I also use the Xopenex mdi inhaler. It's a little pricier tho. Isn't Asmanax a steroid? How would that help as a rescue?

Remember that Asmanex is a corticosteriod - only effective when used long term. You won't get instant relief from it.

Albuterol and xopenex are rescue inhalers - fast acting inhalers that you use to stop an attack. I use xopenex now - seems to be a bit more effective than albuterol and it doesn't have the side effects (increased heart rate, shakiness) that albuterol does. I have it in both inhaler and nebulizer forms. The nebulizer seems a bit more effective, but it is more time consuming and is less portable than the inhaler.