Reflux and sleep

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

I was afraid that this would get lost in the other conversation.

For those who have are elevating sleep position, what has worked the best: Elevate the bed, use a wedge pillow, use a mattress wedge (between mattress and box spring)

Thanks

three4me · ‎01-13-2011

I just have a high pillow. The medication I'm on works pretty good most of the time. I also try not to eat late at night.

shaggygirl · ‎11-24-2011

And that's why I'm up at 2:12am sitting at the computer instead of asleep in my bed.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@granddi

I have been sleeping in a recliner for least 25 years because of my lumbar spinal issues(2 back surgeries for 3 completely ruptured discs), and an adjustable bed did nothing to help.

With my Asymptomatic very 1st Endoscopy and getting results of: GERD/Hiatal Hernia/Inflamed Esophagus, and Barrett's Esophagus? I thought they got my results mixed up with some other patient's findings.

I think the fact that I have slept in a recliner for so many years was a factor of me being Asymptomatic. Had I slept in a flat bed using only a pillow, my guess is I may have been aware of GERD. Will never know because I still cannot sleep in any bed for more than a couple hours.

Getting a new motorized recliner Friday, the day after my Hernia Surgery, which will give me even more sleep position options. One of my good friends is a Orthopedic Spinal Specialist, who did 1 of my 2 back surgeries, and his advice? If it works for you, stick with the recliner.

Instead of Wedges/Stacked Pillows etc., some with GERD might want to give a recliner a shot. I firmly believe that is why I had/have, zero symptoms of any of my Gastro issues.

hckynut(john)

Pook · ‎03-20-2010

@granddiI agree with @hckynut about sleeping in a recliner. I did that when I cracked my ankle years ago so I could prop it up enough and found not only did I sleep better but no issues with GERD. Also, I have Vocal Cord Disfunction where the backup goes up to the vocal cords which can close up and causes vocal cordinflamation, cough, get hoarse and have breathing issues and it was suggested that I either get a bed that can be raised or sleep in a recliner. I also found that taking a shot of Aloe Cure neutralizes the acid without need for the dangerous proton pump drugs which should not be taken all the time.

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

@granddi wrote:
I was afraid that this would get lost in the other conversation.

For those who have are elevating sleep position, what has worked the best: Elevate the bed, use a wedge pillow, use a mattress wedge (between mattress and box spring)

Thanks

@granddi

I use a wedge pillow and 2 regular pillows on top of that. It's not the best solution but if I don't do it, I am a mess! I would like to have one of those adjustable beds, but too expensive for me!

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." - Steve Martin

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

@granddi I use a wedge pillow. They make some specifically for acid reflux sufferers. I bought mine on Amazon and have to say it has helped me very much. When I feel good though I go back to my regular pillow. Thankfully for me it is not chronic but when it's bothersome it really hurts! Best to you.

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

We got wooden blocks at BB and B and stacked them 2 layers high. The bed is stable and it is KinG Size

It helps somewhat, but not completely, for me

LTT1 · ‎03-09-2010

@granddi @cherry @LindaSal @AngelPuppy1 @Pook

I think we need to try elevating the bed at our house. Some nights when I can’t sleep I give in and take a Nexium cap. I do fall asleep then.

~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

@Pook wrote:
@granddiI agree with @hckynut about sleeping in a recliner. I did that when I cracked my ankle years ago so I could prop it up enough and found not only did I sleep better but no issues with GERD. Also, I have Vocal Cord Disfunction where the backup goes up to the vocal cords which can close up and causes vocal cordinflamation, cough, get hoarse and have breathing issues and it was suggested that I either get a bed that can be raised or sleep in a recliner. I also found that taking a shot of Aloe Cure neutralizes the acid without need for the dangerous proton pump drugs which should not be taken all the time.

Regarding the vocal cord involvement.....

I just never had traditional GERD. I would have occassional reflux once a month after a naughty meal. But what I did have was constant clearing throat,excessive phlegm,sensation of mucous sticking in throat. There was no heart burn.

I went to ENT thinking I had developed sinus/allergy problems since we had moved to a new geography. ENT said he felt like it was reflux but didn't give me the name it but it seems I have LRD or LPRD=laryngopharyngeal reflex. The stomach acid is reaching the larynx and pharynx.

I'm doing a trial PPI but reading suggests that lifestyle changes make the most difference. Those with GERD will recognize that the do and don't list are the same. Do not: eat acid foods, spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, smoke,caffeine, chocolate, mint flavors, wear tight clothes, become stressed, eat 2 hours before bedtime.

I will also be trying the incline pillow. I am going to start eliminating items on the DO NOT list but quitting Diet Cokes will be the hard one. Hope I can just cut back and not give up carbonated caffeine.

So if you have any of these symptoms, don't mistake them for allergy like I did.