From the Research
For sleep apnea, the ideal bed inclination is typically between 30 to 45 degrees, as this elevation can help keep the airway open during sleep, reducing the likelihood of soft tissues collapsing and causing breathing obstructions, as supported by the most recent study 1. This elevation can be achieved using a wedge pillow, adjustable bed, or by placing blocks under the head of the bed. The recommended position is to elevate the entire upper body rather than just the head and neck. Some key points to consider when using bed inclination for sleep apnea include:
- Maintaining proper neck alignment while elevated to prevent strain or discomfort
- Experimenting within the 30-45 degree range to find the optimal angle
- Combining this approach with prescribed CPAP therapy, if recommended by a healthcare provider, for the best results in managing sleep apnea
- Being aware that a mild degree of head-of-bed elevation, such as 7.5°, can also significantly decrease the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and improve sleep quality, as shown in the study 1
- Considering that supine sleep posture is consistently associated with more severe obstructive sleep apnea indices in adults, and that elevation or lateral positioning can improve upper airway stability during sleep, as found in the studies 2 and 3