Discover how to improve the CPAP adherence with CPAP pillow.Can't you sleep with a CPAP mask? Maybe you need a CPAP sleep aid pillow.This article will teach you how to improve your sleep with a pillow specially designed for CPAP therapy.If you have sleep apnea, and treat your sleep disorder with CPAP, you probably have a difficult time positioning the pillow so that it doesn't scoot your mask around, pushing it into the face or blocking the exhale port.In this situation, you need to change the simple pillow with a CPAP pillow. Some CPAP users don't understand why a special pillow for CPAP can be so useful for sleep apnea treatment. Does it worth it to spend extra money for a pillow, when you already spent so much on the CPAP machine?Let's see how can you benefit from using a CPAP pillow compared with a normal pillow. Sleeping with a pillow for CPAP you'll get: Should you sleep on your back or on your side when using CPAP? Well, it is widely known that sleeping on your back can worsen snoring and sleep apnea.
If you sleep on your back, the gravity will pull the soft tissues of the tongue, or the soft palate, down into the back of the throat and cause airway obstruction.Moreover, if you toss and turn often in your sleep, it will be difficult to avoid the problems with your mask, even if you have a CPAP sleep aid pillow. So you need a strategy to sleep on your side, to be compliant with CPAP therapy.This video can give you some helpful information about sleeping position with pillows: As you can see from this video, you can sleep better on your side by using a pillow between your knees. The pillow between your knees helps to relieve the pressure from the lower back.Now you only need to change the standard pillow with the special designed CPAP pillow, such as the CPAPMax Pillow. If you are a stomach or side sleeper, you could try the falcon sleeping position, also known as "partial swastika sleeping position" because of the position of the arms, which looks like a swastika. This sleep position can significantly decrease the sleep apnea symptoms and can also be practiced by CPAP users.
Here are some pictures to understand the falcon position: Note: Some CPAP users sleep better in this position while using a simple pillow. Well, if you don't have problems with CPAP mask leaks during the night and you feel good in the morning, then you don't need a CPAP pillow.However, many sleep apnea patients are not so lucky. It seems that using CPAP on a standard pillow allowing your head to tilt back, produces jaw joint that feels like an ear ache.Using a contour CPAP compliance pillow that not only supports your head and neck but tilts it forward a bit alleviates this pain while on CPAP.If you are also a side sleeper, it's difficult to sleep with a CPAP mask on your face and with a standard pillow. On the other hand, the CPAP pillow doesn't interfere with the mask like most pillows do. There a couple of things to consider when you choose a CPAP sleep aid pillow and especially for CPAPMax Pillow.Keep in mind that a standard pillow viewed from the side show the maximum loft in the center of the pillow, becoming flatter at the edges.
For most sleep apnea patients, the five inch depth nicely fills the area between the shoulder and neck.The PAPillow is not intended for back sleepers. If you are in this situation, you should use a thin pillow, or even sleep without one.Regarding the CPAP pillow, you can open the pillow and remove some of the stuffing, to make it softer. However, save the stuffing, because you may want to return some of it, if you remove too much.There is about a 4 inch space along the back edge, where you can unstitch the seam to remove the stuffing. Just be sure to sew it up good, and be careful with the stuffing 'cause it goes everywhere:) All you need to do is to place it between your hands, push against it a number of times, and it you will see the difference.You should try this before removing the stuffing tactic. It works for some patients. One of the cheapest solutions that I have found to build a pillow for CPAP, is to transform a simple pillow in a CPAP pillow. Take a look at this picture:
Using a simple pillow (maybe the one that you already use for sleep and a men's unused old tie, you can transform it into a new version of pillow for CPAP users. It works well with a full face mask, sleeping on your tummy or on your side. User guide: Put the pillow the long-way on the bed and the shorter end towards you. Lay your head so the CPAP mask should position in the notch parts. You can also make a pillow for CPAP using a cheap solid foam pillow. Just buy a cheap foam pillow, use a knife and cut off a big "C" on one side and an inverted "C" on the other. You will need another cut on the bottom side of the pillow, where your shoulder will be placed. Side cutouts fit the mask, cutout in the middle fits onto your shoulder to hold it in place. Now, place your head on the pillow and your mask should hang over the removed area. Image Source: The Special Pillow for CPAP Best Pillow for CPAP Users The CPAP Max Pillow was specially designed to help eliminate mask leak for side and stomach sleepers.
