Sleeping in an elevated position is best. This reduces swelling and cuts down on post-rhinoplasty congestion. If you sleep on your side, the lower nostril will likely become plugged while you sleep, and since you can't blow your nose, this congestion can be uncomfortable.
Sleeping on your back with your head in an elevated position is the best sleep position, as it helps to reduce swelling and minimize congestion. Propping yourself up on some carefully positioned pillows or sleeping in a reclining armchair (if you have one) with your head between a 35-45° angle is ideal.
Luckily, one week post-operatively, it is safe to resume sleeping on your back or side, provided that you are careful to avoid putting pressure on your nose. While it is safe to lie flat on your back or carefully on your side, it is important to understand that doing so may prolong swelling and bruising.
You should put a pillow or two under your head to keep your head elevated to a 45-degree angle as sleeping upright can help you reduce swelling in less time. Add some pillows around you when you sleep to prevent your body from rolling during your sleep. You can also add some pillows under the legs to reduce back pain.
Sleeping alone for the first week following your rhinoplasty, to avoid your spouse or partner unintentionally coming into contact with your face or nose while sleeping.
It's best to sleep on your back in an elevated position. Doing so will reduce post-operative swelling and congestion (which can be hard to clear after rhinoplasty, as you can't blow your nose).
Raising the head during sleep prevents collapse of the airway, and this may diminish the risk of snoring and the problems associated with sleep apnea. If positioned properly, it may also be possible to relieve pain.
Prop up your head
You will have to sleep with your head elevated for 24-48 hours after surgery to help the bleeding slow down and help the swelling resolve.
Elevating your head in bed prevents airway collapse, which reduces the frequency and intensity of sleep apnea. Additionally, it reduces snoring and can help you breathe if you are congested with the common cold. Elevating your upper body can also relieve back pain by eliminating pressure points.
For the first week after your rhinoplasty surgery, do not pull on clothing over your head. Wear clothing with front closure buttons or zippers. Do not wear pullover sweaters, turtlenecks, T-shirts during the first week after rhinoplasty surgery.
While you may be anxious to return to your preferred sleeping position, it is critical that you continue sleeping on your back with your head elevated for about 7 – 10 days after rhinoplasty, or until cleared by Dr. Khorsandi.
Do not tilt head back. Sneezing – Do not close mouth when sneezing. Mouth must remain open. Closing of mouth causes an increase in surgical site strain and potentially can cause nasal sutures to move.
How long should I wait after nasal surgery to kiss my partner? – I tell patients to wait 6 weeks before returning to contact sports, so if you consider kissing a contact sport, then 6 weeks. If not, then you can kiss your partner as soon as you are able to do so painlessly.
After having your rhinoplasty surgery, to minimize swelling, it is best if your head and nose are above the heart, at least for awhile after surgery. You can also sleep on a reclining chair for about a week as well. Using a few pillows to prop up your head is helpful.
Why? Keeping your head elevated minimizes post-op swelling and discomfort, prevents strain to incision sites, and can even help you feel ready to go out in public a little more quickly. Many patients find that sleeping in a recliner is the easiest and most comfortable way to maintain the correct sleeping position.
To make the experience more comfortable, I recommend getting a bed wedge pillow. This type of pillow will elevate your head, but it will also help make sure your nose doesn't come in contact with the pillows. It also encourages you not to sleep on your side, if that the normal position you sleep in at night.
Sleep positions
Adjustable beds work great for side and back sleepers. Side sleepers suffering from back or hip pain, sleep apnea, or acid reflux issues can get better rest with an adjustable bed. Side sleepers should opt for elevated head and leg positions to keep their spine alignment intact.
With an adjustable bed, you can sleep on your side and your spine will still be in a neutral/relaxed position. Especially when combined with a comfortable mattress.
You lie fully on your back, with your face up toward the ceiling and your arms pinned to your sides: this sleeping position is also known as the “royal” or “soldier” position.
Drink a lot of fluids the first day after your rhinoplasty surgery. Drinking lots of fluids will keep your mouth from getting dry and since you are forced to breathe through your mouth during the healing process, you will always have a dry mouth. Do not drink alcohol or smoke for 10 days after your surgery.
Side sleeping helps prevent the airway from collapsing and can reduce snoring. "And so, all in all, sleeping on the side — perhaps with their head slightly elevated as long as that's comfortable — is a good way to sleep," says Dr. Krahn.
Incline sleep can offer a host of benefits, such as improved blood and oxygen circulation, relief from common ailments like acid reflux (GERD), heartburn, headaches, and snoring, and provide a deeper, more restorative sleep.
Summary. The elevation of the head of bed (HOB) to a semirecumbent position (at least 30 degrees) is associated with a decreased incidence of aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).