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Testing a Handheld Device to Help With Sudden Breathing Difficulty in COPD

Plain-English translation of NCT05938738 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a portable device called the PEP-buddy that creates gentle air pressure to help ease sudden breathing difficulty in people with COPD. The device is small, hands-free, and designed to be used whenever you feel short of breath. Early evidence suggests it may help improve breathing during exercise and overall quality of life, but researchers need to study it more carefully to confirm how well it works and understand exactly why it helps.

Many people with COPD struggle with sudden episodes of breathlessness even when they're taking their regular medications. Researchers want to see if this handheld device can give patients an additional tool to manage these difficult moments and improve their day-to-day experience.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 40 years old
you have been diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD (with a lung function measurement below 60% of predicted and a symptom score of at least 10)
you experience sudden breathing difficulty at least three days per week that makes you need to rest, use rescue inhalers, or try breathing techniques
you are already taking optimized standard COPD medications as prescribed by your doctor
you have not had a COPD flare-up in the 4 weeks before starting the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have another serious medical condition that causes shortness of breath
you have a life expectancy of 3 months or less
you have had a change in your COPD breathing medications in the past 8 weeks
you are unable to use the PEP-buddy device
you are currently enrolled in another research study testing a new treatment

What participation looks like

You will use the PEP-buddy device whenever you feel an episode of sudden breathlessness during your daily activities—no fixed schedule required. The study will track how the device affects your breathing difficulty, how much you improve, and how well you tolerate using it over time. Researchers will also collect information to understand the mechanism of how the device works to help ease your symptoms.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 14, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing a Handheld Device to Help With Sudden Breathing Difficulty in COPD

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations