If You Suffer from Sleep Apnea or Think You Might: Select Pillows Could Provide Relief
Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that affects people of all ages, genders, and body types, can be exacerbated by sleeping on the back. This is known as positional sleep apnea (POSA), and it's crucial to choose the right pillow to promote side sleeping and proper head, neck, and airway alignment.
According to Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, a sleep medicine physician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), positional sleep apnea can lead to frequent drops in blood oxygen levels, severely disrupting sleep quality.
Sleep experts recommend pillows with contoured or wedge shapes to maintain side sleeping or an upright posture. These pillows should also have sufficient loft and medium firmness to keep the head and neck aligned without causing discomfort. Adjustable loft options are beneficial for customizing height and support based on individual comfort and sleep position.
Memory foam or latex materials provide stable support, reducing pressure points and airway obstructions. For instance, the Posiform Anti-Snore Pillow, designed to reduce positional snoring and promote side sleeping, is a popular choice. CPAP-friendly pillows like the Hero CPAP Pillow, which support the head and neck while accommodating CPAP tubing, are ideal for those using therapy devices.
Adjustable latex or memory foam pillows, such as the one available on Amazon, offer customized loft and firmness to maintain optimal spinal alignment during side or back sleeping. The adjustable full-body pillow from Pharmedoc, with its heat-absorbing cooling cover and customizable U-shaped or C-shaped style, is another excellent option.
For added support, a small pillow in between the knees, as suggested by a sleep medicine physician, can help align the spine for more comfortable side sleeping. The orthopedic knee pillow from Luna, contoured into an hourglass shape and made with memory foam, is designed to support the body and maintain breathability.
The popular, firm Lunderg memory foam pillow is also designed for CPAP machine users, with two sides offering different thickness levels and an additional removable insert for customization.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it's essential to seek evaluation by your doctor or a specialist from an AASM-accredited sleep center. A sleep study can be ordered by a healthcare professional to diagnose sleep apnea, and often can be done at home.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud, persistent snoring, waking up gasping or choking, and frequently using the bathroom at night. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Trying pillows with generous return policies is advised to find the best fit for individual needs. By choosing the right pillow, you can improve your sleep quality and potentially alleviate positional sleep apnea symptoms.
- Incorporating a small pillow between the knees, as suggested by a sleep medicine physician, can help align the spine for more comfortable side sleeping.
- The orthopedic knee pillow from Luna, contoured into an hourglass shape and made with memory foam, is designed to support the body and maintain breathability.
- Adjustable latex or memory foam pillows, such as the one available on Amazon, offer customized loft and firmness to maintain optimal spinal alignment during side or back sleeping.
- The Posiform Anti-Snore Pillow, designed to reduce positional snoring and promote side sleeping, is a popular choice among those seeking better sleep and potential relief from positional sleep apnea symptoms.
