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Resting positions
Here are three positions that you might find helpful if you’re trying to ease your breathing when you’re resting.
Supported sitting in bed or on a recliner chair
Consider using a pillow rest or raise the head of a profiling bed. Keep the tummy free from pillows so the breathing movement is unrestricted.
High side lying
Lying fully on your side will help bring the tummy forward, therefore easing breathing.
Avoid compressing the tummy with the pillow in front. Experiment with the position of the upper arm. Consider using a pillow rest or raise the hand of the profiling bed.
Supported sitting
Experiment with different heights of chair and pillows.
It may help to have feet hip width apart with knees relaxed outwards.
Other positions
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This website describes some practical ways to help you manage day-to-day long-term breathlessness. It has useful information for people with lung conditions, their carers, and the health professionals supporting them.
If your breathing is getting rapidly worse or you have new symptoms, it is important to seek prompt medical review or call 000. This website is not designed for people who have a new undiagnosed breathing problem or a sudden deterioration. It is not a substitute for medical assessment.