What is the recommended position for patients with OSA during a sleep study?

The recommended position for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during a sleep study is lying on their side. This position, often referred to as the lateral position, helps to reduce the frequency and severity of apnea events. In patients with OSA, when lying on their back (supine position), gravity can cause the tongue and soft tissues of the throat to collapse into the airway, leading to obstructions. By lying on their side, the airway remains more open, and the likelihood of apneic events decreases, facilitating better oxygenation and overall sleep quality.

While other positions, such as sitting upright or lying face down, may also be beneficial in certain clinical situations, side-lying is specifically recommended for sleep studies assessing OSA due to its positive impact on airway patency. This position allows for a more accurate assessment of sleep-related breathing patterns and the effectiveness of any therapeutic interventions being tested.