There are three pepper spray patterns on the market: a stream pattern, a cone-mist, and a fog.

Lets take a look at each of them. A stream spray is technically the least effective because it tends to trap the OC in the carrier. However there are advantages to a stream. It usually has a greater range- from 12 to 15 feet. And at the end of the stream the OC does break up into small droplets. Also a stream is not much affected by breeze and wind. Unlike a cone mist or fog, the stream pepper spray can target specific area without the fear of contaminating everyone around. This is particularly important indoors, in such places as malls, stores. Examples of stream pepper sprays may be Pepper Shot, Wildfire, Mace pepper spray.

Cone mist has a wider spray pattern and smaller droplets and considered to be much more effective. Cone mist sprays are good for creating "barriers" during retreat and when you are dealing with multiple attackers. The disadvantage of a cone mist spray is its range which is less than the stream spray. A typical range is 8 to 10 feet. Also cone mists can be uncontrollable in a wind. Spraying directly into a good breeze not only shortens the range, but hte pepper sprays may affect the sprayer. Therefore if you are using cone mist, you must spray and move away quickly.

Fogger sprays have a super-fine mist and generally considered to be the most effective in terms of stopping power. The slightest intake of breath takes the mist directly to sensitive lung tissue and makes life-support breathing difficult. Fogger sprays are excellent for creating a barrier while escaping an attack because the fog tends to hang in the air. For this reason they are the best sprays for home defense.