Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Overview

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema) that causes breathlessness, fatigue and cough, often fluctuating day to day and worsening during flare-ups.

Asthma + Lung UK reports that around 2% of the UK population live with diagnosed COPD. Symptoms can make it difficult to complete toileting tasks safely and comfortably, particularly when the individual needs to rush, stand to transfer or remain seated for longer periods.

Functional Toileting Challenges:

Breathlessness during transfers: Standing, pivoting or repeated sit-to-stand movements can trigger shortness of breath

Fatigue and low stamina: Multiple steps (clothing management, wiping and handwashing) can become exhausting, especially during flare-ups

Urgency and rushing: Breathlessness and fatigue can increase anxiety and rushing, raising fall risk

Balance and weakness: Deconditioning and reduced strength can make standard toilet heights unsafe

Coughing episodes: Can disrupt posture and stability while seated or transferring.

Difficulty maintaining hygiene: Fatigue, breathlessness or poor standing tolerance can make wiping and cleaning harder to complete thoroughly.

Impacts:

Increased fall risk

Particularly during rushed transfers when breathless or unsteady

Reduced independence

Reliance on carers may increase, especially during flare-ups

Inconsistent hygiene

Fatigue may lead to incomplete wiping/cleaning, raising risk of skin irritation or infection

Reduced dignity and confidence

Anxiety about breathlessness, urgency or accidents can lead to avoidance and reduced quality of life

How our products help those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

FEATURE	WHY IT HELPS
Palma Vita Wash and Dry Toilet	Provides improved hygiene, comfort and independence with integrated washing and drying functions, reducing the need for assistance and supporting accessibility.
Aerolet Tilt	The Aerolet provides the person with mechanical support in standing, further reducing strain on the joints and effort
Adult standard seat	Provides a safe and comfortable seating surface for toileting, supporting everyday hygiene and independence.
Touch sensitive hand/foot switch	Makes it easier to recognise and use without complex instructions
Douche (standard)	Supports personal hygiene and cleanliness, helping users maintain independence and comfort during toileting.

Closomat wash and dry toilet in a modern bathroom with a teal wall

Priority specification

Foundational

The Closomat Palma Vita with standard seat and touch sensitive hand/foot switch

Moderate

Addition of the Aerolet Tilt to support in standing

Sample specification wording

The individual has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) resulting in breathlessness, reduced endurance and fatigue. These symptoms make toileting transfers physically demanding, increase fall risk when rushing or unsteady and can affect the ability to complete hygiene tasks thoroughly.

A Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet will support consistent hygiene while reducing physical effort, minimising the time and exertion required for manual wiping. Supplying the unit with an Aerolet Tilt supports safer sit-to-stand and controlled transfers when breathless.

Final checks

Consider bathroom layout for clear access and consider whether individual has oxygen or mobility aids that require extra clearance

Confirm transfer method

Position controls for a simple, repeatable access

Review bathroom environment - lighting levels, echo/noise, odours and clutter

Download the specification

Wash and dry toilet specification for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with the recommended features and clinical justification.

Download