If you suffer from sleep apnea, your physician will recommend a number of different treatment options. The most commonly prescribed treatment is CPAP or BIPAP therapy. A sleep apnea pillow is often used with this type of therapy and is designed to make treatment more effective and comfortable.
Sleep Apnea Pillow Basics and Designs
A sleep apnea pillow can be used alone or with CPAP or BIPAP therapy. These pillows will work to position your neck in a manner that allows your airways to remain open. Some models are specifically designed to be used with a CPAP machine and feature cut-outs that will accommodate the mask’s tubing. They also work to reduce the pressure caused by the mask, making CPAP therapy a more comfortable treatment. Masks can irritate the skin, causing you to wake up frequently during the night.
The wedge sleep apnea pillow is designed to keep the airways open. Most people with sleep apnea who prefer lying on their backs experience a number of sleep interruptions during the night, when compared to patients who sleep on their side. The wedge sleep apnea pillow works by preventing narrowing of the throat and can help people to maintain a side sleeping position during the night. The size of the pillow is very important because the wrong size may not be effective for treatment. The pillow should be two feet wide. The amount of elevation the pillow can provide is also important. Most styles range from five to twelve inches. An elevation of five to eight inches is usually recommended.
Most sleep specialists can agree that using a sleep apnea pillow can be an effective way to manage apnea, even without the use of a CPAP or BIPAP machine. People who sleep with the wedge pillow will experience fewer apnea episodes, fewer headaches during the day and will have more energy.
If you’re interested in adding a special type of pillow to your nightly apnea treatment, speak with your physician first in order to determine what type and style will be the most effective for you. They can also recommend a reputable manufacturer and can write a prescription for the pillow in order to have your health insurance cover the cost.
Sleep Apnea Nasal Pillows for Apnea Mask Alternatives
Nasal pillows for sleep apnea are used as a less invasive alternative to the traditional style of sleep apnea mask. Instead of wearing a mask on your face the pillow and hose are connected to an adapter, which is hooked up to the tubing of your machine. Using nasal pillows means that you won’t have to worry about an allergic reaction to the basic masks or skin irritation. This type of mask is also a good solution for patients who have issues with claustrophobia, or for patients with facial hair.
