Getting a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea scares a lot of people. They wonder how they will ever sleep with peace of mind, but getting good sleep isn't as hard as you think. There are many things you can do to improve your sleep.
One tip doctors give patients is to raise the head of the bed to help prevent the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway. An adjustable bed helps sleep apnea sufferers get quality sleep by readjusting the airway naturally.
Adjustable Bed Frame
In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway collapses and/or gets blocked by the tongue. Lying flat promotes the collapse in sleep apnea sufferers. The tissues gets pulled to the lowest point by gravity. This narrows the airway or completely cuts off airflow through the passages. The apnea patient's body then must arouse itself to reestablish breathing. Raising the head of the bed allows gravity to work in a positive manner and will help keep the tongue and airway in an open position.
Overweight people tend to have more issues sleeping due to painful pressure points and airway compromise. The tissues in and around the neck gain weight just like the rest of the body. This weight gain makes the airway smaller and harder to breathe through. An adjustable bed can relieve areas of tenderness and increase the airway size by adjusting to a position that is comfortable for the user. The beds are sturdy and most are rated to adjust a weight of up to 650 lbs. Some studies claim that using adjustable beds for sleep apnea have shown positive results.
Adjustable beds are perfect for people who need to keep the head higher than the feet. These beds are automatic, no more hand cranking, and they can also be bought as split units. These units allow both sides of the bed to be adjusted differently. This keeps both people in a relationship happy. They can also be purchased with memory foam mattresses which will increase the comfort level of the user(s).
Most of these beds now take up less room with a wall hugging frame. They are a lighter weight so average people can move the bed if needed. Most of them come in sizes ranging from twin to king. Prices have come down tremendously and are now affordable. Insurance companies sometimes cover the cost of an adjustable bed when sleep apnea is a diagnosis and a doctors prescribes it.
An adjustable bed can be a lifesaver for sleep apnea sufferers. They come in many sizes and are available with several options from massage and heat to split frame and memory foam mattresses. These beds raise the head and increase airway passages by utilizing gravity in a positive manner.
Some insurance companies may cover the cost of adjustable beds for sleep apnea sufferers if a doctor clearly states the need. Check with your doctor to see if he or she believes an adjustable bed will help, and ask your insurance company if they cover the cost partially or in full.