Skip to main content
Universal Drugstore logo

Why pay full price for medications?

See Prices Now

AeroChamber vs Other Asthma Spacers

Choosing the right spacer for your asthma inhaler can make a significant difference in how well your medication works. Spacers are devices that attach to metered dose inhalers (MDIs) to help deliver medication more effectively to your lungs. AeroChamber is one of the most widely prescribed spacer brands, but several other options are available.

Shop Medications

This guide compares AeroChamber with other popular asthma spacers to help you understand the key differences and find the best option for your needs.

In This Article

What Are Asthma Spacers and Why Do You Need One

Asthma spacers are tube-like devices that connect to your inhaler. They create a space between the inhaler and your mouth, giving the medication time to slow down and form smaller particles that can reach deeper into your lungs.

Without a spacer, much of your inhaled medication can stick to your mouth and throat instead of reaching your airways. This reduces the effectiveness of your treatment and can increase side effects like thrush or hoarse voice.

Why Pay Full Price?

Search our full medication catalogue and save up to 80% - no insurance needed.

See Prices Now

Medical guidelines strongly recommend using spacers with all metered dose inhalers, especially for children and anyone taking inhaled corticosteroids. They improve drug delivery to the lungs while reducing unwanted deposits in the mouth and throat.

AeroChamber Overview: Design and Features

AeroChamber is a valved holding chamber manufactured by Trudell Medical International. It features a one-way valve system that allows you to breathe normally while using your inhaler, making it easier to coordinate timing between pressing the inhaler and breathing in.

Key AeroChamber features include:

  • Flow-Vu inspiratory flow indicator: A visual guide that moves when you breathe in correctly.
  • Antistatic chamber: Reduces medication sticking to the walls.
  • Multiple size options: Available with masks for infants and small children, or mouthpieces for older children and adults.
  • Universal fit: Works with most standard MDI inhalers.

The AeroChamber Plus and AeroChamber2go are the current models available, with the Plus version offering enhanced features and the 2go providing a more compact, portable option.

Volumatic

Volumatic is a large volume spacer manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It has a 750ml chamber volume, making it one of the largest spacers available. The Volumatic does not have a valve system, so you must coordinate your breathing more carefully with inhaler activation.

OptiChamber

OptiChamber is a valved holding chamber similar to AeroChamber in design. It features a one-way valve system and comes in multiple sizes for different age groups. The OptiChamber Diamond is the current version available.

InspirEase

InspirEase is a breath-activated spacer that expands like a balloon when you breathe in. This collapsible design makes it highly portable, though some users find the expansion mechanism less intuitive than rigid spacers.

Compact or Travel Spacers

Several manufacturers produce smaller, portable spacers designed for travel convenience. These typically have smaller chamber volumes but maintain valve systems for easier use.

Side-by-Side Effectiveness Comparison

Clinical studies show that most quality spacers deliver similar effectiveness when used correctly. Research comparing AeroChamber with other spacers found that both devices were equally effective in improving lung function measurements like FEV1 and FEF25-75 in children using albuterol.

A large real-world study directly compared AeroChamber with Volumatic in adults using beclomethasone and found that AeroChamber was non-inferior in terms of adverse events and clinical outcomes. Both spacers provided similar protection against inhaled corticosteroid-related side effects like oral thrush and hoarseness.

More recent research using advanced modeling techniques compared a newer compact spacer with AeroChamber Plus and found both devices significantly improved lung delivery compared to using an inhaler alone. The key finding was that proper technique matters more than specific brand choice for achieving good clinical results.

Key Design Differences That Matter

Valve Systems

AeroChamber, OptiChamber, and similar devices use one-way valves that open when you breathe in and close when you breathe out. This prevents medication from escaping and allows multiple breaths from a single inhaler activation.

Volumatic and some other spacers lack valve systems, requiring more precise coordination between pressing the inhaler and breathing in. While this can be more challenging, it may work well for users who prefer simpler devices.

Chamber Volume

Larger chambers like Volumatic (750ml) can hold more medication and allow more time for particle settling. Smaller chambers like AeroChamber (149ml for adult version) are more portable but may require more precise timing.

Studies suggest that chamber volume differences have minimal impact on clinical effectiveness when devices are used according to instructions.

Antistatic Properties

AeroChamber and some other modern spacers use antistatic materials or coatings to prevent medication from sticking to chamber walls. This can improve medication delivery, especially with the first few uses of a new spacer.

