CompletedInterventional

The FANFirst Study: Feasibility of a trial of a handheld-fan based breathlessness treatment in COPD.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes breathing difficult. Many people rely heavily on short-acting 'reliever' inhalers when they feel breathless. However, using these inhalers too often can lead to side effects and more frequent chest flare-ups. Inhaler sprays also release greenhouse gases that affect the climate. The FanFIRST study is testing a simple non-drug approach. Participants are taught how to use a small handheld fan, alongside calming body positions and breathing exercises, to settle breathlessness. This four-month study will involve 80 people across four UK centres. Half will receive the fan training immediately, while the other half continue with their usual care and receive the fan package at the end. Small sensors attached to inhalers will measure whether the fan helps people use fewer puffs, helping researchers prepare for a larger NHS trial.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

17 May 2024

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What is this study about?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects the airways and causes long-term breathlessness. Many people are prescribed daily maintenance inhalers, as well as 'reliever' inhalers (such as salbutamol) to use only when sudden breathlessness strikes. When breathing feels hard, it is common to reach for the reliever inhaler frequently. However, relying too much on these inhalers can cause unwanted side effects like shakiness or a fast heartbeat, and often does not tackle the root feeling of breathlessness.

Researchers have found that cool air directed onto the face can stimulate nerves that send calming signals to the brain, helping ease the sensation of breathlessness. The FanFIRST study tests a quick 10-minute training session. In this session, patients receive a handheld fan, learn effective ways to position their bodies, and practice breathing exercises. They also receive clear advice on managing the anxiety that breathlessness often brings.

Reliever inhalers also release strong greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Finding effective ways to control breathlessness without needing as many puffs could benefit patients' health while also reducing harm to the environment. Because this is a feasibility study, the main goal is to find out whether patients find the fan useful, how smoothly the study runs, and how best to design a larger nationwide trial across the NHS in the future.

Key takeaways

The study tests whether a handheld fan and breathing techniques help manage COPD breathlessness.
It aims to see if non-drug techniques can safely reduce the need for frequent reliever inhaler puffs.
Participation lasts for 16 weeks and involves tracking inhaler use with a clip-on sensor.
Half of the volunteers get the fan right away; the other half get it after the 16-week trial finishes.
Your routine NHS medicines and care will not be stopped or replaced.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 30 and over who have an official diagnosis of COPD confirmed by a spirometry breathing test. Participants should be current or former smokers and experience breathlessness that limits their daily activities, such as making it hard to keep up with people of the same age when walking.

To join, you should already be taking regular daily maintenance inhalers, but still finding that you need your fast-acting reliever inhaler very often. Specifically, the team is looking for people who were prescribed at least 12 reliever canisters in the past year and use a standard pressurised spray inhaler on most days.

You will not be able to take part if another serious heart or lung problem is the main cause of your breathlessness. You will also need to wait to join if you had a COPD flare-up needing steroid tablets, antibiotics, or a hospital stay in the past four weeks, or if you are already booked to start a hospital pulmonary rehabilitation course during the trial period.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 30 years of age or older.
I have a confirmed medical diagnosis of COPD from my doctor.
I am a smoker or an ex-smoker.
I get breathless walking on level ground or carrying out daily tasks.
I go through at least one reliever inhaler canister per month (12 or more per year).
I have not had a COPD chest flare-up needing steroids or antibiotics in the last 4 weeks.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for 16 weeks (around four months). If you agree to take part, you will be placed by chance (like flipping a coin) into one of two groups: one group receives the FanFIRST training and handheld fan straight away, while the other group continues with usual care and receives the fan package once their time in the study is complete.

All participants will have a small electronic monitor clipped to their reliever inhaler. This counter simply tracks how many times the inhaler is clicked, without interfering with your medicine. Every 28 days, you will fill out brief questionnaires about your breathing and daily wellbeing. Around half of the participants and their family carers will also be invited to complete an interview with a researcher to share their thoughts about the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part does not involve changes to your prescribed medicines, so health risks are minimal. The main inconvenience is the time spent answering surveys and using the clip-on inhaler tracker. A key benefit is that everyone will receive the fan and breathing guidance—either straight away or at the end of the 16 weeks. You will also help researchers improve support for other people living with COPD. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point without it affecting your normal NHS care.

Locations (3)

Bradford Royal Infirmary
Approximate
Bradford, England
Holderness Health
City only
Withernsea, England
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Cottingham, England

Common questions

How can a handheld fan help with lung breathlessness?

Cool airflow moving across your upper face stimulates sensitive nerves around the nose and mouth. These nerves send signals to your brain that help slow down breathing and reduce the frightening sensation of breathlessness.

Do I have to stop using my usual inhalers?

No. You should continue to take all your regular inhalers and medicines exactly as your doctor prescribed. The fan is an extra tool to help you cope with breathlessness.

What happens if I am placed in the usual care group?

You will continue your routine COPD care during the 16-week study. Once your final questionnaires are completed, you will receive the full FanFIRST package, including the fan and breathing techniques.

Does the inhaler tracker change how my medicine works?

No. The tracker is a small clip-on device that sits on the outside of your inhaler canister. It simply counts how many puffs you take and does not affect your medicine.

Will taking part cost me anything?

No, the handheld fan, training materials, and tracker devices are provided free of charge by the study team.

How to find out more

Bronwen Williams

Bronwen.Williams@hyms.ac.uk +44 1482 463621 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.