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What do lung cancer patients dowhen you can't breath well when you lay down

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Coudersport, PA
August 6
 · 
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MyLungCancerTeam

Breathing difficulties when lying down is a common challenge for people living with lung cancer. The good news is there are several sleep positions that may help make breathing easier at night.

Here are some positions worth trying:

- Side sleeping — Place a pillow between your legs and enough pillows under your head to Show Full Answer

Breathing difficulties when lying down is a common challenge for people living with lung cancer. The good news is there are several sleep positions that may help make breathing easier at night.

Here are some positions worth trying:

- Side sleeping — Place a pillow between your legs and enough pillows under your head to keep your neck straight
- Elevated sleeping — Prop yourself up at roughly a 45-degree angle using stacked pillows or a wedge pillow
- Near-upright sleeping — Some MyLungCancerTeam members find sleeping almost fully upright works best
- Recliner sleeping — A recliner lets you adjust your elevation throughout the night based on comfort and breathing
- Head-on-desk position — Sitting at a desk with pillows and leaning forward can help in a pinch if other positions aren't working It's worth noting that what works for one person may not work for another, and the best position may change over time as treatment progresses.

If breathing difficulties at night are persistent or worsening, it's really important to speak with your oncologist or care team. They can help identify the cause and explore treatment options to improve both breathing and sleep quality.

August 6
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I prop myself up with pillows and my bed can raise the head. Laying flat is terrible. I hope you find relief.

August 13
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Hey Alicia: using a nebulizer for breathing treatments can also help support your breathing. I use 2x a day but not near sleep. What you do during the day can help your breathing at night.1

August 6
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Hey Alicia: All of the Ai information is true. I use a wedge and pillows to keep myself elevated. This helps me alot to breathe during sleep. The air in the room can also effect breathing. I use humility in my cpap and oxygen. Try what ever works for you. If problems persists talk to your medical team. Sleep is important for healing. Good luck. Keep sharing.
Take care.

August 6
A MyLungCancerTeam Member
August 9

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