Positional Sleep Apnea: Understanding the Condition and How to Treat It

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by episodes of temporary cessation of breathing during sleep, which can last from a few seconds to several minutes. One of the most common types of sleep apnea is positional sleep apnea, which occurs when a person's sleep position causes their airway to become blocked.

Positional sleep apnea is most common in people who sleep on their backs. This is because when a person lies on their back, their tongue and soft palate can fall to the back of the throat, obstructing the airway. This can cause a person to wake up frequently throughout the night, which can lead to a range of negative symptoms, including fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and irritability.

The good news is that there are devices available to help people with positional sleep apnea sleep on their side. These devices, known as positional therapy devices, are designed to keep a person in a specific position while they sleep, preventing them from rolling onto their back.

One popular positional therapy device is the "sleep positioner" which is a small pillow or wedge that helps keep a person on their side while they sleep. Other devices include a "Sleep Wedge" which is a foam wedge that is placed under a person's mattress to keep them in a side-sleeping position and "Body Pillow" which is designed to be hugged while sleeping to prevent rolling onto the back.

Another popular device is the "Somnifix Strips" which are adhesive strips that are applied to the skin before sleep to keep the mouth closed and the jaw in a forward position, which can help to prevent the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway.

It is important to note that positional therapy devices should be used in conjunction with other treatment options, such as CPAP therapy or oral appliances, to effectively treat positional sleep apnea. Additionally, it is important to consult with a sleep specialist or a physician to determine the best course of treatment for you.

In conclusion, positional sleep apnea is a common type of sleep apnea that occurs when a person's sleep position causes their airway to become blocked. Positional therapy devices, such as sleep positioners, wedges, body pillows, and Somnifix strips, can help to keep a person in a side-sleeping position, preventing them from rolling onto their back and reducing the risk of airway obstruction. However, positional therapy devices should be used in conjunction with other treatment options to effectively treat positional sleep apnea. If you suspect you have positional sleep apnea, it is important to consult with a sleep specialist or a physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.