Sleep Apnea Pillow

Many of us suffer from sleeping disorders. Some of the people walk in their sleep, somnambulism, some talk and the most common of all the problems is snoring. According to a survey, about 71% people snore while sleeping. Snoring not only makes the snorer uncomfortable, but also the people sleeping around that person also helplessly become victims. At times, the snoring becomes so excessive that it might even disturb people sleeping in the adjacent rooms. Often, the sufferers are laughed at and not taken too seriously. However, this is because most of us are unaware of the sleeping disorder called sleep apnea. This disorder can be identified if there are frequent pauses in the breathing when you are snoring.

Three types of sleep apnea pillow are known to exist. These are obstructive, central and mixed. Of these three the most commonly seen is the obstructive sleep apnea. It is the result of an over relaxation of the throat muscles which causes the windpipe to collapse resulting in the blockage of the windpipe. This further causes the blockage of air. When the sleeper’s airway is narrowed, the soft tissues of the airway collapses and touch each other due to the suction that is created. As we continue to breathe, these tissues vibrate, and as they touch each other a sound is created. This is what we hear and is called as snoring. However, it can also be due to mild blockage which need not be taken too seriously. But when it becomes excessive it should be considered. It can be even due to tonsils, infections, alcohol and cigarette use or some medications that can dry out the airways.

Treatment of sleep apnea is now available as medication and even surgery. The most common and economical treatment is the sleep apnea pillow. These pillows are specially designed for snorers which provide a support to the neck so that they do not roll onto their backs. About 60% of the snorers snore when they are sleeping on their backs. These sleep pillows help to cradle the head and also elongates the neck so that the tongue does not block the airway and therefore help reduce snoring. There are many different sleep apnea pillow manufacturers who claim that their sleep pillows achieve all the mentioned objectives. But there is only one pillow that is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) that is said to be the sure solution for the snoring problem. There are many snoring cures like the snoring mouthpiece available which can be used for treating snoring which has not reached a higher level. The shape of the sleep apnea pillow offered by SONA has an angular shape which maintains the side sleeping position. There are two inclined surfaces that make up the primary sleeping surface and along with it a low flat surface in the center. This sleep apnea pillow like any normal pillow undergoes wear and tear and should be replaced regularly. However, people who are obese, or suffer with very high sleep apnea do not benefit from these pillows.