When you wake up fully rested, you feel better emotionally and physically. Your body is energized, and you have less stress. Sleep takes great care of your immune system, brain, and heart, and it can even help you lose weight. For staying happy and healthy, getting plenty of sleep is essential. That’s why conditions that interrupt your sleep routine, such as sleep apnea, have such a negative effect on health.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes problems with breathing. A person with sleep apnea stops breathing many times each night, usually anywhere from five to 30 times an hour. The individual may stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer each time.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition. It deprives the brain of oxygen and puts a lot of stress on the cardiovascular system. Instead of allowing people to enjoy a full cycle of sleep that helps the body repair itself, this disorder constantly wakes them up. Important studies suggest that people who have sleep apnea are more likely to have problems with depression, inflammation, and heart disease.

In people who have sleep apnea, the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much, narrowing the airway and making it difficult to breathe. The brain senses this lack of oxygen, so it wakes the person up briefly, desperate for air. Most people don’t remember waking up, but it can happen hundreds of times every night.

How Common Is Sleep Apnea?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sleep apnea affects almost 9% of women and about 25% of men. Approximately 22 million adults in the U.S. have this condition. In other words, if you have or suspect you have sleep apnea, you’re far from alone. The good news is that there are several things you can do to find relief.

How Can a Great Mattress Help With Sleep Apnea?

One of the most important factors for improving overall sleep quality and reducing the effects of sleep apnea is to promote healthy breathing while you sleep. A high-quality, comfortable mattress can help keep your airway open. Here are three benefits of the best mattresses for sleep apnea:

1) Excellent sleep posture and support: Sleep doctors generally recommend sleeping on your side instead of on your back if you have sleep apnea. This reduces the risk of airway obstructions. Therapeutic mattresses have memory foam that adapts to your body’s contours, giving you the support you need to wake up free of back pain.

2) Increased oxygen flow: Every person is different when it comes to sleep apnea. Many people find better results sleeping with their head elevated. This reduces pressure on the trachea and makes it easier to breathe comfortably. Adjustable base beds give you complete control over your ideal sleeping position.

3) Hypoallergenic materials: If your sleep apnea is caused by allergies that prevent you from breathing comfortably through the nose, choosing a mattress made from hypoallergenic materials can relieve you. In addition, these mattresses often have a naturally anti-allergen exterior that prevents dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens from sticking around.

Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, this type of lifestyle change may be all you need to enjoy restful sleep again. However, if you have chronic sleep apnea, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a sleep doctor to learn about additional treatment options. In addition to telling you to invest in a great mattress, these doctors may suggest a continuous positive air pressure machine. CPAP machines deliver a steady stream of oxygen via the nose.

What Are the Best Mattresses for Sleep Apnea?

Here are the top mattress brands for sleep apnea:

Tempur-Pedic

Tempur-Pedic mattresses have the ultimate in memory foam and sleep comfort. They’re designed to enhance the bedroom sleep environment with materials that keep you cool all night long. A Tempur-Pedic mattress supports every part of your body for side sleeping and soothes any sensitive pressure points. One of the best features for sleep apnea is the way they prevent vibrations from your partner’s movements from waking you up.

Sealy

Our customers always rave about the amazing comfort of Sealy mattresses. For sleep apnea, the Posturepedic series is phenomenal. The great thing about these mattresses is that you can find a wide range of hard and soft sleep options that offer great support, letting you choose the best mattress for your preferences. There are pillow-top versions for amazing relaxation, or you can choose hybrid styles for a combination of responsive memory foam and strong titanium innerspring.

Stearns & Foster

If you want to treat yourself to maximum luxury, choose a plush Estate series Stearns and Foster mattress. With countless layers of memory foam support, plush and pillow-top options and incredible micro coils for added comfort, these mattresses make bedtime something you look forward to. The reason we especially love this brand for sleep apnea is the astonishing power base options available. Precise adjustments can make a world of difference for your sleep quality and breathing.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

If you’re not sure whether you or a loved one has sleep apnea, there are several signs you can look for. The only way to be 100% sure is to have a sleep test, but it’s fairly easy to notice the effects of sleep apnea if you have it:

• Snoring frequently and loudly

• Gasping for air during the night

• Trouble paying attention when people speak

• Feeling extremely tired during the day

• Waking up with a dry mouth

• Having persistent headaches in the morning

• Noticing significant fatigue or exhaustion

• Feeling irritable or depressed

Many of these symptoms are only noticeable to someone else watching you sleep. If you’re married, your husband or wife may tell you that you constantly snore, struggle to breathe or gasp for air.

What Are Other Ways To Alleviate Sleep Apnea?

In addition to getting a great mattress, there are other basic ways to improve your sleep quality and encourage complete sleep cycles. Here are a few trustworthy recommendations:

1) Sleep on your side or your stomach: If you usually sleep on your back, it’s time for a change. Prevent your tongue from blocking your airway by rolling over onto your side or abdomen.

2) Stop smoking: Smoking irritates your airways, which can cause more obstructions.

3) Exercise more: Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise during the day can help you sleep better at night. Exercise releases feel-good hormones that fight stress and inflammation, too.

4) Lose weight: Dropping a few pounds can help you breathe more comfortably at night. Overweight is one of the main risk factors for sleep apnea.

5) Don’t drink caffeine close to bedtime: Caffeine can trigger insomnia, and insomnia always makes sleep apnea worse.

6) Don’t take sleeping pills: Ironically, taking sleeping pills is one of the worst things for sleep apnea. They cause the back of your throat to relax, leading to sleep apnea instead of preventing it.