Best Head Angle for Sleep Apnea
Posted on | November 23, 2009 | No Comments
Not all cases of sleep apnea can benefit from changing position, however in obstructive cases this can be an effective way to improve the condition. By changing the angle of the head while sleeping it’s possible to stretch and relax the muscles in the neck and open up the trachea more. This in turn can combat the cause of the blockage if it’s related to the size of the neck or the neck muscles, and leave the patient able to breath more easily.
There are two main head angles that can be used for the purpose. The first is to try sitting more upright, which takes the force of gravity off the neck to prevent it from closing. By using a cushion or extra pillows it’s possible to remain mostly upright while not disrupting sleep too badly (though it can still be slightly distracting from a peaceful night).
The other head angle is to lie the head on one side rather than lying it back. This way the gravity comes down on the side of the neck where it’s firmer and thicker rather than on the throat itself. While it can be hard to stay on your side, specifically designed t-shirts and hats can make it impossible to lie flat comfortably.
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