9 Best COPD Products that Make Breathing Easier of 2024

More than 15 million Americans are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of disorders that affect the airways, making it difficult to breathe. There's no cure for COPD, but there are various COPD products that can make daily activities (and breathing, in general) much easier.

If you care for someone with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, or another chronic respiratory issue, it's important to stock up on necessary supplies. Having the right items on hand can help your loved one better manage their lung disease and reduce the risk of side effects like inflammation.

Unsure where to begin? No problem. We've compiled a list of 9 COPD products that make breathing easier. Keep reading to learn more.

9 Best COPD Products

1. ACE Metered Dose Inhaler

Many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease take their prescription medicines through metered-dose inhalers (MDI) or dry powder inhalers. These portable devices are lightweight, compact, and deliver the correct amount of medication in an aerosol form, instead of a pill or capsule.

This Ace® brand metered-dose inhaler is manufactured by Smiths Medical. It's made of clear silicone that's easy to remove and clean. The unique cone-shaped chamber maximizes breathing volume and the clear construction allows for accurate measurement of the prescribed dose.

MDIs can deliver most respiratory medications, including corticosteroids, antibiotics, steroids, and long-acting bronchodilators.

 2. Drive oxygen cylinder cart

Often, people with lung disease need supplemental oxygen to keep their organs and tissues healthy. Most oxygen tanks weigh an average of 20 pounds. That might not seem very heavy, but if you already suffer from asthma or another respiratory issue, lugging an oxygen cylinder around can quickly drain your energy.

This oxygen cylinder cart, manufactured by drive™, has large, composite wheels for easy and safe maneuvering. Plus, the handle is adjustable and can accommodate people of all sizes.

3. McKesson Folding Hand Reacher

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease makes simple activities, like reaching for a cup or bending down to pick something up difficult. Steroids, corticosteroids, and other types of medication can help reduce your symptoms, but you may still experience side effects like wheezing, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

To save your energy, consider this folding hand reacher from McKesson. It's made of aluminum and plastic and has a reach of 26.5 inches. The ultra-lightweight frame is easy to carry and the specially designed handle has a full grip that allows you to use all four fingers. What's more, the hand reacher is foldable and compact, meaning you can use it at home or while running errands.

4. Baseline Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter provides a quick and easy way to assess the amount of oxygen in your blood. Traditionally, these devices were used in emergency rooms and urgent care settings, but they're now available for consumer use.

If you have chronic respiratory inflammation, a pulse oximeter can determine how well your lungs are working. Normal oxygen saturation levels are 95-100%. If you have a condition like emphysema or chronic bronchitis, your readings will likely be lower.

5. Drive Medical Power Neb Ultra Compressor Nebulizer System

Some people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are unable to use metered-dose or dry powder inhalers. If your loved one is one of them, their primary care physician might recommend nebulizer therapy.

A nebulizer is a medical device that converts medication, like corticosteroids or antibiotics, into a fine mist. You inhale the medicine through a facemask or a nosepiece, and it travels to your airways and lungs. This is different from an inhaler, which is a more portable way to get medicine when experiencing a flare-up.

This nebulizer from Drive Medical weighs just 3.2 pounds and is incredibly quiet. The built-in neb kit allows for hands-free use and the product comes with a five-year warranty.

6. Salter-Style 1600 Series Nasal Cannula

Over time, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. If your loved one requires a constant flow of supplemental oxygen, they may benefit from a nasal cannula. A cannula is a small, flexible tube that sits inside the nostrils.

By wearing a nasal cannula, it's easier to do daily activities like eating, drinking, and speaking. Cannulas are less bulky than facemasks and more comfortable, too.

7. AirLife Spirometer

Spirometry is a diagnostic test that evaluates the function of your lungs. If you care for someone with COPD, having a spirometer at home makes it easy to track the progression of their symptoms.

There are four stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and each stage presents unique challenges. Routine monitoring with an at-home spirometer allows you to track your senior's progress. It can also help you evaluate the effectiveness of certain medications like short-acting bronchodilators or ipratropium.

8. drive Cruiser III Lightweight Wheelchair

Even if your loved one uses an inhaler or a nebulizer, they may still experience muscle weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. That's especially true if you go shopping, take a walk, or do another type of physically demanding activity.

Having a mobility device on hand, like this folding wheelchair from drive™, comes in handy. As soon as your senior feels tired or winded, have them take a seat. Weighing just 36 pounds, it's easy to maneuver, even if you lack upper body strength.

9. drive Nitro 4 Wheel Rollator

In the early stages of COPD, it's possible to remain relatively mobile. Even so, flare-ups of lung inflammation, or an upper respiratory tract infection, like the flu, can make it difficult to walk to the kitchen, much less run errands or do other necessary tasks.

A rollator provides more support than a walker, but less support than a wheelchair. It's the "goldilocks solution" for people who experience mobility challenges but want to remain at least somewhat independent.

These are just a few of the COPD products we carry at Carewell to support caregivers (and their loved ones). If you have questions about the items on this list (or our website) reach out to our friendly Caregiving Specialists any time. Call (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com.

Recommended reading:

Nebulizers. Everything You Need to Know & Buy Online

Nebulizer vs. Inhaler. Explained!