Goodbye side sleeping
 

My right side has gotten worse than the left in terms of first rib elevation and supraclavicular edema. This is pretty significant considering that > 90% of my TOS symptoms were on the left side when this all started.

This change has coincided perfectly with my switch to sleeping on my right side. Formerly, I used to sleep exclusively on my left.

So... side sleeping has to go.

I feel your pain, I really miss side sleeping:(

Definitely sucks to hear that.

My symptoms are aggravated when side sleeping but I can't seem to make back sleeping comfortable. My head/neck seem get tired of being in that position after a few minutes. Anyone have tips for making back sleeping more comfortable?

It sort of sucks but on the positive side it's a confirmation/revelation that the compression from side sleeping is a major factor in my TOS, and one that I can hopefully eliminate. Given that I have this condition, it's always good to find something to improve.

Regarding tips, one that I saw somewhere was to start on your side but then twist your shoulders back, using a pillow underneath the far shoulder for support. The idea is that you get some of the comfort of side sleeping while taking that compression off the shoulder that would normally be underneath you were you truly on your side.

I've tried it for brief periods of time and it seems okay. I worry that I could go back to side sleeping easily. I also wonder if having the torso twisted like that for a long period of time would cause any problems.

Btw I just made this decision today. So I've yet to see how well I fair with my attempt. But I'm committed. There is no longer any doubt that side sleeping has to go.

I sleep with my upper body elevated by about 10-15 deg. It causes much less upward movement of the ribs when lying down as the ribs have to work a bit more against gravity.

That's interesting. I may have to try that. Are you just using ordinary pillows to prop yourself up?

I tried tying down my hands for a few years.

Neck pillows tied around my neck are helpful for side sleeping.

Neither of these are very safe though.

I once had a man fashion me a Velcro device to tie my at waist level. He only mAde one device and I was to switch sides every other night. That way in case of fire or something in the middle of the night I wasn't completely helpless.

No - I have a base that can elevate the head and also put another child's matress folded in half under the top half of mine. It gives a much more gradual and consistent rise. I couldn't image trying to do it with pillows, it would be a continual battle to keep them in shape. I also tried a hammock once but wasn't able to sleep on my side, which I usually do.

What do you mean by "base that can elevate the head"? In other words, what kind of "base"?

Are you confident that sleeping elevated has reduced your TOS symptoms? Anyone else try this?

It's been about 12 nights. Getting rid of side sleeping has definitely reduced my symptoms by a worthy degree and I wish I had done this much earlier.

I had tried this before, but didn't have the will power to make it happen. However, when switching from sleeping on my left to sleeping on my right caused right-sided TOS symptoms, that really convinced me it had to be fixed.

The first couple nights were the hardest but it got easier after that. I still make use of that "half and half" position, where my legs are to the side, but I rotate my upper body back. I use an extra pillow under the opposite shoulder so I don't have to rotate the whole way.