caregivers with visual feedback of correct use, allowing them to ensure a good seal, count breaths and to coordinate actuation with inhalation
- Whistle sound when breathing too quickly, alerting you to slow down
- 4 different mask sizes accommodate patients from infants to adults
- Special chambers available for people with tracheostomies
- Durable, clear chamber lets you see the medication spray
Visual and audible indicators help you confirm that your device is working properly and that you’re using correct inhalation technique. The FLOW-VU® indicator moves on inhalation, so caregivers can confirm a good seal around the mask/mouthpiece and count the number of breaths taken through the chamber. Some chambers include inhalation whistles that sound if you’re breathing in too quickly, reminding you to slow your breath down for optimal medication delivery.
Four different mask sizes are comfortable and accommodate patients from infants to adults, ensuring a proper seal without applying excess pressure for effective medication delivery. The COMFORTSEAL® Masks are latex free and are made from medical grade silicone created to fit a wide range of face shapes and age ranges. Our specialty devices like the AEROTRACH PLUS® VHC are specifically designed for patients with tracheostomies, featuring standard secure fittings and low-resistance valves.
Material choices affect both durability and performance, with most modern chambers made from clear, durable plastics that allow visual inspection of the medication plume. Some chambers feature flexible materials that make them easier to clean and maintain. The choice of materials also impacts the device’s anti-static properties and overall longevity. Some other Chambers require pre-treatment to maintain their anti-static properties, and thus their effectiveness. The AEROCHAMBER PLUS® FLOW-VU® aVHCs are made using anti-static materials that don’t require pre-treatment and won’t wear off over time.
Monaghan Medical stands out in this field through our commitment to quality manufacturing and clinical research. As a member of the Trudell Medical Group of companies we have access to a state-of-the-art aerosol research laboratory that allows us to continuously improve and innovate our respiratory care devices. This focus on innovation and clinical evidence ensures that people receive reliable, effective devices that truly improve treatment outcomes.
Cleaning Your Valved Holding Chamber
Regular cleaning keeps your Valved Holding Chamber functioning properly and prevents the buildup of medication residue that can affect performance. Keep your instruction manual handy and refer to it regularly to ensure you’re maintaining your device properly.
You can also clean your chamber in the dishwasher but avoid the use of the heated dry cycle.
Follow these steps for weekly cleaning:
- Disassemble device by removing mouthpiece or mask and remove the backpiece
- Wash components in warm, soapy water using mild detergent
- Let parts soak for a few minutes, agitating intermittently. This can help loosen stubborn residue.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Place clean parts on clean towel or drying rack
- Allow to air dry completely before reassembling
- Inspect regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or damage
- Replace device annually or sooner if damage is noticed
Regular cleaning involves disassembling the Chamber by removing the mouthpiece or mask and removing the Backpiece from the Chamber body. This allows you to clean all surfaces thoroughly and prevents the accumulation of medication residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners that could damage the device. If you notice medication build-up, wipe gently with a damp cloth.
Place the clean parts on a clean towel or drying rack and allow them to dry completely before reassembling. Never use heat sources like hair dryers or place the device in direct sunlight, as excessive heat may damage the device.
Inspect your Valved Holding Chamber regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or damage that could affect its performance. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the device annually or sooner if you notice any damage or decreased performance.
Clinical Tips and Best Practices
Healthcare providers often recommend specific techniques to maximize the effectiveness of Valved Holding Chambers. Creating a good seal around the mouthpiece or mask is important for effective aerosol delivery. With a mouthpiece, ensure your lips form a complete seal, but don’t bite down on the plastic.
Key clinical tips for optimal use:
- Always shake your metered dose inhaler well immediately before use
- Form complete seal with lips around the chamber mouthpiece without biting down on the plastic
- Firmly but gently create a good seal around the edge of the chamber’s mask to prevent outside air from getting in or medication from escaping
- Generally, you want to use slow, deep breaths rather than quick, shallow ones
- Wait at least 30 seconds between doses of medication
How you breathe makes a significant difference in medication delivery effectiveness. Slow, deep breaths work better than quick, shallow ones. If you hear a whistling sound from your Chamber, it usually means you’re breathing too quickly. Practice your breathing technique when you’re not having symptoms, so it becomes natural during treatment.
Multiple actuations require patience and proper timing. Wait at least 30 seconds between puffs to allow the medication from your first puff to settle into your lungs. Try to avoid the temptation of rushing them too close together.
Common Questions About Valved Holding Chambers
What’s the difference between a Valved Holding Chamber and a spacer?
Many patients wonder about the difference between a Valved Holding Chamber and a spacer. The key distinction lies in the one-way inhalation valve that protects the medication in the chamber. It prevents medication from escaping when you exhale and holds it in the chamber until you are ready to inhale. This feature helps make Valved Holding Chambers more effective at delivering medication to your lungs and reducing waste.
How do you clean a Chamber?
The question of how often to clean your Chamber depends on usage frequency and manufacturer recommendations. Weekly deep cleaning with disassembly and thorough washing keeps your chamber in excellent condition and helps maintain optimal performance. Annual replacement ensures you’re always using a device that meets current safety and effectiveness standards.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects from inhaled medications can be significantly reduced by using a Valved Holding Chamber properly. A Chamber helps deliver more medication to your lungs and less to your mouth and throat, reducing the risk of thrush, hoarse voice, and other local side effects. Always rinse your mouth after using corticosteroid medications, even when using a Chamber.
Can I travel with a Valved Holding Chamber?
It’s relatively straightforward to travel with your Valved Holding Chamber, because they are durable. Protection from extreme temperatures and physical damage is important. Some people find it helpful to have a backup device located at frequently traveled locations or carry a backup with them, especially when traveling to areas where replacements might be difficult to obtain.
Conclusion
Valved Holding Chambers represent a significant advancement in inhaled medication delivery, offering improved effectiveness and reduced side effects compared to using inhalers alone. These devices address common challenges like poor coordination and rapid breathing that can reduce medication delivery. By capturing and holding the aerosol until you’re ready to inhale, they ensure more medication reaches your lungs where it’s needed most.
The variety of available features and sizes means there’s likely a Valved Holding Chamber that meets your specific needs. With anti-static polymers, helpful visual and audible indicators, and anatomically designed face masks, we offer clinically proven options backed by research and quality manufacturing. Our commitment to improving patient outcomes shows in the thoughtful design and reliable performance of our devices.
Proper use and maintenance of your Valved Holding Chamber can make a substantial difference in your respiratory treatment effectiveness. Following the techniques outlined in this guide, combined with regular cleaning and timely replacement, ensures you get the maximum benefit from your prescribed medications. Work with your healthcare provider to master the proper technique and make this valuable tool part of your successful respiratory management plan.
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.