Spacers without antistatic properties may need priming with several puffs before first use, or regular washing with detergent to maintain effectiveness.

Age-Specific Considerations

Infants and Toddlers

For children under 4 years old, mask-equipped spacers are essential. Both AeroChamber and OptiChamber offer infant and pediatric masks with soft seals that fit comfortably over the nose and mouth.

The key factors for this age group are:

  • Mask fit and comfort: Proper seal without it being frightening.
  • Visual breathing indicators: Help caregivers confirm proper inhalation.
  • Easy cleaning: Important for maintaining hygiene with frequent use.

School-Age Children

Children who can use mouthpieces (typically age 4 and up) have more spacer options. Both AeroChamber and alternatives work well, with valve systems being particularly helpful for this age group since coordination skills are still developing.

Adults

Adults can use any spacer type effectively with proper training. Choice often comes down to personal preferences for size, portability, and specific inhaler compatibility.

Practical Usage and Maintenance Differences

Cleaning Requirements

All spacers need regular cleaning to maintain effectiveness and prevent bacterial growth. AeroChamber can be washed with warm soapy water and air-dried. Some users appreciate that it disassembles completely for thorough cleaning.

Volumatic and other large spacers may be more cumbersome to clean due to their size. Compact spacers are generally easier to clean but may need more frequent attention due to smaller internal surfaces.

Durability and Replacement

Most quality spacers last 6-12 months with proper care. AeroChamber components may need replacement when the valve becomes sticky or the chamber develops cracks. The clear plastic allows easy inspection for wear.

Metal spacers tend to last longer but are heavier and more expensive. Plastic spacers are lighter and more affordable but may need more frequent replacement.

Portability

Travel considerations vary significantly between spacer types:

  • AeroChamber2go: Designed for portability with a compact size.
  • InspirEase: Collapses flat for easy packing.
  • Volumatic: Large size makes travel more challenging.
  • Compact spacers: Smaller, but may sacrifice some performance features.

Cost and Insurance Coverage Considerations

Spacer costs vary depending on brand, features, and where you purchase them. Insurance coverage also differs, with some plans covering specific brands better than others.

If cost is a concern, patients can explore safe, reliable cash-pay options through Universal Drugstore, which may offer competitive pricing on spacers and related asthma medications.

Generic or store-brand spacers may cost less than name brands but should meet the same safety and effectiveness standards. Always verify that any spacer is FDA-approved and compatible with your specific inhaler.

When to Choose AeroChamber vs Alternatives

AeroChamber May Be Best If You:

  • Need proven clinical data: Extensive research supports its effectiveness
  • Want visual feedback: Flow indicator helps confirm proper technique
  • Require multiple size options: Good selection for different ages
  • Prefer established brand: Widely prescribed and recognized

Other Spacers May Be Better If You:

  • Need maximum portability: Collapsible or ultra-compact designs
  • Prefer larger chamber volume: Volumatic offers more space for medication
  • Want simpler design: Non-valve spacers have fewer parts
  • Have specific inhaler compatibility needs: Some spacers work better with certain inhaler brands

Getting the Most From Any Spacer

Regardless of which spacer you choose, proper technique is crucial for effectiveness:

  1. Remove caps from both the inhaler and the spacer.
  2. Shake the inhaler thoroughly before connecting.
  3. Insert the inhaler firmly into the spacer.
  4. Breathe out normally before starting.
  5. Press the inhaler once to release the medication.
  6. Breathe in slowly and deeply through the spacer.
  7. Hold breath for at least 10 seconds if possible.
  8. Wait 30-60 seconds between puffs if taking multiple doses.

Clean your spacer regularly and replace it when recommended by your healthcare provider or when you notice signs of wear.

Making Your Final Decision

The choice between AeroChamber and other asthma spacers often comes down to personal preferences and specific needs rather than major differences in clinical effectiveness. Most quality spacers will improve your inhaler’s performance significantly compared to using an inhaler alone.

Consider factors like your age, travel needs, inhaler type, insurance coverage, and personal preferences when making your decision. Discuss options with your healthcare provider, who can recommend the best spacer based on your specific asthma treatment plan and lifestyle needs.

Remember that having the right spacer and using it correctly is more important than finding the “perfect” brand. Any quality spacer used consistently with proper technique will help you get better results from your asthma medications.

References

Related Conditions