A broad range of inhaler devices is available for physicians to prescribe. Although newer devices are often easier to use than conventional pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), many patients still use inhalers sub-optimally. Physicians must become familiar with the characteristics of several inhalers and choose the device that their patients can use correctly and beneficially if they are to prescribe successfully to those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The selection of a device may also be influenced by patient comorbidities and by their ability to handle and inhale correctly from the device. A further challenge in the COPD setting is measuring the desired treatment outcome.