Prone Positioning benefits for the COVID-19 Patient

Covid-19 patients are advised to keep a check on their oxygen saturation at regular interval. It measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. If the oxygen saturation reading goes below 94%, one should try ‘proning’ (lying on your belly), advised by medical experts, to improve oxygen levels.

The term basically means putting a patient in the prone position, or "flat on their belly with their chest and face down, rather than on their back,”

It's the process of placing patients on their stomach to improve ventilation, evenly distribute oxygen throughout the lungs and boost overall oxygenation. It is widely used in treating ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and is now a part of COVID 19 treatment. It's expected to reduce the need of ventilators.

Prone Positioning for the COVID-19

Awake Prone Position Breathing helps in improving Oxygen level.

"Lying on Belly" is very helpful in Covid 19 cases. It can be used even at home even in Mild cases. Lying on belly (Avoid after food) and practicing deep breathing improves oxygenation in Lungs. It can increase SpO2 Levels significantly.

Practice Lying prone for 2 to 3 hours with intermittent 1/2 hour supine rest (16 hours prone/8 hours Supine per day)

How to make prone position

Step 1 : Keep two pillows below chest

Step 2 : Keep one pillow below perineum/knees

Step 3 : Keep one or none pillow below tummy to make patient comfortable. Tummy should be hanged freely between pillows of Chest and Perineum/knees.

Why awake prone position works

1. Maximum lung volume is contributed by posterior lobes which lie compressed in supine position. If we lie on our tummy lungs are least compressed

2. Patchy peripheral distribution of Covid pneumonia is such that if we lie on our belly then lung areas get maximum oxygen and blood supply (diffusion perfusion) than supine position.

It is most helpful to those who have low oxygen level <90% and awaiting admission or using Oxygen at home.

For image guide as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India : Stepwise images

The prone posture involves lying face-down position, with his chest raised and practising rapid breathing.

It also called the ‘prone ventilator method’ and shows to improve oxygen levels.

Things to remember

The prone positioning method is a temporary solution and not a permanent replacement for medical aid, hospitals or oxygen cylinders.
If you notice your oxygen levels dipping considerably, contact your doctor immediately and follow his advice.

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