Sleeping Inclined And AHI Numbers

[EJW372]

Does anyone here sleep using a wedge pillow to incline their head and shoulders? I’m finding the more inclined my head is, the better my AHI is like 1-3. If I sleep more flat like I’m accustomed to, that jumps right up to 9-10.

My wife had a baby via C-section last August and I had gotten her a 7 inch tall wedge pillow to help with her recovery. I started using it recently and it really seems to help with my AHI numbers but it’s not a natural position for me but I’m trying to train my body to get used to it.

I actually just ordered a 12 inch tall and much wider version and hoping that works a little better.

Who here sleeps inclined?

[Julie]

More people than you'd think - for various reasons, but for us here, it's usually advised to raise the head end of the bed on e.g. 4-5" blocks instead of wedges so we don't end up sleeping bent in the middle - not great except in emergencies when we might use a recliner if machine's not working.

[ChicagoGranny]

I actually just ordered a 12 inch tall and much wider version and hoping that works a little better.

Most wedge pillows on the market cause the body to bend at the trunk. This can cause problems. There is at least one supplier that sells a wedge that is long enough to come under the hips. This leaves the trunk in the proper straight position.

With a wedge pillow, the sleeper cannot roll onto his side or stomach to sleep. It's better to elevate the head of the bed with risers.

Much better is to use an adjustable bed frame. Both head and legs can be elevated. As you get older, you may find elevating the legs helps with circulation and sleep. Here are some examples of adjustable bed frames - https://www.wayfair.com/keyword.php?pre ... +bed+frame

[ChicagoGranny]

If I sleep more flat like I’m accustomed to, that jumps right up to 9-10.

BTW, I haven't researched the threads you have scattered in the forum, so I don't know your machine settings or history. But for most people, it is possible to find machine settings that allow normal back sleeping with an acceptable AHI.

[LSAT]

Think about it...You don't have apneas when you are standing...logically the more propped up you are the fewer the apnea events. That's why you should sleep upright in a recliner when you can't use your CPAP.

[ChicagoGranny]

You don't have apneas when you are standing

Horses take advantage of this fact. http://www.drtomahern.com/Dr_Tom_Ahern. ... orses.html

[zonker]

You don't have apneas when you are standing

Horses take advantage of this fact. http://www.drtomahern.com/Dr_Tom_Ahern. ... orses.html

that's because they have <ahem> horse sense!

OR

can you imagine the size of the mask a horse would need?

[ChicagoGranny]

The For-Her Model

[zonker]

The For-Her Model

curses, hoist by my own petard!

[clownbell]

So I gotta ask two questions:
1. Has anyone ever known a horse who had a sleep study done?
2. Is the "For Him" model blue (or perhaps grey) and does it come in pinstripes?

Inquiring minds want to know!!

[Okie bipap]

Maybe it's a stallion that who's in touch with his feminine side.

[ChicagoGranny]

Has anyone ever known a horse who had a sleep study done?

Sugar has.

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[MeToo]

It helps me significantly in two ways. Like you, my AHI is better when sleeping inclined. In addition, being inclined to a certain level helps with acid reflux (7" is supposed to be the magic number, but I think I need a little more than that).

I have a hospital type bed at home that inclines at the waist. As others have said, it does put a little more pressure on your hips...and likely the spine in the lower back (probably less pressure on your shoulders, though). I have a small second home where I have a cheaper memory foam mattress that I paired with a full length 7" wedge. I like the wedge elevation more than my expensive (for me) hospital type bed. In typing this, I wonder why I haven't just punted on the hospital bed and bought a wedge for home, too.

*I can ONLY sleep on my side. Those who sleep on their back may prefer hospital type arrangement.

** Here is the foam wedge that I bought. Their customer service is awesome. I thought about cutting the 5" in half and flipping on top of my 7" wedge (to get 10" or so elevation) but Avana advised against that. I don't slide down at night with the 7" and that is probably the best height for most. I just notice that they have a number of other wedge pillows as well. https://www.avanacomfort.com/shop.html

[arteach]

So which wedge are you using. I'm looking at the link and there are a number of them. What are you finding works for you?

[ChicagoGranny]

So which wedge are you using. I'm looking at the link and there are a number of them. What are you finding works for you?

I'm also curious about which he is using.

Don't forget he is a side sleeper.