[Spider Cat]

I have two questions regarding left side positioning that no one seems to be able to answer.

I was told that for someone with respiratory issues you should turn them way over to the left side and that can help ease their breathing.

Also I have been told that some people who are very close can pass when being turned to the left side.

I guess I just want to know the "why" behind it all. I've heard the above many times but no one knows the reasoning behind it.

[Mazzi]

The thinking is since the right lung has more lobes, it helps comspensate the body working so hard to breath. When a pt is close to death and is lingering placing on the left side causes the heart to work harder on the down side, therefor causeing more stress on the heart until the heart stops. This is just theroey. A nurse friend working in ICU says this does not work. But I have seen it many times with hospice.