adjustable beds and sleep apnea

[robertks]

I was wondering if anyone can share information on the use of adjustable beds to eliminate symptoms of sleep apnea.

[Wulfman...]

I was wondering if anyone can share information on the use of adjustable beds to eliminate symptoms of sleep apnea.

I doubt it. Sleep apnea is a little more complex than just "sleeping position". Depending on circumstances, some people can get by for awhile by sleeping in recliners or chairs, but that's not the most comfortable position for good sleep.

Why are you asking? Are you trying to avoid using a CPAP machine and this therapy?


Den

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[Janknitz]

When I have apnea I have reflux and snore loud enough to take off the roof. I fall asleep easily in chairs when I watch tv and in a boring movie, and almost before the car is out of the driveway when I'm the passenger. And I STILL have apnea (snoring and reflux) sitting straight up.

So I wouldn't count on an adjustable bed, unless you have a sleep study that confirms you don't have apnea when your head is raised to a particular angle.

I don't snore as badly in the car as I used to (after a 75 lb weight loss) but I still have reflux--apnea is still there.

[ChicagoGranny]

I was wondering if anyone can share information on the use of adjustable beds to eliminate symptoms of sleep apnea.

Doesn't work. Use CPAP.

[n2it]

I was wondering if anyone can share information on the use of adjustable beds to eliminate symptoms of sleep apnea.

Depending on circumstances, some people can get by for awhile by sleeping in recliners or chairs, but that's not the most comfortable position for good sleep.

Den

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That was me for two years. How I wish I would have taken the proper steps back then...but at least I finally found my SA salvation.

[Okie bipap]

I have used an adjustable bed for several years due to other medical problems. I have also had sleep apnea for several years, even I tried to convince myself I didn't. While it doesn't help the apnea, it does make it easier for me to sleep. I cannot sleep on my sides due to arthritis in my hips and shoulders.

[robertks]

Thanks to all on the input. I use a cpap and have been consistant with it every night for years now. In fact I tolerate the cpap(autopap) very well. I just wanted to determine if there was another solution such as an adjutable bed. AHI numbers are typically below 3 for the evening but I still feel I should get a more restful sleep. Just thought there might be another solution.

[Wulfman...]

Thanks to all on the input. I use a cpap and have been consistant with it every night for years now. In fact I tolerate the cpap(autopap) very well. I just wanted to determine if there was another solution such as an adjutable bed. AHI numbers are typically below 3 for the evening but I still feel I should get a more restful sleep. Just thought there might be another solution.

Well, what are your machine settings? If your pressure settings are too wide (specifically the minimum being too low), maybe you can tweak the pressure settings.
Are you using software to monitor your therapy? There's some free software called Sleepyhead which was developed by one or more of the forum members which works across several different machines and computer operating systems.

Sleep position can also make a big difference.........back/supine sleeping is typically the worst for apneas.


Den

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[robertks]

Settings are 6-14. Yes a broad range but top of the line autopap should adjust to my needs/requirements. My Resmed machine gives me daily information revealing leakage well within the normal requirements and the 95% pressure tends to be about 10 with the mean being about 8. These are very respectable numbers especially since by AHI numbers are always under 3 and many times under 2. Oh yes, I am a side sleeper and remain in that position all night. I don't see how adjusting the pressure range (given my results) should impact me in any way.

[Sir NoddinOff]

<sigh> if only it was that easy. A cheaper test might be prop yourself up in bed with pillows or even try sleeping in a recliner... it probably won't solve the problem but at least you won't be stuck with an expensive adjustable bed you can't use.

[BlackSpinner]

Settings are 6-14. Yes a broad range but top of the line autopap should adjust to my needs/requirements. My Resmed machine gives me daily information revealing leakage well within the normal requirements and the 95% pressure tends to be about 10 with the mean being about 8. These are very respectable numbers especially since by AHI numbers are always under 3 and many times under 2. Oh yes, I am a side sleeper and remain in that position all night. I don't see how adjusting the pressure range (given my results) should impact me in any way.

It doesn't work that way.

Try checking your data using Sleepyhead software.

[sptrout]

Well, someone has to be different - LOL. I think raising your head can be helpful, it certainly made a difference for me (snoring anyway), but I also agree with all that it is not a suitable answer to SA. A more important reason for an adjustable bed is to reduce, or as in my case almost totally eliminate, nighttime GERD. If you are planning to replace an old bed anyway, then I would go for an adjustable bed for reasons other that SA. Adjustable beds are nice for a variety of reasons; I know that we sure miss ours whenever we travel (again not SA related).

[Wulfman...]

Settings are 6-14. Yes a broad range but top of the line autopap should adjust to my needs/requirements. My Resmed machine gives me daily information revealing leakage well within the normal requirements and the 95% pressure tends to be about 10 with the mean being about 8. These are very respectable numbers especially since by AHI numbers are always under 3 and many times under 2. Oh yes, I am a side sleeper and remain in that position all night. I don't see how adjusting the pressure range (given my results) should impact me in any way.

Like BlackSpinner said, it doesn't work that way. It doesn't go from 6 to 10 or 12 IMMEDIATELY........it goes S L O W L Y. It has to check along the way to see if that pressure has resolved the situation. Besides that, the only events that cause an APAP to increase pressures are Flow Limitations and Snores. It will NOT increase pressures on an apnea without those precursor events.......which means they will happen and then the pressure drops back down to the lower level again.

You probably need to increase your minimum pressure to 8 or 10 and then monitor the data........with software. That would probably improve your AHI numbers significantly.......probably to less than 1.0. The data in the LCD is not very meaningful.

Get the software, download your data and study it. THEN you'll see how an APAP works in a range of pressures.


Den

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[bdz]

What being able to raise the head of the bed does for me...it allows me to get good results from lower pressures. I am a medically necessary back sleeper. I have tested my results, via SleepyHead, against difference levels of the head of my bed. Lower pressures mean less leaks with my mask.

[poppi2]

The mild gerd problem I had was eliminated with optimum CPAP therapy.