I am on a daily controller medication (Singulair) as well as Albuterol. In my case it is ProAir HFA. I do tend to take a prophylactic dose before a ride, and will take additional doses as needed on longer rides, depending on air quality and temperature. I am on Zyrtec for seasonal allergies as well, and my breathing is definitely worse during certain times of the year- especially when the ragweed and other nasties are airborne in the early fall. The nebulizer that the OP is using gets the albuterol vapors (it is a liquid, not a powder)much deeper into the lungs, and the treatments are longer so it really gets into the tissue. As for cost, I get mine through Express Scripts, and the inhalers are $16 for a 90 day supply (3 inhalers). Costs vary, depending on who your insurer is.