I sleep on the couch with head and shoulders elevated. I sometimes wake up choking, if my head changes positions. I think may die that way.

Sad to read these stories of woe. I didn't sleep much last night, and had some trouble breathing, which is usually due to eating not-so-good food (I ate some canned spaghetti, and this morning I gave the rest of the cans to charity, no use me trying to eat them). I don't choke, but I do have this breathing impairment which I believe is mild bulbar paralysis. Eating low fat carbs at 3:30 AM helped me finally get some rest. My legs spasm and jerk all night unless I take magnesium, but last night even my usual dose didn't do it.
Bad food probably. What would I do in some "independent living" place, would the food have me doing this most nights?

i have a beside rail on one side of my bed. i mainly use it for turning and getting out of bed but i don't see why you couldn't use it to keep you from falling out.

you can position it anywhere along the bed you want. i can't remember the company i got it from but maybe if you call some local medical equipment companies they could give you a referral. or google it. i think i paid about $100 for mine and i'm very glad i have it.

if you know someone that's handy maybe someone could build you something.

what about blocking yourself from turning on your back?

Perhaps use a wedge/body pillow or stuff a few reg. pillows behind your back (while you are on your side). You can always do the old fashioned "stop snoring" trick - stitch a pocket on your jammies {about mid upper back} and slip in a tennis ball. Works like a charm to keep you from turning on your back.

If I am having a really hard time I tuck a pillow behind me while I lay on my side, and this keeps me from rolling over onto my back. Some folks sew tennis balls into their PJs and other tricks to keep them from rolling over. I think propping works great and is much more comfy.

I hope you got some sleep.