Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that can cause breathing difficulties, fatigue, and other symptoms that can impact quality of life. Finding the right sleep position is essential for COPD patients to breathe easier, improve their sleep quality, and manage their symptoms.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of adjustable beds and how they can aid people with COPD in improving their sleep quality and breathing.
At Opera Beds, we’ve helped thousands of others looking to elevate their comfort and quality of life, including those with respiratory conditions such as COPD. Our team of experts are on hand to find the perfect solution. Want to learn more? Start by booking a no-obligation consultation today.
COPD Explained
COPD makes breathing increasingly difficult and develops over many years. For many people, symptoms only become noticeable until they are in their late 40s or early 50s.
The main symptoms of COPD are:
- shortness of breath
- a chesty cough that doesn’t go away
- regular chest infections
- persistent wheezing
Further symptoms occur during the advanced stages of the conditions which include:
- weight loss
- tiredness
- pain in the chest
- Oedema
The Importance of Finding the Right Sleeping Position with COPD
It’s recommended that adults between 18- and 65 years old need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night, and helps to stay healthy. Getting a quality night’s sleep for people with COPD is essential, with studies showing that poor sleep can negatively impact COPD symptoms.
Finding the right sleep position is crucial for individuals with COPD as it can significantly impact their breathing and overall comfort during sleep. Sleeping in the wrong position can cause breathing difficulties, increase coughing, and worsen symptoms. Therefore, it is important to find a comfortable sleep position that allows the airways to remain open and reduces pressure on the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Some recommended sleep positions for individuals with COPD include sleeping on their side with pillows to support the head and neck, sleeping in a riser recliner chair, or using a wedge pillow to elevate the head and upper body. Finding the right sleep position can improve the quality of sleep, reduce symptoms of COPD, and ultimately improve overall health and well-being.
Benefits of Adjustable Beds for People with COPD
Adjustable beds offer a wide range of sleeping positions due to their adjustable mattress platforms. Meaning, unlike a regular bed, you can create custom sleeping positions for ultimate comfort and support.
At the touch of a button, the elevating backrest sits you up properly without needing pillows. Meanwhile, sleeping with your legs elevated is an effective way to reduce swelling and enhance circulation.
Every Opera adjustable bed comes with advanced comfort features for a great night’s sleep.
Adjustable Beds Make Breathing Easier
If you or a loved one have COPD, finding the right sleep position is crucial, as it can significantly impact breathing and overall comfort during sleep. Sleeping in the wrong position can cause breathing difficulties, increase coughing, and worsen symptoms. Therefore, it is important to find a comfortable sleep position that allows the airways to remain open and reduces pressure on the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
With an adjustable bed, the elevating backrest can sit you up properly without needing pillows, which can improve breathing and ease coughing. Additionally, sleeping with your legs elevated is an effective way to reduce swelling and enhance circulation, which can also improve breathing.
Adjustable Beds Can Reduce Snoring and Improve Sleep Quality
Snoring can be a symptom of COPD, which can negatively impact sleep quality – especially for couples who share a bed.
At Opera Beds, our adjustable beds collection have an anti-snore mode as standard to help provide a great night’s sleep for those with COPD. The pre-set position gently raises the backrest to lift the head to the optimum position that opens the airways to reduce snoring.
By providing a variety of customisable sleeping positions, adjustable beds can help individuals with COPD breathe easier and improve their overall sleep quality, leading to better health outcomes and quality of life.
Types of adjustable beds for COPD
When it comes to adjustable beds for COPD patients, there are several types available in the market. Here are some of the most common types of adjustable beds that can benefit someone with COPD:
Electric adjustable beds: These are adjustable beds that come with a mattress platform that can be adjusted to different angles using a remote control. They can be raised or lowered at the head and foot of the bed, allowing the user to sit up or lie down in a variety of positions.
Split adjustable beds: These are similar to traditional adjustable beds, but the mattress platform is split into two separate sections. Dual adjustable beds are a great solution for couples who may experience poor-quality sleep. These beds have a split mattress platform where each side of the bed is controlled individually. This allows each user to find their perfect position and have a different mattress to their partner.
Zero-gravity adjustable beds: These beds are designed to mimic the feeling of weightlessness astronauts experience in space. They elevate the head and foot of the bed to a specific angle that reduces pressure on the body, improves circulation, and opens the airways. Every Opera adjustable bed has zero-gravity as standard for the ultimate night’s sleep.
Wall-hugging adjustable beds: These beds are designed to work within a limited amount of space. They slide back as the head of the bed is raised, so the user can sleep in an upright position without the bed taking up too much space.
Profiling Beds for Advanced COPD
Sadly, there is no cure for COPD and the condition gradually gets worse over time. As such, profiling beds may be a suitable option for later down the line if you or a loved one has COPD.
Typically used for care needs at home, a profiling bed has a range of adjustments to make life easier. The main difference of a profiling bed is the height adjustment feature. This allows the whole bed to raise and lower and can be set to the desired height for easier access. For those with limited mobility or at risk of falling out of bed, a profiling bed is a safe solution.
Unsure on which type of bed is best? Contact our team today who’ll be happy to help.
Phyllis' Story with Opera Beds
Considerations when Selecting an Adjustable Bed with COPD
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when selecting an adjustable bed if you or a family member have COPD:
- Look for an adjustable bed that allows for a range of sleeping positions to find the most comfortable and beneficial position for breathing and overall comfort.
- Consider the type of mattress that will be used with the adjustable bed, as it can affect comfort and support for those with COPD.
- Check for additional features such as anti-snore mode, massage, and heating to enhance comfort and relaxation.
- Consider the size and weight capacity of the adjustable bed to ensure it can accommodate the individual with COPD and any necessary medical equipment.
- Opt for an adjustable bed with easy-to-use controls, as well as a quiet motor to avoid any disturbance during sleep.
Adjustable Beds are a Great Solution for People with COPD
Adjustable beds offer a wide range of benefits for people with COPD. By creating custom sleeping positions, adjustable beds can help improve breathing, reduce coughing and snoring, enhance circulation, and ultimately improve overall sleep quality and health outcomes.
With advanced comfort features and technology, an Opera adjustable bed is a great solution to help individuals with respiratory conditions such as COPD.
If you want to elevate your comfort, our dedicated experts are here to help. Start your journey to a better night's sleep with a consultation by phone, video or at one of our showrooms.
