Success for Positional Apnea

[MrIvanDrago]

For those curious about the soft cervical collar experiment, here is my second night with it. After close to 3 years of therapy, I am shocked at the difference this collar is making with my therapy. Even though I could get an AHI under 1 many times, my flow chart would often be a bit bumpy and my pressure much higher. Anyone else have success like this? 

   

[Jay51]

Thank you for posting that experiment MrIvanDrago.  I had much better results with the collar as well; and was able to lower the pressure(s) on my ventilator.  

Not everyone suffers from positional apnea, but for those that do, the collar can make a big difference.  "Clusters" of OA's and even H's are the most common indicator of positional apnea in OSCAR charts.

[MrIvanDrago]

I have thought about it for years but never thought to actually try the collar. The difference is astounding.

[dwedward]

Hi Ivan! :-)

I have the same results with a soft cervical collar.  I keep trying different pillows hoping it will achieve the same results, but they don't.  The SCC seems to keep my head aligned, but also keeps my jaw from dropping and causing obstructions.

I use the Velpeau SCC and i've used both the regular as well as the one that has plastic inserts to strengthen it.  They both work the same but the latter seems to last longer.  Over time they become too "squishy" and I have to replace them; usually about 3 to 4 months.

And yes, the difference is amazing.  Even more than reducing the FLs, it also reduces the arousals and allows me to get more deep sleep.  Last night I had more than 2 hours of deep sleep.  I always feel better if I get more than 1 hour of deep sleep per night.