A Hands-Free, Oral Positive Expiratory Pressure Device for Exertional Dyspnea and Desaturation in COPD

Exertional dyspnea occurs in 80% of individuals with COPD. As COPD's most common symptom, exertional dyspnea contributes to a downward spiral of decondition-ing, social isolation, and inactivity.1,2 Dynamic hyperinfla-tion is a primary mechanism of exertional dyspnea in COPD and affects 80% of patients.3 Dynamic hyperinfla-tion develops due to expiratory air flow limitation, espe-cially with the faster breathing frequency and shorter exhalation time that occur during exertion.3,4 Dynamic hyperinflation also correlates with exertional desatura-tion.5,6 Altered alveolar ventilation caused by dynamic hyperinflation may produce ventilation-perfusion derange-ments contributing to exertional desaturation in COPD.