Why Sleep Position Matters for Snoring & Sleep Apnoea
Over more than a decade of clinical practice, Professor Veer studied 6,044 patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. The data revealed something striking: 60.3% of patients no longer met the clinical threshold for sleep apnoea when sleeping on their side, and 85.7% showed an improvement of at least 20% in sleep apnoea severity. The reason is mechanical — in the recovery position, the face is angled slightly downward, and gravity pulls the tongue and soft tissue forward rather than allowing it to collapse into the throat.
This finding — from the largest positional OSA dataset in the UK — forms the clinical basis for both products on this page. They were not designed as lifestyle products. They were designed as medical tools by a surgeon who understands exactly what goes wrong in the throat during sleep, and who needed to solve it.
"My lowest O2 level has improved from 75% to 91%. My 3% oxygen drops are now averaging just 1 per hour." Side Sleep Pro customer review
The Side Sleep Pro
A two-piece positional sleep system, available at iwantgreatsleep.com.
What It Is
The Side Sleep Pro is a two-pillow system consisting of a specially contoured head pillow and a full-length body pillow. Together they work to keep users comfortably in the recovery position throughout the night — the position shown by Professor Veer's research to resolve sleep apnoea in the majority of positional patients.
The Head Pillow
Contoured to position the head at the precise angle required for the recovery position — face slightly downward, neck supported, airway open. Designed to relieve pressure on the ear, shoulder, and jaw so that the position remains comfortable without waking.
The Body Pillow
Extends from the torso down to between the knees, supporting the hip and providing the physical resistance that prevents back-rolling. Most commercial body pillows are either too soft to prevent rolling or too firm to be comfortable. The Side Sleep Pro body pillow is engineered to hold its position under bodyweight while remaining comfortable throughout the night.
Key Features
- Engineered foam core with airflow design to dissipate heat
- Super-soft, square-stitched pillow covers — comfortable from night one
- Fully removable, machine-washable covers for hygiene
- Compatible with CPAP machines and masks
- Tested across body weights from 40 kg to 140 kg
- Designed for users 5'4" and above; adaptable for shorter users
- Includes a step-by-step guide for the 2–3 week adjustment period
The Five Sleeping Positions
The Side Sleep Pro accommodates five distinct side-sleeping positions, each suited to different body types and preferences. Most users settle into one naturally — the system supports all of them.
- Pointing Recovery — arms extended, classic recovery position
- Standard Recovery — arms folded, most natural for first-time side sleepers
- Foetal Side Sleep — knees drawn up, excellent for lower back comfort
- Sky Diver — arms raised above the head, suits broader-shouldered users
- Superman Flying — arms fully extended upward, preferred by some CPAP users
Clinical Evidence Behind the Design
The pillow system is based on the principle of positional therapy — a well-established approach in sleep medicine that is underused because the available products until now have been inadequate. Professor Veer's own audit of 6,044 NHS patients demonstrated the scale of the opportunity:
- 60.3% achieved normalisation of their AHI (apnoea-hypopnoea index) in the lateral position
- 85.7% showed an improvement of 20% or more
For patients who are positional — and the majority are — the right pillow can be the difference between needing surgery or CPAP and not needing it. The Side Sleep Pro was designed to be that pillow.
"Combining the device with this sleep system has increased my REM sleep by an average of 40% (Garmin data)." Sam Bolder — Side Sleep Pro customer
"Made the biggest single difference to my quality of life out of any treatment or device for my sleep apnoea management." Side Sleep Pro customer review
The Dual Comfort Pro
A double-sided anti-snoring head pillow, available at iwantgreatsleep.com.
What It Is
The Dual Comfort Pro is a premium double-sided pillow designed to support side sleeping through two distinct surfaces optimised for different functions. It is designed as an accessible entry point for patients who are new to positional therapy, or who want a simpler solution alongside other treatment.
The Two Sides
- Low-recoil side: Holds the user gently in position through the night, reducing the chance of rolling onto the back without causing pressure discomfort.
- Springy, breathable side: Relieves pressure on the ear and improves airflow — particularly useful for patients with ear sensitivity or those who tend to overheat.
Adjustable Fill
The Dual Comfort Pro includes a removable shredded memory foam insert. Retaining it provides greater height and firmness — suited to side sleepers who need more support. Removing it gives a lower profile, preferred by stomach sleepers transitioning to side sleeping or users with smaller frames.
Who It Is For
The Dual Comfort Pro suits patients who:
- Snore but do not yet have a confirmed sleep apnoea diagnosis
- Have mild positional OSA and are exploring conservative options before surgery
- Are using the Side Sleep Pro body pillow and want a matching head pillow
- Are looking for a more affordable first step into positional therapy
Free eBook: Your Sleep Position
Professor Veer has written a practical guide to positional therapy for patients with snoring and sleep apnoea. Written from his clinical experience and his own patient data, the guide explains:
- What positional obstructive sleep apnoea is, and how to know if it applies to you
- The clinical evidence behind side sleeping and why it works mechanically
- How to start positional therapy — including the 2–3 week adjustment protocol
- What to expect from your sleep data as you make the transition
- How positional therapy fits alongside other treatments such as CPAP, surgery, and mandibular devices
Free Download
Your Sleep Position
A patient guide to positional therapy for snoring and sleep apnoea — written by Professor Vik Veer.
Download Free eBook (PDF)Where Do Pillows Fit Within a Full Treatment Plan?
These pillows are not a replacement for a medical assessment. For patients with untreated or undiagnosed sleep apnoea, the first step is always a sleep study. However, for patients who already have a diagnosis and are exploring their options — or who have mild-to-moderate positional OSA — the right pillow can be a meaningful and sustainable part of treatment.
Professor Veer uses positional therapy as a component of the overall programme for appropriate patients. In some cases it is sufficient on its own. In others it is used alongside CPAP to reduce the required pressure, or before and after surgery to support recovery. The pillows are available to anyone — a consultation is not required to purchase them.
If you do want a full assessment — including a sleep study, DISE, and surgical evaluation — Professor Veer sees patients at his Harley Street clinic.