sleep apnea relief canadaguide at mattress miracle brantford

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Adjustable bed base for better sleep comfort
Adjustable bed base for better sleep comfort

In This Article:

Adjustable Beds and Sleep Apnea: What the Research Actually Shows

Sleep apnea affects millions of Canadians, and CPAP machines remain the gold standard treatment. But what about adjustable beds? Can they help? Research published in 2026 offers some interesting answers, though they come with important caveats.

The Science of Head Elevation

A clinical study found that head-of-bed elevation at 7.5 degrees significantly decreased the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from 15.7 to 10.7 events per hour. That's roughly a 32% reduction in breathing disruptions. Minimum oxygen saturation also improved, rising from 83.5% to 87%.

Why does this work? When you sleep flat, gravity pulls soft tissue in your throat downward, narrowing the airway. Elevating your upper body changes this positioning, helping keep the airway more open throughout the night.

Who Benefits Most

Adjustable beds show the most promise for:

  • Mild to moderate sleep apnea: The effects are more pronounced for those without severe cases
  • Positional sleep apnea: People whose apnea worsens when sleeping on their back
  • Chronic snorers: Even without diagnosed apnea, elevation reduces snoring volume
  • CPAP users: Elevation can complement CPAP therapy and improve comfort
  • Those with acid reflux: GERD often accompanies sleep apnea, and elevation helps both

What Adjustable Beds Cannot Do

Let's be clear about limitations. An adjustable bed is not a replacement for CPAP therapy in moderate to severe sleep apnea. CPAP delivers continuous positive airway pressure to mechanically keep your airway open. Elevation alone cannot match this effect for serious cases.

The research also shows that head elevation was more effective at reducing hypopneas (shallow breathing) than complete apneas (breathing stops). For severe obstructive sleep apnea, medical intervention remains necessary.

Most sleep specialists recommend trying angles between 30 and 45 degrees, though this varies based on:

  • Severity of your sleep apnea
  • Whether you have acid reflux (which benefits from higher elevation)
  • Personal comfort preferences
  • Whether you're combining elevation with CPAP

Start lower and gradually increase until you find what works. Most split king adjustable bases allow you to program preset positions once you find your ideal angle.

Combining Approaches

Many people use adjustable beds alongside other treatments:

  • CPAP plus elevation: Some find lower CPAP pressure settings work better when elevated
  • Oral appliances plus elevation: Dental devices that reposition the jaw combined with head elevation
  • Weight management plus elevation: Since excess weight contributes to sleep apnea
  • Side sleeping plus elevation: Positional therapy combined with slight elevation

What to Look for in an Adjustable Base

If you're buying an adjustable bed specifically for sleep apnea:

  • Precise angle control: Not just preset positions, but the ability to fine-tune
  • Quiet motors: You'll be adjusting at night; loud motors wake partners
  • Memory positions: Save your ideal angle for one-button access
  • Split king option: If your partner doesn't need elevation

Talk to Your Doctor First

Before treating sleep apnea with elevation alone, get a proper diagnosis. A sleep study determines the type and severity of your apnea. Your doctor can then advise whether positional therapy might help and whether it's safe to try alternatives or additions to CPAP.

Try Before You Buy

Come to our Brantford store at 441½ West Street. We carry adjustable bases you can actually test. Lie down, elevate to different angles, and see how it feels. We can discuss your specific situation and help you understand what might work.

Mattress Miracle: helping Brantford breathe easier since 1987.

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