The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word INHALER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
I
N
H
A
L
E
R
More clues leading to the result INHALER
- Fitter holding up fashionable breathing aid
- Old pub fitter is a serious smoker
- Breathing device provided by popular, healthy king
- Puffer at home gets healthier
- One inspiring hotel to get in popular beer and lager at last
- At home more healthy to have respirator
- It helps breathing, being cool and well rested, initially
- Could be a life-saver for one trying to 17
- With this therapeutic device one’s home and healthy, right?
- More healthy attached to popular medical device
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "gadget some patients use" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case gadget some patients use = inhaler.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does INHALER mean?
INHALER noun- One who inhales.
- A device with a canister holding medicine (either in powder or gas form) which is sprayed and inhaled by the patient, often for treating asthma and other respiratory diseases.