Table of Contents
Is there a sleep apnea pillow?
CPAP pillows allow space for the mask and hose, making them popular with side and stomach sleepers, while wedge pillows elevate the upper body, which may appeal to back sleepers. Many of the best pillows for CPAP users feature design elements intended to accommodate CPAP masks and hoses. Sleeping with the head as elevated and upright as possible, such as with an adjustable bed or recliner, may be helpful in improving sleep apnea symptoms. Wedge-shaped pillows made of foam rather than a squishier material can help you achieve the right position that keeps the airway more open. Obtain a Prescription for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A CPAP machine can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor or sleep specialist. Side sleeping with your back mostly straight is the best position for sleep apnea sufferers according to the Sleep Better Council. Research shows that sleeping on the left side reduces sleep apnea even more than sleeping on the right. How Effective Are Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards? Mandibular advancement devices are effective, but less so than CPAP, at reducing pauses in breathing and improving blood oxygen levels during sleep. However, MADs perform equally well as CPAP in improving daytime sleepiness, reducing snoring, and lowering blood pressure. It is not entirely necessary to complete a sleep study in order to purchase a CPAP machine. However, we do recommend undertaking a sleep study as it would present a detailed understanding of your sleep patterns and concerns.
Does a neck pillow help with sleep apnea?
Do cervical pillows help with sleep apnea? Cervical pillows can help with neck pain, but they’re not specifically designed to help people with sleep apnea. If you have neck pain and sleep apnea and tend to sleep on your back, you may find a cervical pillow comfortable. Sleeping with the head as elevated and upright as possible, such as with an adjustable bed or recliner, may be helpful in improving sleep apnea symptoms. Wedge-shaped pillows made of foam rather than a squishier material can help you achieve the right position that keeps the airway more open. People who cannot change to side sleeping or who prefer sleeping on their back may find sleeping at a propped angle of 60 degrees can improve their sleep apnea symptoms. A thick pillow or series of pillows supporting the head and neck can help achieve this angle and keep the airway open. “Side sleeping with your back mostly straight is the best sleep position as it reduces apnea severity and snoring,” Dr. Knobbe said. It can also help keep your spine in proper alignment, although it can put additional strain on your shoulders, hips and spine. CPAP pillows allow space for the mask and hose, making them popular with side and stomach sleepers, while wedge pillows elevate the upper body, which may appeal to back sleepers. Many of the best pillows for CPAP users feature design elements intended to accommodate CPAP masks and hoses. Sleep on your side. Lying on your side, on the other hand, helps keep your airway open. If you find side sleeping uncomfortable or you tend to roll on to your back after you’re asleep, countered side pillows or body pillows may help.