The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has found that
patients who undergo positional sleep therapy often enjoy the same relief from
apnea symptoms as patients who use a CPAP device. The study in the Journal specifically
addressed the efficacy of the FDA-cleared Zzoma sleep apnea device.
By wearing Zzoma on the upper body during sleep, patients are prevented from lying on their backs. The airway is often more open when sleeping on your side, which can reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. Some patients only experience interruptions to breathing when they sleep in a particular position.
If your sleep apnea is positional, there are multiple options for keeping your body in the optimal position. Specially designed devices like Zzoma are available, as well as home care solutions.
Positional therapy options for sleep apnea might include:
- Propping yourself up with extra pillows
- Attaching a tennis ball or other object to the back of your pajama top to keep from rolling over
- A vibro-tactile device that alerts your body to change positions if you lie on your back
Generally, positional therapy is most effective for mild
instances of sleep apnea. More severe cases might require a combination of treatments
along with altering your sleep habits and making other lifestyle changes.
For more information about sleep apnea devices and other treatment options, please call a sleep specialist in your area at 1 (866) 727-6275 (1-8-NO-PAP-MASK) today.