Overview
The Flow-Vu* Indicator is especially useful for caregivers as it allows them to:
- Ensure the mask or mouthpiece is applied correctly creating a secure seal
- Coordinate pressing the puffer at the start of inhalation
- Count the number of breaths taken to ensure all of the medication is received
Flow-Vu* Inspiratory Flow Indicator – the most important advancement in chamber technology.
The AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Valved Holding Chamber or ‘chamber’ is a medical device designed to help improve delivery of pressurized metered dose inhaler (puffer) medications to your lungs. It helps overcome the coordination problems many people have arising from the misuse of their inhaler.The AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* chamber may have either a mask or mouthpiece – and will hold the medication for a short time until you are ready to inhale it. Without the chamber, medication may get trapped in your mouth or throat, which can leave a bad taste which often means that some of the medication isn't reaching your lungs.
People who experience respiratory problems may be prescribed an inhaler to either control their symptoms or prevent future occurrences. Aerosol medications are effective because they act quickly with few side effects, however many studies have shown that only a few people actually use their inhaler correctly.To be most effective, the inhaler should be pressed during inhalation to optimize the medication delivery to the deepest part of the lungs. Effective delivery of the medication to the lungs is difficult because inhalers deliver the medication dose at a very high rate of speed. The AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber slows the speed of medication and their anti-static body holds it in suspension until you are ready to inhale it.
Small Mask (0 - 18 months)Anatomically shaped facemask creates a secure seal using minimal effort – critical for parents and caregivers administering aerosol medications to infants.
Medium Mask (1 - 5 years)Slightly larger mask will provide a secure seal as the child grows. Chamber includes fun and friendly AeroBear* instructional graphics.
AC* Girlz* and AC* Boyz* Chambers (5 years+)Special designs and instructions just for kids. Ideal for new users or kids who are ready to transition from a mask to mouthpiece device - usually around 5 years of age.
Mouthpiece (5 years+)Guidelines recommend patients be transitioned to a mouthpiece product as soon as they are able – usually around 5 years of age.
Large Mask (5 years+)Suitable for patients who may have difficulty with a mouthpiece, or who prefer the security a mask provides (e.g. elderly or older youth).
AeroChamber* Authorized Accessories are now available in Canada to help organize all of your asthma and allergy essentials. Thoughtfully designed, these new products will ensure that whatever life throws your way, you have the security of knowing emergency essentials and instructions are close at hand.
- Slips easily onto most inhalers - securing them even during vigorous activities
- Convenient clip for on-the-go use can be attached to zippers, backpacks, key chains or belt loops
- Various colours with glow-in-the-dark designs to differentiate types of inhalers and reflect the users personality
- Compact, efficient design can be used anywhere without hindering activity
- Ensures medication is always within reach - no more searching for your inhaler when you need it the most
- Compact and convenient design organizes asthma and allergy essentials
- Anti-bacterial lining protects contents and fights the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew
- Customizable Asthma Action Plan ensures easy access to valuable information when it counts
- Ensures emergency instructions are close at hand and secures small items
- Vibrant colour is easily identifiable in an emergency situation
1. Crompton GK et al. The need to improve inhalation technique in Europe: A report from the Aerosol Drug Management Improvement Team. Respiratory Medicine 2006;100:1479-1494.
Instructions
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a controversial chemical that is used to enhance the clarity and durability of some clear, plastic products. The use of BPA is the subject of discussion, research and public scrutiny as it may lead to negative health effects.1
Though current findings indicate low health risks from exposure to BPA, experts have been unable to come to an agreement regarding appropriate safe levels for consumer products.2 Nevertheless, the Government of Canada has taken steps to ban the use of BPA in baby bottles to reduce newborn and infant exposure.
Trudell Medical International has chosen to be proactive and manufacture the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* chambers without any BPA to eliminate any patient risk. The medications taken with our chambers are critical to your health and, as the #1 Brand recommended by pharmacists and physicians,3,4 it is our responsibility to lead in the development of innovative, consumer friendly products.

Click on the images below to download printable activity pages for the kids!
Why should I use a Chamber?This short animated video will help you understand why a Valved Holding Chamber such as the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Anti-Static Valved Holding Chamber is necessary to help deliver your puffer medication deep into your lungs - where it is needed most!Video Length: 1:23 mins
How to Clean Your ChamberA short animated video demonstrating how to properly clean and care for our anti-static Valved Holding Chambers.Video Length: 1:23 mins
Look at your chamber to make sure it is not damaged. If it is damaged, replace it immediately.
