As India deals with the second more dangerous wave of covid-19, things are going out of hand. With the shortage of oxygen in some cities, people are suffering a lot and experts are suggesting some ways to maintain oxygen levels at home only. As we all know it is necessary for a covid-19 patient to check their oxygen levels frequently. And in case your oxygen level goes below 94 percent, you should try “proning”, it is lying on your belly. It is a medically approved technique to help increase oxygen levels and relieve breathing issues. As experts have suggested doing proning in order to improve oxygen levels, we are here with a step-by-step guide for doing it.
What actually proning is?
It is basically a process from turning with safe motions from back onto your stomach, lying face down. It is a medically approved position to improve oxygen levels and breathing comfort. It is said to be beneficial in Covid-19 patients.
Things to keep in mind while doing it:
- Don’t do it after having meals
- Maintain it for as much time as you are easily comfortable with
- A person can prone up to 16 hours a day
- If you have any injuries or sores, keep them in mind
- Adjust the pillows according to your comfort.
People who should avoid it:
- Pregnant ladies
- People who have Major cardiac conditions
- Someone who has spine issues
How to do self-proning:
Pillow placement:
In total, you need 5-6 pillows to do it. Place one pillow below your back, and two below the chest through the upper thigh, and the rest two below the shin.
Note: we advise you not to spend more than 30 minutes in one position
- Start with lying on your belly for 30 minutes
- Then lay on your right side,
- Then sit up in a 60-90 degrees position, called a fowler position. Extend your legs in front of you
- Then lay on your left side
- Go back to position 1 ( laying on your belly)
We hope this technique worlds for you.