The Facts About Positional Therapy for Snoring and How It Works

Positional therapy has gained popularity in recent years as a non-invasive and effective method for treating snoring. It involves changing the sleeping position of individuals who snore, in order to improve their breathing and reduce or eliminate their snoring. In this blog post, we will discuss the facts about positional therapy for snoring and how it works.

What is Snoring?

Before delving into positional therapy, it is important to understand what snoring is and why it occurs. Snoring is a common condition that affects people of all ages, although it is more prevalent in older adults and men. It is characterized by the vibration of the respiratory structures, mainly the soft palate and uvula, due to the obstructed airflow during breathing. This obstruction can be caused by various factors such as blocked nasal passages, enlarged tonsils, or a deviated septum.

What is Positional Therapy?

Positional therapy is a treatment approach that aims to reduce snoring by changing the sleeping position of individuals. It is based on the concept that snoring is often worse when an individual sleeps on their back, as this position can cause the tongue to fall back and obstruct the airway. By changing the sleeping position, the airway is kept open, and snoring can be reduced or eliminated.

How Does Positional Therapy Work?

Positional therapy works by keeping the airway open and preventing the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airflow. There are different devices and techniques used in positional therapy, but they all have the same goal of keeping individuals in a non-supine position (not sleeping on their back).

One of the most common devices used in positional therapy is a specialized pillow. These pillows are designed to keep the head and neck in a slightly elevated position, which helps to keep the airway open and prevent snoring. Another device is a wearable device, such as a tennis ball attached to the back of a shirt, which prevents individuals from rolling onto their back while sleeping.

The Facts About Positional Therapy for Snoring and How It Works

In addition to devices, there are also various techniques that can be used in positional therapy. Some individuals find success by simply sewing a tennis ball onto the back of their pajamas, which serves as a reminder to stay off their back while sleeping. Others may use a wedge-shaped pillow to elevate their upper body, or a body pillow to support their side sleeping position.

Effectiveness of Positional Therapy

According to various studies, positional therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for snoring. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that positional therapy was successful in reducing snoring in 60% of individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Another study published in the International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery showed that positional therapy was effective in reducing snoring in 85% of individuals.

However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of positional therapy may vary from person to person, and it may not work for everyone. It is also important to address any underlying causes of snoring, such as allergies or nasal congestion, to ensure the best results.

Benefits of Positional Therapy

Aside from reducing or eliminating snoring, there are other benefits of using positional therapy as a treatment option. Unlike other methods such as surgery or oral appliances, positional therapy is non-invasive and does not involve any medications. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other treatments.

Positional therapy can also improve the quality of sleep for both the individual snorer and their partner. Snoring can often lead to disrupted sleep for both parties, and by reducing or eliminating snoring, both can enjoy a better night’s rest.

Summary:

Positional therapy is a non-invasive and effective method for treating snoring by changing the sleeping position of individuals. It works by keeping the airway open and preventing the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airflow. There are various devices and techniques used in positional therapy, and it has been shown to be effective in reducing snoring in many individuals. It is also a cost-effective and non-invasive treatment option with additional benefits such as improving quality of sleep for both the individual snorer and their partner.