Researchers from the University of California have introduced a wearable device that dramatically lessens shortness of breath for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, achieving a 72% improvement in breathing comfort in a controlled study. The findings were published in a respected respiratory care journal, underscoring a potential new option for COPD management.
COPD narrows the airways, making it harder for patients to clear the air they inhale. As a result, rapid breathing during activities can trap air in the lungs, leading to a sensation of breathlessness and lower oxygen levels. Over time, this cycle often reduces activity levels and can contribute to social isolation and diminished quality of life.
The device, named PEP Buddy, is roughly the size of a small whistle and is designed to be worn around the neck for everyday use, including during or after physical exertion. Its core function is to extend the duration of exhalation by guiding air out of the lungs more effectively. In trials, COPD patients used the device to ease breathlessness while engaging in activities that previously caused discomfort.
Results showed that breathlessness significantly decreased, and overall quality of life showed marked improvement in 72% of participants. Additionally, the device stabilized oxygen levels during exercise in 36% of the patients. This represents the first mechanical device demonstrated to maintain oxygen stability during physical activity for people living with COPD, suggesting a meaningful step forward in noninvasive COPD management and a potential option to complement existing therapies.