Adjustable Beds May Improve Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Adjustable Beds May Improve Sleep Apnea Symptoms
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.

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.

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Learn more about the symptoms and treatment options of
sleep apnea at http://www.SleepApneaOSA.com