Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a progressive
respiratory disease that has a significant effect on the patient's ability to work and the quality of life.
Dyspnea is considered one of the most common health problems among chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease patients. Aim: To compare the effect of mouth mask versus pursed lip breathing
for dyspnea and pulmonary function among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to achieve this study. Sample: Included
purposive sample of 50 adult patients were recruited and divided into two groups as a group (1)
refers to mouth mask group (n=25) and group (2) which refers to pursed-lip breathing (n=25).
Setting: The study was applied in the form of outpatient chest clinic Fayoum University Hospital.
Tools of data collection included (1) Socio-demographic questionnaire, (2) Measurement of
pulmonary function tests sheet, (3) Measurement of the sensation of breathlessness (dyspnea) by:
Dyspnea index, (4) The 3-min step test, (5) Assessment of health status in chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease patient questionnaire, and (6) Mouth mask. Results: It revealed that there was a
significant improvement and increase in forced vital capacity FVC, forced expiratory volume in one
second FEV 1, and FEV1 /FVC post-intervention compared with pre-intervention. There was a
decrease in dyspnea index post- mouth mask intervention group more than pursed-lip breathing
group; there is improvement in the CAT score questionnaire pre and post-intervention. There was a
significant decrease in dyspnea index pre and post 3min step test post-intervention. Conclusion:
The results concluded that a mouth mask was effective for COPD patients to improve dyspnea,
while pursed-lip breathing has a minimal effect on improving dyspnea. There was an improvement
in the COPD Assessment Test Questionnaire (CAT) score questionnaire and Dyspnea index in
COPD patients. Recommendation: Applying mouth mask intervention is recommended to control
dyspnea and improve ventilatory functions among COPD patients.