What Is Zzoma Positional Therapy?
The device is meant to be fitted as high over your chest as possible, with the strap sitting right under your arms. It is not intended to be worn at the waist. It will stay in place best if you wear a more tightly fitted cotton shirt underneath it to sleep.
The outer fabric can be removed to be cleaned. It should be hand washed with cold water and mild detergent and be allowed to air dry.
Who Might Benefit From Zzoma?
This treatment is best for people who have sleep apnea that is clearly positional. If you have had a diagnosticsleep studythat demonstrates sleep apnea that only occurs when you are supine, or lying on your back, this may be an attractive option for you. It is not recommended for severe sleep apnea treatment. It will only work to reduce the time that you spend on your back, and if you still have significant sleep apnea when lying on your sides, it will not correct this. It will also reduce the risk of snoring if this predominately occurs on your back.
Risks and Alternatives to Zzoma
It may not be the best treatment option if you suffer from back pain when you sleep on your sides. With the device secured in place, you will not be able to roll easily across your back, and instead, you must roll on your stomach. If you have physical limitations or conditions such asParkinson’s disease, your movements may be further limited with the device in place. Do not continue use if pain or discomfort results.
In general, it is recommended that you try the device for 2 weeks before judging whether it is effective for you. You may experience someinsomniaduring this adjustment period, especially if you frequently slept on your back previously. It may be necessary to assess its effectiveness with a sleep study.
An alternative to purchasing the Zzoma Positional Therapy is to sew a tennis ball into the back of an old t-shirt. You could also try wearing a backpack to bed. This will likewise be uncomfortable if you roll onto your back and will help you to sleep on your sides. You may be able to improve positioning with the use of pillows. In addition, raising the head of the bed to 30 degrees may be helpful in reducing snoring and sleep apnea risk.
If your symptoms persist despite the use of Zzoma, you may require other treatments for sleep apnea such ascontinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)or anoral appliance. These symptoms may include persistent excessive daytime sleepiness, witnessed apnea, waking choking or gasping, or heavy snoring. Be in touch with your prescribing physician about the effectiveness of the treatment and to discuss other options available for you.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
2Z Medical.What is Zzoma?Veja ME, Diaz-Abad M, Jaffe F, et al.Use of positional therapy when incorporated into a diagnosis-treatment algorithm for obstructive sleep apnea.Sleep Science. 2019;12(1). doi:10.5935/1984-0063.201900522Z Medical.Patients frequently asked questions.
2Z Medical.What is Zzoma?
Veja ME, Diaz-Abad M, Jaffe F, et al.Use of positional therapy when incorporated into a diagnosis-treatment algorithm for obstructive sleep apnea.Sleep Science. 2019;12(1). doi:10.5935/1984-0063.20190052
2Z Medical.Patients frequently asked questions.
2Z Medical.Zzoma positional therapy." http://zzomaosa.com/.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
