Sleep device effectively maintained position, reduced acid reflux - Healio

SAN DIEGO — The combination of left-side down sleep with elevation of the head and torso resulted in reduced recumbent esophageal acid exposure and reflux episodes, a speaker said here.

For the randomized, controlled trial, researchers analyzed 10 men and 10 women by using the novel Medcline sleep-assist device (Amenity Health), a two-piece inclined base and body pillow, Erik B. Person, MD, MS, of the Medical University of South Carolina, said during the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting.

An impedance-pH reflux catheter was placed with each participant at 6:30 p.m. before they returned home for the evening. Two hours later each participant ate a standardized high-fat meal, placed a wireless position sensor on the center of the sternum and was asked to lie in one of four randomly assigned positions for at least 6 hours.

Data was interpreted without knowledge of which position — right side down with sleep device, left side down with sleep device, any position with a standard wedge or any position with no wedge or device — participants had been assigned.

Results showed less esophageal acid exposure among patients sleeping on their left side with the device, compared with those sleeping in any position on a standard wedge (P<.01), sleeping on their right side on the device (P<.001) and sleeping in any position with no wedge or device (P<.05), Person said.

The Medcline device also was more successful at maintaining assigned sleep positions, with those assigned to sleep on their left in the device spending 83% of the first 2 hours and 61% of the full 6-hour study period in that position. Those assigned to sleep on their right with the device spent 72% of the first 2 hours and 53% of 6 hours in that position. Patients sleeping on a standard wedge or without a wedge or Medcline device spent more time supine (P<.05), Person said.

“Right side down permits the most reflux even with the head elevated,” Person concluded. “As the old mantra goes, ‘Remember, left is right.’ ”

Disclosure: Person reports no relevant financial disclosures.

For more information:

Person EB. #47: A Novel Sleep Assist Device Prevents Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Presented at: the 2013 American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting; Oct. 11-16, San Diego.