Priority 16 from the Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Saskatchewan,Canada) PSP

UNCERTAINTY: How do bed surfaces, pillows and sleeping position affect the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?  (JLA PSP Priority 16)
Overall ranking 16
JLA question ID 0118/16
Explanatory note Because keeping the airway open is critical to breathing better at night, patients are often interested in devices that might help to better position themselves during sleep. There are numerous commercial bed surface, devices and pillows available for puchase online, some of which are expensive. It is often unclear if these products are of any value. 
Evidence

Epstein LJ, Kristo D, Strollo PJ Jr, Friedman N, Malhotra A, Patil SP, Ramar K, Rogers R, Schwab RJ, Weaver EM, Weinstein MD; Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Task Force of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Clinical guideline for the evaluation, management and long-term care of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. J Clin Sleep Med. 2009 Jun 15;5(3):263-76. PMID: 19960649; PMCID: PMC2699173.

Health Research Classification System category Respiratory
Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples What role does comfort (proper pillow, mattress) play in sleep apnea? ~ Does a sleeping position helps this condition ~ Is sleeping a certain position helpful in this situation? 
Submitted by Patients x 15, family members x 2
PSP information
PSP unique ID

0118

PSP name Obstructive Sleep Apnea PSP
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP. 39  (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 28 January 2021