Do Adjustable Beds Help with Sleep Apnoea & Snoring?

Do Adjustable Beds Help with Sleep Apnoea & Snoring? Science Says Yes

If you or a loved one struggles with sleep apnoea or heavy snoring, you’ve probably heard about CPAP machines and sleep studies. But did you know that a simple change - like raising the head of your bed - could make a real difference?
Recent scientific studies show that adjustable beds may play a helpful role in reducing sleep apnoea symptoms. Here’s what the research says and how different sleep angles affect your breathing at night.

What is sleep apnoea?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much during sleep, causing a blocked airway. This leads to snoring, gasping, and brief pauses in breathing, often without the sleeper realising.

Over time, this can cause:

Daytime tiredness and brain fog
Increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes

How adjustable beds help

Improved airway clearance

When you lie flat, gravity causes soft tissues in your throat to fall back and block your airway. Raising your head by even a small amount can help keep the airway open, especially for those whose symptoms worsen when lying flat (known as positional sleep apnoea).

Reduced snoring

Snoring is often caused by vibrating throat tissues as air struggles to get through. A slight incline reduces tissue collapse and vibration, making for a quieter night. Studies show that even a 7.5° elevation can significantly reduce snoring.

Better breathing

Studies involving inclines between 7.5° and 30° show:

Fewer apnoeas (breathing pauses)
More stable airflow
Improved blood oxygen levels

And importantly, these benefits come without disturbing sleep quality.

Complementary to CPAP therapy

Using a CPAP machine? Sleeping with your head raised can:

Improve mask fit
Reduce air leaks
Ease pressure on your chest and upper airway

Together, this can make CPAP therapy more comfortable and effective.

What does the science say?

A number of reputable studies have been carried out in recent years which offer evidence of the benefits provided by an elevated sleeping position.

Mild elevation (≈ 7.5°)

In a study of 52 patients, raising the head by 7.5° reduced the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) from 15.7 to 10.7 and improved oxygen levels - without affecting sleep comfort.

Source - Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine

Moderate elevation (≈ 30°)

A 2023 study using sleep endoscopy found that a 30° incline reduced airway collapsibility at key points like the tongue base and soft palate.

Source - PubMed Central

Semi-upright (30-45°)

Another study on post-surgery patients found that semi-upright positioning halved the number of obstructive apnoeas - from 16.6 to 8.6 events/hour.

Source - BMC Anesthesiology

Summary table: How adjustable beds help

Benefit	What the Research Shows
Reduced AHI (fewer apnoeas)	Proven at 7.5° and above
Better airflow & less snoring	Elevation reduces airway collapse and vibration
More effective CPAP therapy	Improved mask seal and fewer leaks with elevation
Sleep comfort maintained	No reduction in sleep quality across multiple studies

What’s the best sleep angle?

Everyone's needs are different, and some people might see similar benefits at different elevations. Here's a suggested guide, based on the studies we've looked at in this article:

Start low (7°- 10°) - Research-backed, easy to adjust to
Go higher if needed (20°- 30°) - May help with moderate sleep apnoea or loud snoring
Semi-upright (30°- 45°) - Ideal for positional apnoea or post-operative recovery

Thinking of buying an adjustable bed?

If you’re considering an adjustable bed:

Look for models that allow precise head elevation (7°-30° range)
Features like anti-snore or zero-gravity settings are ideal for sleep apnoea sufferers
Make sure the bed supports both comfort and adjustability.

Take a look at Opera adjustable beds. Their high quality range all offer a preset zero-gravity button; you can also save to memory the position you find most beneficial, making it quick and easy to prepare for a more restful night's sleep.

View our full range of adjustable beds - and get in touch for personalised advice.

Final word

Adjustable beds are not a cure, but research shows they can:

Reduce snoring
Improve airflow
Support CPAP therapy
Lead to better, more restful sleep

Always speak to your GP or sleep specialist before making changes to your sleep apnoea treatment plan.

Category: Adjustable Beds