Is it one side more then another . . . although vertigo problems can be both sides too? For me, I have to sleep on my right side with my face pointing down (with back of my head propped up). If I don't, I will often choke, my heart beats hard, I feel nauseous, and I can't seem to get any air into my lungs.

I imagine there is some "emotional" response included in that, because who wouldn't be a little freaked out when they feel that way?

Try various methods of propping up pillows, taking away pillows, etc. to see if it helps at all. It may just be a hug thing, but the fact that it bothers you most when you are laying made me think of the vertigo angle.

Cherie