Bed Risers

I know this is a cpap forum, but... I am wondering about bed risers.

Do people think there is much evidence to support them making a difference with sleep breathing disorders?

I have done a few tests but never been diagnoses with sleep apnea. But there is stuff going on with my breathing mucking with my sleep. I think I might have UARS and/or RERA. Main problem is I mouth breathe most of the night. I think that is what causes me to wake up.

So.... Was thinking of bed risers as a lower level measure. What do people think of these?

They certainly can't hurt...We use blocks of wood to raise the bed for my wife's GERD. Doesn't affect my OSA at all.

Early on in seeking to help my breathing and my GERD I folded a comforter to about the width of my pillows and put it across the head of the bed between the mattress and box springs. It did seem to help my GERD, but my sleep apnea needed therapeutic treatment. Were there any clues at all on your tests? I'm asking that because there's a difference between a test not showing sleep apnea and a test showing you don't have sleep apnea. Sometimes things like not enough sleep time, not enough of the different stages of sleep, and/or not enough supine sleep can make "results" inconclusive. If you have copies of your reports, try to determine if your tests gave them enough information for you to be comfortable with their conclusion. You could post them here if you want some input.

About the mouth breathing - are you able to breathe through your nose when awake? If so, there may be some things you can do to help keep your mouth closed when sleeping. I used to be a mouth breater only at night, and what helped me with that is side sleeping on a firm flat pillow so when my jaw relaxed, there was no gravity pulling it downward. Also used a cervical pillow for a while to support my chin and prevent drop. Since I had a rather thick tongue, it was problematic. Side sleeping on the edge of my pillow allowed my face to tilt slightly downward and my tongue to fall forward rather than back into my throat. I habitually now keep my tongue suction sealed to the roof of my mouth so air can't come out and push my mouth open. Don't know if any of this will help you, but if you happen to have a borderline case of sleep apnea, it's worth a try.

Does your sleep seem deep or is it restless and shallow? There are other things that can disturb sleep. Jumpy legs can make sleep unrestorative. Medication side effect. Good luck at figuring out what you need to do to help yourself.

@LSAT and @kteague thanks for your thoughts.

kteague - I breathe ok through my nose while awake. I had naasal surgery 4.5 months ago to help that. Its not perfect but much better. Thanks for your suggestions re the sleeping position and pillow changes. I might try those out. My sleep is definitely restless and shallow. Dont think jumpy legs though. My biggest suspicion is the mouth breathing. My mouth and throat are very uncomfortable when I wake up during the night. I think thats what is waking me.

try using books or boards, something cheap to see if you get along with sleeping at an angle. not everybody can handle it. i sure couldn't. others do. i have slept on a wedge pillow for many years and it works just fine. mine is for gerd. it doesn't do anything good or bad for the apnea.

sleepcrapnea wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 26, 2021 12:22 pm

Main problem is I mouth breathe most of the night. I think that is what causes me to wake up.

You might be in denial about sleep apnea. Denial is very common.

Side-sleeping might help. But it is hard to avoid rolling on one's back while sleeping.

sleepcrapnea wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 26, 2021 12:22 pm

. . .
I have done a few tests but never been diagnoses with sleep apnea. But there is stuff going on with my breathing mucking with my sleep.
. . .

Get the SLEEP STUDY DONE.
There is no substitute for a definitive medical diagnosis.
CPAP is the gold standard for treating sleep apnea--the only one proven to work.
There is nothing to fear but living your best, fullest life possible.

I'm curious what tests you've done? Were they in lab sleep tests, home sleep tests, or nighttime pulse oximetry.

As one who suffers from GERD and sleep apnea, all I can say is that elevation of my head does nothing for me. I can reflux sitting straight up if I fall asleep without my CPAP on. With my CPAP on I'm generally OK, except when I've pushed it eating too late or having dairy at the end of the day.

If you are elevating the head of the bed to "breathe better", consider whether you have other breathing issues which are positional. Personally, it seems to me that elevating the head of the bed is like sleeping on a slow slide. I always slide down during the course of the night, and my neck folds in, occluding the airway.

But your mileage may vary. Give it a try and let us know.