Clinical outcomes of children using a metered dose inhaler with a sleeve attachment device to improve ease of use.

Background: Activating pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) is often challenging for children. The Easy Squeezy (ES) is a novel sleeve attachment device that reduces activation force by 3 times. Although users have favored using the ES over using a pMDI alone, the clinical impact of the ES remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare lung function and quality of life between ES users and users of a pMDI alone. Objectives: Our aim was to measure and compare lung function of asthmatic children after they used the ES and pMDI alone. Methods: In this crossover study we recruited 65 asthmatic children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. The participants were randomized into 2 groups. One of the groups used the ES for 6 weeks whereas the other group used a pMDI. After 6 weeks the participants crossed over to the other group. Lung function test parameters were measured after randomization and after each 6 weeks of device use. Quality of life (measured by the Patient Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire [PAQLQ]) and Childhood Asthma Control Test were measured after each period of device use. Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline lung function between the groups. The ES group had a significantly lower percentage difference between prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV Conclusions: The ES device may allow users' asthma to be better controlled than by using a pMDI alone.