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What is a spacer and how does it help when using an asthma puffer?

A spacer is a handheld plastic chamber designed to be used with a metered-dose asthma puffer. It acts as a holding chamber for the medication, allowing the user to inhale it slowly and deeply into the lungs rather than having to coordinate pressing the puffer and breathing in at the same time. This makes asthma treatment more effective, reduces medicine loss in the mouth and throat, and minimises side effects.

Spacers are particularly recommended for:

  • Children, who may find direct puffer use difficult.
  • Asthma emergencies, when breathing may be fast or uncoordinated.
  • People using inhaled corticosteroid preventers, to reduce medication deposits in the mouth.

In a first aid situation, a spacer is used with the asthma first aid protocol (4x4x4 method):

  • Insert the puffer into the spacer.
  • Give 1 puff into the spacer and have the person take 4 slow breaths.
  • Repeat until the recommended number of puffs is given.

Spacers come in different sizes, including smaller versions for children. They should be cleaned regularly with warm soapy water and air-dried without rinsing, to prevent medication from sticking to the sides.

Using a spacer during an asthma attack can help deliver more medicine to the lungs, making it a vital part of effective asthma first aid.

A spacer helps deliver asthma medication more effectively from a puffer to the lungs.

When a spacer may be helpful:

  • Difficulty using a puffer directly

  • Poor coordination when breathing in medication

  • Asthma attack or flare-up

  • Children needing asthma treatment

  • Severe shortness of breath

How to use a spacer with an asthma puffer (reliever):

  • Shake the puffer and insert it into the spacer.

  • Place the spacer mouthpiece in the person’s mouth, sealing lips around it.

  • Press the puffer once to release 1 puff into the spacer.

  • Take 4 slow breaths in and out through the mouthpiece.

  • Repeat as directed in the asthma first aid protocol or action plan.

Takeaway to Remember

A spacer is a plastic chamber that attaches to an asthma puffer to help deliver medication more effectively into the lungs. It improves inhalation technique and is especially useful in children or during severe asthma symptoms.