Use of Facemasks with Spacers

The nose efficiently filters particles from the inhaled air and thus can potentially reduce the amount of drug inhaled. One study reported that lung dose was reduced by half in schoolchildren inhaling throngh the nose as compared with mouth inhalation (68). This filter effect appears to be inversely related to age, and the lower airways seem to be less well protected in younger children (69). Interestingly, a recent study reported no difference between 

Marcel Dekker, Inc. 270 Madison Avenue. New York, New York 10016 

Leakage around the facemask and nasal breathing from within a face-mask are critical factors in drug delivery from pMDIs with spacers and facemasks. 

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