Need Help From Wedge Pillow Users

Hi Everybody

I have just started using a wedge pillow to combat acid reflux during the night.

I am sleeping OK but my events have more than doubled in all measurements - Obs Ai, Obs Hi, Cnt Ai and Cnt Hi.

Overall my total AHi has gone from an average of 2.2 to 4.6. My Obs Ahi has gone from 1.0 to 2.2.

My pressure is 11 to 13, and humidifier = 1.

The wedge is based on the Medslant Wedge Pillow -

http://www.medslant.com/

and is made of wood. So it doesn't move around. I sleep on my left side, and reckon I stay there most of the time.

This increase has been immediate. Can anyone share their experience with their AHi when they started using a wedge pillow. Did it remain the same, or fluctuate, or go up? And did you use a pillow on the wedge, or just use the wedge? The head height of the wedge is 7.5 inches, otherwise it is the same size as the Medslant.

Thanks

Mars

I use the wedge (Medslant) when I have had to eat too close to bed time. I hadn't noticed that it changed any of my numbers, but if it did, I would have assumed that it was because I ate too close to bed time. I've tried it with and without a pillow and ususlly end up taking the pillow off because it makes it too high for my neck. THe head of my bed is already lifted 4 inches with 2x4s, so the wedge makes it almost sitting up. My biggest problem with the wedge is that I tend to slide down and since I am already tall, it makes my feet and ankles hang way below the mattress.

Bev

You will be much better off raising the head of the bed 4-6". In that way you are still lying flat and not bent at the waist. If you have a sleeping partner I would start at 4" and gradually raise to 5-6. We have had our bed at 5" for the past 8 years with no problems for each of us. We don't even notice the slant.

OutaSync wrote: I hadn't noticed that it changed any of my numbers, ................. The head of my bed is already lifted 4 inches with 2x4s, so the wedge makes it almost sitting up. My biggest problem with the wedge is that I tend to slide down and since I am already tall, it makes my feet and ankles hang way below the mattress.

Bev

Thanks, Bev. I guess you would have noticed if your numbers had changed. I don't have the sliding down problem as my lower body is flat, and the wedge incline is not steep, but does keep my esophagal sphincter higher than my stomach connection to it.

LSAT wrote:You will be much better off raising the head of the bed 4-6"...............................

Thanks for the thought, LSAT. However, I do not use a bed. I did try a door once, but it was far too heavy to move about. The wedge is good, and I incline from the waist up, hopefully preventing reflux from irritating my Barretts Esophagus.

It's the change in AHi that I am really concerned about.

cheers

Mars

Mars, you do not use a bed, and sleep on a wooden wedge?

Wow, I'm a wuss, with my temperpedic mattress and multiple pillows.

Seriously, I'm wondering if just the change in sleeping position is enough to cause the increase in events, and it's a temporary thing? Or, could your neck position be altered, so your airway is closing?

KatieW wrote:Mars, you do not use a bed, and sleep on a wooden wedge?

Wow, I'm a wuss, with my temperpedic mattress and multiple pillows.

Seriously, I'm wondering if just the change in sleeping position is enough to cause the increase in events, and it's a temporary thing? Or, could your neck position be altered, so your airway is closing?

Hi Katie

I have never liked a bed, and much prefer the floor. I have slept out a lot, so got used to it. However, do not be fooled, age brings its rewards. So between me and the floor are three thick woollen underblankets, and nothing could be more comfortable.

The wedge is the same size as the Medslant, but being made of thick wood, it gives me the same resistance as the floor, with the three wool underblankets on top. I still use my two pillows, one hard underneath, and a feather on top, so I have no problem with the hose.

You may be right about the change causing the increase. Last night the AHi went down. Total Obs and Cnt Ahi was 2.5, and Obs AHi was 1.3.

Lets hope the trend continues.

cheers

Mars