Nebulisers are comparatively cheap and, for me, work wonders. 5 or 10 minutes - using prescribed Salbutamol (ampoules) (with Ipratropium) - is very effective; gives me relief within minutes. A nebuliser is MUCH stronger (10x) than an inhaler. I have several nebulisers and place them in 'strategic' spots. Strongly recommend if you are in distress.

The nebulizer is a machine that uses compressed air to create a mist out of a liquid medicine that you put in a small cup and then inhale the vapor that's created. Typical nebulized meds are albuterol, duo-neb and budesonide. These are typically short acting meds and often require more than one time nebulizing per day to be effective.

The inhaler can be a unit that propels the medication in a mist or vapor form and then you inhale it or it may require that you inhale strongly to pull the powder into your lungs. This is usually done in one relatively long inhale.

Most meds available in nebulized form are also available in inhaler form. nebulizing usually takes from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the medication. Most inhalers are quick; one inhale and you're done. Some folks believe that they get more med and more results from nebulized meds; others see little difference. Either way the dosage is the same.

Oh yes, you wanted to know about inhalers too. Advair, a disc shaped plastic with the med in it. Open it and inhale. I also use Spiriva, I have to put a capsule in it close the mouth piece over it, push the green button, then inhale from it, do it 2 times. Remember to take a deep breath, exhale and then a deep inhale of the med, hold your breath for 10 seconds and exhale. rinse your mouth after using them to prevent Thrush.

Inhalers are in pressurised containers that you suck in through the mouth filled with say salbutamol to ease your breathing when you get breathless Nebulisers are a machine That you plug into the mains from the nebuliser you have a length of plastic tubin attached to a mouth piece in to the mouth piece container you put your liquid nebulas into turn the nebuliser on it dispenses the liquid nebules in the form of a mist which you suck in through your mouth hope this might explain the difference

I use both...A nebulizer is usually taken 3=4 times a day...you use albuterol liquid medicine in it....helps breathing throughout the day. Inhalers, which there are many are maintenance meds....there are also rescue inhalers...which I keep on me at all times..
Hope this helps somewhat...for myself my nebulizer helps me more..