Trudell Medical International
Overview
Why is BPA Free Important?
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 be associated with 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* chambers without any BPA to eliminate any possible patient risk. The medications taken with our chambers are critical to your health and it is our responsibility to lead in the development of innovative, consumer friendly products.
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 be associated with 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* chambers without any BPA to eliminate any possible patient risk. The medications taken with our chambers are critical to your health and it is our responsibility to lead in the development of innovative, consumer friendly products.
AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding ChambersWhat is the AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chamber?
The AeroChamber Plus* 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* 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 and often means that some of the medication isn't reaching your lungs.
Why use the AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chamber?
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, unfortunately 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 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* Valved Holding Chamber slows the speed of medication for optimal inhalation that helps ensure that medication particles are delivered deep into the lungs.
Why is the AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chamber right for me? Different people have very different needs, so we designed a family of AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chambers to cater to the different needs.
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.
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).1 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.
Instructions
AeroChamber Plus* Chamber Instructions
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 the mask to the face.
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* Valved Holding Chamber with Small or Medium MaskContains full instructions for use and cleaning of your chamber with mask. Select 'multi-language' for instructions in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Danish, Swedish, Czech, Polish, Chinese, Arabic and Japanese.
Colouring PagesFun designs for kids to colour.
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.
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* Valved Holding Chamber with Mouthpiece or Large MaskContains full instructions for use and care of your mouthpiece or large mask chamber. Select 'multi-language' for instructions in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Danish, Swedish, Czech, Polish, Chinese, Arabic and Japanese.1 Salzman GA, et al. Oropharyngeal candidiasis in patients treated with beclomethasone dipropionate delivered by metered-dose inhaler alone and with Aerochamber. J Allergy & Clinical Immun 1988;81 (2):424-428.
Healthcare Professionals
MOST RECOMMENDED BY LEADING METERED DOSE INHALER COMPANIES
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 Characteristics:
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 Characteristics:
- Airomir† – IVAX Pharmaceuticals UK
- Alvesco† 40, 80 and 160 – Nycomed, UK
- Atrovent† Inhaler CFC-Free – Boehringer Ingelheim , UK
- Flovent† HFA 44/110/ 220 – GlaxoSmithKline US
- Fostair† 100 – Chiesi Ltd, EU
- Qvar† 50/100 – IVAX Pharmaceuticals UK
- Sabumalin† 100 – Aeropharm GmbH, EU
- Seretide† Evohaler† 44 / 110 / 220 – GlaxoSmithKline, EU
- Ventolin† Evohaler† – GlaxoSmithKline US, UK
- Zenhale† – Merck Canada Inc.
Facemask Seal is a very important factor in aerosol drug delivery to infants and children.1
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%.3
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 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 volume4 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).
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%.3
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 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 volume4 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).
How to Select the right AeroChamber Plus* Chamber for Your Patient
Valved Holding Chambers should be recommended for:
Device SelectionDifferent patients have very different needs, so we designed each of our products with this in mind.
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.
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).
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
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.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).Counselling ToolsEncouraging compliance to a prescribed treatment program is an ongoing concern, so we have designed counselling literature to help your patients understand how their actions today will impact their ongoing health.
Mask SizerA helpful tool for determining the best mask size for your patient.
Patient Counselling ToolVisual aid to help explain how aerosol medication is delivered – with full instructions on how to use and clean the chamber on the back.
AeroBear* Consumer BrochureThis fun brochure takes patients through how to use their chamber with illustrated step-by-step instructions.
Recommendation PadA useful tool to help explain the role of a Valved Holding Chamber in the delivery of your patient's aerosol medication with handy check-boxes on the reverse so your patient will get the chamber they require.
Office PosterAn animated poster featuring AeroBear* and his mom learning how to use our chamber with mask under the instruction of his healthcare professional.
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.
1 P. Barnes, J.C. Virchow, J. Sanchis, T. Welte and S. Pedersen. Asthma management: important issues. European Respiratory Review, Volume 14, Number 97: 147-151. 2. Drug Safety Update – Inhaled products that contain corticosteroids, July, 2008. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 3 Esposito - Festen et al. Effect of a Facemask Leak on Aerosol Delivery from a pMDI - Spacer System. JAM 2004; 17 (1): 1-6. 4 Shah SA, Berlinski AB, Rubin BK. Force-Dependent Static Dead Space of Face Masks Used with Holding Chambers. Respiratory Care, Feb 2006, Vol 51, No 2.
Mask SizerA helpful tool for determining the best mask size for your patient.Patient Counselling ToolVisual aid to help explain how aerosol medication is delivered – with full instructions on how to use and clean the chamber on the back.AeroBear* Consumer BrochureThis fun brochure takes patients through how to use their chamber with illustrated step-by-step instructions.Recommendation PadA useful tool to help explain the role of a Valved Holding Chamber in the delivery of your patient's aerosol medication with handy check-boxes on the reverse so your patient will get the chamber they require.Office PosterAn animated poster featuring AeroBear* and his mom learning how to use our chamber with mask under the instruction of his healthcare professional.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. Technical Information
Proven Performance
Getting the medication to your patients’ lungs is priority one - the AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chamber is designed to do just that.
