Head position

[hrc54]

Hi-

I've always wanted to ask the members of this board this question: Is there a "proper position" for the head when sleeping?
That is, should one have a numbers of pillows so that the head would be propped up? Or should the head be as flat as possible with the rest of your body with a minimum number of pillows?

Thanks-Bob

[Gerryk]

I would say not propped up because by tilting the head up you are actually partially obstructing the airway. Sleep apnea is an airway obstruction. If you have ever had CPR training thing back and they mentioned the sniffing position if there was no neck injury. The sniffing position is the head tilted back chin up, which opens the airway. So by using pillows the way most people do you would be obstructing your airway further.

Now think back again if their is a neck injury you were taught the jaw thrust. The jaw thrust does the same basic thing as those devices people get from their dentist for sleep apnea.

Gerry

[Wulfman]

Hi-

I've always wanted to ask the members of this board this question: Is there a "proper position" for the head when sleeping?
That is, should one have a numbers of pillows so that the head would be propped up? Or should the head be as flat as possible with the rest of your body with a minimum number of pillows?

Thanks-Bob

Hi Bob.
Long time, no see.

I use a Chiroflow water-based pillow and try to adjust the water level so that my head, neck and spine are pretty well aligned. I also try to go to sleep with my head tipped back a bit (I'm a side-sleeper) so that my airway is a little straighter (as opposed to having my chin too close to my chest). I've never been able to sleep with a bunch of pillows under my head.

As far as a "proper" position.....I've never heard of one.

Den

[hrc54]

Thanks Den & Gerry. I've never asked my DME or my sleep doctor- they don't have sleep apnea! My wife & I, with our son off to college, have about 8 pillows. 2 Tempur-pedic, 3 regular, 1 original buckwheat, 1 memory foam & 1 buckwheat from sleep guy. Love them all & enjoy the pillow from sleepguy. As you can see, we have enough pillows that I can sleep in any position with my head.

Will try both ideas. Thanks.

Bob