How can I keep myself upright while sleeping?

Posted by cjj2 @cjj2, Feb 1 9:38am

Seems like this would be a simple thing to do, but even with a wedge pillow I seem to slide down. Reflux wakes me up. I stop eating 4 hours before bedtime, but continue to drink water. I had an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy 4 years ago. For the past few months, I have had an irritated feeling in my throat & a dry cough. More recently, I have had occasional problems swallowing liquids - seems to go down the wrong way & sets off violent coughing. I’m worried about aspirating, but that’s another issue.
Any ideas for better upright sleeping?

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Profile picture for lleigh @lleigh

I have found that a combination of a 4 inch memory, foam, topper, a memory, foam, wedge, and two memory foam pillows Seems to work best for me. I also usually have another pillow that I saw. I kind a hug that is tucked underneath the top pillow.
Hopefully this is helpful 🙂
Lori

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@lleigh
Hi, Lori,
Yes, this is helpful. 😊
Thanks,
Connie J.

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I’m five years post surgery. I use several devices. I have a recliner and an adjustable bed. I’ve tried several of the short 3 foot wedges. They are uncomfortable and you can only sleep on your back. I prefer to sleep on my side or stomach. What I find very comfortable allowing me to sleep through the night (side or stomach) is an Avana super slant FULL Length bed wedge. Amazon $189.
It’s been a game changer for me.

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I'm on Medicare, so they paid for a hospital bed. (It's not nearly as sturdy as the real thing, but it's functional.) I sleep with my head around 35 degrees and my knees elevated just enough to keep from sliding down. I found that raising your knees too far led to pressure sores. I paid a little extra for mechanical raising and lowering of the entire bed. Medicare will pay only for a mechanical crank for that function. I bought an inexpensive inclinometer which clamps to the frame magnetically to get the head elevation right. I also take Nexium mornings and famotidine in the evening. I have not had the surgery. Even for those not on Medicare yet, the beds are not terrifically expensive. I find the bed much more comfortable than recliners for all-night sleep...

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Profile picture for earle @earle

I'm on Medicare, so they paid for a hospital bed. (It's not nearly as sturdy as the real thing, but it's functional.) I sleep with my head around 35 degrees and my knees elevated just enough to keep from sliding down. I found that raising your knees too far led to pressure sores. I paid a little extra for mechanical raising and lowering of the entire bed. Medicare will pay only for a mechanical crank for that function. I bought an inexpensive inclinometer which clamps to the frame magnetically to get the head elevation right. I also take Nexium mornings and famotidine in the evening. I have not had the surgery. Even for those not on Medicare yet, the beds are not terrifically expensive. I find the bed much more comfortable than recliners for all-night sleep...

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@earle
Hi, Earle!
Thanks for your message. The info about the bed is very good to know as another possible solution. I’m glad you mentioned pressure sores because it’s always in the back of my mind with this issue of having to sleep more upright. I may be thinking too far ahead on this because I can still shift positions easily when at rest, and I am relatively active during the day.
Thanks again!
Connie J.

REPLY
Profile picture for earle @earle

I'm on Medicare, so they paid for a hospital bed. (It's not nearly as sturdy as the real thing, but it's functional.) I sleep with my head around 35 degrees and my knees elevated just enough to keep from sliding down. I found that raising your knees too far led to pressure sores. I paid a little extra for mechanical raising and lowering of the entire bed. Medicare will pay only for a mechanical crank for that function. I bought an inexpensive inclinometer which clamps to the frame magnetically to get the head elevation right. I also take Nexium mornings and famotidine in the evening. I have not had the surgery. Even for those not on Medicare yet, the beds are not terrifically expensive. I find the bed much more comfortable than recliners for all-night sleep...

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@earle yes, I have an adjustable bed and with the remote I can vary the height of the head or foot of the bed. Good selection on Amazon. Bought mine from there.

REPLY
Profile picture for earle @earle

I'm on Medicare, so they paid for a hospital bed. (It's not nearly as sturdy as the real thing, but it's functional.) I sleep with my head around 35 degrees and my knees elevated just enough to keep from sliding down. I found that raising your knees too far led to pressure sores. I paid a little extra for mechanical raising and lowering of the entire bed. Medicare will pay only for a mechanical crank for that function. I bought an inexpensive inclinometer which clamps to the frame magnetically to get the head elevation right. I also take Nexium mornings and famotidine in the evening. I have not had the surgery. Even for those not on Medicare yet, the beds are not terrifically expensive. I find the bed much more comfortable than recliners for all-night sleep...

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All I use is a good quality wedge under my head. Works great. Months ago I finally got my aspirations under control. I rarely aspirate now.

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Hi!
Thanks very much for your message. Can you share the brand name with me? I got my wedge pillow from Costco.
Thanks,
Connie J.

REPLY
Profile picture for rashida @rashida

@earle yes, I have an adjustable bed and with the remote I can vary the height of the head or foot of the bed. Good selection on Amazon. Bought mine from there.

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@rashida
Hi!
This is good stuff to know.
Thanks,
Connie J.

REPLY
Profile picture for brianpj12 @brianpj12

I’m five years post surgery. I use several devices. I have a recliner and an adjustable bed. I’ve tried several of the short 3 foot wedges. They are uncomfortable and you can only sleep on your back. I prefer to sleep on my side or stomach. What I find very comfortable allowing me to sleep through the night (side or stomach) is an Avana super slant FULL Length bed wedge. Amazon $189.
It’s been a game changer for me.

Jump to this post

@brianpj12
Hello!
Thanks for your message.
This sounds like a product worth checking out!
Thanks, again,
Connie J.

REPLY
Profile picture for doglover888 @doglover888

All I use is a good quality wedge under my head. Works great. Months ago I finally got my aspirations under control. I rarely aspirate now.

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@doglover888 I've had problems with clots/PEs in the past, so I have to elevate my feet as well. The hospital bed does that...

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