Portable Breathing Device Tested for Breathlessness in COPD Patients
Tests a handheld breathing device for sudden breathlessness in adults with COPD.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: PEP-buddy in COPD: Effect on Dyspnea Severity and Mechanism of Action
Key facts
- Where
- Groningen, NetherlandsSee the site
Where in Netherlands
- UMCGGroningen, NetherlandsTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University Medical Center Groningen
- Trial code
- NCT05938738
- Record updated
- 24 April 2026
- Original description
Chronic dyspnea is the most characteristic symptom of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with intermittent increases during exercise and other events.Despite optimal standard therapy, episodic dyspnea is a common occurrence in COPD. Recently, the PEP buddy was developed which is an easy-to use, hands-free device that generates positive expiratory pressure (PEP). Although currently the available evidence is limited, it indicates that utilizing the PEP-buddy can result in enhancements in dyspnea during exertion, exertional desaturation and overall quality of life. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this device and the long term usability, as well as getting more insight in the mechanism of action. Therefore, the aim of our study is to explore the potential of this device for patients with COPD and episodic breathlessness.Read full original descriptionShow less
A Portable Dyspnea Relief Device for Episodic Breathlessness in COPD (PEP-buddy): Effect on Dyspnea Severity and Mechanism of Action
Chronic dyspnea is the most characteristic symptom of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with intermittent increases during exercise and other events.Despite optimal standard therapy, episodic dyspnea is a common occurrence in COPD. Recently, the PEP buddy was developed which is an easy-to use, hands-free device that generates positive expiratory pressure (PEP). Although currently the available evidence is limited, it indicates that utilizing the PEP-buddy can result in enhancements in dyspnea during exertion, exertional desaturation and overall quality of life. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this device and the long term usability, as well as getting more insight in the mechanism of action. Therefore, the aim of our study is to explore the potential of this device for patients with COPD and episodic breathlessness.
Inclusion: Age ≥40 years; Read, understood and signed Informed Consent; COPD Gold class II-IV/ B or E (FEV1<60% of predicted, CAT ≥10 points); Optimized standard therapy according to the study physician 6. Episodic breathlessness requiring intervention (i.e. taking rest during physical activities, as needed inhalation medication, breathing techniques, as needed opioids) at least three days per week.
Exclusion: Exacerbation of COPD 4 weeks prior to inclusion; Change in COPD management targeted at breathlessness 8 weeks prior to inclusion; Other severe disease causing episodic breathlessness; Any other conditions, which, in the opinion of the investigator would make the patient unsuitable for inclusion, or could interfere with the patient participating in or completing the study; Life expectancy ≤ 3 months; Inability to use the PEP buddy device; Currently participating in another interventional clinical study.