Set your inhalers up so you can take them without getting out of bed. A nice shot of your rescue inhaler or nebulizer will help a lot!

Talk to a physical therapist that treats COPD. I was taught one very simple exercise to do while sitting on the edge of my bed that makes it much easier to breathe. Sometimes you can expand your airways without medications.

Does your pulmonologist know about the gasping? Have you been checked for overnight Oxygen Saturation or do you sleep with Oxygen? If you're waking up gasping you should meet with a professional before you initiate any kind of treatment by yourself, don't self diagnose this. You may have a serious problem.

What exercise were you given?

Nebulizer 3 yo 4 x a day with albrtal helpful