Getting the medication to your patients’ lungs is priority one - the AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chamber is designed to do just that.
- Proven dosing performance across a wide range of formulations
- The only full line of aerosol delivery devices designed specifically for each patient
- Most recommended chamber by leading metered dose inhaler manufacturers
- Small volume chamber is portable and easy to use with equivalent performance to larger devices4
Attributes of a Well Designed Valved Holding ChamberFor over 25 years, Trudell Medical International has been the leader in the development of devices designed to enhance delivery of aerosol medications and improve the lives of patients with respiratory diseases worldwide.
Free from Bisphenol A (BPA)
Sell SheetAn overview of the key features of the AeroChamber Plus* Chambers.
Detail FolderA number of pages covering aerosol delivery and competitive advantages of the AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chambers.
Free from Bisphenol A (BPA)
- 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 protect patients and provide BPA free technology to eliminate any risk that may be present
- 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. - Alignment Feature
Helps align the Backpiece for proper assembly after cleaning. - FlowSignal* Whistle
Provides audible feedback when the patient is inhaling too rapidly. - Universal Backpiece
Can be used with all commonly prescribed pressurized Metered Dose Inhalers. - 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 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 force3 (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
AIM: Spacer devices are inhalation aids of varying dimension and complexity, specifically designed to overcome problems with the use of pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs). The aim of this review is to examine the current understanding about these inhalation devices and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: The pertinent literature concerning the characteristics and effects of spacers on delivery and lung deposition of inhaled medications, as well as their clinical efficacy in patients with reversible airway obstruction, is examined. 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 beta-adrenergic bronchodilators, even in patients with correct inhalation technique. A pMDI plus spacer has proven to be viable lower cost alternative to the use of a nebuliser for delivering large bronchodilator doses in patients with severe acute asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CONCLUSION: pMDIs may be routinely fitted with a spacer, especially in situations where correct pMDI use is unlikely. Lavorini F, Fontana GA. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2009; 6(1):91-102.
In Vitro Performance of two Common Valved Holding Chambers with a Chorofluorocarbon-Free Beclomethasone Metered-Dose Inhaler
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare in vitro aerosol deposition from a beclomethasone dipropionate metered-dose inhaler (MDI) containing hydrofluoroalkane propellant with that of the MDI in combination with two common valved holding chambers (VHCs) to evaluate how these VHCs affect the respirable dose of beclomethasone dipropionate. DESIGN: In vitro aerosol deposition study. SETTING: University research center. DEVICES: Beclomethasone dipropionate hydrofluoroalkane MDI alone, the MDI with OptiChamber† VHC, and the MDI with AeroChamber Plus* VHC. INTERVENTION: The respirable dose (1-5-microm aerosol particles) of beclomethasone dipropionate was determined by sampling 10 80-microg actuations from five runs with each configuration (MDI alone, MDI with OptiChamber†, and MDI with AeroChamber Plus* VHC), using a well-established in vitro cascade impactor method. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol was washed from the impactor with 50% methanol and quantified by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. Differences among outcomes were determined by using analysis of variance. Mean beclomethasone dipropionate respirable dose from AeroChamber Plus* VHC (27.2 +/- 10.0 microg/actuation) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that of the MDI alone (29.0 +/- 7.0 microg/actuation). OptiChamber† respirable dose (12.8 +/- 6.0 microg/actuation) was less than half that produced by either the AeroChamber Plus* VHC or the MDI alone (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The OptiChamber† and AeroChamber Plus* VHCs do not demonstrate equivalent in vitro performance when used with a beclomethasone dipropionate MDI that contains hydrofluoroalkane propellant. The respirable dose of beclomethasone dipropionate aerosol from the hydrofluoroalkane MDI was decreased by only 6% when the MDI was mated to an AeroChamber Plus* VHC and by 56% when used with an OptiChamber† VHC. Asmus MJ, Coowanitwong I, Kwon SH, Khorsand N, Hochhaus G. Pharmacotherapy 2003;23(12):1538-1544.
study summaries and technical information
Sell SheetAn overview of the key features of the AeroChamber Plus* Chambers.Detail FolderA number of pages covering aerosol delivery and competitive advantages of the AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chambers.
AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chambers - Product MonographThe product monograph reviews indications and conditions of use of the AeroChamber Plus* Valved Holding Chamber with information for safe and effective use of the devices.
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.
1 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 Shah SA et al. Force-Dependent Static Dead Space of Face Masks Used With Holding Chambers. Respiratory Care, February 2006, Vol 51; No 2. 4 TMI Aerosol Lab, Data on File. 5 NOP Healthcare, UK, March, 2000.
Where to Buy
Contact Information
Please use the following contact information to get more information about where AeroChamber* brand of Chambers can be purchased in your area.