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Traditional Korean Pillow - Adaptation for Narrow Airway?
Something else interesting that came up last night on the call Dr. Park held on Sleep Apnea anatomy was Dr. Park's hypothesis that the pillow traditionally used by Koreans (below) is a way Koreans have adapted to having narrow jaws which mean less space for air to flow into their lungs while asleep. The pillow, as you can see below, is shaped like a roll and is hard enough to maintain the girl's neck in the perfect position to push her lower jaw forward, thus expanding the volume of the airway and helping her breathe easy:
Contrast this to the standard American pillow, which is fluffy and allows the lower jaw to collapse in on itself, thus DECREASING the volume of the airway, making it difficult to breathe:
You can do a simple experiment to validate the logic here: look down to your chest with your chin against your neck and try to breathe. Now repeat the exercise, but look up at the ceiling and try to breathe... which is easier? It's easier to breathe while looking up toward the ceiling because you have increased the volume of the airway.
By the way, the only pillow I know designed to position the airway properly to expand the airway, thus increasing the air intake is the Oxygen Pillow, specifically named Oxygen Pillow because it increasing oxygen intake through the airway through its unique design. I use it myself and it's hands down the best pillow I've ever used. It's available at ApneaLife here: http://apnealife.com/products/Oxygen-Pillow.html
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Steven Y. Park, MD on
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This is also one reason why the "contour" type pillows can also be helpful. It gives you more support at the neck levels and less at the top of your head. My one criticism is that the memory foam at the neck is too soft and in most cases doesn't give enough support. When I travel, I toss off the standard hotel pillows and use a rolled up towel. I've also been experimenting with pushing my lower jaw forward (while inhaling) during track workouts, especially when sprinting. I think it helps.
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Permalink Reply by Mike on
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yes, that's why the Oxygen Pillow is made out of a firm latex material that is firm enough to give support, while still being comfortable. i should give you a demo one so that you can try it out and see whether it's worth recommending to your patients. it's truly the best pillow i've come across.
Steven Y. Park, MD said:This is also one reason why the "contour" type pillows can also be helpful. It gives you more support at the neck levels and less at the top of your head. My one criticism is that the memory foam at the neck is too soft and in most cases doesn't give enough support. When I travel, I toss off the standard hotel pillows and use a rolled up towel. I've also been experimenting with pushing my lower jaw forward (while inhaling) during track workouts, especially when sprinting. I think it helps.
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Permalink Reply by Rooster on
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Steven Y. Park, MD said:I've also been experimenting with pushing my lower jaw forward (while inhaling) during track workouts, especially when sprinting. I think it helps.
What do you thing about ArmourBite mouthpieces which are used for sports performance enhancement (and protection)? Among other things they "pivot your jaw forward". See http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/accessories&rdsc=1&se...
One golfer claims:
"Basically, the theory is that your jaw alignment can cause stress in your neck, thus causing stress and muscle strain in the shoulders, back, arms and legs. An improper jaw alignment creates bad posture and restricts airflow. .... The immediate result is an increase in flexibilty. We did a trunk rotator test and I was able to rotate a good 3" further than without the mouthpiece. I gained about 2" in a sit-n-reach test.
I have used it for about a year and a half. It doesn't automatically make you hit the ball further, hit it straighter, etc. It reduces fatigue that you might experience throughout the round. Since you don't have that fatigue, your accuracy is maintained instead of a drop at the end due to muscle tension, etc. Your breathing is improved because it has your jaw in the proper alignment. I can tell the biggest difference when I don't use it. I also use it when I work out and have noticed a significant increase in endurance. Your reps will go up after putting the mouthpiece in your mouth. It's crazy.
I live in Houston and took it in to my F-I-L's friend who is in the same line of work. Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans was scheduled for a consultation later in the afternoon. Apparently a lot of the Rockets and Texans use it for workouts and game day. Terrell Owens uses one as does Shaq, Manny Ramierez, Scott McCarron and Elk to name a few.
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http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/306495-armourbite-mouthpiece-fo...
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