Breathing devices, including inhalers, nebulizers, and larger devices, can help improve your breathing with COPD. Which device a doctor recommends can depend on your symptoms.
If you’re living with COPD, breathing devices can help you feel better by opening airways, relieving breathlessness, and maintaining or improving lung function.
Check out the infographic below to learn more about breathing devices for COPD. Your healthcare team can help determine the best option for you.
What is the best breathing aid for people with COPD?
The best breathing aid for people with COPD can depend on symptoms and severity. Many people with mild COPD use an inhaler to take short-acting bronchodilators when needed. For people with more moderate symptoms, they may need long-acting bronchodilators. For severe symptoms, doctors may prescribe a bronchodilator and an inhaled steroid. You may also need breathing support, whether oxygen or a device such as a CPAP or BiPAP, to support your breathing.
What is the new breathing device for COPD?
A 2023 pilot study for a hands-free PEP device for people with COPD shortness of breath during activity dyspnea and low blood oxygen suggested that a new device called the PEP buddy may improve quality of life and breathlessness.
What is the machine for COPD breathing?
People with COPD use different machines to support breathing, including inhalers, PEP devices, nebulizers, portable oxygen machines, and CPAP and BiPAP machines.
Does a nebulizer machine help with COPD?
A nebulizer can help people with COPD take inhaled medications if they are unable to use an inhaler. Nebulizers use an air compressor or vibrations to administer the medication as a mist that you can breathe in with an oxygen mask or a mouthpiece.