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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Sleep Apnea

Hi, I have had sleep apnea for about 8 years and could not tolerate CPAP. I ve been trying an Oral System Balance device while sleeping and have been experimenting with various sleep positions (side, back) and head of bed elevations to assess impact on sleep apnea. Do you know of any studies done with sleep apnea, sleep positions, and elevation of head of bed? I am 61, 5 0 , 133 lbs.
Thu, 28 Jul 2016
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Dear HCM user

Many a studies have been done exploring the effect of right- versus left-sided sleeping position on the apnea-hypopnea index(AHI) in patients with sleep apnea. For around 50% of these patients sleep position training can help improve apnoea. It is found that sleeping position had a major effect on apneic events and Right Sided Position(RSP) decreased the frequency of apneic events.
Apart from it newer surgical options are also available like hypoglossal nerve stimulation (upper airway stimulation), newer approaches to surgery like bimaxillary advancement and tonsillectomy with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
So if conservative measures are not helping you you can consult an otolaryngologist for such treatments. But before that a thorough evaluation is needed in the form of sleep study and endoscopies.
Hope this helps you take the right recourse for your treatment.
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Suggest Treatment For Sleep Apnea

Dear HCM user Many a studies have been done exploring the effect of right- versus left-sided sleeping position on the apnea-hypopnea index(AHI) in patients with sleep apnea. For around 50% of these patients sleep position training can help improve apnoea. It is found that sleeping position had a major effect on apneic events and Right Sided Position(RSP) decreased the frequency of apneic events. Apart from it newer surgical options are also available like hypoglossal nerve stimulation (upper airway stimulation), newer approaches to surgery like bimaxillary advancement and tonsillectomy with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. So if conservative measures are not helping you you can consult an otolaryngologist for such treatments. But before that a thorough evaluation is needed in the form of sleep study and endoscopies. Hope this helps you take the right recourse for your treatment.