Home is where the heart is, but what about the lungs? COPD can change the way you relate to your environment, and your home is no exception. Is your home supporting your lung health? Here are a few simple ways you can make your home more COPD friendly.
Reduce irritants and allergens
- Keep things clean. Dust your furniture and wash bedding regularly. This is especially important if you have pets or live in a dusty area. Both dust and pet dander can irritate your lungs.
- Use an air purifier. Some studies suggest that using an air purifier can reduce respiratory symptoms for people with COPD.1
- Skip harsh chemicals in your cleaning products, such as alcohol, ammonia, and chlorine bleach. Choose gentler options instead. Simple, affordable homemade cleaners can be a great option. For example, fill a spray bottle with an equal mix of vinegar and warm water. You can use this combo to clean countertops and sinks. If you do use chemical-based cleaners, open a window and/or turn on a fan to improve the ventilation.2
- Minimize scented products such as air fresheners, incense, and candles.
- Make your home a smoke-free zone. If you smoke, take steps to quit. If you’ve already quit, or if you’ve never smoked, remember that secondhand smoke causes problems, too. Ask other household members or guests to smoke outside.
- Wood smoke is also a lung irritant. If you still want cozy vibes in your living room, consider an electric fireplace instead. (They even make affordable, lightweight space heaters with an LED flame effect!)
Adjust your furniture
- If you have trouble getting comfortable in bed, try rearranging your pillows or using a wedge pillow to elevate your upper body. Some people with COPD find this helpful.3
- Place chairs where you need them. If you often find yourself feeling tired or breathless during certain tasks, make sure you have a chair handy. For example, consider getting a shower chair or keeping a chair near the stove in your kitchen.
Share your tips in the comments! How have you changed your living space to make it more comfortable for you?
Resources
- Hansel NN, Putcha N, Woo H, et al. Randomized clinical trial of air cleaners to improve indoor air quality and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease health: results of the CLEAN AIR study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2022;205(4):421-430. doi:10.1164/rccm.202103-0604OC
- Cummings KJ, Virji MA. The long-term effects of cleaning on the lungs. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018;197(9):1099-1101. doi:10.1164/rccm.201801-0138ED
- Iannella G, Cammaroto G, Meccariello G, et al. Head-of-bed elevation (HOBE) for improving positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA): an experimental study. J Clin Med. 2022;11(19):5620. Published 2022 Sep 23. doi: 10.3390/jcm11195620