Side sleeping and shoulder pain

[SCgargoyle]

I've been carefully studying my sleep habits, and the results thereof. I monitor my O2, and have found that it stays good if I sleep on my side. If I lay on my back, it drops, I assume due to OSA. I haven't had any luck with a CPAP, so I'm going without, for now. The problem is that these old shoulders don't like the pressure when I sleep on my side. Even if I switch during the night, they hurt. Is there some trick to it? Some special pillow or something? I've said it here before, but I'll repeat it again- I don't have symptoms of sleep apnea other than my O2 dropping and apparent AHI in the mild to moderate range. I don't snore, I wake up refreshed, feel great all day long. Apparently, the AHI isn't bothering me, but I'm trying to keep my nighttime O2 in a safe range.

[Melman]

I have the same issue and place a small pillow under my side just below my arm. It provides support that takes some of the weight off the shoulder.

[Big Guy]

My left hip has been bothering me the last couple of months. I can sleep on it for about 30 min. or so, then I have to roll over and sleep on my right side. 

It's bothered me in the past, but usually gets better as some time goes by. This time, the pain seems to be hanging on.

[tiredguy1]

I’m having a similar issue. I wake up once while on cpap I think because I’m on my back. Doesnt happen when I’m on my side. But my shoulder aches after a while. Currently I have a pillow between my knees and I hug a pillow to take some weight off the lower shoulder. Wish there were other ways.

[G. Szabo]

A thick memory foam mattress topper helped me immensely with my shoulder pain.

[HalfAsleep]

I can't sleep on my sides at all due to shoulder pain. Nothing I can do to prevent it. But, it's just a limitation, like others. I can do whatever I can to help myself sleep better in the positions that are available to me.

Before you make decisions pegged to an oxygen monitor alone, I would load up Oscar, wear your CPAP for several nights, and post the results. IMO more detail is needed to determine what needs to happen in your therapy, and since you already have a machine, take advantage. The quality of your side sleeping might actually be worse than you're thinking....

[silverdr]

I have sleep apnea and use a thin cpap pillow to protect my neck. While sleeping on my left side I ge pain in the shoulder and tend to role over. My right shoulder has a replacement and doesnt bother me but I breath better on my left.

I ve been using aspercream gel with lidocaine at night on the shoulder before I go to sleep and this solves the problem. The little pillows under me shoulder do not help me.

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

I have used the Medcline shoulder relief pillows for years with good success. Basically it is a wedge with a cut-out for your arm to go through which takes all pressure off the shoulder. I also use their body pillow as it helps stay on my side.

[stevew168]

A thick memory foam mattress topper helped me immensely with my shoulder pain.

Yes, memory foam helped me greatly, even with a firm mattress. N30i helps to switch sides easily, since the hose connects to the area above the top of the head.

[skcampbell2]

Here is a link to the best pillow I have ever used.  By using this along with the soft cervical collar allows me side sleeping comfort all night.
https://medcline.com/?utm_source=bing&ut...lief_Exact