[Symptoms] Can you sleep on your back?

[zenzealot]

I have not been able to sleep on my back in ages due to snoring and choking. Even with my Dreamstation CPAP on, I still can not do it. Is my machine not set correctly or is this something I simply will not be able to do ever?

[70sSanO]

You should probably download OSCAR and post your data so people here can help you with your settings.

My initial off-the-cuff thought is that if it only happens on your back, your chin might be dropping toward your chest and that is causing the choking. You may need to wear a soft cervical collar.

John

[OpalRose]

zenzealot,
Welcome to Apnea Board!

You should be able to sleep on your back if your machine is set up optimally for you. Although, sometimes that's not the best position as it can cause chin tucking and more apnea events.

You've really given us very little information to be able to give you advice. Please fill out your profile accurately, with exact machine name, mask, and pressure settings.

I suggest you download the OSCAR software. Then use the links in my signature line to post a screenshot of the OSCAR daily page, and post data here. This way, we can see what your settings are and what exactly is going on.

And to answer your thread title question: Yes, I can sleep on my back, but I will usually experience more apnea if I do. Sometimes, it's a trade of between AHI numbers and comfort.

[RNeil]

I get dramatically higher AHI if I sleep on my back.

[yankees123]

I thought all things being equal if you have your cpap machine set correctly to eliminate most events you could sleep on your back.  Of course this is assuming you are not chin tucking.

[mesenteria]

It's not just chin-tuck that makes sleeping supine a generally bad idea; when we sleep, we relax.  Relaxing happens pretty much everywhere that doesn't respond to the autonomic nervous system...breathing, peristalsis, heartbeat, kidney function, liver function, brain activity...  Eeverywhere includes the facial muscles, the pharynx, and the tongue.  Relaxed muscles sag under their own weight, and this happens to the tongue, which will slide back into one's throat. Tucking one's chin won't help by any means, and that's why we recommend a cervical collar for those who simply must do much of their sleeping on their backs, or who resort to that position very shortly after falling asleep (most of our hands go up).

[zenzealot]

Sorry but what is AHI?

[OpalRose]

Ok, we have to start from the beginning.  We tend to talk here and use alot of terms that we assume all new folk just know, when that's not always the case.

AHI (Apnea hypopnea index)

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/AHI

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/Definitions

Visit our wiki as there is alot of information available.

[yankees123]

I find it strange that almost every mask demonstration video shows the person lying down almost always on their backs.

[Big Guy]

I cannot sleep on my back to save my life. If I try to do so, it feels as if I have a ton of weight on my chest. I can nap easily enough in my recliner though. 

In bed, I go from sleeping on one side to the other. I can kind of, sleep on my side / stomach for short periods of time. 

I'd love to be able to sleep on my back. Problem is.......I can't.