Inhaler Types: MDIs, DPIs, Soft-Mist & Nebulizers Explained

Picking the right inhaler matters. Different devices deliver medicine in different ways, and the one you use affects how well your lungs get treated. Below you’ll find a clear rundown of the common inhaler types and practical tips to use them correctly.

Quick guide to inhaler types

Here are the main inhaler types you’ll meet at the pharmacy and what makes each one different.

• Metered‑Dose Inhaler (MDI) — small press-and-breathe canister that sprays a set dose. Good for rescue meds like albuterol but needs coordination (press while you inhale).
• MDI with spacer — adds a chamber between the canister and your mouth. Helps if you have trouble timing the breath with the spray; great for kids and older adults.
• Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) — you inhale a powder dose. No need to press a canister, but you must inhale quickly and deeply for the medicine to reach your lungs.
• Soft‑Mist Inhaler (SMI) — creates a slow, fine mist you inhale. Easier to coordinate than an MDI and works well for many controller drugs.
• Nebulizer — converts liquid medicine into a mist via a machine. Useful for small children, severe attacks, or anyone who can’t coordinate inhalers. Sessions take 5–15 minutes.
• Breath‑Actuated Inhaler — fires automatically when you inhale. Good if pressing and breathing at the same time is hard.

Tips to use your inhaler right

How you use the device often matters more than which one you have. A few practical tips will cut down wasted doses and improve control.

MDI basics: shake the canister, exhale, start a slow deep breath, press once and keep inhaling for 3–5 seconds, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds. If your inhaler needs two puffs, wait 30–60 seconds between them.

DPI basics: load the dose (if required), exhale away from the device, inhale quickly and deeply, then hold your breath. If you breathe too gently with a DPI the medicine won’t deposit in the lungs.

Use a spacer with MDIs if you cough when using an MDI, have poor coordination, or are treating a child. Spacers slow the spray so more medicine reaches the lungs and less lands in the mouth.

Cleaning and care: rinse mouthpieces weekly with warm water and let air dry. Nebulizers need regular cleaning and parts replacement—follow the manufacturer directions. Always check dose counters and discard expired medicine.

When to switch: ask your clinician if you struggle with coordination, have weak inhalation, or get repeated symptoms despite treatment. They may recommend a different device or a spacer.

Carry your rescue inhaler, know when to use it, and practice your technique during calm moments. If you’re unsure about technique, ask your pharmacist to coach you—they can watch and correct small mistakes that make a big difference.

Want help choosing? Tell your provider about your age, hand strength, breathing strength, and daily routine. The best inhaler is the one you can use correctly every time.