The position to put people in - called sitting up, is called "Fowler's Position". If you are semi-reclined, it is called "Semi-Fowler's Position".

People who have COPD are frequently placed in this position to ease breathing.

The condition of having trouble breathing when lying down (supine, for example) is called "orthopnea".

Earlier in the thread, someone was looking for a C-word related to this. COPD patients do better in Fowler or Semi-Fowler position, I understand. That might have been the C-word .

Hope that helps.