Table 4.

Comparison between pressurized metered dose inhalers with holding chamber, dry powder inhalers, and nebulizers as aerosol delivery devices

	pMDI/HC	DPIs	Nebulizer
Performance
Majority of aerosol particles <5 mm in size	+	+	±
High pulmonary deposition	+	±	±
Low mouth deposition	+	±	−
Reliability of dose	+	±	±
Not compromised by humidity	+	−	+
Physical and chemical stability	+	+	+
Breath actuated	−	+	−
Low risk of contamination	+	+	−
Convenience
Lightweight, compact	+	+	−
Multiple doses	+	+	−
Dose counter	±	+	−
Easy and quick operation	±	±	−
Suitable for all ages	+	−	+

+: present; -: not present; ±: sometimes present, sometimes not. pMDI=Pressurized metered dose inhaler, DPIs=Dry powder inhalers, HC: Holding chamber