How to deal with upper airway resistance syndrome?

July 15, 2021 5:03 PM

After about five years of trying to find an explanation for my constant tiredness, I've at last been given a diagnosis that makes sense to me: a respirologist has diagnosed me with upper airway resistance syndrome (a relative of obstructive sleep apnea). He's given me some exercises for my tongue and upper airway. I'd love to hear from other people who've had this diagnosis. What has worked for you?

As I said, I've been given exercises for my tongue and upper airway.

If those don't solve the problem, the respirologist says that the next step is to try a mandibular advancement device.

And if that doesn't solve the problem, he'll then try a CPAP machine.

I've been experimenting with ways of preventing myself from sleeping on my back. A backpack containing a softball helps a bit ... but sometimes I end up sleeping uncomfortably on my back on top of a softball. I'd love recommendations of a better method.

I am not overweight. I don't snore.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

posted by HoraceH to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

YMMV, but I've found that, when you're sleeping alone, hugging a pillow to yourself does a lot to deter rolling over onto your back. However, this can be deemed anti-social by people sharing the bed with you.
posted by praemunire at 5:40 PM on July 15, 2021 [1 favorite]

One thing to consider is that the cause may be nose-related, so if you've never seen an ENT, that might be worth a stop, as well as working with your respirologist. In my case the cause of the UARS was nasal valve collapse, and I'm doing much better after having had surgery to correct it. Breathe-Rite strips are another (non-surgical) option if it is in fact your nose.

Pillows help a lot with side-sleeping. Like, a lot of pillows. Optimal for me would be two body pillows on either side + three additional head pillows but I get by with a couple king-sized ones plus some smaller head pillows.
posted by pie ninja at 6:04 PM on July 15, 2021 [2 favorites]

The OTC SnoreRX device has been the best for me, but my problem *is* snoring, not tiredness. I have sore teeth for about a half hour after waking up but they’re not moving, and it’s a uniform sort of soreness thanks to the molded tray.
posted by supercres at 12:33 AM on July 16, 2021 [2 favorites]

I found relief with a MAD device. They did a follow up sleep study that confirmed normal alert profile (much closer to it). It was covered by insurance. My sleep still isn’t great, I think maybe related to years of stressful sleep, but it’s usually adequate, which is amazing.

My docs say my case is due to an extremely palate/jaw/airways.

Now I’m doing DNA appliance therapy which is only partly covered by insurance, and I would say not necessarily fully evidence backed. In theory it should permanently open up my airways and improve my quality of life. In the short term, it provides equivalent relief to my first appliance, so I figured it was worth a shot for the price. It is a long process but I had figured on wearing a device forever anyway so I don’t think I’m losing anything. My sleep dentist is happy with my process and I think I can feel some airway changes.

Also I found/find nasonex/Flonase helpful. I have also tried antihistamines like cetirizine which I read that some found helpful - I found that harder to be sure of the impact of, but it was cheap and didn’t hurt.

Good luck!
posted by Salamandrous at 7:05 AM on July 16, 2021 [1 favorite]

I think I may have something similar, but I've gone to my ENT and not a respirologist. I was diagnosed with a slightly deviated septum, and a mild bone obstruction. I've been using Breathe-Rite strips as well, and they go a long way, though it's still not perfect. The doctor also prescribed Flonase, and I tried it for a time, but didn't see it working particularly well.
posted by taltalim at 12:00 PM on July 16, 2021

Did your doctor say anything about trying to sleep with your shoulders and head slightly elevated? A wedge pillow might be of help.

You might also want to peruse the Apnea Board forum. It's more Sleep Apnea and CPAP centric than might be appropriate for you now but I'm sure it could be helpful.
posted by Nelson at 3:49 PM on July 16, 2021 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks, everyone! There are some great ideas here. I'm feeling optimistic for the first time in years!
posted by HoraceH at 6:35 AM on July 21, 2021