What's the best pillow to use for COPD?
Can anyone suggest what is the best pillow to use? I use oxygen while sleeping and I am a side sleeper. I am waking up with a headache sometimes. I am now sleeping with 2 pillows. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi PK2018, and thanks for this post and your question - it is a good one.
From my experience and also reading what others have posted both here in our community and also on our COPD Facebook page - it would seem that the 'right or best' pillow will vary from patient to patient.
It doesn't seem to be based on brand or manufacturer as much as the height which seems to be important. Since you mentioned that you currently use two pillows, it sounds like you may sleep better when your head and upper torso are elevated. If that works for you, then you may want to stick with it.
I've had patients who prefer to sleep with several pillows (2 -3 is what I've seen), or elevate their beds, or even sleep in a recliner.
Again, this seems to be different from patient to patient.
You also mentioned that you sometimes wake up with a headache. That also seems to be a symptom that some patients with COPD raise as a concern, so you are not alone in that regard! I thought this article, on that very topic, might provide you with some additional insight: https://copd.net/symptoms/morning-headaches .
I do hope this brief reply has been helpful for you.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator)Thank you Leon, this was very helpful. I will look into this suggestions
Hi again, PK2018, and thanks for your acknowledgement. Glad to hear you plan to look into this. I'm hopeful you will be able to find some aspect of using pillows and possibly elevation to make you more comfortable sleeping at night.
If you get a chance, please do check back and let us know how and if this all works out for you. We'd love to hear back from you when you have the time.
Warmest regards,
Leon (site moderator)
I double my pillow when I sleep in my bed, and yes I’ve woke up with a headache sometimes.
Personally, Elevate your head for sleeping Lying flat makes it harder to breathe. So sleep with your head on 2 or more pillows, stick a wedge pillow under your shoulders or even put blocks under the head of your bed.
I find purchasing a latex pillow has been the best for lifting my head . They are more expensive, but worth it. These are not the same as memory form. hope this helps. I use two latex pillows.
