MissDonna - Positional Therapy Thread

[Jay51]

The soft cervical collar you have may be too large (too tall).  You can try smaller sizes (a compromise that would at least hopefully be sustainable for you long term, yet still provide some benefit).  Some people have even tried a travel pillow (the "C" shaped ones that curl around the back of your neck).  Just wear it backwards.  You can probably think of many more ways to improvise based on items that you already have.

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

This may help with the sizing…

[attachment=54869]

[Sleeprider]

Having a closed jaw is preferred to prevent air from a pressurized airway entering the mouth for leaks. It also can help prevent chin-tucking that restricts the upper airway. Teeth-clenching (bruxism) is not caused by a closed jaw, but by contraction of the muscles in the jaw. The SSC is supposed to let those muscles relax.

[MissDonna]

 The SSC is supposed to let those muscles relax.

Well.....the SSC I'm using was forcing my jaw closed and my teeth firmly together.

PeaceLoveAndPizza....based on the chart you posted, I'm wearing the right size collar....or maybe even one a little small.

The one I bought was based on the circumference of the wearer's neck, and I have no problems there.

I'm going to try wearing a travel pillow backwards tonight as Jay51 suggested.

[Jay51]

I have seen silicone mouthpieces on Amazon, etc. that fit between the teeth and keep them from grinding at night (bruxism).

[MissDonna]

I have seen silicone mouthpieces on Amazon, etc. that fit between the teeth and keep them from grinding at night (bruxism).

Thanks Jay, but I don't grind my teeth at night. When I said that I had a jaw issue from clenching, I should have specified the jaw issue is from clenching in the past.

I used to clench my jaw at night - bringing my teeth together, but there was no grinding - praise the Lord! - and my teeth aren't damaged.


Years ago I read an article about people clenching their teeth at night (unaware they were doing it, of course) to open their airway. I tested that out when I was lying on my back in a hydromassage tube, and I noticed my airway wasn't as open as what I thought it should be.

I clenched my teeth together in the hydromassage tube, and my airway opened properly.

Just thought I'd put that out there for anyone who reads this and think they might have sleep apnea and who also clench their teeth.

[Lucky7]

I wish the Eliminator was still available. I'd try one.

[MissDonna]

Well.....I find myself in a state of extreme frustration, and I'm wondering if what I'm experiencing is normal.

I thought I really had me something with the wiffle ball taped to the back of my shirt, but it was only the first couple of nights that were great.  :-(

Maybe I have "Princess and the Pea" syndrome?? but I don't sleep well with anything extra involved.

Last night I tried a backpack apparatus with a blowup air tube thingy that my husband had, and it was so restrictive that it wasn't too comfortable.

I've tried some other things too that I just didn't come on here and bore you with, but I'm really frustrated....and tired.....at this point.

Is it normal to have this much of a learning curve or an adjustment curve when it comes to all of this?

[Crimson Nape]

MissDonna - All 5 of your previous threads deal with your therapy.  For that reason, I have merged them into one thread and renamed it to, "MissDonna - Positional Therapy Thread".  This allows the reader a history of your therapy, and the title change provides for a more inclusive title.   Please post all your therapy related responses in this thread.  I will be sending you a PM confirming this action, too.

- Red