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2026-06-07 Science & Technology

Cardiologist Kuzmenko dispels the myth about dangerous sleeping positions

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Posted by badanov 2026-06-07 00:00|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [1802 views ] Top

1 sleeping on your back ..can cause the tongue and soft palate to shift, which can lead to partial narrowing of the airway...

Or complete closure of the airway, sleep apnea, dozens of times in a hour. A CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) greatly reduces apnea events. Last night, I had half an event per hour.

Medicare pays, but first you need a sleep study, where they attach a thousand wires to you and say, "Now sleep."

Posted by Bobby 2026-06-07 15:17|| 2026-06-07 15:17|| Front Page Top

2 Started CPAP in 2001 or so. ~~Haven't~~ Won't quit. I'm like Pavlov's dog now - Even an afternoon nap: as soon as I put the nasal pillows headgear on, sound asleep.

Posted by Frank G 2026-06-07 15:44|| 2026-06-07 15:44|| Front Page Top

3 I’m not fond of mine, but since it’s good for me and leads to some level of improved sleep, I carry on. At this point I’ll do anything that gives me a few percent advantage — the math becomes meaningful eventually. The accumulation of apnea episodes is stressful for the heart, too, so…

Posted by trailing wife 2026-06-07 16:39|| 2026-06-07 16:39|| Front Page Top

4 Did the home sleep test (69 apnea events per hour) this past January and ended up on a CPAP machine. I thought I wouldn't be able to tolerate the mask over my nose, but much to my surprise I got used to it and my apnea events are almost always below 5, often under 3 and I am feeling significantly better. The home test was I think 2 sensors, an oxygen sensor on a finger and another sensor on my chest.

Posted by Chantry 2026-06-07 17:46|| 2026-06-07 17:46|| Front Page Top

5 I am reminded that it is very important to use fresh water daily — ideally distilled rather than from the tap — clean/replace your CPAP parts and replace filters frequently to prevent bacteria and mold growth that lead to lung infections including pneumonia. No point in sleeping better if you ruin it by making yourself sick.

Posted by trailing wife 2026-06-07 18:43|| 2026-06-07 18:43|| Front Page Top

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