Sleep Position and APNEA

[motownmike]

Has anyone diagnosed with sleep apnea had a follow up sleep study or part of the initial study performed while sleeping on their stomach?
Was there a decrease in AHI?

Since the collapse of the airway is the cause of obstructive apnea I would like to know also if anyone has had success by simply training themselves to sleep on their stomach.

[Julie]

Most people run into trouble trying to sleep that way with a mask on... it works for me because I cut out a 1' x 3" x 3" 'trench' (top of memory foam mattress towards bottom) to fit my FF mask years ago and still do it, but it's pretty radical and most won't do that but instead get a very sore neck and/or back. If your Cpap is doing its job, however, it shouldn't matter how you sleep... unfortunately, life doesn't always fit theory, so many try to at least sleep on their sides with pillows behind them to keep from flipping overnight.

[Pugsy]

Are you wanting to know if a person has been able to not use cpap after a diagnosis of OSA by simply sleeping on their stomach?

Sleeping position can affect the severity of OSA. It might be worse on a person's back and not be so bad on their side or stomach. Whether there is enough difference to forgo using cpap is another question though. It's going to depend on how severe the OSA is and even how much REM a person gets. OSA can be much worse in REM no matter what the sleeping position.
Whether it will affect cpap pressures needed is another question too. It may for some and not for others.
My OSA is 5 times worse in REM stage sleep than the other stages and it doesn't matter what sleeping position I use.

[chunkyfrog]

Cpap allows us to sleep in whatever position is MOST COMFORTABLE.
This is very useful, because as we age, some of us cannot sleep in a fixed position all night.
I prefer not to have to endure a weird sleeping position just to avoid the mask.

[motownmike]

Good answers from all. I have been using CPAP for one month now and I am seeing good results.
Being the analytical person that I am, I want to know as much as possible about a subject that affects me as much as apnea.

I was kind of hoping for but not expecting an out for wearing the mask for life.

I ran from CPAP therapy for years trying other methods because my position was "I am not wearing that damn fighter pilot's mask"

I have a new attitude "EMBRACE THE HORROR" Just kidding. It was not wise to risk my health by not treating this condition for years. I sleep better and my high blood pressure is dropping.

I am now an advocate and I have suggested that several friends and family members get tested once they told me about health issues and snoring symptoms.

[The Choker]

Has anyone diagnosed with sleep apnea had a follow up sleep study or part of the initial study performed while sleeping on their stomach?
Was there a decrease in AHI?

Of course. Some people with OSA have no apneas while sleeping on their stomach or sides.

Have a look at your diagnostic sleep study. You might find that you had no events while sleeping on your stomach or sides. But, check that you had REM sleep in those positions. People here can help you analyze the results. Just post a copy of your diagnostic sleep study.

I ran from CPAP therapy for years trying other methods because my position was "I am not wearing that damn fighter pilot's mask"

Yes, you were stupid.

[motownmike]

T.C. Interesting that some people like yourself look for an opportunity to insult others.
I acknowledged that it was not wise to run from treatment and I tried other less effective methods.

I was not soliciting a remark from an idiot as I did not have to volunteer this info.

There are others who may be delaying treatment currently. These are people who could be encouraged.

Think about that the next time you decide to insult instead of help.

[The Choker]

Think about that the next time you decide to insult instead of help.

You do it your way, I'll do it my way. My practice is, and will continue to be, to tell them they are stupid.

[motownmike]

Well some people can't help being an A$$.

Several people read the post and offered helpful information, which was appreciated.

[CowFish]

My practice is, and will continue to be, to tell them they are stupid.

I'll have three gentle and encouraging discussions with a receptive person. After the third one, I tell them to get back with me after they have a consultation with a sleep doctor. I'm not wasting a lot of time on stupidity.

[palerider]

T.C. Interesting that some people like yourself look for an opportunity to insult others.
I acknowledged that it was not wise to run from treatment and I tried other less effective methods.

I was not soliciting a remark from an idiot as I did not have to volunteer this info.

There are others who may be delaying treatment currently. These are people who could be encouraged.

Think about that the next time you decide to insult instead of help.

what makes you think coddling poor decisions and stupid behavior is a plus?

was it stupid of you to run from treatment, or was it wise and well thought out?

we've all been, and done stupid things, perhaps if there were more people that would plainly say "that is stupid" then there might possibly be a little less of it rampaging through todays society.

how do you feel about texting and driving.... is it "stupid" or is it "not wise"?

[LSAT]

I also agree with the "stupid" comment. When you ignored treatment after being diagnosed with a serious medical problem...that was stupidity in my opinion.

[SewTired]

You can still have apnea sleeping on your stomach. I asked that question since I frequently sleep on my stomach/face before I had my sleep study. From personal experience, sleeping on my side or my face will reduce the level of pressure required by a small amount, but my AHI is usually always under 1 no matter what position (with xpap), so can't say it really changes that. This is primarily because AHI is based on total hours slept vs. events and I only have events during REM or near-REM. I mostly have this machine because of slow heart rate and having a minimum of 8cm pressure ensures at least 91% average oxygen throughout night vs. 82-85% all night.

Did I answer your question or further confuse you?

[palerider]

You can still have apnea sleeping on your stomach. I asked that question since I frequently sleep on my stomach/face before I had my sleep study. From personal experience, sleeping on my side or my face will reduce the level of pressure required by a small amount, but my AHI is usually always under 1 no matter what position (with xpap), so can't say it really changes that. This is primarily because AHI is based on total hours slept vs. events and I only have events during REM or near-REM. I mostly have this machine because of slow heart rate and having a minimum of 8cm pressure ensures at least 91% average oxygen throughout night vs. 82-85% all night.

Did I answer your question or further confuse you?

the only completely accurate answer to his question, as your answer points out is:

it depends

[motownmike]

Didn't ask to be coddled.

I actually asked for information and received some good info from some posters.
BTW if you look at my post it states other methods were tried.
I had some limited success.
It was CPAP that I avoided but hey, thanks for the support