Adjustable Beds – A Breath of Fresh Air For COPD Patients

Living with Chronic Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can cause many obstacles in leading a normal life. Every breath can feel like a challenge, and daily activities – including sleep – can be significantly impacted. According to the British Lung Foundation, around 1.2 million people in the UK are living with COPD, making it the second most common lung disease after asthma. For these individuals, finding ways to ease discomfort with a preferred sleeping position is essential.

At Charterhouse Mobility, we understand the importance of a restful night’s sleep when managing conditions like COPD. Our bespoke adjustable beds for COPD patients are thoughtfully designed to help alleviate symptoms and promote better sleep. Let’s explore how these electric adjustable beds can benefit COPD therapy.

Key Takeaways: Adjustable Beds for COPD Patients

• COPD affects 1.2 million people in the UK, making breathing and sleep challenging.

• Adjustable beds ease symptoms like shortness of breath, mucus buildup, and acid reflux.

• Elevating the upper body improves breathing and helps clear airways.

• Customisable positions enhance lung function and reduce swelling in the legs.

• Charterhouse Mobility offers tailored, high-quality adjustable beds for COPD relief.

What is COPD?

COPD is a chronic and progressive lung condition that restricts airflow, making it increasingly difficult to breathe over time. It includes two main conditions:

1. Emphysema: The destruction of air sacs in the lungs reduces the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen efficiently.

2. Chronic bronchitis: This involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, accompanied by excessive mucus production.

While COPD primarily affects older individuals, it can also impact younger adults exposed to long-term irritants like tobacco smoke, air pollution, or occupational dust and chemicals. With appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes, individuals can manage their symptoms and avoid further lung damage.

Causes and Symptoms of COPD

The leading cause of COPD is smoking, accounting for over 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries. However, other contributing factors include long-term exposure to air pollutants or second-hand smoke, a genetic predisposition such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and occupational hazards like chemical fumes or dust.

The symptoms of COPD often develop gradually and worsen over time. Common indicators include:

• Persistent cough, often producing mucus.

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

• Wheezing or a tight feeling in the chest.

• Frequent chest infections.

• Fatigue and a general lack of energy.

Impact on Daily Life

Living with COPD can significantly affect day-to-day activities. Tasks that once seemed simple – walking upstairs, grocery shopping, or even sleeping – can become gruelling. Sleep, in particular, is often disrupted by shortness of breath or discomfort caused by mucus buildup. This can contribute to chronic fatigue, sleepiness, and increased prevalence of insomnia.

This is where an electric adjustable bed can be life changing. By offering support customised to the patient’s preferred sleep positions, these beds empower COPD patients to rest comfortably and wake up feeling more refreshed.

How Adjustable Beds Can Help COPD Patients

Adjustable beds for COPD patients have become a viable treatment for improved sleep quality and greater independence. Their ability to be manually adjusted to suit the needs and preferences of the user can aid in managing nighttime symptoms, reducing the collection of mucus in the airways. Here’s how they can help:

1. Improved Breathing

Sleeping flat can exacerbate breathing difficulties for COPD patients. An electric adjustable bed allows you to elevate your upper body, opening up the airways and reducing pressure on the lungs. This positioning helps minimise shortness of breath and can also prevent nighttime disturbance caused by breathing discomfort.

2. Better Postural Drainage

COPD often leads to mucus buildup in the lungs. Elevating the head and chest while sleeping helps with postural drainage, allowing mucus to move to areas where it can be cleared more effectively. Patients can maintain optimal drainage positions for 15 minutes or more, making it easier for the lungs to expand and facilitate better breathing.

3. Enhanced Lung Capacity

Sleeping at an inclined angle can maximise lung capacity by allowing fluids to gather at the base of the lungs. This makes it easier to cough out excess mucus and breathe more freely. Research shows that sleeping at a 45-degree angle significantly improves lung function and oxygen saturation, compared to lying flat.

4. Swelling Relief

Peripheral oedema, or swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles, is a common symptom among COPD patients. Adjustable beds enable you to raise your legs to improve circulation and reduce fluid retention, relieving discomfort and enhancing mobility during the day.

5. Reduced Acid Reflux

Many COPD patients also experience acid reflux, which can further disrupt sleep. Sleeping in a slightly elevated position uses gravity to keep stomach acid from rising into the oesophagus, making for a more peaceful night. To maximise the benefits of an adjustable bed for COPD, aim for an elevation of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimetres) at the head of the bed.

Features of Adjustable Beds for COPD Patients

At Charterhouse Mobility, our electric adjustable beds are designed with the needs of COPD patients in mind. Here’s how their features can be used to improve sleep and lung health:

1. Tailored Fit

We understand that each person’s experience with the disease is unique, so we work with you to find the perfect solution for extra support and comfort. We take precise measurements to ensure your bed is customised to fit your body perfectly, providing support for your head, neck, back, and legs – exactly where it's needed most.

2. Customisable Sleeping Positions

Choose from a variety of positions to find what works best for your breathing and sleep needs. Whether you need slight elevation or a more upright posture, our beds are adjustable at the touch of a button. This helps you to manage your sleeping position without exertion.

3. Additional Features for Enhanced Wellbeing

Our beds come with optional features designed to enhance comfort and relaxation, such as:

• Heat and massage functions for soothing aches and improving circulation.

• Head cushions for added neck support.

• USB charging ports for convenience.

4. Premium Fabrics and Finishes

Your bed should look as good as it makes you feel. That’s why we offer a range of high-quality fabrics and finishes to suit your style and complement your bedroom décor. Choose from our selection of styles, fabrics, and colours to make your bed exclusively yours.

Why Choose Charterhouse Mobility?

At Charterhouse Mobility, we’ve built a reputation for high-quality products, offering bespoke mobility furniture that combines comfort, style, and practicality for COPD patients. Our mission has always been to improve the quality of life for our customers, and our journey has been driven by a deep understanding of their needs.

When you choose one of our adjustable beds, you’re choosing:

• Expert craftsmanship rooted in years of experience.

• Customisation tailored to your exact specifications.

• Family-orientated service that puts your comfort and well-being first.

Taking the First Step Towards Better Sleep

Managing COPD symptoms with an electric adjustable bed can make a meaningful difference. By investing in a bed designed with your needs in mind, you’re taking a proactive step toward improving not just your sleep, but your overall quality of life.

If you or a loved one is living with COPD, why not explore the benefits of a bespoke adjustable bed from Charterhouse Mobility? With expert advice, precise measurements, and luxurious customisation options, we’re here to help you breathe easier and sleep better.

Conclusion

Electric adjustable beds should be considered when managing COPD symptoms, though it is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider. This will help you to assess which bed and setting will be best to alleviate your symptoms.

If you are in search of adjustable beds for COPD patients, Charterhouse Mobility is here to help. We offer free, in-home demonstrations to test out products firsthand, providing exceptional service every time. Get in touch to find out how we can help you decrease your COPD symptoms for a better night’s sleep.