the primary difference is the way albuterol is propelled from the canister into the lungs but some patients will notice that the "blast" of spray is gentler with hfa devices. "the feel is a little different so if somebody is switching if they're not aware that the hfa jet is more gentle they might feel they're not getting the same amount. it's just as effective but people's expectations need to match what they're receiving " says martha white md an allergist in wheaton md. three of four inhalers available - proventil hfa proair hfa and ventolin hfa -- dispense albuterol. the fourth hfa inhaler xopenex carries levalbuterol -- another bronchodilator agent of the same class as albuterol. the hfa propellant also is "gummier" than the cfc propellant so it's important to clean the plastic sleeve that holds the canister ideally after each use but at least once a week. users may also notice a difference in taste. hfa inhalers also need to be primed or sprayed a few times in the air before using according to guidelines from the american academy of allergy asthma & immunology.
what are the differences between cfc and hfa inhalers for asthma?