Practical guidance for protecting your sternum, moving more safely, coughing with better support, and making everyday recovery easier.

Start with the key recovery points below. If you want the more complete version, you can request the full guide by email at the bottom of the page.

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What are sternal precautions?

After open heart surgery, your sternum needs time and protection while it heals. Your hospital may give you specific limits for lifting, pushing, pulling, and arm movements. These instructions can vary, so your own care team's guidance always comes first.

• Keep heavier effort to a minimum during early recovery.
• Keep your elbows closer to your body during daily tasks.
• Avoid letting others pull on your arms to help you move.
• Break larger tasks into smaller steps.

Coughing and sneezing

Coughing is important after surgery because it helps clear your lungs, but it can also feel uncomfortable. Many patients feel better when they support the chest while coughing or sneezing.

• Hold a pillow or support firmly against your chest if your team recommends it.
• Breathe in, prepare, and support the chest before the cough if possible.
• Use the same idea for sneezing, laughing, or straining.

Getting in and out of bed

Bed mobility can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of early recovery. The goal is to avoid pushing hard through the arms or twisting the chest suddenly.

If you have QualiBreath, the illustrations below show one approach to getting out of bed while keeping movements controlled and the elbows close to the body.

1. Bring your arms close to your body and your hands close to your chest. Remember not to put pressure on either arm when trying to get out of bed. If you are wearing a chest support binder such as QualiBreath, bring the QualiBreath bar-handles together with both hands and hold firmly during all steps.

2. Bend both knees and use your legs to roll onto your side with your upper arm under you.

3. Drop your legs off the side of the bed and use your legs and body weight together instead of pushing with your arms.

4. Lock your legs over the edge and let them do the major work to reach a sitting position. Keep your elbows close and avoid twisting the chest suddenly.

5. Take a few deep breaths as you sit up. If you are wearing a support binder like QualiBreath, you can release the bar-handles.

Reverse the same steps when getting back into bed.

If your physiotherapist or occupational therapist showed you a specific technique, use that method.

Daily activities

• Bathing: Use warm rather than very hot water. Sit if you feel tired or unsteady.
• Dressing: Loose clothing is usually easier. Keep movements close and controlled.
• Meal preparation: Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Household tasks: Avoid heavier chores such as vacuuming, mowing, or lifting full laundry baskets unless your care team says you are ready.
• Car travel: Plan for comfort during the ride home and later follow-up visits.

Walking and exercise

Walking is often one of the safest and most useful ways to rebuild confidence and strength after surgery.

• Start with short walks and build up gradually.
• Several shorter walks may be easier than one long walk.
• Walk at a pace that lets you breathe comfortably.
• Rest when needed.

Helpful comfort tools during recovery

Not every patient needs extra products, but some simple tools can make recovery more comfortable.

• Seatbelt comfort: If chest pressure from the seatbelt is bothersome, a seatbelt protection pad may help during car rides.
• Cooling support: Localized cooling can be useful for comfort when used appropriately and with a protective barrier between skin and the cooling pack.
• Underarm cushioning: If a prescribed chest support rubs under the arms, optional pads may improve comfort.
• External chest support: Some patients are discharged with a dedicated sternum and thorax support such as QualiBreath, depending on clinician preference and patient needs.

The right option depends on your situation. Comfort aids should support recovery, not replace your hospital's instructions.

When to call your care team

Contact your doctor or surgical team if you notice:

• New or worsening chest pain
• Shortness of breath that is unusual for you
• Fever or signs of infection
• Drainage, redness, or changes around the incision
• A clicking or unstable feeling in the chest that worries you
• Any symptom that feels significant or different from expected recovery

Get the free recovery guide

If you want a more complete version of this information, including practical home tips, recovery reminders, and helpful product guidance, request the free guide below.

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