A sleep apnea pillow is used for those with mild or moderate types of sleep apnea. Using a sleep apnea pillow is a type of positional therapy used when treating patients with sleeping disorders who did not respond well to other sleep apnea treatment. Positional therapy is frequently used for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is the sleeping disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. With obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, tissue in the nose, soft palette and/or throat collapses or becomes obstructed. When the airways are obstructed and the required amount of oxygen delivered to the brain and heart is reduced, this disease can be fatal if the proper attention and treatment is not given. The usual symptom of sleep apnea is snoring and it is often common in middle-age and older adults. There are various treatments for sleep apnea depending on the degree of severity. These include invasive sleep apnea treatments including surgery and non-invasive treatments such as medications and lifestyle changes such as weight loss. One of the more common types of non-invasive treatments for this disorder is using a specially designed sleep apnea pillow, sometimes referred to as an anti-snoring pillow or stop snoring device.

Types of Sleep Apnea Pillows

There are different types of sleep apnea pillows depending on your needs. They fall into three main types:

  • Wedge Shaped Sleep Apnea Pillows- A wedge shaped sleep apnea pillow is designed to keep the head slightly elevated during sleep. This helps prevent the airway collapse typically found during obstructive sleep apnea episodes.
  • Side Sleeping Sleep Apnea Pillows- These pillows are designed to encourage the user to sleep on his/her side. As with the wedge pillow, a side pillow helps prevent the user from sleeping flat on his back where airway collapse is more likely to occur. Side and wedge shaped pillows are sometimes used as cpap alternatives.
  • CPAP Sleep Apnea Pillow- Traditional pillows often interfere with the tubing and CPAP mask that are utilized by sleep apnea patients being treated with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP machines. CPAP pillows have specially designed cutouts to accommodate the CPAP equipment and make it more comfortable for the wearer.

Important Points to Consider When Buying a Sleep Apnea Pillow

Here are some things to consider when buying a sleep apnea pillow. The pillow should be able to properly support your head and neck to avoid possible neck pains. Most importantly, a good sleep apnea pillow will promote proper alignment of the head, neck and spine in a straight line to help prevent the tongue, soft palette and other tissue in the nose and throat area from collapsing and blocking your airway during sleep. Sleep apnea pillows should retain their shape so that the user’s head, neck and shoulders are supported while encouraging proper alignment while sleeping. Since sleeping flat on one’s back often contributes to sleep apnea symptoms, many sleep apnea pillows are designed to either elevate the head or to encourage the user to sleep on their side and prevent rolling over to sleep flat on their back. Your personal preference and comfort is key.

Find The Best Sleep Apnea Pillow For You

Sleep apnea pillows are often made from memory foam because this kind of material conforms to the user and enhances comfort. Pillows come in different shapes and sizes and depending on your preferences, you should choose one that fits perfectly and comfortably.

Before trying any of the therapies mentioned above, it is always best to consult first with your doctor.  He or she may recommend that you undergo a sleep study or polysomnography test to correctly diagnose your condition. These tests will give an objective overview of the real status of your sleeping disorder. If your doctor identifies that you have mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep apnea pillow may be an effective, low cost treatment option.

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