Homepage \ Breathing \ Positions to ease breathlessness \ Sitting positions
Sitting positions
Here are three sitting positions that can help ease breathlessness. You might want to try these and see which you find most helpful.
For all positions: It may help to have feet hip width apart with knees relaxed outwards.
Upright supported
Sit upright in a chair, armchair or bed, with pillows to support arm and head.
Forward lean
Experiment with different heights of chair or stool, and with how far you lean forward. Rest your arms or hands on your legs for support.
Forward lean onto support
Experiment with different heights of chair and how far the chair is away from the table. Consider leaning onto a stool or frame if breathless when using the toilet and, again, experiment with different heights.
Other positions
Click to find out more.
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.