Proper Inhaler Storage: How to Keep Your Medication Safe and Effective

When you rely on an inhaler for asthma or COPD, proper inhaler storage, the correct way to keep your inhaler at stable temperatures and away from moisture or direct heat. Also known as inhaler maintenance, it’s not optional—it’s what keeps your rescue or daily medication working when you need it most. A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that inhalers stored above 77°F lost up to 30% of their potency in just 30 days. That means if you leave your inhaler on the dashboard in summer or in a hot bathroom, you might be breathing in mostly air.

It’s not just about temperature. moisture, humidity that seeps into the device and clogs the nozzle or degrades the propellant is just as dangerous. Many people store inhalers in the bathroom because it’s convenient—but steam from showers turns that space into a humidity trap. Same goes for leaving it in a car glove compartment or near a radiator. Even the type of inhaler, whether it’s a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI), or nebulizer changes what storage looks like. MDIs need to be kept upright and never washed, while DPIs must stay dry at all costs—wiping them down with a damp cloth can ruin them.

Some people think if the inhaler still makes a hissing sound, it’s fine. But that’s not true. The sound comes from the propellant, not the medicine. The active ingredient can settle or break down without you noticing. That’s why checking the expiration date isn’t enough—you need to track how long it’s been open. Most inhalers are good for 12 months after first use, even if the bottle says 24. Always write the opening date on the label with a marker. And never share your inhaler, even with family members. It’s not just unhygienic—it can change how the device works if someone else has used it.

If you travel often, keep your inhaler in your carry-on, not checked luggage. Temperatures in cargo holds can drop below freezing or spike over 120°F. Cold can make the propellant less effective; heat can cause it to explode. A small insulated pouch or even a sock can help buffer against extreme temps. At home, a cool, dry drawer in your bedroom is better than the medicine cabinet. Don’t store it near your toothbrush or hair dryer—those are heat zones.

You don’t need expensive gadgets to protect your inhaler. Just awareness. A few simple habits—like checking the temperature where you keep it, writing the opening date, and avoiding steamy rooms—can extend its life and keep your breathing stable. The difference between a well-stored inhaler and a poorly stored one isn’t just convenience. It’s whether you can breathe when you need to.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve learned the hard way what happens when storage goes wrong—and how to make sure it never happens to you.