Sleep Apnea: Can a good mattress and pillow help?

If you often have disturbed sleep at night and wake up exhausted in the morning, then there is a possibility that you are suffering from sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects over 1 billion people worldwide. Sleep apnea causes obstructed breathing at night, which leads to poor sleep quality and fatigue during the day.

Though a quality mattress or pillow cannot cure sleep apnea, it can help you sleep better at night and can be of great help in managing sleep apnea symptoms.

What is sleep apnea? Can a good quality mattress or pillow help in dealing with sleep apnea symptoms? Is a natural latex mattress a good option for sleep apnea patients?

Read on to know more!

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder. It happens when muscles at the back of the tongue and throat relax and cause obstructed airways. Obstruction in the airways leads to difficulty in breathing and makes you wake up at night multiple times. Continuation of this cycle causes disturbed sleep and leads to sleep deprivation in the longer run.

Chronic sleep deprivation affects your productivity and increases the risk of accidents and falls, while having a negative impact on the quality of life. 

What is the best sleeping position for sleep apnea?

Sleeping position is an important aspect which can worsen your sleep apnea symptoms.

In general, the back sleeping position is considered an ideal sleeping position because it helps in maintaining a neutral spine alignment and relieves pain issues. However, it is not a recommended position if you are suffering from sleep apnea. The back sleeping position causes an increase in airway obstruction and worsens your sleep apnea symptoms.

Next, in general stomach sleeping position is not a recommended sleeping position. It disturbs the neutral spinal alignment and puts pressure on the neck muscles. However, for sleep apnea, this position offers benefits and helps in reducing snoring and disturbed breathing.

The side sleeping position is the most recommended sleeping position for sleep apnea. It provides good pressure relief. It helps to keep airways open and works great in reducing sleep apnea symptoms 

Which is the best mattress and pillow for sleep apnea?

Type of mattress

Hybrid mattress

Hybrid mattresses offer great comfort from the foam layer and provide efficient support from the coir layer. Hybrid mattresses can be a good choice for sleep apnea as they support the side sleeping position well and allow you to rest better at night.

Memory foam mattress

Memory foam mattress provides good pressure relief and provides good support for the side sleeping position. But they tend to retain heat and may cause a sinking in feeling while sleeping. This may disturb sleep and may not be an ideal choice for everyone. 

Latex mattress

Latex is a natural material. It provides a perfect balance of buoyant support and comfort. It helps in maintaining neutral spinal alignment and supports you well if you sleep on the side. Thus, a latex mattress can be a good option for you, if you are suffering from sleep apnea. 

Material 

Buy a mattress and pillow that is made of natural materials and have hypoallergenic quality. This helps in reducing allergic reactions and offers good breathability. Thus, it improves sleep quality and helps in managing sleep apnea symptoms well.

Adjustable beds 

Adjustability is another important feature to look for when selecting a mattress, if you have sleep apnea. With an adjustable base, you can elevate your bed. This helps in keeping the airway open and allows you to breathe better.

Firmness 

In general, a medium firm to firm mattress works well for sleep apnea patients. A medium firm mattress provides good pressure relief and helps in managing sleep apnea symptoms.

However, if you are a heavy sleeper, then a firm mattress is a better option to support heavier body parts. In the same manner, if you are a stomach sleeper, then you will get better support from a firmer mattress rather than a soft mattress. 

Extended sleep trials 

Selecting a good quality mattress for sleep apnea can be an exhaustive process. It might require a few “trial and error” processes before finalizing a good one for yourself. Considering this factor, look out for a mattress which offers an extended sleep trial period. This helps you to gather practical experience and assists you to get the best mattress for your sleep apnea condition. 

Is natural latex the best option for sleep apnea?

Natural latex has many incredible properties that make it a suitable option for people with sleep apnea. Natural latex is free from chemicals and is good for your health. It offers excellent breathability, helping in managing sleep apnea. 

Moreover, latex has an open-cell structure and offers effective temperature regulation. It keeps you cool at night and provides a restful sleep experience. As a next benefit, natural latex has amazing hypoallergenic properties, and it offers a natural resistance to dust-mite. These things help in preventing allergies and facilitate easy breathing and restful sleep. 

With these amazing benefits, natural latex can be a good option to manage sleep apnea. However, it is important to consult your doctor and take professional medical advice for sleep apnea condition. It could be life-threatening and may cause serious complications if left untreated. A mattress or pillow can only aid in better sleeping conditions.

If you are looking for great quality natural latex mattress for your sleep apnea condition, then you can check out MM Foam’s 100% organic natural latex mattress collection.