A spacer is a special device that looks like a clear plastic football or tube. Spacers act as a reservoir for the medication from the puffer ("press and breathe" inhaler).
Spacers:
- reduce the amount of medication deposited in the throat and increase the amount of medication reaching the lungs
- minimise the side effects which may occur when using inhaled steroids
- do not require the coordinated action of puffers ("press and breathe" inhalers), hence making them easier to use
- are quicker and easier to use than nebulisers
- are inexpensive, durable and easy to clean
Contact The Asthma Foundation of WA to find out more about the different medication devices and how they are used or visit our page on How to use Delivery Devices.