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Sleeping flat VS Incline
#1
Sleeping flat VS Incline
Hello I was wondering if it would be better for me to sleep on a flat bed or an inclined bed. Currently I have my bed flat but I used to sleep on a heavy incline before I started my APAP. I believe that sleeping on a slight to mild incline is best for apena and my nasal congestion and GERD. My main question has to due with chin drop. I currently sleep with a  soft cervical collar as my natural state seems to be to chin drop, I also find I sleep better because my shoulder tends to raise.

My hypothesis is would the increase in incline do more harm then good because my chin will be raised more even with the collar? If an incline is the way to go then how steep do you think. I absolutely have positional apnea and my overall RDI/AHI averages sub 3 so my apnea is under control. I know that my nasal congestion tends to get bad around now and I think being on an incline will help. I have a full mask so if I have to mouth breath it’s not an major issue.

Thoughts? I think this is an interesting question that as far as I know haven’t been asked. The reason I haven’t tested it yet is because I lost my remote so I have to drive over to my parents 15 min to steal their remote to adjust my bed.
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#2
RE: Sleeping flat VS Incline
If you are fortunate to have an adjustable bed, then use it according to how comfortable you are.  I would rather see a slight incline than using 2 or 3 pillows.  

I sleep at a slight incline, approximately 3 to 4 inches.  Anything steeper than that, and I feel very uncomfortable.  A slight incline should not affect or cause chin tucking.
OpalRose
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#3
RE: Sleeping flat VS Incline
I have to adjust my bed's angle for a bad back and GERD. And yes my bed is electrically adjustable. Due to incredibly bad back, my bed is a scripted hospital style with a controlled air mattress. Even so, a bit of angle might be good for you. If it adds comfort, that's reason 1, GERD would be reason 2.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#4
RE: Sleeping flat VS Incline
I use an incline bed at ~30 degrees.  I can't breath very well laying flat.  I only use a small roll pilow to lay my head on.  No big fluffy pillows for me!
Jeff8356

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INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#5
RE: Sleeping flat VS Incline
I envy people who can sleep on their backs. It would make it much easier if I didn't have the pillow pushing against the side of my mask and affecting the seal...
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#6
RE: Sleeping flat VS Incline
I'm a side sleeper & use a buckwheat pillow because it's easy to bunch up & hang my face & mask over the side. also, while my p10 doesn't have much headgear to deflect the mask when in contact with the pillow, buckwheat conforms better than many other materials to accommodate tubes & headgear.
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#7
RE: Sleeping flat VS Incline
I've heard that buckwheat pillows can solve it for side sleepers.... But also that some day the pillow is hard
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#8
RE: Sleeping flat VS Incline
I'd love to be able to sleep on my back, and to be able to breathe via my nose. I can snooze a little in my recliner while it's in the recline position. 

But, that's only for a short period of time. I can't even fathom sleeping for several hours on my back in a bed that reclines.

I'm a die-hard side sleeper. I have a regular pillow that accommodates my AirFit F30 well.
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#9
RE: Sleeping flat VS Incline
buckwheat might not be my first choice absent cpap but it's the best for me w it. it might feel harder than other materials compared side by side, but we can get used to most anything, particularly if the results are good. I stopped complaining about the pillow after just a couple nights. you may decide differently but nothing ventured nothing gained, they say.
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#10
RE: Sleeping flat VS Incline
(12-08-2020, 01:21 PM)Benzi Wrote: I've heard that buckwheat pillows can solve it for side sleepers.... But also that some day the pillow is hard

I also thought it might be too hard, but I found that because I can easily conform it to support my head and neck the way I like it best, the buckwheat pillow does not feel hard at all.  I love mine.
Machine:  ResMed AirCurve 10 Vauto
Mask:  Bleep DreamPort Sleep Solution
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