Question 1

does cervical pillows help  sleep apnea ?

Accepted Answer

Cervical pillows: It depends upon the body position that causes the most apneas. For many people, sleeping on their backs allows their jaws and tongue to drop back as gravity takes over the relaxed muscles and cause a blockage of the airway- often noted with snoring. So while the pillow may provide cervical support, it might better be used by lying on one's side, if that is possible.

Question 2

how much should the height of the pillow be if i have sleep apnea and reflux (i don't use cpap?

Accepted Answer

: I'd recommend a position where your chest is higher than your abdomen. This is best accomplished by raising the head of your bed on 6-8 inch blocks if possible. Another method is putting a wedge under the head of your mattress.

Question 3

is sleep apnea related to copd and/or asthma? what are some effective treatments for someone with sleep apnea and copd - cpap, bipap, pillows?

Accepted Answer

Here we go?: No, not related.  Treatment is with a c-pap machine are others as you listed.  Care is directed by someone trained in sleep disorders.  You can have COPD and other lung diseases but not related to sleep apnea.  Together, they are difficult.

Question 4

define mild sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Gasping for air: Sleep apnea is defined as complete (apnea) or partial obstruction (hypopnia) of the airway during sleep.  Typical signs and symptoms are snoring, wake up gasping for air, and excessive daytime sleepiness.   Diagnosis is made by a sleep study (polysomnogram) and the main parameter of diagnosis is ahi (apnea-hypopnea index).  Mild sleep apnea ranges from 5-10 ahi.

Question 5

what is obstructive sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

OSA: Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops (apnea) during sleep usually as a result of a temporary obstruction such as a narrowing and closing in the oropharynx. When the brain detects that breathing has stopped, an alarm goes up that wakes the person so that he starts breathing again. Often the person does not know why he has woken. An observer may note snoring or gasping in the night.

Question 6

can 7 year olds have sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

YES....,: Causes can be: enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids, allergies, sinus disease, nasal blockage, obesity, etc.
Check with the pediatrician, might need sleep studies, referral to ent, etc.

Question 7

how can you control your sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Ask questions: Look at all your options.  There are many different types of CPAP masks for example and many patients are much happier with nasal pillow type masks instead of full nose mouth masks.  It's also a good idea to have an oral sleep apnea appliance(again there are many types) as a backup in case of power outages or head cold"s where you have a "runny or stuffed nose.

Question 8

how to tell if my son has sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Observe: The only way to tell for sure is a sleep study.. But clues to having sleep apnea include being tired during the day, snoring, and he stops breathing during his sleep.  The risk is also bigger if he his overweight or has large tonsils.  I would suggest having him see a physician for an evaluation.

Question 9

what is the cause of possible sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

See answer: Being overweight is a rsik factor, genetics plays a role, large tonsils and or uvula will increase risk for osa.

Question 10

i have "central sleep apnea." what is cure?

Accepted Answer

Sleep tst/ventilator: Pure central sleep apnea is uncommon so first, i would evaluate with a sleep test.  Central apnea means brain does not send signal to diaphragm to breath/obstructive means airway blocks breathing in deep sleep.  Ventilators are now available for home use which can supply pressurized air to the nasal airway via a fitted nasal mask to supply breaths during periods of when patient stops breathing.

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Doctor answers about:

Cervical pillow for sleep apnea

A member asked:

Does cervical pillows help sleep apnea ?

A member asked:

How much should the height of the pillow be if i have sleep apnea and reflux (i don't use cpap?

A member asked:

Is sleep apnea related to copd and/or asthma? what are some effective treatments for someone with sleep apnea and copd - cpap, bipap, pillows?

A member asked:

Define mild sleep apnea?

A member asked:

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

A member asked:

Can 7 year olds have sleep apnea?

A member asked:

How can you control your sleep apnea?

A member asked:

How to tell if my son has sleep apnea?

A member asked:

What is the cause of possible sleep apnea?

A member asked:

I have "central sleep apnea." what is cure?

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