These interruptions, called apneas, are caused by the collapse of soft tissue in the airway, which prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs.
When these apneas happen mostly when you’re on your back, it is calledpositional obstructive sleep apnea (positional OSA). This is different from other types of obstructive sleep apnea and has its own treatment options, including using a device that helps you to sleep in the right position.
If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and experience twice as many apneic events on your back than you do on your side, you may have positional OSA.
- Positional OSA can occur in nearly half of all people with OSA.4
- If you have positional OSA, sleeping on your side can significantly reduce symptoms.
- Ask your doctor if your sleep study reveals that you have positional OSA.
