Drooling an issue should I get a wedge pillow?

Currently curious who recommends wedge pillows out there.

I have moderate sleep apnea predominantly hypopneic in nature especially when supine.

I've been using CPAP with a full face mask but wake up multiple times a night with drool in the mask. My sleep study shows I sleep mostly on my side, this is how I fall a sleep also.

I also have nasal congestion so don't bother suggesting taping my mouth because I don't feel comfortable and have trouble breathing using tape. Currently on the waiting list for surgery for this nasal congestion btw thank god.

Anyway let me know if you've had a similar experience or any recommendations.

WillieRioli wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 11, 2023 6:51 pm

Currently curious who recommends wedge pillows out there.

I don't recommend wedge pillows. Most of them cause a bend in the lower torso. This is bad for the spine and could cause digestive problems. It's especially bad for the spine if you sleep on your sides.

If someone absolutely must use a wedge, they should get one of the long ones that reaches the hips and avoids a bend in the torso.

An easier solution is to get bed risers to put under the legs at the head of the bed. But, what will you do when you travel?

You might try a foam cervical collar. These collars keep the chin from dropping toward the chest. When the chin drops toward the chest, it tends to crimp the airway making apnea worse and CPAP pressure requirements higher and less comfortable. The collar holds the neck in the best position for air patency and also holds the neck in the best position for spine health. Collars are cheap and make for a cheap trial.

WillieRioli wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 11, 2023 6:51 pm

Currently on the waiting list for surgery for this nasal congestion btw thank god.

Wonderful! You will probably find it easier to use CPAP after the surgery. You might also be able to train yourself to mostly breathe through your nose and do less mouth breathing. You can get tips here on training yourself.

After surgery, you might also drool less.

Which model mask do you use?

P.S. There is a silver lining in drool. Dry mouth is a common condition. Some of us would trade our dry mouth for drool.

Ok great definitely sounds like I need to invest in these bed risers and avoid wedge pillows.

Think I read somewhere that it helps with acid reflux or GERD also.

I'll keep the cervical collar in mind thanks!

You will probably find it easier to use CPAP after the surgery.

That's what I'm hoping. I've been using an F20 full face mask which is serviceable.

but like I mentioned I wake up with drool sometimes in it so I think that elevation in my bed should help with that.

No pillow is likely to help--especially one that is WAY too big
to stuff into your mouth.

WillieRioli wrote: ↑

Wed Dec 13, 2023 6:12 pm

Think I read somewhere that it helps with acid reflux or GERD also.

Yes. Of course, the biggest help is often CPAP. Untreated obstructive sleep can cause reflux and GERD. During an apnea, the struggle to breathe can throw stomach contents up and out of the stomach.