Device modelled on a cup could save lives

The DispozABLE Spacer, from Clement Clarke International, could reduce the risk from dangerous asthma attacks in children

A disposable cup is the inspiration behind a new and scientifically reviewed device for the safe and prompt treatment of school age children suffering acute asthma.

The new, single-use DispozABLE Spacer is a valve-less holding chamber to help with the optimal delivery of salbutamol sulphate, a drug most commonly known as Ventolin.

It has been developed by the technical team at UK-based medical device manufacturers, Clement Clarke International.

An independent study into the use of spacers with a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) as opposed to a pMDI alone, showed that the DispozABLE Spacer is suitable for the effective delivery of salbutamol sulphate.

The study also reinforced that at low flows, this type of valve-less spacer may perform better than other valved holding chambers (VHCs) which could have clinical implications for infants and children.

With around a million children in the UK being treated for asthma, the government launched new guidelines in March, legislating that spare, emergency inhalers and spacers may be kept on school sites.

Mark Sanders, managing director of Clement Clarke International said: “The launch of this new, ‘single-use / single patient’ spacer is extremely timely with the recent shift in understanding about the importance of emergency asthma management in the school setting.

“DispozABLE can be used straight from the pack and has been designed to meet a specific market need for a low cost, fast response spacer for delivering medication efficiently.

“The clever design of a lid that is both a mouthpiece at the top and an inhaler port at the bottom has allowed us to create an extremely user-friendly and cost effective device, with an intuitive design to allow non-professionals to assemble it quickly and safely.”

 “The safety of children with asthma is absolutely paramount and we are passionate about bringing novel designs to market to ensure that all young people are treated swiftly.”