Fixed Sleeping Position the entire night?

[Unkikonki]

Hi there. It's clear that sleeping on my left side results in the best therapy. Right-side is less effective, supine (on my back) is very ineffective (but very comfortable), and prone (stomach) is almost impossible with the mask on.

I've managed to find an effective way to force myself to sleep on my left side all night long by wearing a backpack full of blankets. The problem is, sleeping in a fixed position gets very uncomfortable after a few hours. I can do micro-adjustments here and there, but eventually I have no choice but to untie the backpack and roll on my right side even if just for a few minutes before rolling back onto my left side.

My mattress firmness is perfect for a side-sleeper, so there's no much room for improvement there.

Has any of you managed to find a way to spend all night long on the same position?

Also, being able to sleep on my back would be awesome as I find it to be the most comfortable position. Do you think that increasing EPAP Min and EPAP Max might help?

[Deborah K.]

If you post an Oscar screen shot folks will be better able to advise you.

[G. Szabo]

I have been able to sleep on my side in the same position all night. It is a result of long training and my device, see the " Side sleep enforcer for positional apnea," post

[Big Guy]

I'm a side sleeper and no way could I lay in one position all night long. Can't stand to lay on my back and face down has never been an option. 

If I lay on my side for more then a couple of hours, I'm doing good.

[TechieHippie]

I've found a pillow between my knees makes a big difference with having to sleep in my side. It's not perfect but it helps.

Lisa

[SarcasticDave94]

I've had to left side sleep, especially with my major back pain and acid reflux. I have the advantage of sleeping on my adjustable hospital bed with an alternating pressure low air loss mattress. I rarely back sleep.

The catch is I'm not with any Apnea machine right now either.

[Unkikonki]

I have been able to sleep on my side in the same position all night. It is a result of long training and my device, see the " Side sleep enforcer for positional apnea," post

That's encouraging. How long did it take you until you felt comfortable sleeping on the same position all night long? Thanks for the device recommendation too!

I've found a pillow between my knees makes a big difference with having to sleep in my side. It's not perfect but it helps.

Lisa

Yes, I've tried that too, and it does relieve the pressure on the knees, but it makes finding the right position of the outer ankle harder. Perhaps another pillow between the ankles might be the solution. Isn't that a problem for you?

[G. Szabo]

How long did it take you until you felt comfortable sleeping on the same position all night long?

It took about four months. Initially, you would switch one to two times during the night between sleeping on your right side and your left side. Then, eventually, you would stay on your left side.

Most importantly, get a soft mattress and start putting memory foam layers on top of it. I needed a minimum of two layers, one inch thick each. This will be gentle on your shoulder and make compliance easier. It's a bit pricy, but it is a lifetime investment.

Also, you want to keep your head on the left side (not only your posture), even better, a bit face down. For this, a CPAP pillow for side sleepers is suitable, with dimples on its edges for your mask. You need to fine-tune its thickness by putting towel layers under it inside the pillow cover. Your spouse might check the needed towel layers while you are on the actual memory foam and ensure that your neck is aligned with your spine. 

Best