Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This condition can lead to poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and a host of other health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. There are several types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome (a combination of OSA and CSA). One specific form of obstructive sleep apnea is known as positional sleep apnea.

What is Positional Sleep Apnea?

Positional sleep apnea is a subtype of obstructive sleep apnea where the apneas (breathing interruptions) occur primarily when an individual sleeps on their back (supine position). When lying on the back, gravity can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to collapse backward and obstruct the airway. This positional dependency means that while an individual may experience normal breathing when lying on their side, their airway becomes blocked when they shift to their back.

The diagnosis of positional sleep apnea is typically made during a sleep study (polysomnography), where it is observed that the majority of breathing disturbances happen in the supine position. Positional sleep apnea can significantly impact sleep quality, leading to frequent awakenings, fragmented sleep, and insufficient restorative sleep.

Non-CPAP Therapy Options

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. However, not everyone can tolerate CPAP machines due to discomfort, noise, or other factors. For those with positional sleep apnea, non-CPAP therapy options can provide effective alternatives:

1. Positional Therapy: Positional therapy involves strategies and devices that encourage sleeping in a position other than on the back. This can include special pillows, alarms, and wearable devices that help maintain a side-sleeping position.
2. Oral Appliances: These custom-fitted devices, worn during sleep, help to keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw and tongue. They are especially useful for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
3. Lifestyle Modifications: Losing weight, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can significantly reduce the severity of sleep apnea.
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to remove or reduce the tissues that are blocking the airway.

Positional Sleep Treatment Options

For those diagnosed with positional sleep apnea, there are several specific treatment options available. These treatments aim to prevent the individual from sleeping on their back and thus reduce the occurrence of apneas.

Night Shift Positional Therapy

Night Shift positional therapy is an advanced, non-invasive treatment designed specifically for positional sleep apnea. This wearable device is worn around the neck/chest like a collar. It works by detecting when the user is lying on their back and then gently vibrates to encourage them to shift to a side-sleeping position. This positional feedback helps in maintaining a sleeping posture that minimizes airway obstruction and improves overall sleep quality.

The Night Shift device is easy to use, comfortable, and has shown significant effectiveness in clinical studies. By wearing the Night Shift device, individuals can train themselves to sleep in positions that promote better breathing and reduce apneas.

Try Our Night Shift Positional Therapy

If you are struggling with positional sleep apnea, our Night Shift Positional Therapy could be the solution you need. Here’s why you should consider trying our Night Shift device:

• Comfortable and Non-Invasive: Unlike CPAP machines, which can be bulky and uncomfortable, the Night Shift device is lightweight and designed to be worn comfortably around the neck/chest.
• Effective Treatment: Clinical studies have demonstrated that Night Shift positional therapy significantly reduces the severity of positional sleep apnea, leading to improved sleep quality and overall health.
• Easy to Use: Simply wear the device before going to bed. The device’s gentle vibrations will train you to avoid sleeping on your back without disturbing your sleep.
• Portable: The Night Shift device is easy to take with you wherever you go, making it a convenient option for travel.
• No Mask Required: For those who find CPAP masks uncomfortable, Night Shift offers an effective alternative without the need for a mask or machine.

References

1. Epstein, L. J., Kristo, D., Strollo, P. J., Friedman, N., Malhotra, A., Patil, S. P., … & Weinstein, M. D. (2009). Clinical guideline for the evaluation, management and long-term care of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 5(3), 263-276.
2. Iftikhar, I. H., Bittencourt, L., Youngstedt, S. D., Ayas, N. T., & Napierkowski, M. (2017). Comparative effectiveness of CPAP, MADs, exercise-training, and conservative measures in mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Medicine, 37, 57-65.
3. Lee, S. A., Paek, J. H., & Han, S. H. (2015). Effect of positional therapy on positional obstructive sleep apnea patients: a meta-analysis. The Laryngoscope, 125(1), 301-309.
4. Ravesloot, M. J., van Maanen, J. P., Dun, L., & de Vries, N. (2013). Positional obstructive sleep apnea and supine dependency. The Laryngoscope, 123(10), 2355-2360.

By understanding positional sleep apnea and exploring non-CPAP therapy options like Night Shift Positional Therapy, you can find a comfortable and effective way to manage your sleep apnea and improve your sleep quality.