The American Medical Association estimates that roughly 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea, but only 6 million are diagnosed.
This can be a serious medical condition that, left untreated, has wide-ranging consequences.
What is Sleep Apnea and Why Sleep Position Matters
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that can be potentially dangerous, especially if the nightly episodes escalate, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It is characterized by episodes of breathing stops and starts, and there are three main types: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea, and Complex Sleep Apnea.
Sleep Position: Why it Matters
If you’re wondering what the best position to sleep in with sleep apnea, let’s first discuss why your sleep position matters.
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You want to focus on keeping your airways open as much as possible. So, one of the worst sleep positions for sleep apnea is sleeping on your back because gravity pulls your tongue and soft tissues back towards your airway, increasing the risk of obstruction and snoring.
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Sleeping on your side with sleep apnea helps to keep your airways open and avoids the collapse of soft tissues towards your airway.
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Sleeping on your left side supports better circulation and internal pressure.
Best Position to Sleep with Sleep Apnea
The best position to sleep in with sleep apnea is on your side, as it is the optimum position.
Additionally, incorporating an elevated sleep position for sleep apnea by slightly raising your head can enhance the benefits.
Sleeping on Your Side: A Simple Fix
Sleeping on your side is one of the easiest fixes for sleep apnea that doesn’t require medication or specialized equipment.
It works because it addresses the main problem of sleep apnea, airway collapse. Here’s why:
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Gravity: Side sleeping pulls your tongue, soft palate, and tissues to the side, rather than towards the back, where they can obstruct your airway.
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Less snoring, which means better airflow.
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More consistent oxygen levels because of fewer blockages.
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Sleeping on your side also improves the CPAP machine's performance by lowering the necessary air pressure, allowing the machine to work more efficiently.
The Worst Sleep Positions for Sleep Apnea
Sleeping on your back: This position is the most likely to obstruct your airway.
Stomach sleeping: This position is not recommended because it forces your neck into unnatural positions, which can lead to neck and back pain. It might help keep your airway open, but it isn’t recommended because of the damage to your spinal system.
Reclining in a chair or couch: This is also problematic because your head can fall forward, kinking and obstructing your airway.
How a Sleep Apnea Pillow Can Help
Using natural sleep aids like a sleep apnea pillow is a possible option. They are designed to keep your head, neck, and airway in the optimal position to promote better breathing.
Purpose: Their intended use is to promote side sleeping. When using a CPAP machine, they also provide space for the mask and hose without causing leaks or pressure points.
Finally, they perfectly align the head, neck, and spine so there is no airway obstruction.
The Yana Body Pillow
Our 360’ Body Pillow is the perfect natural way to enhance sleep and position your body correctly when you suffer from sleep apnea.
The pillow keeps you in a side sleeping position, and because of its “U” shape, if you change sides, you don’t have to move the pillow to maintain the same support.
Our body pillow also supports the head, neck, shoulders, hips, and stomach for perfect spinal alignment. It also allows for an open airway because you are in the optimum sleep position for sleep apnea.
Another advantage is the ability to elevate your head slightly for better breathing. Additionally, the “U” shape provides room for your face mask and tubes if you wear a CPAP machine.
And finally, our pillows are certified free of harmful chemicals. You can adjust your fill to the level of firmness you desire, and they are easy to care for.
Choose between natural latex fill or latex-free natural cooling gel, both of which are customizable to your perfect fill level. When not in use, tie it in a decorative knot.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that shouldn't be ignored. It can be treated with natural methods like our Yana 360° Body pillow, adopting the correct sleep position, losing weight, and in more severe cases, a CPAP machine.
It is crucial to get diagnosed early if you find yourself waking up gasping for breath. Sleep Apnea may start with small, periodic episodes, but as you age and/or gain weight, they can increase to the point of being dangerous.
To help with sleep apnea, learn more about the Yana Body Pillow for the best sleep of your life!