Take the cap off the puffer.
Shake the puffer immediately before use – then insert it into the Backpiece of the chamber.
Apply mask to face ensuring a secure seal. The Flow-Vu* Indicator will only move toward the patient if there is a good seal.
Press the puffer at the start of a slow inhalation. Take 5-6 breaths through the chamber. Count the number of breaths using the Flow-Vu* Indicator. Only press one puff at a time.
Check the instructions for your puffer to see how many puffs your doctor wants you to take and how long to wait between puffs.
AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* anti-static chamber with Small or Medium Mask Contains full instructions for use and cleaning of your chamber with mask - with helpful hints that may help when trying to deliver medication to young infants.
How to use AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber with MaskA short ‘How to Use’ video demonstrating the proper use of a puffer with our Valved Holding Chamber with mask.Video Length: 1:11 mins
Look at your chamber to make sure it is not damaged. If it is damaged, replace it immediately.
Take the cap off both your puffer and the chamber.
Shake the puffer for 5 seconds before use, then insert it into the Backpiece of the chamber.
Put the mouthpiece in your mouth.
When you are ready, gently exhale. Start to inhale and press your puffer so that your medicine is sprayed into the chamber. Only press one puff at a time.
You will have to wait to take another puff of medicine. Check the instructions for your puffer to see how many puffs your doctor wants you to take and how long to wait between puffs.complete chamber instructions
AC* Girlz* and AC* Boyz* Anti-Static ChambersContains full instructions for use and cleaning of your new chamber - written especially for someone who may be learning to use a chamber on their own for the first time.
How to use AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber with MouthpieceA short ‘How to Use’ video demonstrating the proper use of a puffer with our Valved Holding Chamber with mouthpiece.Video Length: 1:03 mins
INSTRUCTIONS FOR AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* anti-static Chamber with MOUTHPIECE OR LARGE MASK
Look at your chamber to make sure it is not damaged. If it is damaged, replace it immediately.
Take the cap off both the puffer and your chamber (if applicable).
Shake the puffer immediately before use – then insert it into the Backpiece of the chamber.
Put the mouthpiece in your mouth or apply the mask to the face ensuring you have an effective seal. The Flow-Vu* Indicator will only move toward you if there is a good seal.
When you are ready, gently exhale. Start to inhale and press your puffer so that your medicine is sprayed into the chamber. Only press one puff at a time.
Check the instructions for your puffer to see how many puffs your doctor wants you to take and how long to wait between puffs. complete chamber instructions
AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Anti-Static Chamber with Mouthpiece and Large Mask Contains full instructions for use and care of your mouthpiece or large mask chamber.
How to use AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber with MouthpieceA short ‘How to Use’ video demonstrating the proper use of a puffer with our Valved Holding Chamber with mouthpiece.Video Length: 1:03 mins
How to use AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber with MaskA short ‘How to Use’ video demonstrating the proper use of a puffer with our Valved Holding Chamber with mask. Video Length: 1:11 mins1 Okada H, Tokunaga T, Liu X, Takayanagi S, Matsushima A, Shimohigashi Y. Direct evidence revealing structural elements essential for the high binding ability of Bisphenol A to human estrogen-related receptor-gamma. Environ. Health Perspect.2008;116(1):32-38. 2 Lang IA, Galloway TS, Scarlett A; et al. Association of urinary bisphenol A concentration with medical disorders and laboratory abnormalities in adults. JAMA. 2008;300(11): 1303-1310. 3 Drugstore Canada’s 2008 survey on OTC counselling and recommendations. 4 The Medical Post’s 2008 survey on OTC counselling and recommendations.
Healthcare Professionals
Different valved holding chambers can deliver different amounts of inhaled medication. When prescribing a valved holding chamber it is important to give due consideration to the chamber that is listed on the Metered Dose Inhaler Summary of Product Characteristics (where specified by name).2
The AeroChamber Plus* Brand of Chamber is listed on the following leading metered dose inhaler’s companies’ Summary of Product Characteristics3:
- Airomir† – IVAX Pharmaceuticals UK
- Alvesco† 40, 80 and 160 – Nycomed, UK
- Atrovent† Inhaler CFC-Free – Boehringer Ingelheim , UK
- Fostair† 100 – Chiesi Ltd, EU
- Qvar† 50/100 – IVAX Pharmaceuticals UK
- Sabumalin† 100 – Aeropharm GmbH, EU
- Seretide† Evohaler† 44 / 110 / 220 – GlaxoSmithKline, EU
- Zenhale† – Merck Canada Inc.
