Tips for Sleeping with Pulmonary Edema - Positions and Aids for Better Rest

Understanding Pulmonary Edema

Pulmonary edema refers to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It can develop suddenly or gradually depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood or pink phlegm, and a crackling sound when inhaling.

Causes

There are several possible causes of fluid accumulation in the lungs:

• Heart failure - impaired heart pumping leads to fluid backup
• Kidney disease - excess fluid retention strains the lungs
• Infection - inflammation from pneumonia, sepsis, etc.
• Injury - trauma to the chest, smoke inhalation, near drowning
• Medication side effects - chemotherapy, nitroglycerin, opioids
• High altitude - lower oxygen levels increase pressure

Diagnosis

Pulmonary edema is diagnosed through:

• Listening to the lungs for crackling sounds
• Chest x-ray to view fluid buildup
• Echocardiogram to check heart function
• Blood tests to assess oxygen levels

Treatment

Treatment focuses on improving breathing and removing excess fluid. This may involve:

• Supplemental oxygen
• Diuretics to reduce fluid
• Medications to open airways
• Treating the underlying condition
• Noninvasive ventilation
• Rarely, a chest tube to drain fluid

Lifestyle Changes to Help You Sleep

Getting adequate sleep is important when you have excess fluid in your lungs. The following tips can help you sleep more comfortably:

Elevate Your Upper Body

Use extra pillows to prop your head and chest in an elevated position. This reduces congestion and makes breathing easier when lying down.

Try Lateral Positioning

Lying on your side can improve lung expansion and oxygenation. Alternate between left and right sides throughout the night.

Use Humidified Oxygen

If you use supplemental oxygen, adding a humidifier helps prevent your airways from drying out overnight.

Clear Your Lungs Before Bed

Use certain breathing techniques like huff coughing to clear mucus before going to sleep. This minimizes congestion.

Reduce Fluid Intake Before Bed

Limit fluid ingestion within 2-3 hours of bedtime to reduce bathroom trips and fluid buildup overnight.

Take Diuretics Early

If prescribed diuretics, take them early in the day to avoid excessive nighttime urination.

Use Sleep-Promoting Herbal Teas

Drinking chamomile, passionflower, or peppermint tea can help relax your airways and promote sleep.

Manage Anxiety or Stress

Anxiety and stress hormones can worsen breathing issues. Try calming practices like meditation before bed.

Keep the Room Cool

Proper room temperature between 60-67°F makes breathing easier. Use a fan if needed.

Consider a Humidifier

Adding moisture to dry air using a cool mist humidifier can soothe irritated airways.

Sleeping Positions to Alleviate Symptoms

Certain sleeping positions can help minimize pulmonary edema symptoms at night. Useful positions include:

Elevated Upper Body

Sleep propped up with your head, neck and chest elevated 30-60°. This reduces fluid congestion in the lungs.

Right Side

Lying on your right side takes pressure off your heart and improves lung expansion and oxygenation.

Left Side

The left lateral position enhances lymphatic drainage from your lungs to relieve excess fluid buildup.

Fowler's Position

Sit partly upright with your head and chest raised 45-60°. This allows for easier breathing.

Prone Position

Lying on your stomach with a pillow under your abdomen can improve ventilation to posterior lung regions.

Avoid Supine

Lying flat on your back allows fluid accumulation in lung bases. Try to avoid this position.

Using Pillows to Improve Positioning

Strategically placing pillows allows you to maintain therapeutic sleep positions that enable easier breathing with pulmonary edema:

Extra Pillows Under Head and Neck

Use several pillows to keep your head, neck and chest inclined 30° or more to avoid supine position.

Wedge Pillow Under Torso

A wedge pillow under your mid to upper back helps maintain an inclined chest position.

Knee Pillow

Bend your knees and place a pillow underneath to take pressure off your back in side lying.

Pillow Between Legs

Put a pillow between your legs if lying on your side to align your spine and enhance comfort.

Pillow Under Stomach

When lying prone, use a slim pillow under your stomach and abdomen to reduce back arching.

Avoid Neck Pillows

Cervical pillows that hyperextend your neck can restrict breathing - use with caution.

Using a Hospital Bed at Home

Using an adjustable hospital bed allows you to elevate your upper body for improved lung expansion and oxygenation at night. Key benefits include:

• Head and chest elevation up to 70°
• Adjustable bed positions with handheld remote
• Lessened pressure on lungs in elevated positions
• Easier breathing when propped upright
• More comfortable sleep

Talk to your doctor about ordering a hospital bed for home use. Many medical supply companies deliver temporary beds for rent or purchase.

Sleeping with Oxygen Support

Using supplemental oxygen at night can aid sleep with pulmonary edema in a few ways:

Increases Oxygenation

Extra oxygen improves oxygen saturation levels, reducing shortness of breath.

Offloads the Heart

Improved oxygenation takes strain off the heart, which benefits heart failure patients.

Allows Deeper Sleep

Adequate oxygen levels enable you to sleep more soundly through the night.

Relieves Anxiety

The assurance of having supplemental oxygen can minimize anxiety and promote relaxation.

Enables Movement

Portable oxygen devices allow you to move, adjust positions, and stay asleep.

Talk to your doctor about getting fitted for nighttime oxygen if indicated.

CPAP/BiPAP Therapy

CPAP or BiPAP therapy may be recommended for pulmonary edema with coexisting sleep apnea. Benefits include:

• Keeps airways open
• Provides pressure support for easier breathing
• Reduces fluid retention
• Lessens hospitalizations
• Lowers pulmonary hypertension risk

The pressurized air flow also helps remove excess fluid from the lungs overnight. Work with a sleep specialist for CPAP/BiPAP therapy.

Tracking Your Sleep and Symptoms

It can be helpful to track your sleep and related symptoms using a journal or app. Note:

• Sleep duration and quality
• Breathing ease overnight
• Coughing or congestion
• Sleep positions attempted
• Oxygen saturation levels

Reviewing your sleep log with your doctor allows them to adjust treatment and recommendations accordingly.

When to Seek Medical Care

Consult your doctor or seek medical care if you experience:

• Increasing shortness of breath lasting more than 15 minutes
• Persistent wheezing or cough with pink/bloody sputum
• Heart palpitations or irregular pulse
• Swelling in your legs or abdomen
• Confusion or impaired thinking

Worsening pulmonary edema may require additional interventions to remove excess fluid and improve oxygenation.

Preventing Fluid Buildup in the Lungs

You can reduce your risk of pulmonary edema by:

• Taking medications as prescribed
• Avoiding high altitudes if you have heart problems
• Treating heart failure, kidney disease, infections
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding swings in fluid intake
• Preventing opioid overdose

Work closely with your doctor to control underlying conditions that can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.