Inhaler Device Assistance Program
The Alberta Lung Association provides financial and equipment support to Albertans living with lung disease who may not otherwise have access to essential respiratory therapies through its Inhaler Device Assistance Program.
The inclusion of a valved holding chamber aligns with established clinical guidelines and evidence-based best practices for optimizing inhaled drug delivery via pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs).
Clinical Rationale
Suboptimal inhaler technique remains a well-documented barrier to effective disease management in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Common errors — such as poor coordination between actuation and inhalation, inadequate inspiratory flow, and oropharyngeal deposition — can significantly reduce lung deposition of medication and compromise therapeutic outcomes.
Using a chamber with your inhaler helps ensure medication is delivered to the lungs where it is intended to work, while reducing the amount of medication that may otherwise deposit in the mouth or throat. This can help improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of local side effects.
Reducing
The need for precise hand-breath coordination
Decreasing
Aerosol velocity to enhance lung deposition
Minimizing
Oropharyngeal deposition and associated local adverse effects
Supporting
More consistent dose delivery across varying patient techniques
Recognised by international and national respiratory guidelines
International and national respiratory guidelines, including those from the Global Initiative for Asthma and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, recommend the use of spacer or VHC devices with pMDIs to improve drug delivery and clinical outcomes across pediatric and adult populations.
Device Characteristics
The chamber is appropriate for use in patients requiring inhaled therapy across a spectrum of chronic respiratory diseases, including:
Asthma
Device Characteristics
The chamber is engineered to support optimal aerosol drug delivery and usability.
Low-resistance inspiratory and expiratory valve system to accommodate a wide range of patient inspiratory flow rates.
Anti-static chamber design to help maintain consistent aerosol suspension and dose availability.
Compatibility with commonly prescribed pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs).
Availability of mouthpiece and facemask interfaces to support pediatric, geriatric, and coordination-limited populations.
Compact, durable design suitable for repeated clinical and home use.
Clinical Impact
Integration of both Chambers into the Alberta Lung Association’s assistance program supports:
Improved lung deposition of inhaled medications.
Reduction in technique-related dosing variability.
Enhanced symptom control and disease management.
Potential reduction in exacerbations and healthcare utilization associated with poor inhaler technique.
Designed for use with commonly prescribed metered dose inhalers and is available with mouthpiece or facemask options to support a wide range of patient ages and abilities. Its low-resistance valve helps accommodate patients with varying inspiratory flow, and its design supports easier coordination between inhaler actuation and inhalation.
Sizing guidance
Sizing guidance for chamber masks and mouthpieces is outlined below. Masks are designed to provide a comfortable seal based on age, facial size, and patient preference. Proper fit is important to ensure effective medication delivery.
Small Mask
Designed for infants and toddlers; covers the nose and mouth comfortably.
0 — 18 mo
Medium Mask
Standard pediatric fit for young children.
1 — 5 yrs
Large Mask
Larger face mask for older children and adult patients
5 years to Adult
No Mask
Must be able to form strong seal around chamber for usage without mask. If mobility, facial size, etc. limit this- use mask
6 years to Adult
Small Mask
Anatomically shaped facemask contours gently to the face. Extra sensitive, low-resistance valve designed specifically for children. 52mm width, 70mm height.
0 — 18 mo
52 mm
Medium Mask
Slightly larger mask will provide a proper seal as the child grows. Extra sensitive, low-resistance valve designed specifically for children. 70mm width, 82mm height.
1 — 5 yrs
70 mm
Infant and Petite Youth
Specifically designed for younger or petite youths with a low inhalation resistance valve and kid-friendly chamber design.
4+ yrs or petite youth
22 mm
Older Youth
Specifically designed for older youths and adults with a low inhalation resistance valve.
Mouthpiece
46 mm
Small Mask
Designed for adults with smaller facial features. Suitable for people who may have difficulty with a mouthpiece, or who prefer the security a mask provides. 80mm height, 82mm width.
12 years +
80 mm
Large Mask
For adults with large facial features. Suitable for people who may have difficulty with a mouthpiece, or who prefer the security a mask provides. 90mm width, 110mm height.
1 — 5 yrs
90 mm
Mask sizes are guided by age, facial size, and patient preference. The chamber system supports a wide range of patients — from infants to adults — with mask and mouthpiece options.
Resources
Information on usage, cleaning, and care can be found in each chambers Instructions for Use and Care Guide.
Forms
The Alberta Lung Association provides financial and equipment support to Albertans living with lung disease who may not otherwise have access to essential respiratory therapies.
