Extract

Background and study aims Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name used to refer to a number of progressive devastating and debilitating lung diseases, which includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. People that have COPD typically feel breathless after physical activity, have a persistent cough with phlegm and suffer frequently from chest infections. There is no cure for the condition, but making lifestyle changes (such as stopping smoking) and taking medications (inhalers and/or tablets) can alleviate symptoms. The SoeMac™ unit is a micro air conditioner designed for home use and is sold as an alternative therapy product to help improve the quality of life for people with breathing disorders and fatigue issues. Responses from users have been very positive, and we have noticed particular benefits for COPD sufferers and improved quality of sleep. We want to test whether the SoeMac™ unit will improve quality of sleep for COPD patients. Who can participate? COPD patients from the Rivergreen Medical Centre, Nottingham (UK). What does the study involve? Participants are randomly put into two groups: half will use the SoeMac™ unit and the other half will use a dummy unit. The study is run over an 8-week period. Simple, non-invasive measures are recorded at the clinic fortnightly during the course of the study. A questionnaire is also filled in at the start and at the end of the study. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? If the results of this study are good we hope to progress to a bigger and more formal clinical trial at the Queen’s Medical Centre Campus in Nottingham. Where is the study run from? Rivergreen Medical Centre, Nottingham (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? May 2015 to July 2015 Who is funding the study? SOE Health Ltd (UK) Who is the main contact? Mr Neil Stentiford [email protected]

Inclusion criteria

• Quality of sleep of 24 COPD patients

Links

• isrctn
• ictrp