With CPAP, Sleep Back or Side?

[a2x2eq4]

My DME Rep is very insistent that I sleep on my side while using the CPAP device.
However, almost every picture or photo that I see shows the CPAP user sleeping on his/her back.
So I'm wondering if most of you folks sleep on your back also?
Thanks!

[Madalot]

I can only speak for myself and my experience. I sleep mostly on my side. While I DO turn over and lay on my back some, I find my mask (FFM) tends to leak way more when I'm on my back. I get a much better seal when sleeping on my side.

[LSAT]

The recomondation is to NOT sleep on your back. That's why they tell you to sew a tennis ball onto the back of your PJs if you are in the habbit if back sleeping. You need a higher pressure to maintain your therapy when you are on your back vs your side.

[Wulfman]

My DME Rep is very insistent that I sleep on my side while using the CPAP device.
However, almost every picture or photo that I see shows the CPAP user sleeping on his/her back.
So I'm wondering if most of you folks sleep on your back also?
Thanks!

In what position do normally sleep?
Sleeping on one's back (supine position) is the worst for contributing to apneas......the tongue can fall back and obstruct the throat. So, if you CAN sleep on your side, it will probably provide better therapy with a lower pressure setting on the machine.
What you see in advertising or those photos is not "reality". For years, the major XPAP manufacturers had pictures of "beautiful" people appearing peacefully asleep WITHOUT masks on their faces. Talk about a non-reality situation......
What the heck are they advertising or advocating?

Den

[StephenP]

If the ads showed models sleeping on their sides with a mask on, you'd probably see how difficult it can be to sleep on your side with a normal pillow. I'm still a newbie at this, but I've discovered that the only mask that allows me to sleep how I normally sleep (stomach and side, constantly changing positions until I fall asleep) is the nasal pillows mask. Now, if only I can learn to breathe through my nose.

[wil]

I like to sleep on my back also... It does often require a slightly higher pressure. It is not as good as sleeping on your side from a respiratory standpoint. However, from an orthopedic standpoint it is very healthy to sleep on one's back...

The ads are completely rediculous... If the ads showed a person with a nasal mask, a chin strap, and a tube hanging from a hose rack sleeping on a silly looking pillow, it would be frightening. Before therapy, we can't handle the truth!

The only advice I can give, being fairly new to all of this is: Remember, the DME WORKS FOR YOU. If you don't like them, fire them. There are plenty of DMEs in the sea. (just make sure you call your insurance company to make sure they work with the DME you choose)

My DME is great, and my RT is great. Just changed masks for me today to help to address the fact that I was having trouble sleeping on my back.

[araminta]

I think a lot depends on your own situation.

I'm lucky -- I only have moderate apnea. And I prefer to sleep on my back, most of the time. yes, perhaps the pressure goes up some, and yes perhaps my AHI is a tad higher. But all is in the normal range. And I'm more comfortable.

If my situation were more severe, I'd somehow try to train myself to be a side sleeper.

[jhallas]

However, from an orthopedic standpoint it is very healthy to sleep on one's back...

It may not necessarily be bad to sleep on your back, but from an orthopedic standpoint I've read that sleeping in the semi-fetal position is actually the best for your back. I sleep on my back most of the time anyway, just my two cents.