Pocketflow is a collapsible, pocket sized spacer for use with standard asthma inhalers that is aimed primarily at the paediatric market.

The Innovation

Pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI) are widely used for the long-term management of asthma however there are a number of problems associated with their use. The amount of drug delivered to the lower airway when using pMDIs can be limited by the size of the particles produced and problems with lack of co-ordination between actuation and dose inhalation resulting in excessive deposition of the drug on the walls of the oropharynx.

Large volume spacer devices were introduced to overcome these problems however they themselves can create problems. They are large and cumbersome, meaning people are reluctant to carry them around. They are difficult for children to use and can cause them to feel very claustrophobic. In addition research evidence now suggests that small to medium sized spacers are more optimal for children

Pocket Flow Spacer

The first truly pocket sized spacer has been developed to overcome these issues and provide patients with a device that can really meet their needs. The volume and shape of the spacer has been designed to ensure optimal fluid flow through the chamber which should result in more efficient filling and emptying cycles.

Key Benefits

• Compact and portable
• Optimal design for fluid flow
• Increased compliance
• Cost reduction for healthcare providers
• Ease of use and cleaning

Market

Childhood asthma is common – studies suggest prevalence of diagnosed asthma is between 10 and 20% in England & Wales. COPD, the world's fourth largest cause of death, is an irreversible and chronic obstruction of the airways which is caused primarily by smoking. It is estimated that the disease is prevalent in 4% of the populations of the USA, Europe and Japan and that at least one in fifteen smokers suffers from it.

The majority of asthma & COPD inhaler medication is delivered by press-and-breathe pMDIs and it is estimated that at least 50% of pMDI users have less than optimal technique and could benefit from using a spacer device. Prescription cost analysis data for 2006 gives the estimated annual acquisition cost for spacers in England as £5.2 million.