Understanding Sleep Apnea and Positional Therapy

Researchers believe that a number of factors can lead to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and that many patients with OSA may have more than one contributing factor. With this in mind, sleep apnea studies have shown that a person's sleeping position can affect the severity of their sleep apnea and that for some sleep apnea suffers, their sleeping position is the leading reason for their sleep disorder. In this post, we will take a closer look at positional OSA and positional sleep therapy for OSA.

What is Positional Therapy for Sleep Apnea?

The idea behind positional therapy (PT) is a very simple one: changing one's position during sleep can open the airway and allow for less obstructed breathing. Positional sleep therapy prevents, in one way or another, patients from sleeping in the supine position and obstructing their airway. There are a number of different types of positional therapy:

• A small ball is strapped to the back of the neck to prevent supine sleeping.
• A foam wedge is strapped on the back to encourage side sleeping.
• A device with an alarm wakes a sleeper each time they roll onto their back to sleep.
• A patient is simply encouraged to train themselves not to sleep on their back.

It is important to note that positional sleep therapy is only effective if the patient's OSA is in part caused or aggravated by back sleeping. It is also important to note that while positional therapy can reduce the number of apnea per hour in each patient, PT is usually not a cure for sleep apnea. Generally, PT is best for those with proven positional OSA and those who do not suffer from severe sleep apnea. Speak to your doctor for more information about which treatments may be best for you.

The Facts: Positional Therapy Sleep Apnea Studies

• A 2006 sleep apnea study published in Laryngoscope found that a significant number of sleep apnea patients self-reported better sleep quality and less snoring when not sleeping on their back. However, a significant percentage of the younger people studies were not able to comply with the therapy. The study asked 78 people with OSA to sleep with a tennis ball strapped to the back of their neck to discourage supine sleep. Thirty-one of the participants reported that the tennis ball helped them change their sleep position and improve their sleep apnea symptoms.
• A 1999 positional OSA study published in CHEST Journal found that positional therapy has similar efficacy as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, at least in the short term, in those with positional OSA.
• A positional therapy study published in Volume 11 of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that positional therapy reduced sleep apnea symptoms in 68 percent of participants with positional OSA. However, the study also found that although positional therapy helped the majority of patients, a very large number were not compliant with the therapy after several months.

Sleep Apnea Surgery At Surgical Sleep Solutions

No sleep apnea treatment is right for everyone. Finding the treatment or combinations of treatments that works best for you takes time, knowledge, and thought. As you and your doctor consider your options, you may wish to learn more about sleep apnea surgeries, including the treatment we specialize in, bimaxillary advancement surgery. To learn about this procedure, our unique delivery model, and whether you may be a good candidate, please read more.