Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) has changed every part of my life—but over the years, I’ve discovered tools and gadgets that help me manage my symptoms, stay connected, and maintain a little independence.
This blog post shares the products that have made a genuine difference for me. Many of these are items I use every day. Some have brought me peace of mind, others have helped me feel more like me again. I’ve included affiliate links throughout—if you choose to buy through them, it really does help support my blog and YouTube channel, at no extra cost to you.
This post fits hand-in-hand with my blog on living through a really bad ME day: Living with ME/CFS Symptoms: What it feels like and what helps That post shares the emotional and physical reality of a severe ME day, while this one lists the tools I use to make those days a little more manageable. If you’re currently in the thick of it, you’re not alone.
💡 Smart Home Technology
🛋️ Philips Hue Starter Kit
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We have Philips Hue bulbs all over the house, and they’ve made a huge difference. I can turn lights on or off with Alexa or Siri—no more struggling with switches when I’m using crutches or in my wheelchair. It also eases my anxiety when I’m home alone, as I can control the lights in any room from anywhere.
🌡️ Google Nest Learning Thermostat
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When I first got ill, the heating controls were downstairs, which meant cold days were miserable if I couldn’t get up. Now I can adjust our heating from my phone or with Alexa/Siri—especially handy when the boys (Alfie and Archie) steal the covers!
🗣️ Amazon Echo Dot
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Our Echo Dot is used daily! I control my lights and heating, play calming rain sounds at bedtime, and even set reminders. Graham uses it for timers and 80s music—so it supports us both in different ways.
🚪 Ring Video Doorbel
Being bedridden and unable to get to the front door used to fill me with anxiety, especially with the boys barking. Now, I can see and speak to whoever is at the door from my phone, without moving. It’s been a huge mental relief.
🎥 Ring Indoor & Outdoor Camera
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We’ve installed Ring cameras around our home so I can see what’s going on at any time without moving. I subscribe to Ring Protect, which stores the footage in the cloud, and it’s even helped in local neighbourhood WhatsApp groups when identifying suspicious behaviour. Feeling secure in bed has been life-changing.
🚽 Aidapt Toilet Surround Frame
This simple frame makes bathroom visits so much safer. Before I had it, I was using the sink for support (not ideal!). Now I can steady myself, take my time, and reduce the risk of falls.
🚿 Aidapt Shower Stool
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Our old shower setup had a step and no space for a wheelchair. I used to cling to the walls just to shower. This stool allows me to sit comfortably under the water, especially on days when standing is impossible. It fits neatly in our wet room and has made hygiene far less stressful.
🧴 Jar and Bottle Opener Set
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Opening jars and bottles is tough with poor dexterity, but this set lets me do it safely without having to rely on Graham. That little bit of independence matters more than I can say.
🩷 Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler
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Dry mouth is a constant issue, so staying hydrated is essential. My Stanley Cup holds over a litre, keeping drinks cold for hours. It’s easier for me to hold thanks to its handle, and it reduces trips to the kitchen, which allows me to conserve my energy or spoons.
🎁 Buzio Stainless Steel Tumbler
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Rebecca gifted me this, and I loved it. It kept drinks cold and had a strap for easier carrying. I eventually dropped it 🙈 and it lost some insulation, but it was still one of the best bottles I’ve used.
🧅 Fullstar All-in-One Vegetable Chopper
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Cooking was always my joy, but it became unsafe once my grip weakened. I tried countless tools over the years, and this is the one I trust most. It slices, chops, and dices with minimal effort, giving me hope that one day I’ll cook regularly again.
💻 Apple iPad Pro
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My iPad is my everything. It lets me FaceTime Becks daily, even on my worst days. I use it to write, edit videos, manage social media, and dictate blog ideas when typing is too hard. Apple’s accessibility features make it ideal for those with limited dexterity.
📱 iPhone 15 Pro Max
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My iPhone 15 Pro Max is an essential tool for staying connected and organised. It syncs effortlessly with my iPad and Apple Watch, allowing me to manage my calendar, control my smart home, track symptoms, and stay on top of messages and social media—all from one place. The camera quality is incredible for content creation, and I rely on the Notes app and voice dictation to draft blog posts on bad days when typing is too difficult.
⌚ Apple Watch
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My watch helps me manage meds, monitor my heart rate and symptoms, and track sleep. It even detects falls and can alert my family if something goes wrong. It was thanks to my iPhone’s period tracking that I finally got diagnosed with endometriosis—proof that data can be powerful.
💊 Pill Organiser
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This has made such a difference to how I manage my medication. With so many tablets across different times of day, having a clear, easy-to-use pill organiser helps me stay on track, especially on days when brain fog takes over. I fill it once a week and then don’t have to think twice. It also gives Graham peace of mind knowing everything is ready to go should he need to get my medications ready for me.
🪶 Back Scratcher
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This might sound like a small thing, but when pelvic or hip pain makes me unbearably itchy—and I don’t have the energy to move or scratch—this long-handled back scratcher is a total lifesaver. It lets me reach areas I couldn’t otherwise, especially when I’m stuck in bed. It’s not a luxury—it’s essential comfort when even a tiny itch becomes overwhelming.
💧 Biotène Dry Mouth Mouthwash
Buy on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
Dry mouth is a constant companion for many of us with ME/CFS, whether due to dehydration, medications, or the illness itself. Biotène mouthwash has been a huge help for me. It’s specifically formulated for people with dry mouth and helps soothe that horrible sticky feeling that makes eating and talking harder. I keep a bottle by my bed so I can use it even when I’m too unwell to brush or get up easily. It’s gentle, non-burning, and has made a big difference in how I manage oral hygiene on the tough days.
✨ Glamsticks Crutches and Walking Stick
I’ve had my Glamsticks crutches in Sparkling Black Diamanté and a matching walking stick in Sparkling Clear Diamanté for over 10 years now—and they’re still in fantastic condition. I originally tried Glamsticks after a friend recommended them, and honestly, I’ve never looked back. Not only are they stylish and beautifully made, but they’ve also stood the test of time—and they still turn heads wherever I go. If you’re looking for mobility aids that feel more like a statement of confidence than a medical necessity, Glamsticks are absolutely worth a look.
These tools don’t cure ME/CFS—but they help me cope, manage, and sometimes even smile on the hard days. I hope this list gives you ideas that make your own journey a little bit lighter, too.
Got a question about any of these? Drop me a message—I’ll always try to help
Love Always
Alisha ❤️
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing content that supports the ME/CFS and chronic illness community.
