Resources · Managing Your Condition
Puffers & Inhalers

Breezhaler

Single-dose capsule dry-powder inhaler.

For patients & health professionals
Autohaler Managing Your Condition · 17 of 26 Easyhaler
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

A Breezhaler uses individual capsules of powder that you load one at a time. You pierce the capsule with side buttons, then breathe in quickly and deeply — you should hear the capsule spin and rattle, which tells you it is working. Capsules are for inhaling only, never swallowing.

Breezhaler
Breezhaler. Device shown for identification — your medicine and colour may differ.
This is a maintenance inhaler, not a reliever

Breezhaler medicines are taken on a fixed schedule to keep the airways open over time. They are not rescue medicines and extra doses must not be taken during an attack. The capsules are for inhaling only — never swallow them. Keep your separate blue reliever with you.

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
Insert a capsulePull off the cap and open the mouthpiece. Take one capsule from the blister only now, and place it in the capsule chamber. Close the mouthpiece until it clicks.
2
Pierce onceHold the inhaler upright and press both side buttons in firmly once, then release. You should hear a click as the capsule is pierced. Do not press again.
3
Breathe outBreathe out fully, away from the inhaler.
4
Breathe in fast and deepSeal your lips on the mouthpiece and breathe in quickly and deeply — you should hear the capsule whirring. Hold your breath about 6 seconds.
5
Check it is emptyOpen the inhaler and check the capsule is empty. If powder remains, breathe in again to finish it.
6
Remove and storeTip out the empty capsule and close the inhaler. Rinse your mouth if directed.

Getting the best from it

  • The whirring sound confirms a good inhalation.1,2
  • Only load a capsule immediately before use; never swallow the capsules.
  • A second breath from the same capsule is often needed to empty it.

Looking after your inhaler

Wipe the mouthpiece and chamber with a dry cloth; keep it dry. Store capsules in their blister until use.

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.