Re: New Follow-up on Pillowtop Mattresses, pillows and Apnea

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Re: New Follow-up on Pillowtop Mattresses, pillows and Apnea

Posted by Honest Expert on January 16, 2001 at 22:43:22:
In Reply to: Re: Pillowtop Mattresses posted by Cue Miller on January 16, 2001 at 21:42:16:
Dear Cue,
Regarding pillows and the raising of the head, I coincidentally came across a small bit in today's reading that pertains. It is from "Sleep RX" by Norman Ford c1994 by Prentice Hall.
"(Raoul S. of San Antonio, Texas went to a sleep specialist. He was told,) 'Apnea is often worsened by congestion in the nasal passages. You can help drain and clear these passages by raising the head of your bed on blocks until it is at least six inches off the floor.'
"The specialist cautioned Raoul against stacking pillows to try and raise the head.
"'Pillows only cause you to bend at the waist or neck and that merely adds to the obstruction in the airways,' the specialist explained. 'Your neck should remain straight and in line with your head while you sleep, and that can be accomplished only by elevating the head of your bed. You will also need a firm mattress and should only use a single pillow.'"
I thought it was uncanny that I would happen across this passage.
Although it is not spelled out, I think the message that is implied is that raising the whole body -- or the body from the waist up -- is OK, as long as it doesn't pitch the head into a more severe angle then is natural when standing. This, for example, would be the effect of sleeping in a recliner: Raise the upper half of the body, but don't pitch the head forward.
I offer this up only as an addition to the communal knowledge.
About Norman Ford: The things he says in his book must be taken with a certain grain-of-salt. He denies some scientific evidences because they are inconvenient to the holistic, technology-resistent, alternative treatment approach he professes. (He as much as declares that ALL OSA can be cured with exercise, weight loss and diet restrictions, for example.) It is a good source for some interesting ideas, but should only be used IN ADDITION to other sources, not instead of.
Just thought I'd pass it on.

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