Side Sleepers - Need Some Advice

[jmelby]

I hug a pillow in my arms in front of me... I found that I just like to have my arms somewhere and when I put them under my head pillow, I wake up with numb arms.

[rubymom]

Thank you so much to everybody for your advice on this topic. I'm trying it out idea by idea to find the one or more that work for me. I do think I have improved somewhat but still a ways to go.

I appreciate your time! Happy New Year!

[Reddwarf]

Doesn't using two pillows cause airway problems for you?

Gerry

No because I sleep at the edge of the pillow, with my mask hanging out. My top pillow is very shapable so it give me support and frees my mask. The bottom pillow supports the neck and shoulders and doesn't come up to the mask.

I like my hands under because of the cold air too.

This sounds like my method. I have a foam pillow on the bottom and a feather pillow on the top. I'm thinking of getting the Regenisis pillow. However. I travel for work and I spend more nights in a hotel each week than at home, so I'm not sure the pillow will be of that much help!

[briank]

While it may not be your particular issue, or your only issue, the pillow thickness versus your personal anatomy can definitely make a difference.

If one pillow leaves your neck too low and two raises it too high, you can get intermediate 1-1.5" foam spacer pillows from places like Relax the Back.

When I'm side sleeping, I usually have might right hand nearly directly under my head (with the pillow inbetween) and my left hand on or near my right bicep. WIth the Swift hose extension, there's quite a bit of hose and it usually makes a "U" coming off the headboard, down the side of the bed, then back up between my arms and my chest.

[grandmma]

#3. Lastly, place a light blanket or towel between your knees and attempt to keep it in place throughout the night as you toss from side to side. This will keep the hips spaced apart enough to prevent the lower back or hips from becoming overstretched or over-shortened and kinked. It also prevents bone bruising between the knees.

Well, can't quite get the hang of the other pillows yet, they seem to be more intrusive for me than anything, but the one between my knees works really well! I don't have it so much between my knees, as underneath one. I always sleep on my side, with the bottom leg straightish and the top bent quite high, so that the upper side is quite flat to the bed. Consequentially my middle back does get quite stiff, and a pillow under the bent leg has really resolved that issue.

Thanks, Katie!

[KatieW]

Well, can't quite get the hang of the other pillows yet, they seem to be more intrusive for me than anything, but the one between my knees works really well! I don't have it so much between my knees, as underneath one. I always sleep on my side, with the bottom leg straightish and the top bent quite high, so that the upper side is quite flat to the bed. Consequentially my middle back does get quite stiff, and a pillow under the bent leg has really resolved that issue. Thanks, Katie!

I don't quite get it always. I'm so surrounded by pillows, my husband will say...."are you in there somewhere". He tells people he can't find me because of the mountain of pillows.

[rubymom]

That's funny Katie--I thought of that when I read your post! I do use a hugging pillow and usually drag it with me when I flip over. Haven't tried the one between my legs yet.

[grandmma]

I don't quite get it always. I'm so surrounded by pillows, my husband will say...."are you in there somewhere". He tells people he can't find me because of the mountain of pillows.

LOL, if you've a partner, CPAP-wise they sometimes do have to put up with a lot, don't they?

Then on the other hand you've got the wonderful Dori, who takes it all not only in her stride, but as also her responsibility / owndership. Someone over there should nominate her and her like as a national treasure!

[DoriC]

Thanks grandmma, but instead of a nomination I'd like a little vacation in Sydney, The photos I've seen are beautiful.

Katie, you and I need to have a private little chat about your husband/pillow situation. I'm getting sleepy and silly now, so good night all.

[letchworth]

My question to other side sleepers then is do you have any suggestions on how to remedy this? Where do you put your arm?

As an undiagnosed migraine sufferer for years- I was terrified to sleep on my back--- now, many years later I know why---- Sleeping on my back was causing apnea events-- which, in turn, spawned what my neuro-ophthalmologist refers to as "migraines without headaches". (Nothing quite like waking up on your back in the middle of a full-on migraine puking session). Therefore I avoided sleeping on my back for 15-17 years.

Funny thing happened at the second night of my sleep center stay-over, the technician said, "You have to sleep on your back for a least a portion of the night". He could tell from the panic on my face that there was a story. I was able to give him enough time so he could do what he needed.

Sleeping on my side: I use a pillow to simulate sleeping against the wall (behind my hip). Occasionally I use a small pillow between knees or may use that pillow to "hug" in order to take some of the stress off my ribs. I also roll over quite often in the night (side-to-side, carrying the pillow with me at times). My migraine episodes have drastically reduced since starting CPAP (1 episode in 2 years- controllable with medication-- verses 2-5+ episodes per month in the early years--- I love CPAP for that!)-- all of that to say that I am gradually finding that I am comfortable spending at least a portion of some nights on my back- with little or no fear. As for arm position: I have tried all sorts of positions-- straight toward the headboard (arm falls asleep), under my head (hands fall asleep), down toward feet (that just doesn't work for me)--- primarily I settle on quarterback style (either with or without the football/pillow).
good luck in your search for the "sweet spot"
letchworth

[rested gal]

I'm so surrounded by pillows

LOL! I make a nest every night, too. Pillows all around. There's never a problem finding one to drape my arm or a leg over, or wedge against my back. Whichever way I turn over, a pillow is always there.

I've resisted adding this pillow, called "The Boyfriend pillow"

[Patrick A]

RG good picture.
When did you change your hair color...

[KatieW]

Rested Gal, I love that pillow! Probably won't be adding it to my collection soon, though.

[rubymom]

Oh I LOVE that pillow! And I bet HE won't mind my mask at all! Or the cold air blowing on him! My kind of guy!

[DreamOn]

Oh I LOVE that pillow! And I bet HE won't mind my mask at all! Or the cold air blowing on him! My kind of guy!