COPD - air purifiers and dehumidifiers.
Hi All, newbie here.
I was diagnosed with COPD 2 years ago and have continual exacerbation's, does anyone use a air purifier or dehumidifier or both, if so, can you recommend one for me please. I can't find anything on BL website, but then again, I may not be looking in the right place 
Any help appreciated.
Good Morning, I care for my husband who suffers with severe COPD and has been diagnosed for about 12 years. It is so frustrating when you are continually having exacerbations. Do you have a respiratory team in your area - it might worth talking to them. Or a call to the BLF helpline the nurses might be able to offer you some practical advise about your meds. etc.
We have not used an air purifier but did try a dehumidifier but to be honest it was not much help to my husband. I decided I had to boost his immune system so, after doing some reading (a chap called Derek Cummings - bitz and bobz has a copd blog) - and he swears by vitamin D to help prevent exacerbations. The theory sounds right - because COPD patients are less physically able they go out less and have less time in the sun (needed for vitamin D production). It might be worth asking your doctor for a blood test - actually I dont have COPD but felt so ill last year this time asked for a blood test and found I was vitamin D deficient! Vitamin C is also very good. Are you taking antibiotics regularly? If so you do need to boost your good bacteria in your guts - live yoghurt, actimel or even a probiotic supplement is good.
AND now we are coming to the flu/cold season! Have bought lots of anti-baterial hand gel, vicks first defence (which has great reviews - you use at the first sign of a cold and it appears to halt it!) and tissues! Dont forget the flu jab and a pneumonia jab!
Has anyone talked about a pulmonary rehab course to you? If not ask your doctor - such a great course of about 6-8 weeks, twice a week, one hour supervised exercise and one hour information. It was fantastic for my husband. I've rambled on a bit - hope that some tips are helpful. Take good care, TAD xxx
Thank you for your response and help. I do have a respiratory team whom I see regularly and have done PR awaiting another class as well. The Vitamin D sounds like a good idea, I get enough Vit C with my fruit and vegetables daily. I also have two heart conditions which doesn't help and as for antibiotics if I continue to take them regularly there is going to come a time when they won't work for me, so trying to be careful with my doxycycline.
I try to exercise daily, I have a rollator and walk for about 30 minutes with lots of stops!
Hi type "air purifier" in search box on green bar, there are several post on the subject.
thank you very much
Hello eyes-right,
We're not aware of any independent research studies on the effectiveness of purifiers or humidifiers for patients with COPD, so I am unable to provide you with any evidence based information: however, we do receive calls from people who have purchased these machines and do feel the benefits. I would advise you see if you can get one on a money back guarantee or another option would be to hire one. I have done a general search and found a company that hire out machines.
We are unable to recommend, promote or endorse any companies, products or services including the company above.
Biddy
Thank you, Biddy, I did look at the hiring, however, it would be cheaper to buy one. I've been onto Which and picked their best buy, which I'm in the process of purchasing now.
According to the American COPD website, they believe dehumidifiers work, however, I do appreciate their climate is different.
Hi,can you tell me what air purifier which recommends please. Thank you
I can't be without my purifier's, they filter any dust around and clean the air. I have two, one in living room and one in bedroom. Mine are Homedics, both from Argos.
Thank you so much, I've now purchased a 2-in-1 air purifier and dehumidifier, it should arrive tomorrow, will let you know how I get on.
Hi I also had one exacerbation after another until they put me on azithromycin and it has changed my world, feeling so much better and able to do more, was referred to rep clinic and consultant put me on this amazing drug, go for it. I also tried air purifiers and de humidifiers made no difference, I do however take multivitamins, manuka honey and I use a small handheld fan all helps
Thank you. I'll be seeing my Consultant next week, so will speak with her then.
I have been diagnosed with bronchiectesis and have had numerous exacerbation and doctor put me on amoxicillin and then clarithromycin that didn't touch the problems. I have now been put on another antibiotic course and then azithromycin so seeing you're comments have made me feel quite positive. Thanks for sharing
I got an air purifier with heap filter recently, to try and filter out the mould spores in this grotty council flat. Can't say its helped as yet. I got it for about 30 quid from amazon.
Hello!
I have recently bought a dehumidifier for my partner who has severe copd. He kept suffering on those humid days and even when washing was drying in the house, but not now! I did a lot of research to find one that is powerful quiet effective and cheap to run. And also looked for one that does not heat up the room in the summer. The one we picked is a 12l electriq dehumidifier from appliances direct. It does cost £150 but it also does do what it says on the tin. My partner usually struggles with breathlessness in the evening and when we switch the dehumidifier on it makes a difference. He can catch his breath quicker an it is easier to breathe when the air is not heavy with humidity. So we recommend to get a good one.
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