Table 1.

Common device types for inhaled medications.

Device type	Description	Examples	Pros	Cons
Nebulizer	Medical device requiring a power source to generate fine mist from a liquid for inhalation	Albuterol, ipratropium, budesonide respules	Does not require effort on the part of the patient; can be used at any age	Requires a machine and electricity; medication administration is more time consuming than inhaler devices
Pressured metered dose inhaler (pMDI)	Small, pressurized canister in an inhaler that dispenses a preset dose of medication for inhalation with actuation of the device	Albuterol HFA, Flovent HFA, Dulera HFA	Quick and convenient medication administration; Can be used at any age	In most cases requires the use of a valved holding chamber for optimal deposition
Dry powder inhaler (DPI)	Handheld, breath actuated inhaler device with medication contained in a premeasured dose of inhaled powder	Proair Respiclick, Advair Diskus, Asmanex Twisthaler, Pulmicort Turbuhaler	Quick and convenient medication administration; does not require any attachments for use	Requires attainment of a minimum inhaled flow rate; not appropriate for younger children; multiple different styles and designs which can be confusing for users
Soft mist inhaler (SMI)	Handheld inhaler which releases a soft mist slower than a pMDI	Spiriva Respimat	Quick and convenient medication administration; does not require any attachments for use	Devices can be complex and requires assembly by end-user; requires cooperation and coordination for use, not appropriate for younger children