Apparatus for indicating proper orientation for oral and nasal inhalers

Abstract

The present apparatus insures proper orientation during use of an oral or nasal inhaler, as well as providing an audible rattle to aid in remembering to shake the inhaler prior to use. An indicator ball is confined within a substantially horizontal tube in the inhaler housing. One end of the tube is visually exposed within the user's field of view. The indicator ball remains out of view within the inhaler housing unless the inhaler orientation is held in a substantially vertical orientation. When proper vertical orientation is achieved, the indicator ball rolls to the exposed end of the tube and is visible to the user. Shaking the inhaler prior to use causes the indicator ball to rattle within the tube producing an audible rattle. The event of shaking the inhaler and hearing the rattle provides the user with a reinforced memory to shake the inhaler prior to use. In the preferred embodiment as applied to oral inhalers, the indicator ball and tube are placed within an ergonomic cap seated on the upper end of the aerosol vial of the inhaler. When the inhaler mouthpiece is placed in or adjacent to the mouth, the cap and the exposed end of the tube are proximate to the bridge of the nose, directly between the user's eyes. The cap can be equipped with a top surface curved to fit the contour of the first finger knuckle. This improves leverage and reduces stress on the finger when using the inhaler. In the preferred embodiment as applied to nasal inhalers, the indicator ball and tube are placed within a collar housing placed upon the inhaler.