Inclined sleeping versus flat.

No, I didn't move to a remote island where there is no internet connection. But I have considered it from time to time And, hi

So here is what's up . . .

At home I sleep a bit inclined (approx. 15 degrees). I started sleeping inclined before XPAP to help reduce snoring and then after XPAP because it contributed to lower numbers. I have a 3 1/2 yr history of 90th percentile numbers regularly being from 0.0 to around 3.0 - with a frequent 1.5 or so.

Recently I was away from home and slept flat for two weeks. Surprisingly I found my 90th percentile numbers were 0.0 to 1 with an odd night or two of 4.0.

So, this begs whether I should continue to sleep inclined or not. I'm going to sleep flat for one week then incline for one week (given everything else is static such as no asthma or other weirdness that contributes to higher numbers).

Any thoughts?

Well, howdy stranger. Good to see you in this neck of the woods. About incline vs flat sleeping... when I slept on a wedge I slept on my back, as it was not comfortable on my side. When I am flat, I prefer to sleep on my side. For your comparisons did you sleep in the same position whether inclined or flat?

People sleep that way to avoid GERD (reflux), which can interfere with sleep, but not for specific Cpap related reasons (or do you already know that?). Why your AHI changes I couldn't say.

kteague wrote:Well, howdy stranger. Good to see you in this neck of the woods. About incline vs flat sleeping... when I slept on a wedge I slept on my back, as it was not comfortable on my side. When I am flat, I prefer to sleep on my side. For your comparisons did you sleep in the same position whether inclined or flat?

Howdy : ))

Good question - yes, I slept in the same position which is on my left or right side with increased flopping from left to right on flat bed.

Julie wrote:People sleep that way to avoid GERD (reflux), which can interfere with sleep, but not for specific Cpap related reasons (or do you already know that?). Why your AHI changes I couldn't say.

Hi Julie:

I agree that sleeping inclined may not be a standard 'treatment' for apnea, however I do believe that many people with apnea sleep in recliners and elevated to reduce snoring and should possibly be on XPAP instead. I've encouraged family members, friends, and casual acquaintances who have done this to get a sleep study and be on XPAP therapy if needed. Each person that went for a study found they did need therapy. All I keep in touch with are on therapy. This brings to mind wondering if they continue to sleep elevated too? I'll have to ask.

ancient romans used inclined beds, maybe they knew something!

some but not all apnea sufferers benefit from sleeping in an armchair or sleeping on their side
every apnea sufferer is different

harry33 wrote:ancient romans used inclined beds, maybe they knew something!

some but not all apnea sufferers benefit from sleeping in an armchair or sleeping on their side
every apnea sufferer is different

I am a curious one and went to look for information on Roman beds. I don't know about the authenticity of this information on the history of beds, but if true what a way to go to sleep! Roman Empire. Romans discover the waterbed. The sleeper would recline in a cradle of warm water until drowsy, then be lifted onto an adjacent cradle with a mattress, where they would be rocked to sleep.
http://www.bettersleep.org/mattressolog ... istory.asp

Well, I'm just going to have to get my slaves to stand by the tub tonight til I'm sleepy!