The new inhalers use a chemical called hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) to deliver the medication to the lungs. HFA devices may have a different taste compared to the previous CFC inhalers, and the spray may feel softer. However, this does not mean the medicine is not reaching your lungs.

In addition, HFA inhalers need to be cleaned and primed to prevent medication build up and blockage. Each manufacturer will provide instructions about how to use their inhaler.

HFA inhalers may be more expensive than the older CFC inhaler. HFA inhalers do not usually require a spacer, although a spacer may be recommended if you have difficulty timing the spray with inhalation.

If you have difficulty timing your breath while spraying the medication, then there are inhalers that automatically release the medication when you take a breath (i.e., Maxair Autohaler). Another alternative is to use a spacer or a dry powder inhaler (DPI).

Using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) seems simple, but many people do not use them the right way. If you use your MDI the wrong way, less medicine gets to your lungs. If you have a spacer, you should use it because it helps get more of the medicine into your airways.

Getting Ready

• Take off the cap and shake the inhaler hard.
• If you have not used the inhaler in a while, you may need to prime it. See the instructions that your inhaler came with for how to do this.
• Breathe out all the way.

Breathe in Slowly

• Start breathing in slowly through your mouth, and then press down on the inhaler one time.
• Keep breathing in slowly and deeply as you can.

Hold Your Breath

• Hold your breath as you count to 10 slowly, if you can. This lets the medicine reach deep into your lungs.
• If you are using inhaled quick-relief medicine (beta-agonists), wait about 1 minute before you take your next puff. You do not need to wait a minute between puffs for other medicines.
• After using your inhaler, rinse your mouth with water, gargle, and spit out. This will help reduce unwanted side effects from your medicine.