Can Memory Foam Pillows Help with Sleep Apnoea?

Memory foam pillows can help if you suffer from sleep apnoea. The memory foam contours to the shape of your body, providing responsive support which elevates your head at the right angle. This helps to keep your airways clear so you can breathe easier while sleeping.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a disorder which causes your breathing to stop and start when you sleep. If you have sleep apnoea, you might find that you often wake up a lot at night when your breathing is affected, so it can make you feel very tired during the day. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), where the walls of your throat narrow while sleeping, making it harder to breathe.

Symptoms of sleep apnoea

During sleep, the main symptoms of sleep apnoea are:

• Breathing stops and starts
• Choking or gasping sounds
• Loud snoring
• Waking up often

Some people don’t notice that they have sleep apnoea if they can’t tell why they’re waking up in the night. Your partner might notice your symptoms first. If you sleep alone, consider if you’re tired during the day for no reason, have difficulty concentrating or usually wake up with a headache. You might suffer from sleep apnoea without knowing.

Always consult your doctor if you have symptoms of sleep apnoea, as the disorder can be serious if it’s not treated. There are treatments available for more severe cases, but if yours is mild, there are some things you can do to improve your sleep apnoea.

5 ways to improve sleep apnoea

1. Limit your alcohol intake before bed
2. Try to stop or reduce smoking
3. Maintain a healthy weight
4. Sleep on your side
5. Invest in a supportive pillow

What’s the best sleeping position for sleep apnoea?

Side sleeping is the best position for sleep apnoea, as this helps to keep your airways clearer at night. You could achieve the same effect by sleeping on your front, but this isn’t good for your spine and therefore isn’t recommended.
Back sleeping is the worst position if you suffer from sleep apnoea. When you sleep on your back, your tongue and jaw relax, which can obstruct your airways. This is also a common cause of snoring.

How can my pillow help sleep apnoea?

If you’re looking for a quick fix for sleep apnoea, invest in a supportive pillow which will keep your head and neck elevated at the right angle. This can prevent your throat from narrowing and airways being obstructed, reducing your sleep apnoea symptoms.
Memory foam pillows are thought to the best for providing personalised support, as the unique material reacts to your body heat and pressure, adapting to your natural shape.

Memory Foam Pillows to Help with Apnoea