Living with COPD: how you can make everyday life easier

COPD can affect every part of your life. You might find it harder to get out and about every day. Or struggle to sleep through the night.

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It covers a group of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The main symptoms are breathlessness and wheezing, a persistent cough, and frequent chest infections.

Unfortunately, there's no cure. But there are ways you can manage the condition. And there are a number of products available that have been specially designed to make your life easier.

So if you're tired - literally - of sleepless nights and want to have the energy to do the things you love once again, read on! Here are our top products to help you manage your COPD.

How could an adjustable bed ease my COPD?

Lying down can make your COPD symptoms worse. If you suffer from the condition, you've probably woken up in the middle of the night, gasping for air and feeling breathless or congested.

You might have tried propping your head up on pillows or even sleeping upright in a chair. But the pillows always move and there's no substitute for lying in a proper bed.

If you struggle to sleep at night or wake up because you can't breathe, an adjustable bed could help you get the rest you need.

That's where an adjustable bed could help. You can raise your head and neck as high as you want at the touch of a button, while staying comfortable and supported.

Sleeping at an elevated angle can even reduce your chances of developing pneumonia. Lying flat increases pressure on your chest cavity but sleeping at an angle reduces this pressure, making it easier to breath. So you can sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed

What other products could help me cope with COPD?

If you often feel winded, a device that allows you to sit down and catch your breath could give you the confidence to get back outdoors again.

A rollator with a built-in seat means you can take a break whenever you need to. Whether that's pausing on your way home from the shops with heavy bags, or sitting down for a few minutes on family days out without having to worry about finding a bench.

Sometimes, all you need to do is sit down and catch your breath. But what if there isn't a bench or chair nearby? A walking aid with a built-in seat could be the solution.

Sometimes, all you need to do is sit down and catch your breath. But what if there isn't a bench or chair nearby? A walking aid with a built-in seat could be the solution.

For something even more portable, you could try a cane seat. Use it as a cane when it's closed, then unfold it and use it as a seat when you need to.

It's lightweight enough to lift in and out of the car with ease, even if you struggle with your breathing. Keep it in your car boot so you'll always have it on hand and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can sit down whenever you need.

Life with COPD can be challenging. But with a bit of help, you can continue to enjoy doing the things you love and spending time with the people that matter.