"Get it UP!"

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:05 pm

No men, that isn't what I'm talking about. I'm talking about a book that is on the market with that name. It is written by someone who has studied for years the effects of our sleeping level at night. I purchased the book, read it through in one days time then decided that I would try it. Much to my amazement, it works! I have now been sleeping with my head elevated for almost two weeks!!! My ahi's have gone down considerably. A couple of nights I thought I would see what would happen if I slept level again and guess what...my ani's went up! Anyone else out there in cpap-land have any experience or knowledge about this?

Dgrendahl · Post by **Dgrendahl** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:12 pm

[quote="Anonymous"]No men, that isn't what I'm talking about. I'm talking about a book that is on the market with that name. It is written by someone who has studied for years the effects of our sleeping level at night. I purchased the book, read it through in one days time then decided that I would try it. Much to my amazement, it works! I have now been sleeping with my head elevated for almost two weeks!!! My ahi's have gone down considerably. A couple of nights I thought I would see what would happen if I slept level again and guess what...my ani's went up! Anyone else out there in cpap-land have any experience or knowledge about this?

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:21 pm

It sounds like you may have a little GERD issue. When in the woods, you want to sleep with your head ob the up hill side of the hill. It not only helps Gerd, but when attacked by a bear, you can run downhill and bears can't run downhill as fast as they can uphill. Jim

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:25 pm

People with untreated sleep apnea often choose to sleep in a recliner instead of a bed. Probably because they get somewhat better sleep more upright. Gravity contributes to greater likelihood of soft tissue collapse and tongue falling back when they are flat in bed.

There was a study I read about once where genetically morbidly obese mice being used in research were noticed sleeping sitting upright in corners of their cages rather than laying down to sleep. (Poor things.)

People who have been diagnosed with OSA and are waiting for the wheels of insurance and DMEs to grind slowly toward finally giving them a machine also are often encouraged on message boards to sleep more upright, or in a recliner.

Another thought....perhaps some people who have been prescribed very high pressures could get by with less pressure by sleeping more upright. If it were for sure they'd not slip down into a flatter position during sleep. Being able to monitor their own data, as you do Dgrendahl, would be a must before trying reduced pressure.

Dgrendahl · Post by **Dgrendahl** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:36 pm

Goofproof wrote:It sounds like you may have a little GERD issue. When in the woods, you want to sleep with your head ob the up hill side of the hill. It not only helps Gerd, but when attacked by a bear, you can run downhill and bears can't run downhill as fast as they can uphill. Jim

A good guess, Jim, but the answwer is 'no.' I can think of only once in my life where I have experienced that sort of thing. Is this something you experience?

Dgrendahl · Post by **Dgrendahl** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:39 pm

I have even gone so far as to order this: http://www.dynamic-living.com/mattress-genie.htm for my bed. Got a queen size. This way I shall be able to adjust it to the height I want.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:51 pm

Before I was treated for Apnea, I had the top of the bed 2 inches higher, it helped some. Now they have me on drugs, not sure why, I wasn't complaining. On the camping thing, take a slower friend, that way you don't have to out run the bear, just your friend. Jim

wabmorgan · Post by **wabmorgan** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:55 pm

[quote="Anonymous"]No men, that isn't what I'm talking about. I'm talking about a book that is on the market with that name. It is written by someone who has studied for years the effects of our sleeping level at night. I purchased the book, read it through in one days time then decided that I would try it. Much to my amazement, it works! I have now been sleeping with my head elevated for almost two weeks!!! My ahi's have gone down considerably. A couple of nights I thought I would see what would happen if I slept level again and guess what...my ani's went up! Anyone else out there in cpap-land have any experience or knowledge about this?

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 4:34 am

Dgrendahl wrote:
Goofproof wrote:It sounds like you may have a little GERD issue. When in the woods, you want to sleep with your head ob the up hill side of the hill. It not only helps Gerd, but when attacked by a bear, you can run downhill and bears can't run downhill as fast as they can uphill. Jim
A good guess, Jim, but the answwer is 'no.' I can think of only once in my life where I have experienced that sort of thing. Is this something you experience?

There's a misconception about GERD: That you will know you have it. My GERD was "silent" GERD. I wasn't aware of having any acid in my throat, nor did my stomach feel sour. I had some vague symptoms that I now realize were GERD. When I was tested for it, I had stage 2 erosions. Stage 3 is the worst.

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 7:36 am

My Grandmother always had to sleep with the head of the bed raised FOR YEARS. She said she couldn't breathe any other way at night. We never knew about Sleep Apnea when she was alive.

Her 2 daughters, one being my Mom, both have had to sleep in recliners or adjustable beds for as long as I can remember.

They are now both on CPAP.

I also sleep better slightly head elevated while on CPAP, so there's no question in my mind.

My GERD problems were not typical, I don't think. Don't usually FEEL acid, but have EXTREME nausea if I lay down flat.

My two 2 cents worth.

LavenderMist · Post by **LavenderMist** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 8:21 am

You have better control of your breathing when you are elevated vs lying flat. Your airway is much less likely to collapse. Also, with regard to GERD, gravity is helping you keep those stomach acids where they belong and not backflowing into your esophagus and irritating your airway.

jomac30 · Post by **jomac30** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 1:31 pm

In the sleep lab the bed is flat. My bed at home is adjustable and I keep the head elevated. Do you think my pressure should be adjusted for this difference in beds? I'm wondering if my pressure is too high for an elevated head. How can I tell? I thought the airway closed once you fell asleep no matter what position you slept in, but now I'm wondering if that's true.

Dgrendahl · Post by **Dgrendahl** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 1:55 pm

jomac30 wrote:In the sleep lab the bed is flat. My bed at home is adjustable and I keep the head elevated. Do you think my pressure should be adjusted for this difference in beds? I'm wondering if my pressure is too high for an elevated head. How can I tell? I thought the airway closed once you fell asleep no matter what position you slept in, but now I'm wondering if that's true.

Hmm...I don't have the answer to your question. I suspect someone on this board does, though. Stay tuned

JPZeller · Post by **JPZeller** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 4:44 pm

Dgrendahl, I must say, I find your avatar highly offensive.

It is a free country, and you are free to post it if the moderator has no objection, but I am also free to post my feelings on the subject.

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 5:07 pm

I've slept in flat beds when I travel. I track my apneas each night and haven't noticed much difference. If there was a slight difference I probably attributed it to being in a different environment. But if it was a big one, I'd notice for sure.

"Get it UP!"

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A bed "Genie"

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adjustable bed at home

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