Aids that can help with asthma

Living with asthma is about more than your inhalers. The right aids can help your medicine reach your lungs, show you early when your asthma is getting worse, and reduce the triggers around you.

This article covers the most useful aids, starting with the ones you can get free or on prescription, so you do not pay for something the NHS already provides.

Aids you can get on the NHS

Ask your GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist about these before buying anything.

A spacer

A spacer is a plastic tube that fits onto some inhalers. It helps more of the medicine reach your lungs instead of the back of your throat, and it can reduce side effects such as a sore mouth. Spacers are especially helpful for children and during an asthma attack.

• they can be prescribed, so you do not usually need to buy one
• the spacer must fit your type of inhaler
• wash it about once a month in warm soapy water and let it drip dry
• replace it every year, or sooner if it cracks

A peak flow meter

A peak flow meter measures how fast you can breathe out. Checking it regularly can show that your asthma is getting worse, sometimes before you feel it. Your asthma action plan may tell you what to do at different readings.

• it can be prescribed by your GP or asthma nurse
• take readings at the same times each day, and write them down or use an app

A written asthma action plan

It is not a gadget, but an asthma action plan is one of the most useful tools you can have. It tells you which medicines to take every day, how to spot when your asthma is getting worse, and exactly what to do in an attack. Ask your GP or asthma nurse for one, and review it every year.

Aids you might choose to buy

These can help some people, depending on their triggers. None of them replaces your treatment. Where we suggest a product, it is clearly marked Ad. Please check that anything you buy suits your needs, and talk to your asthma nurse if you are not sure.

Allergy bedding covers

If house dust mites trigger your asthma, covers for your mattress, pillows and duvet that stop mites getting through may help. Wash bedding every week at 60°C.

Soft, anti-allergy bedding that washes easily at high temperatures can also make it simpler to keep your bed as free of dust mites as possible.

Dehumidifiers and damp control

Mould and damp are common asthma triggers. A dehumidifier, opening windows after showers and cooking, and drying clothes outside where you can, can all reduce damp. If you rent and your home has damp or mould, your landlord has a legal duty to deal with it.

A small humidity monitor (hygrometer) shows how damp the air is in each room, so you know when to open a window or run a dehumidifier. Many people aim to keep indoor humidity at roughly 40 to 60%.

Air purifiers

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove some dust, pollen, pet dander and smoke from a room. The evidence that they improve asthma is mixed, so think of one as an extra, not a treatment.

If you do choose one, a bedroom model with a quiet night mode means you can leave it running while you sleep. Remember to change the filter as often as the maker says.

Inhaler cases and reminders

A small inhaler case helps you keep your reliever with you. Phone alarms or an app can remind you to take your preventer every day, which is one of the best ways to keep asthma under control.

Cold weather and pollen protection

Cold air and pollen trigger asthma for many people. A scarf over your nose and mouth in cold weather, and wraparound sunglasses on high pollen days, are simple and cheap. Read more in living well with asthma.

Help with costs

• Prescriptions are free for everyone in Wales. In England, a prescription prepayment certificate can save money if you need several items. Check with our NHS health costs check.
• If severe asthma affects your daily life, you may be able to get PIP. Read asthma, work and benefits.
• VAT relief may apply to some equipment designed for disabled people. See VAT relief on disability equipment.