- Clinical data with AeroChamber* Brand of VHC included in Flovent† HFA and Ventolin† HFA inhalation aerosol product monographs

Valved Holding Chambers should be recommended for:
- Any child under the age of 6 that uses an inhaler
- Anyone taking inhaled corticosteroids
- Elderly patients that use an inhaler
- Anyone who has difficulty coordinating actuation of their inhaler with inhalation
Device SelectionDifferent patients have very different needs, so we designed each of our products with this in mind. The Flow-Vu* Indicator provides feedback of correct use – and can only be found on AeroChamber* brand of chambers.
Small Mask (0 - 18 months)Anatomically shaped facemask creates a secure seal using minimal force – critical for parents or caregivers administering aerosol medications to infants.
Medium Mask (1 - 5 years)Slightly larger mask will provide a secure seal as the child grows. Chamber includes fun and friendly AeroBear* instructional graphics.
AC* Girlz* and AC* Boyz* Chambers (5 years+)Special designs and instructions just for kids. Ideal for new prescriptions or kids who are ready to transition from a mask to mouthpiece device.
Mouthpiece (5 years+)Guidelines recommend patients be transitioned to a mouthpiece product as soon as they are able – usually around 5 years of age.
Large Mask (5 years+)Suitable for patients who have coordination issues or who prefer the security a mask provides (e.g. elderly or older youth).
Patient Counselling Tool - PediatricVisual aid to assist in explaining to children how aerosol medication is delivered – with the added benefit of a customizable Asthma Action Plan on the back.
Patient Counselling ToolVisual aid to assist in explaining how aerosol medication is delivered – with the added benefit of a customizable Asthma Action Plan on the back.
Counselling GuideA guide to help explain our Valved Holding Chambers and their role in aerosol medication delivery.
Counselling PosterA visual representation of how a chamber helps with aerosol delivery deep into the lungs - with the product progression along the side for easy selection of the appropriate device.
Consumer BrochureThis brochure explains the benefits of the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chambers for a better understanding of how it can help them with their prescribed asthma therapy program.
Animals Have Asthma Too PosterClinics ask for this poster – knowing that even animals have to take medication for their asthma is comforting to some patients - especially children.
MULTIMEDIA AND PRESENTATION SLIDES
Why should I use a Chamber?Addresses patient questions about why they should use our Valved Holding Chambers with Flow-Vu* Indicator.Video Length: 1:23 mins
How to use AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber with MaskEach ‘How to Use’ video is just over 1 minute in length and follows animated characters as they demonstrate the proper use of a Metered Dose Inhaler with our Valved Holding Chamber with Flow-Vu* Indicator. The video contains no dialogue/narration or sub-titles making it easier for patients and caregivers to understand – regardless of language or reading level.
Video Length: 1:11 mins
How to use AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* Chamber with MouthpieceSame as above - short video demonstrating how to use our Valved Holding Chamber with mouthpiece and Flow-Vu* Indicator.
Video Length: 1:03 mins
How to clean your ChamberA short animated video demonstrating how to properly clean and care for our anti-static Valved Holding Chambers with Flow-Vu* Indicator.
Video Length: 1:23 mins
These pages can be downloaded and printed on letter size paper for use in waiting rooms or clinics. For pre-printed copies, please contact us.
Colouring PageAn easy to colour image of a young girl taking her puffer medication with her chamber.
Spot the DifferenceEach of the bears has something slightly different about them – the challenge is finding the 2 that match!
Particle MazeMedication has to travel a long way to reach the deepest parts of the lungs. Can your patients help the particles reach the finish?
Word FindThere are a lot of words kids will hear relating to their asthma. Find some of the common ones in this more challenging puzzle.
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1 Data on file 2 Drug Safety Update – Inhaled products that contain corticosteroids, July, 2008. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 3 GSK (Flovent†, Seretide† / Advair†), Ivax (Qvar†, Airomir†), Boehringer Ingelheim (Atrovent†), Aeropharm (Sabumalin†), Chiesi (Fostair†), Merck (Zenhale†) in select countries. 4 The Medical Post’s 2008 survey on OTC counselling and recommendations. 5 Drugstore Canada’s 2008 survey on OTC counselling and recommendations.
Technical Information
Improper mask fit or design can lead to gaps – as small as ½ cm – which may allow ambient air to enter the mask and reduce medication delivery to the lungs by more than 50%.5
The anatomically designed ComfortSeal* Masks minimize the amount of dead space (the space between the valve and the patient). Patients find this comfortable as it requires less pressure to form a secure seal. In addition, the EZ Flow Exhalation Valve, Flow-Vu* Indicator and Alignment Feature all help parents and caregivers ensure that the chamber is assembled and applied to the face correctly.
