The pressure build-up exhaling through the tube, or a straw, keeps the airways from collapsing, so you don’t get that awful panic inducing feeling where you can’t even speak. I live on the fourth floor of an old building with very narrow passages and a lot of fire doors to negotiate before I can get outside. I’m 80, live alone, so with no one to help, can’t manage all the heavy doors. Actually not too unhappy on the couch! Tv, podcasts, reading, still playing my flute a bit, singing bowls, crystals, fossils etc. 😀

Does it help? We don't want you on the couch. Do you have electric wheelchair or scooter? When it's a cooler day, grab a snack and go riding a little. Anything is better than sitting in bed or on a couch. Do you have a portable concentrator so you can leave awhile?