A number of obstructive sleep apnea cases are due to sleep position. Airway collapse can occur more frequently when a patient is sleeping on their back. To address this issue, there are several products available that can address positional sleep apnea. This positional sleep aids guide compares devices on parameters including how the device works, acclimation period, FDA status, prescription versus over-the-counter, price, power supply, weight, data recorded, dimensions, warranties, reimbursement, and more.
| Company | Advanced Brain Monitoring Inc | Contour Products | CPAPology by KEGO | Philips | Rematee | Sleep Specialists LLC (dba 2z Medical) |
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| Device | Night Shift Sleep Positioner | CPAPMax Pillow | Sleep Noodle | NightBalance | Bumper Belt | ZZOMA, Zzoma Positional Device | ||
| Website | nightshifttherapy.com | www.contourproducts.com | cpapology.com | www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/resources/landing/ nightbalance |
www.rematee.com | www.zzomaosa.com | ||
| How It Works | Worn around the neck or chest, Night Shift begins to vibrate when the user initiates supine sleep. The vibration slowly increases in intensity until a position change occurs. Night Shift is also an intelligent, interactive monitor that measures sleep quality and the frequency of unhealthy loud snoring. |
The CPAPMax Pillow has an orthopedic design, 4 height options, reversible cool mesh and plush fiber-fill sides, and side cutouts that help users find the perfect position—even while wearing a CPAP mask. A tether keeps the CPAP hose in place so it doesn’t pull on the mask. The pillow can be used by back, side, or stomach sleepers and works with all CPAP therapy brands. It is designed to reduce leaks, noise, and dry eyes. |
The Sleep Noodle helps to provide positional therapy by using its foam insert to ensure comfort but sufficient support to maintain side sleeping. An industrial strength hook-and-loop fastener ensures the belt maintains its connection while wrapped around the user. |
Philips NightBalance is a clinically-validated positional therapy that uses gentle vibrations to encourage users to alter their sleeping positions to help prevent apneas. | The Bumper Belt helps prevent a person from sleeping on their back. Worn while sleeping, its adjustable inflatable bumpers hold users on their sides. | Designed by a board-certified sleep physician and worn around the upper torso, ZZOMA treats mild to moderate positional obstructive sleep apnea and snoring by ensuring patients remain on their side while sleeping—normalizing sleep quality while minimizing nighttime disruption and daytime fatigue. |
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| Acclimation Period | After the first night of use, a patient will know if the device is effective, based on how many times he/she attempted to sleep supine and how quickly he/she responded to the vibrotactile feedback. |
N/A | 14 days | The adaptation program is designed to slowly train the user to respond to the sensor device’s vibrations during sleep. Patients need to use NightBalance for 9 nights before the device will provide full therapy. | A properly sized belt is immediately effective. | ~2 weeks | ||
| FDA Status | FDA cleared for the treatment of positional OSA and chronic snoring | N/A | N/A | FDA 510(k) cleared | not FDA approved | FDA cleared K100160 | ||
| Accessibility | Prescription | Over-the-Counter | Over-the-Counter | Prescription | Over-The-Counter | Prescription | ||
| Price | $349 | $59.95 | $39.95 | $849.99 | $108.78 | $189.95 | ||
| Power Supply | rechargeable lithium polymer 200mAh | N/A | N/A | docking station with power adapter: power source: 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz; output: 5V, 200 Ma, 10W | N/A | N/A | ||
| Dimensions (cm) | 5.6 x 3.8 x 1.3 | 50.8 x 30.5 x 13 (adjustable height) | 14 x 20 x 34 | Sensor device: 6.9 x 4.5 x 1.4; chest strap: 149.0 x 7.0 x 0. |
deflated: 17.8 x 12.7 x 10.1; fully inflated, bumpers can provide up to 38 cm of resistance. |
12 x 6 x 4 | ||
| Weight (grams) | 44 | 1,447 | 460 | sensor device: 30; chest strap: 62 | 454 | <454 | ||
| Data Recorded | sleep/wake, head position, snoring dB | N/A | N/A | wireless connectivity and a mobile app monitor product use and provide patients and physicians with access to data via a cloud-based system that can inform therapy intervention and specialized treatment plans. | N/A | N/A | ||
| Warranties/Guarantees | 30-day money-back guarantee to prevent supine sleep; warranties: 2 years on workmanship, 1 year on battery and vibration motors, 6 months on neck and chest strap |
2-year-warranty | 1-year-warranty | 2-year warranty on sensor device and docking station | 30-day money-back guarantee; 1-year warranty for defects | 30-day money-back guarantee; 1-year warranty for replacement | ||
| Reimbursement | Variable. | FSA/HSA qualified. | None. | Not reimbursable. Private payer coverage may vary. | With a receipt from Rematee and a doctor prescription, it can be submitted to third party insurers for reimbursement. Coverage varies by provider. |
0.00 HCPCS E0190 for positioning cushion/pillow/wedge, any shape or size, includes all components and accessories. | ||
| Supporting Study | Levendowski DJ, Seagraves S, Popovic D, Westbrook PR. Assessment of a neck- based treatment and monitoring device for positional obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2014;10(8):863-71. |
Contact Contour Products for a white paper. | Not provided. | Berry RB, Uhles ML, Abaluck BK, et al. NightBalance sleep position treatment device versus auto-adjusting positive airway pressure for treatment of positional obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020 Jul 15;15(7):947-56. |
Not provided | Permut I, Diaz-Abad M, Chatila W, et al. Comparison of positional therapy to CPAP in patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2010 Jun 15;6(3):238-43. |
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| Additional Information | Reports provide sleep efficiency, WASO, positional snoring (dB), sleep position, sleep time, awakenings/hr, vibrations/supine attempt, daily/monthly/365-day reporting. Can be paired with a Nonin WristOx to deliver positional ODI for screening and efficacy testing using the PoSAS software. |
Includes three removable foam layers: charcoal infused high-resiliency foam, high resiliency foam, and memory foam. Adjusts to 4 different height options (5.25,” 4.5,” 3,” 2.25”). |
Sleep Noodle is available in three sizes. Sleep Noodle is made of neoprene, polyester, and nylon, with a mesh lining for comfort and breathability. |
More than 70% of adults who use NightBalance reported feeling less sleepy and more refreshed during the day. Pair with Philips NightBalance mobile app (compatible with most smartphones) to see treatment progression. | Worn up against the skin, overtop sleepwear, and machine washable. Purchase online, by phone, or from a local sleep specialist. USA shipping 1-3 days. |
Also sold in Canada, Finland, Ireland, and the Netherlands. In a clinical study of patients with positional OSA, Zzoma was found to be just as effective as CPAP while allowing patients to sleep on their own pillow. Features a wedge-shape design, stretch material, and adjustable straps. Included inflatable bladder can replace the foam during travel. |
Information for this guide based on data submitted by positional sleep aid marketers. Sleep Review strives for accuracy in all data but cannot be held responsible for claims made by marketers. Pricing is subject to change. All positional sleep aid marketers get one listing at no charge. Advertisers are offered multiple listings. All positional sleep aid options may not be included. We plan to update this guide once a year. Email sroy[at]medqor.com to be considered for the next update.
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