To get an overall view of Sleep Apnea, click this image to go to our Sleep Apnea Overview page. It gives a clear view of the causes, symptoms and treatments for Sleep Apnea.
A sleep apnea pillow is specially designed to prevent or treat sleep apnea. A dangerous sleep disorder, sleep apnea is characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. An important function of a sleep apnea pillow is the prevention or reduction of the chances of snoring. This is the most common symptom of sleep apnea.
Patients using this pillow are generally helped to sleep on their sides. This keep their airways clear of obstructions and their breathing easy. However, some pillows are also designed for people who are prone to sleep on their back.
The most important considerations for choosing a sleep apnea pillow are:
- It is able to support the patient’s neck area. This prevent his or her tongue from blocking the airway.
- It keeps the patient from unconsciously rolling on his or her back. Such sleeping positions could increase the chances of snoring. (For back-sleeping patients, it should have features that would still stop snoring while allowing them to sleep on their back.)
- It should comfortably nestle the patient’s head and ease the pressure from his or her shoulders and arms.
A sleep apnea pillow is one of the most recommended treatments for sleep apnea. It is non-invasive, in contrast to other treatments like lifestyle change, oral appliance, or surgery.
To get an overall view of Sleep Apnea, click this image to go to our Sleep Apnea Overview page. It gives a clear view of the causes, symptoms and treatments for Sleep Apnea.
It is suitable to various sleeping positions, allowing comfort and ease. Thus, it is often regarded as the best pillow for every type of sleeper. Nevertheless, before purchasing a sleep apnea pillow, it is necessary to consult a doctor first.
Official approval
Sleep apnea is a medical condition. The pillow which is supposed to treat it should have approval from an appropriate government agency. In the case of the United States, it is the Food and Drug Administration.
Kinds of products currently on the market
The Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow is designed to keep your spine and body in alignment while you sleep. This alignment has the added benefit of keeping your airways open and decreasing you’re snoring.
The Arc4Life Cervical Traction Pillow is primarily designed as an orthopedic pillow, but it also works great as a snoring remedy.
The Sleepright Side Sleeping Pillow is made of foam. It has a full facial cradle that reduces pressure points on the jaw and ear. This results in increased blood flow to the facial dermal cells. It also has a shoulder cradle that reduces the body weight impact on the shoulders. This results in increased blood flow to the arms.
The Tri-Core Orthopedic Support Pillow reduces snoring by aligning the patient’s head and neck to support unobstructed airflow. It is design for both side sleepers and back sleepers.
The Snore-No-More Pillow is a hypo-allergenic foam pillow. It is specifically designed to reduce snoring by aligning the patient’s head and neck to clear the airway. It also has a cut-out for the shoulder to facilitate sleeping on side.
Pillow for back sleepers
As mentioned, sleeping on one’s back increases the risk of snoring. However, some people are more prone to sleep on their back. Thus, some pillows are designed to support this type of patients.
Back sleepers should choose one with a large support under the back of the neck and a concave section for the back of the head. This kind of pillow can pull their head back and naturally align their neck and airway.
It should be noted that anti-snoring pillows may work for some but not for others. This is because different patients are prone to different kinds of positions and alignments. Nonetheless, a sleep apnea pillow is a very easy and economical anti-snoring remedy. It is often worthwhile to at least try one out.
