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Effect of posture on upper airway dimensions in normal human
M A Jan1, I Marshall, N J Douglas
1Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Sleeping posture impacts breathing. This study found that lying down narrows the airway compared to sitting, but the lateral sleeping position does not further restrict it compared to supine. Neck extension widens the airway.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Posture significantly affects breathing during sleep, with snoring, hypopneas, and apneas more prevalent when lying down, especially in the supine position.
- The impact of the lateral lying position on upper airway caliber remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of lateral lying position on pharyngeal cross-sectional area (CSA) in normal awake subjects.
- To determine the influence of neck position (hyper-extension and flexion) on upper airway caliber.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the acoustic reflection technique to measure pharyngeal CSA.
- Evaluated 20 normal awake subjects in sitting, supine, and lateral lying positions.
- Assessed the effects of neck hyper-extension and flexion on airway dimensions.
Main Results:
- Pharyngeal CSA decreased significantly from sitting to supine position.
- No significant difference in pharyngeal CSA was observed between supine and lateral lying positions.
- Neck hyper-extension significantly increased pharyngeal CSA, while neck flexion had no significant effect.
Conclusions:
- Confirms that pharyngeal areas are smaller when lying down compared to sitting in normal awake subjects.
- Demonstrates no significant difference in upper airway caliber between supine and lateral lying positions.
- Highlights that upper airway caliber increases with neck extension in conscious adults.