During observation of a PSG, which of the following positions yields more severe obstructive events and louder snoring?

During observation of a PSG, which of the following positions yields more severe obstructive events and louder snoring?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Right
• D. Left

Answer: (A)

Position influences airway patency because gravity changes how soft tissues line the throat during sleep. Lying on the back lets the tongue and soft palate fall backward toward the posterior pharyngeal wall, narrowing the airway and making collapse during sleep more likely. That smaller space increases both obstructive events (apneas/hypopneas) and the turbulence that causes louder snoring. In contrast, side-lying or prone positions help pull tissues forward and widen the airway, reducing collapse and often decreasing both the number of obstructive events and snoring intensity. While the exact effect can vary among individuals, lying supine is the position most associated with worse obstruction and louder snoring.

Position influences airway patency because gravity changes how soft tissues line the throat during sleep. Lying on the back lets the tongue and soft palate fall backward toward the posterior pharyngeal wall, narrowing the airway and making collapse during sleep more likely. That smaller space increases both obstructive events (apneas/hypopneas) and the turbulence that causes louder snoring. In contrast, side-lying or prone positions help pull tissues forward and widen the airway, reducing collapse and often decreasing both the number of obstructive events and snoring intensity. While the exact effect can vary among individuals, lying supine is the position most associated with worse obstruction and louder snoring.