An AeroChamber is a hollow tube that sits between your inhaler and your mouth, giving medication a space to slow down so more of it reaches your lungs. Using one correctly takes about 30 seconds per puff, and the technique matters: studies comparing inhaler use with and without a spacer found that the spacer roughly doubles the amount of medication that actually makes it into your airways.
Why a Spacer Makes a Difference
When you press a metered-dose inhaler on its own, the medication fires out fast. A lot of it hits the back of your throat and gets swallowed instead of inhaled. An AeroChamber catches that burst in a chamber, suspending the fine particles in air so you can breathe them in at your own pace. Pharmacokinetic research published in CHEST Journal found that using an inhaler alone delivered, on average, only 48% of the medication to the lungs compared to using the same inhaler with a spacer. That gap can mean the difference between a dose that controls your symptoms and one that falls short.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before your first use, wash the AeroChamber (more on that below). Static electricity builds up on plastic surfaces during manufacturing and packaging, and that charge pulls medication particles onto the chamber walls instead of letting them float freely for you to inhale. A quick wash before the first use reduces that effect significantly.
Once the chamber is ready:
- Shake your inhaler for about five seconds, then remove the cap and insert the mouthpiece into the back end of the AeroChamber. It should fit snugly.
- Breathe out gently away from the device to empty your lungs.
- Seal your lips around the AeroChamber mouthpiece (or press the mask firmly against your face if you’re using one).
- Press the canister down once to release a single puff of medication into the chamber.
- Breathe in slowly and deeply over 3 to 5 seconds. If the AeroChamber whistles, you’re inhaling too fast. Slow down until the whistle stops.
- Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. This gives the medication time to settle into your airways.
- Exhale normally, then wait 1 to 3 minutes before repeating the process if your prescription calls for a second puff.
One puff per breath, every time. Spraying two or three puffs into the chamber before inhaling is one of the most common mistakes adults make, and it wastes medication rather than delivering a larger dose.
Using a Mask Instead of a Mouthpiece
Children under 4 and anyone who can’t maintain a tight lip seal around the mouthpiece should use an AeroChamber with a face mask attachment. The mask covers the nose and mouth, creating a seal so the child (or adult) can simply breathe normally. Press the mask gently but firmly against the face, spray one puff, and count six breaths while keeping the mask in place. Adults with coordination difficulties or conditions that make deep inhalation hard can also benefit from the mask version.
The technique with a mask is slightly different: instead of one slow, deep breath followed by a breath hold, the user takes several normal tidal breaths through the mask. This is easier for young children and still delivers medication effectively because the chamber holds the suspended particles long enough to be inhaled over multiple breaths.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Wash your AeroChamber before first use, then once a month. The process is simple but the details matter.
Pull the chamber apart (it typically separates into two pieces). Soak both parts for 15 minutes in lukewarm water with a small amount of mild liquid dish soap. Gently swish the pieces around in the water. After soaking, shake out the excess water and stand the parts upright to air dry. Do not rub them dry with a towel or paper towel. Rubbing creates a static charge on the plastic, which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid. The dish soap leaves a thin film on the interior walls that helps reduce static buildup between washes.
Replace the AeroChamber if it becomes cracked, if the valve stops moving freely, or according to the schedule your pharmacist recommends (typically every 6 to 12 months).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The whistle built into most AeroChamber models is a feature, not a flaw. It activates when airflow is too fast, which is a signal to slow your breath. Many people hear the whistle and keep inhaling at the same speed, assuming it’s just how the device sounds. It’s actually telling you that you’re pulling air too quickly for the medication particles to travel deep into your lungs.
Other frequent errors include forgetting to shake the inhaler before each puff, not breathing out before inhaling, and skipping the breath hold after inhalation. That 10-second hold isn’t optional padding. It gives the fine medication particles time to deposit on your airway walls rather than riding back out on your next exhale. If 10 seconds feels too long, aim for at least 5.
Finally, storing the AeroChamber without its cap or leaving it in dusty environments introduces particles into the chamber that you’ll inhale with your next dose. Keep it capped and in a clean, dry place between uses.