New Sleep Position is Causing Major Problems

[Greyfort]

Hi. Throughout my entire life, I have slept on my side. I've been using a CPAP machine for probably about 8 years now. Although I've never gotten along well with a CPAP machine, it's much worse now.

I've begun developing arthritis in my hips which has forced me to begin sleeping on my back due to hip pain. This has caused my number of apnea events to go from say, 1.6 per hour, to up to 16 per hour. I've also been receiving leak scores of 5 out of 20 points.

I find nasal masks to be claustrophobic. I can't use nasal pillow masks due to chronic nosebleeds. I use a full-face mask. I've tried several different masks, but the problem isn't going away. Is there a secret to a successful night's sleep while sleeping on your back? I'm not sure what to do here.

[ChicagoGranny]

Is there a secret to a successful night's sleep while sleeping on your back?

There are no secrets. But there are a few techniques that can make it easy.

Are you up to posting an OSCAR chart in this thread? The instructions are in my signature.

BTW, most people find it easier to control leaks when back-sleeping.

[Julie]

Uhhh... what instructions?

[Okie bipap]

I have had arthritis in the hips and spine for several years and have had one hip replaced. I sleep in an adjustable bed which helps relieve some of the discomfort caused by the arthritis.

[ChicagoGranny]

Uhhh... what instructions?

Duhh ... what signature?

[Julie]

Wasn't there previously... no biggie, but could confuse newbies.

[Miss Emerita]

If you use a high pillow, try using a lower one. This may keep your head and neck in better alignment and reduce your AHI. I also wonder whether you could side-sleep with the help of a pillow between your knees. It all depends on the nature of the painful problem, I know, but it might be worth a shot. I use a special pillow that goes from my knees to my feet. It's not a panacea, but it helps.

[Janknitz]

The reason you are having more apnea on your back is the position of your head. Thinks about the first instruction in the ABC's of CPR--A=Airway and to open the airway we tilt the head BACK. But when we sleep on our backs, the pillows tend to push our heads forward. So start by looking at your pillows. There are "orthopedic" memory foam pillows that position our heads and necks so that the neck isn't flexed, obstructing the airway. You'll have to experiment to find the right pillow for your anatomy and one that's comfortable, too.

Secondly gravity may be causing your jaw to drop in this position. I have one of those C-shaped pillows that has buckwheat hull filling, and I removed a LOT of the hulls to make it very soft and malleable. When I sleep on my back I tuck it under my chin to support my chin and help keep my mouth closed. Some people use a soft cervical collar to accomplish this or a chin strap.

Finally, be sure to readjust the fitting of your FF mask when you are lying in your new sleeping position. Remember that with an air cushion, you need to have a light touch in adjusting the straps so that you let the air cushion fully inflate to seal against your face.

[Greyfort]

Thank you, everyone.

I'm looking into some new pillows. And I've ordered a pillow to try between my knees. That may take some getting used to, but I definitely need to make some adjustments.

Supporting my chin sounds like a good idea too.

[redhawk821]

I have a full face mask(quatro older version) sleep on a sleep by number bed at 65 and use a pillow to hug and a low profile pillow to sleep on. I sleep on my side tossing from one side to another hugging my body pillow,not very long size, untill i fall asleep. i wear arthritic gloves for my gouty arthritis in my hands and i have shoulder problems from injuries.I"m 81 and a male.

[Julie]

Unless the 'between the knees' pillow is particularly fat or firm, it may not work well... I use a 3+" piece of firm foam large enough to stay put overnight (and FWIW my knees/legs are not 'big'). You may want to first play with a folded towel, etc. before buying a new pillow.

[chunkyfrog]

If you are not being treated by a doctor for your arthritis, get started.
Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference.
Your body just gave you a "heads up"!
It's all up to you now.
Arthritis is a beast when ignored.