It is also beneficial for those patients who use dental appliances, or experience discomfort or pain from side/stomach sleeping caused from sleeping on a regular shaped pillow. Here is a review of the CPAPMax Pillow: Some sleep apnea patients find uncomfortable these pillows for CPAP. Pillows are a very important component of success in CPAP treatment. You have to experiment until you find one that meets your needs.Some patients have a whole collection of pillows right next to their collection of masks, right next to their collection of chin straps, next to their collection of dental devices, right next to their breathing machines...and so on.One size does not fit all in the sleep apnea world, that is for sure!Prev The Line in the Sand Next How Important is the Bedtime Routine, Really?Are there pillows for different sleeping positions? Your sleeping position determines where you need the most pillow support. Constant tossing and turning may indicate that you're putting too much stress on one area of the body, and choosing a pillow with the correct support can reduce this stress.
You should choose pillows that closely fill gaps between your upper body and the bed when your spine is in neutral alignment, and the position you sleep in will determine what firmness will help you achieve this. If you sleep on your back, choose a medium-density pillow that cradles your neck without raising your head too high. Sleeping facedown requires little head support, so stomach sleepers should opt for a small or semi-flat pillow to keep your head, shoulders, and neck in line. Good side-sleeper pillows are firm enough to keep your ear aligned with your neck, so your head and spine stay aligned. If you happen to move around to all three positions, then a versatile pillow can keep you comfortable as you shift positions. Cover your bases with medium-density pillows that offer malleable or flexible support for occasional firmness adjustments. What standard pillow sizes are available? The most common pillow sizes are standard, queen, and king. Standard size pillows, which are 20-by-26 inches, are ideal for twin and full size beds.
This is the most common size of pillow; one standard pillow fits across a twin size bed, whereas two fit across a full size bed. Queen size pillows are slightly longer than standard pillows, measuring at 20-by-30 inches. Queen pillows are named as such because two queen size pillows fit perfectly across a queen size bed. Just like queen size pillows, king pillows are named because two king size pillows fit across a king size bed. These long pillows measure 20-by-30 inches. Are there specialty size pillows? There are a number of different specialty size pillows available to meet all individual sleeping and decorating needs. Square Euro pillows measure 26-by-26 inches. They are particularly useful for supporting your body in upright or reclining positions while you're reading or watching TV in bed. If you value full-body support and flexibility, consider getting a large body pillow to cushion multiple pressure points at once. You can also find roll pillows, between-leg support pillows, or C-shaped maternity body pillows to make sleeping more comfortable.
Are feather fills not very firm? The type and density determine their overall firmness. While high-quality and natural fills traditionally cost more upfront, they generally last longer, making them worth the money in the long run. Down pillows have a reputation for longevity and luxurious softness. Because the light, fluffy feathers naturally retain their round shape after being compressed, you can easily redistribute the fill to suit your comfort level. Down alternative is another option if you like the qualities of down pillows, but suffer from allergies. Pillows with a mixture of feathers and down provides a balance of loftiness and firmness that can be ideal for multiple types of sleepers. Keep in mind, if you buy a down or a feather pillow, both fills require regular fluffing to keep the firmness and loftiness that you require. What are the benefits of synthetic fills? The majority of pillows are filled with foam and polyester. Memory foam pillows have been rising in popularity, offering firmness where you need it and conforming to your body for a personalized fit.