Does anyone have tips for showering with COPD?
Share your suggestions for easing the burden of bathing & showering.
I have found that if I wheel my tank into the bathroom and set it at 4lpm I can pretty much take a comfortable shower. Only problem is shaving after which I have found a way to lift my canula line away from the sides of my face when I shave. You have to get creative with COPD.😉
Hi Terry, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate you sharing the system you use to take a shower successfully. You are 'spot on' about being 'creative' when it comes to managing this condition. We value your input and your feedback. Keep up the good work!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I have problems also showing, so exhausting. My husband got me a seat and it made a difference. I'm sure people have already told you that. Take your time, go slow, take deep breaths of your 02. That should help a little. 🌈 , those are great suggestions and I am glad you have found some things to help make showering easier on you! Thanks for sharing. All the best,
Hi Bonnie, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate you sharing the success you're having showering using the seat (from your husband), while in the shower. As well, understanding that going slowly, and using one's oxygen, while showering, can also be a big help.
Others in our community have mentioned what helps them in the shower as well. I thought you might want to look over some of their comments. For your convenience, here is a link to an article that shares our members' ideas: https://copd.net/living/community-feedback-tips-for-showering.
I do hope you find it to be helpful, in a practical way.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
For me taking a shower is exhausting, and it used to be scary, but I have found a combination of solutions that make it much less so. One is music. My shower is only a few feet from my computer desk where I have a sound system, so I put on some music first. This gives my mind something to focus on that relieves other, fear-causing issues during the process. I use my sliding glass shower door to balance the cool air flow against the hot water, both of which feel good. The shower chair, hand-held shower head hose, and pumps in my body wash and shampoo bottles plus the long handled back brush all help make the process easier. And the last thing I do is take my time. There is no rush, no hurry. I focus on the music, the soothing aspects of the hot water and the cool air, and the luxurious clean feeling along with smooth deep breathing to make it something worth doing. It is still tiring, but much less unpleasant. Just my .02.
listening to music is such a great suggestion! Thanks for chiming in here. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.Net, Team Member).
How do you wash your face while showering with the oxygenon
Hi Sandi, I leave my hose on and try to rinse my face just a little quicker but not enough that it discomforts me. Anyone that stone, tile in the shower close the curtains as soon as your able. These hold the steam and might add more anxiety. Open windows, keep doors open. Unfortunately all of these suggestions come from experimenting and what works for you. It's so much more helpful having someone working with you.
