Inhalers should be matched to the patient as different inhaler characteristics will be important to different patients. In young children, if pMDIs are prescribed, they should be used with a spacer device. An alternative to a pMDI should be considered in elderly patients with a minimental test score o23/30 or an ideomotor dyspraxia score o14/20 as they are unlikely to have correct inhalation technique through a pMDI. The patient’s potential PIF should be estimated before DPI prescription. Those patients with severe airflow obstruction, children and the elderly would benefit from an inhaler device with a low airflow resistance. Before prescribing a DPI, check that the patient can inhale deeply and forcibly at the start of the inhalation manoeuvre as airflow profile affects particle size produced and hence drug deposition and efficacy. Where possible, one patient should have one inhaler. Establish an Official Board to compile instructions for correct inhalation technique for each inhaler device currently on the market. Instructions for correct inhaler use should be made readily accessible on a dedicated web site. Training in correct inhalation technique is essential for patients and healthcare professionals. Inhalation technique should be checked and reinforced at regular intervals (e.g. every time a patient is prescribed a new inhaler). Teaching correct inhalation techniques should be tailored to the patient’s needs and preferences: written material alone is insufficient to teach correct inhalation technique (one-to-one, group and video tuition are superior tools); group instruction in correct inhalation technique appears to be more effective than personal one-to-one instruction and equally effective like video instruction; younger patients may benefit more from multi-media teaching methods; elderly patients respond well to one-to-one tuition.