A mattress with a memory foam layer, which supports comfortable side sleeping, may benefit people with sleep apnea. Memory foam can relieve pressure on joints, such as the hips and shoulders, while maintaining spinal alignment.
Is a firm or soft bed better for sleep apnea?
Firmness. For most people with sleep apnea, the ideal firmness range runs from medium to medium-firm (5/10 to 6.5/10 on the firmness scale). The heavier parts of your body are more likely to sink too far into a super-soft mattress, possibly leading to an obstructed airway.
Does elevating bed help sleep apnea?
Does sleeping with your head elevated help sleep apnea? Yes, sleeping with your head elevated can help sleep apnea as it stops gravity from causing your tongue and soft tissue to fall back and block your airways. You can elevate your head with a wedge-shaped pillow or an adjustable base bed.
Is a soft mattress bad for sleep apnea?
The Right Firmness for Sleep Apnea Medium-firm mattresses are effective at keeping you lifted on ‘top’ of the mattress in a neutral position, which helps keep the airways open. Softer beds, on the other hand, can allow for more sinkage, worsening the symptoms of sleep apnea.‚Äù
What type of bed helps with sleep apnea Related Questions
How to help sleep apnea while sleeping?
Positioning yourself on your side or stomach can help the airways stay open to reduce snoring and alleviate mild apnea, Salas says. Reflux and heartburn: If you suffer from heartburn, sleeping on your right side can make symptoms worse, Salas says.
Are there pillows that help with sleep apnea?
Wedge pillows. These triangular-shaped pillows can elevate your body position and provide relief from obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions, like acid reflux.
What makes sleep apnea worse?
Having family members with sleep apnea might increase your risk. Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers. These substances relax the muscles in your throat, which can worsen obstructive sleep apnea. Smoking.
Should you sleep flat or elevated with sleep apnea?
Sleeping in an elevated position can limit how much gravity pulls the tongue and other tissues into a position where they can block the airway. Sleeping with your head elevated can also reduce snoring.
What causes sleep apnea?
Anything that could narrow your airway such as obesity, large tonsils, or changes in your hormone levels can increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea happens when your brain does not send the signals needed to breathe.
How can I fix sleep apnea naturally?
Maintain a healthy weight. Doctors commonly recommend people with sleep apnea to lose weight. Try yoga. Regular exercise can increase your energy level, strengthen your heart, and improve sleep apnea. Alter your sleep position. Use a humidifier. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Use oral appliances.
Is sitting up good for sleep apnea?
Best Sleeping Position for Sleep Apnea Many people with sleep apnea have more breathing problems when they sleep flat on their backs than when they sleep in other positions. Sleeping sitting up can lead to fewer breathing disruptions and higher levels of oxygen in the blood of people with OSA.
Are bananas good for sleep apnea?
Bananas. Although bananas are a great source of fiber and potassium, if you have sleep apnea, they’re not the best snack choice. They increase mucus production in your mouth and throat, which can make your breathing problems associated with sleep apnea even worse.
Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft bed?
When sleeping on a firmer surface, the bones absorb most of the pressure, meaning there is less stress on muscles, veins and arteries. Muscles are less strained, and circulation is improved. A firm mattress also keeps your lower back from collapsing, which could allow for more oxygen intake while sleeping.
What is the healthiest sleeping position?
Specifically, sleeping on the side or back is considered more beneficial than sleeping on the stomach. In either of these sleep positions, it’s easier to keep your spine supported and balanced, which relieves pressure on the spinal tissues and enables your muscles to relax and recover.
What is one way to treat sleep apnea?
A breathing device, such as a CPAP machine, is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine provides constant air pressure in your throat to keep the airway open when you breathe in. Breathing devices work best when you also make healthy lifestyle changes.
What is the best pillow position for apnea?
When sleeping on your stomach, it is best to position your forehead on a pillow and keep your head facing down. This position ensures an open and clear airway for breathing and reduces the chance of sleep apnea extensively.
How do you treat sleep apnea without a mask?
Positional therapy. Dental appliances. Weight loss and lifestyle changes. Surgery to fix underlying causes. Tonsillectomy: If your tonsils are enlarged, they may actually obstruct your airway when you lie down and cause you to completely stop breathing in your sleep.
Does sleeping on 2 pillows help sleep apnea?
If you suffer from conditions like sleep apnea or GERD, two pillows can help to alleviate your symptoms. Raising your head with a pillow can help to reduce snoring and ease the symptoms of GERD.
What fruits are good for sleep apnea?
Foods Rich in Melatonin Many fruits and vegetables contain melatonin, which is a natural sleep enhancer. Asparagus, corn, cherries, grapes, broccoli, and cucumbers all contain this sleepy hormone. And, many recommend tart cherry juice as the best natural source of melatonin.
What should I avoid if I have sleep apnea?
Bananas. Bananas are full of healthful nutrients, and they are delicious. Refined Carbohydrates. Whole grain foods are great for your health because they contain lots of nutrients and contribute to satiety. Dairy. Alcohol. Fatty Meats.