A Comparison of “Closed” and “Open” Mouth Techniques of Inhalation of a Salbutamol Metered-Dose Inhaler

Abstract

To compare two techniques of inhalation of a salbutamol metered-dose inhaler—“closed” mouth (keeping the actuator between the lips) and “open” mouth (placing the actuator a few centimeters in front of the open mouth)—50 asthmatics were tested with both methods. Twenty-seven patients completed the study. The baseline FEV₁ on the 2 test days was similar. Inhalation of salbutamol by both techniques resulted in a significant and similar degree of bronchodilatation. The majority of patients preferred the closed-mouth technique.