Re: How sleeping positions helps AHI numbers
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 5:42 pm
Compliance relates to the "stiffness" of the airway. If you reduce compliance, you increase stiffness (make it harder for the airway to narrow/collapse). If compliance is increased, you reduce stiffness (make the airway floppy and easier to collapse)calusa wrote:What does "compliance of the airway" mean?Yes, gravity does work but head posture probably has more of an effect on compliance of the airway. If one extends the neck (tilts head backwards), it will tend to stretch the airway and reduce airway compliance, resisting collapse. Vice-versa if you tilt your head forward.
Tilting your head back while sleeping on your back, in theory, should reduce OSA severity. But every airway is different so this might not work for everyone.calusa wrote:What might this mean for back-sleepers with OSA -- would this mean a thicker pillow would be better, by keeping the neck tilted forward? Or am I understanding this backwards???