A recent study tested 7 commonly used facemasks and found the ComfortSeal* Masks incorporated in our Valved Holding Chambers have the lowest dead space volume6 resulting in improved aerosol delivery efficiency. This is due in part to the integrated Exhalation Valve that minimizes re-breathing and directs exhaled flow away from the patient's face.
To ensure your patient is using a properly fitted mask, please download our custom Mask Sizer (see left hand column).

- BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body's own hormones and may lead to negative health effects1
- Use of BPA in products continues to be a subject of discussion, research and public scrutiny - with experts unable to agree on 'safe' levels of exposure2
- Health Canada has moved to ban the use of BPA in baby bottles
- Trudell Medical International has chosen to migrate to BPA free technology to eliminate any risk that may be present
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- Mouthpiece Cap
Protects the mouthpiece from dirt and debris when the device is not in use. - Exhalation Valve
Valve closes upon exhalation to retain any medication inside the chamber for the next breath. - Flow-Vu* Inspiratory Flow Indicator
Moves as the patient breathes and helps provide assurance that inhalation is being performed correctly by allowing caregivers to ensure a secure seal, coordinate actuation with inhalation and count patient breaths. - Alignment Feature
Helps align the Backpiece for proper assembly after cleaning. - FlowSignal* Whistle
Provides audible feedback when the patient is inhaling too rapidly, encouraging proper inhaler technique. - Universal Backpiece
Can be used with all commonly prescribed Metered Dose Inhalers. - Clear Anti-Static Chamber
Requires no pre-treatment and provides consistent drug delivery right out of the package. - Inhalation Valve
Valve is responsive to very low inspiratory efforts, ensuring medication is delivered during acute exacerbations when flow rates can be significantly reduced. Special 'low-flow' valves in pediatric and youth chambers. - ComfortSeal* Masks
The anatomically designed ComfortSeal* Masks have a flexible, curved lip to ensure a reliable seal with as little as 0.7 kg applied force6 (gentle). Exhalation valves mean the chamber can remain in place so patients do not have to remove the device to exhale.
Targeting drugs to the airways: the role of spacer devices
Results: Spacers minimise problems of poor inhalation technique with pMDI, reduce oropharyngeal deposition and increase lung deposition. Spacers improve the clinical effect of inhaled medications, especially in patients unable to use a pMDI properly. Compared to both pMDIs and dry-powder inhalers, spacers may increase the response to ß-adrenergic bronchodilators, even in patients with correct inhalation technique. A pMDI plus spacer has proven to be a viable lower cost alternative to the use of a nebuliser for delivering large brochodilator doses in patients with severe acute asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lavorini F and Fontana GA. Expert Opin Drug Deliv (2009);6(1):91-102.
Developing a “Universal” Valved Holding Chamber Platform with Added Patient Benefits Whilst Maintaining Consistent In Vitro Performance
Two recent improvements made to the AC plus VHC to mitigate electrostatic charge and provide visual feedback to users have not affected in vitro performance compared with the original nonconducting VHC. These devices also provide comparable delivery of fine particles to the pMDI alone in the likelihood that the user delays inhalation after actuating their inhaler. Jolyon P. Mitchell, Mark W. Nagel, Heather A MacKay, Valentina A. Avvakoumova, and Jamie Malpass. Respiratory Drug Delivery Europe 2009.
Importance of Patient-Friendly Features to Address Lack of Inhaler Compliance: A Laboratory Evaluation of an Inspiratory Flow Indicator as a Feedback Aid for a Valved Holding ChamberResults: Fine particle mass/actuation (FPM2s) for pMDI alone (mean±SD) was 34.8±1.4 μg, compared with 33.2±3.3 μg/actuation for the pMDI+VHC group. The IFI moved from the inhalation valve closed to open position immediately upon initiation of sampling. Conclusions: The IFI provided feedback on the delivery of this widely prescribed ’rescue’ medication and did not interfere with the new VHC, delivering substantially comparable FPM2s to that from the pMDI alone. It should therefore aid patient compliance. Mitchell J, Nagel M, Malpass J. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, Vol 24, #3, 2011, 46,. P-075..
study summaries and technical information
AeroChamber* brand of Valved Holding Chambers - Study SummaryStudies that support the use of an AeroChamber* brand of Valved Holding Chamber in both clinical and in vitro environments.
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