Side Sleeping

[Logies101]

I'm still a newbie (on CPAP since Dec 10) . Last night I made a point to sleep only on my side by wedging a pillow behind my back. I wanted to see if it made any difference in my numbers. I was wonderfully surprised when I imported last nights data to Sleepyhead, I only had 1 central apnea lasting 11 seconds and that's it, no OA or hyponeas! I normally have like 10 centrals and one or more hyponeas which isn't bad but sometimes after having 10 or more centrals I feel kind of crappy the next day. Today I felt fantastic! Do you think sleeping on my side prevented the apneas or was it a fluke?

I need to get a copy of my sleep study and see if I have positional sleep apnea because at my titration the sleep tech came in about two hours into my sleep study and said I want you to sleep on your back for the rest of the study.

It's kind of early to be thinking this but I'll ask anyway. If I continue to get the same results would the DR ever want another sleep study to see if I get the same results sleeping on my side without CPAP? I used to sleep on my side all the time but about 8 years ago I started sleeping on my back only,looking back I figure that's probably how long I've had the apnea too.

[cwillis]

I'm hoping sleeping on my side is preventing CAs Once I'm on my back they come in bunches. Tennis ball in my underwear tonight is my plan.

[Logies101]

I'm hoping sleeping on my side is preventing CAs Once I'm on my back they come in bunches. Tennis ball in my underwear tonight is my plan.

A tennis ball? ouch, but whatever helps! Good luck I hope it works out for you, let us know.

[OffroadToy]

I'm hoping sleeping on my side is preventing CAs Once I'm on my back they come in bunches. Tennis ball in my underwear tonight is my plan.

Oh My!

[LSAT]

Wear a "fanny pack" with 2 tennis balls. Wear it in the back.

[Macpage]

I'm still a newbie (on CPAP since Dec 10) . Last night I made a point to sleep only on my side by wedging a pillow behind my back. I wanted to see if it made any difference in my numbers. I was wonderfully surprised when I imported last nights data to Sleepyhead, I only had 1 central apnea lasting 11 seconds and that's it, no OA or hyponeas! I normally have like 10 centrals and one or more hyponeas which isn't bad but sometimes after having 10 or more centrals I feel kind of crappy the next day. Today I felt fantastic! Do you think sleeping on my side prevented the apneas or was it a fluke?

I need to get a copy of my sleep study and see if I have positional sleep apnea because at my titration the sleep tech came in about two hours into my sleep study and said I want you to sleep on your back for the rest of the study.

It's kind of early to be thinking this but I'll ask anyway. If I continue to get the same results would the DR ever want another sleep study to see if I get the same results sleeping on my side without CPAP? I used to sleep on my side all the time but about 8 years ago I started sleeping on my back only,looking back I figure that's probably how long I've had the apnea too.

The sleep study should have this information. Of course, you could have positional apnea. As Pugsy often says, it's common for our apnea to be worse when supine or in REM or both. It's certainly the case for me. As to whether or not you could sleep on side and avoid xpap, another study would be needed. I doubt the Dr. would ever ask. You would have to work to get it. You could do some experimenting by monitoring your data as you are doing when sleeping in different positions. Of course, we have to verify what position we are in while sleeping, not always easy. They do make sleep position monitors that will tell you your position throughout the night. Some here video themselves, and I'm sure you could have a family member or trusted friend monitor you for an evening. In any case, if you knew you were on your side and you had limited events/pressure requirements, you could continue experimenting until you were comfortable a study might be worth it. I have no idea how many people's apnea could be effectively treated positionally and for how long it would be effective. No harm in looking at your data, especially if it keeps you engaged in treatment. I'm like 2 different people supine vs. otherwise, and REM is a whole other issue.

Now in regard to tennis balls and funny stuff, I'm training to stay off my back with tennis balls like others. I'll just go ahead and put it out on the web once and for all! I wear one of my wife's old maternity bras on my back with tennis balls as I read on the site! It's cheap, comfortable, and keeps me off my back. My wife says I can never leave her as I'd have no chance with mask, hose, mouth tape, bra, tennis balls, and all else. Might explain who rules the roost these days!

Best of luck in improving things with sleep position!

Best,

Mike

[Logies101]

Now in regard to tennis balls and funny stuff, I'm training to stay off my back with tennis balls like others. I'll just go ahead and put it out on the web once and for all! I wear one of my wife's old maternity bras on my back with tennis balls as I read on the site! It's cheap, comfortable, and keeps me off my back. My wife says I can never leave her as I'd have no chance with mask, hose, mouth tape, bra, tennis balls, and all else. Might explain who rules the roost these days!

Best of luck in improving things with sleep position!

Best,

Mike

I guess it's safe to say you aren't video taping your sleep sessions Whatever works!

[svh]

My last sleep study (in 2010, after I lost 30 pounds) determined that my moderate to severe apnea was now positional sleep apnea, but they still want me to use CPAP. I didn't for the past 4 years, and feel that I really do need it, hence my return....I almost always sleep on my side, but I was still getting the headaches, feeling tired, etc. Good luck!

[bv1800]

The sleep study should have this information. Of course, you could have positional apnea. As Pugsy often says, it's common for our apnea to be worse when supine or in REM or both.

Apnea differences can even different on one side vs the other. In a recent study, my untreated apnea when sleeping on my right side is 2. On my left: 11. As it turns out my apnea when sleeping on my left side is only slightly better than on my back (11.4; assuming that the measurements are accurate beyond the decimal point).

[svh]

That's really interesting (different sides making such a difference to your AHI)--I'd never have guessed which side would matter!

[bv1800]

That's really interesting (different sides making such a difference to your AHI)--I'd never have guessed which side would matter!

I was very surprised, especially since left side is virtually equal to supine (back).

[svh]

I agree--very surprising results. Makes me want to go back over mine, and see if my two sides were recorded as different from one another......

[cathyf]

Apnea differences can even different on one side vs the other. In a recent study, my untreated apnea when sleeping on my right side is 2. On my left: 11. As it turns out my apnea when sleeping on my left side is only slightly better than on my back (11.4; assuming that the measurements are accurate beyond the decimal point).

I have an enlarged thyroid, and my right side is bigger. I actually get occasional little squeaky wheezes when I lie on my left side (which puts the bigger thyroid lobe on the top of the windpipe sandwich.) That's when I'm awake, so it's worse when I'm asleep!