sleeping upright?

[bigbopper]

I have severe OSA (50 events per hour). I have been trying to treat it now for 3 years and have spent thousands of dollars on doctors and equipment without success. 

For the most part, the doctors I have seen are CPAP salesmen, just wanting to write me a script for a CPAP and offering nothing else. CPAP is NOT AN OPTION for me. I have severe claustrophobia and I suffer from panic disorder. I cannot tolerate anything covering my face, much less blowing air down my throat. I have tried all the different masks, trying to "train" myself to get used to wearing them, etc. PLEASE do not tell me that I just need to "get used to it", or I need find the right mask. CPAP is simply not an option. Believe me I tried for years and it just won't work for me.

My current doctor is prescribing supplemental nighttime oxygen. He also said I can see a sleep dentist but advised it likely will not cure my severe OSA, could possibly help some by getting an oral device. He mentioned Inspire, but he said is his experience it is not always effective and many end up still being told to use CPAP after the surgery.

As I want to try least intrusive options first, I am wondering if anyone has had success with positional therapy, namely sleeping upright. I have noticed that the few times I have fell asleep in a chair, I sleep longer without getting up, and I stay in the same position. I don't flop around like a fish gasping for air which is what happens when I sleep laying down. When sleeping upright, I noticed my head falls forward into my chest, likely moving my chin, tongue, etc forward due to gravity. Has anyone had long term success by sleeping upright? I do not expect to ever be "cured" 100%, but even if I can reduce the severity, it would be worth it to me sleep in a chair. 

Thanks, BB

[Sleeprider]

Sleeping upright is probably a bad choice because it tends to cause your jaw to drop onto your chest (chin-tucking), and this is a leading cause of obstruction. The airway is best maintained when the chin is elevated. There are a number of ways to get to this natural stenting of the airway, but many members here use a soft cervical collar. Read our positional apnea wiki and see if you can find a solution https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...onal_Apnea

CPAP works, and there are minimal masks like the Resmed Airfit P10 nasal pillows. This is not a lot more to wear than the nasal canula you would need for supplemental oxygen. If you can modify your behavior and adapt to using positive pressure, it is a very effective solution for most.