Resources · Managing Your Condition
Puffers & Inhalers

Autohaler

Breath-actuated pMDI that fires automatically as you breathe in.

For patients & health professionals
Aerosphere Managing Your Condition · 16 of 26 Breezhaler
Authorship & review
Dr Sean James Ledger, BSc Physio (Hons) MSc PhD FHEA
Director and Principal Physiotherapist
Ahpra registration PHY0002298174
Version
1.1
Last updated
6 September 2026
Next review
6 September 2027
Every guide on this site is reviewed at least once a year, and sooner when the evidence changes.
How these guides are written and reviewed →
In plain language

An Autohaler is a "puffer" that fires itself. Instead of pressing a canister at just the right moment, you raise a lever to prime it, then simply breathe in — and the inhaler releases the dose automatically as you do. This makes it a good choice for people who find the timing of an ordinary pMDI difficult. You still need a steady, deep breath in, and you must keep breathing in after it fires.

Autohaler breath-actuated pressurised metered-dose inhaler
Autohaler. Device shown for identification — your medicine and colour may differ.
Know which of your Autohalers is the reliever

The Autohaler is a device, not a medicine — an Airomir Autohaler (salbutamol) is a fast-acting reliever, while a QVAR Autohaler (beclometasone) is a preventer that works gradually and will not help during an attack. They look similar. Check the name on the inhaler before you take it, and keep your reliever separate and easy to find.

Examples of this type

Different medicines come in this device. Common examples include:

Brand names are examples only and availability changes — always go by the name on your own inhaler and your prescriber's instructions.

How to use it — step by step

1
PrepareRemove the mouthpiece cover. Hold the inhaler upright and shake it well. Prime a new inhaler first as the leaflet directs.
2
Raise the leverPush the grey lever at the top all the way up until it stays up. This primes the dose — keep the inhaler upright.
3
Breathe outBreathe out gently, away from the inhaler, keeping the inhaler upright and the lever up.
4
Seal your lipsPut the mouthpiece between your teeth and seal your lips around it — do not block the air vents at the bottom.
5
Breathe in — it fires itselfBreathe in slowly and deeply. The inhaler releases the dose automatically (you will hear and feel a soft click). Do not stop or gasp — keep breathing in after the click.
6
HoldTake the mouthpiece out and hold your breath for about 6 seconds, then breathe out gently.
7
Lower the leverPush the lever back down. For a further dose, raise the lever again and repeat from step 3.
8
FinishReplace the cover. If it contains a steroid, rinse your mouth and spit out.

Getting the best from it

  • Keep breathing in after it clicks — stopping when it fires is the most common mistake.1,2
  • Raise the lever before each dose and lower it after; only one dose fires per priming.
  • Do not cover the air vents at the base with your hand or lips.

Looking after your inhaler

Wipe the plastic mouthpiece weekly with a dry tissue — do not wash the metal canister or immerse the device. Keep the cover on, and store it upright in a dry place. Track the doses so you replace it before it runs out.

Not sure your technique is right?

Most people lose some accuracy over time.3,4 We can check your inhaler technique at your appointment.

Getting your inhaler technique right →

Book an appointment

References & evidence base

  1. National Asthma Council Australia. Inhaler technique for people with asthma or COPD. Information paper for health professionals. Melbourne: National Asthma Council Australia, 2026.
  2. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Inhaler technique — device-specific checklists. Sydney: ACSQHC, 2020.

Further reading

References are numbered in citation order (Vancouver/BMJ style) and were current at the time of writing. Always follow the leaflet for your specific device and your prescriber's instructions.

How we treat this at the clinic

Everything starts with an assessment — your symptoms, breathing, exercise tolerance and daily function measured properly, so what follows is built on your lungs rather than an average.

Physiotherapy Assessment →
Important: This page is general information on inhaler technique, not a prescription or medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber and pharmacist, and the leaflet inside your specific medicine. If you are unsure your inhaler is working, or your breathing worsens, contact your care team — or in an emergency call 000. For a technique check, contact Inspire Clinic.

Corrections: If something on this page is wrong, out of date or unclear, we want to know. Email reception@inspireclinic.au with the page name and what you believe is incorrect. Substantive corrections are made promptly, and the guide’s version and last-updated date are changed to reflect it.