How to Sleep with a Port-A-Cath

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and need to receive chemotherapy, your doctor might recommend a chemo port. A chemo port is a device that can help reduce the pain and anxiety associated with chemo treatment. 

But your chemo port may be in place for weeks or months and can be uncomfortable during sleep. So how should you sleep with a chemo port?

What is a Chemo Port?

A chemo port is a small device implanted beneath the skin, which is attached to a catheter connected to a vein. It is generally placed on the right side of the chest.

Chemotherapy transfusions can be delivered safely and comfortably through a chemo port, eliminating the need for needle insertions at every treatment session. Chemo ports also make it easier for patients to do blood transfusions and other procedures. 

How to Sleep with a Port

If you have a chemo port installed, it’s generally best to avoid sleeping on your stomach as this may put pressure on the port, increase discomfort, and interrupt sleep.

Sleeping on your back is the best way to get a good night’s sleep with a chemo port. This is usually the best sleep position because it prevents friction and pressure on the chemo port, thereby minimising possible discomfort.

You can also enhance comfort when sleeping with a chemo port by wearing loose pyjamas made of cotton or soft fabrics  wand sleeping on a mattress that provides adequate support for your neck and back. Surrounding yourself with pillows will minimise unnecessary movement during sleep and decrease discomfort at the port site. 

If you normally sleep on your side, it may still be possible to do so with your chemo port, just be sure to avoid the side of the chest that has the port attached.

Although sleeping with a port may be uncomfortable initially, you can eventually enjoy a good night’s rest by making some simple adjustments to your sleeping habits. It’s also essential to ensure your sleep environment is relaxing so that you can get the restful sleep your body needs to heal.

How Can I Make Sleeping With My Port More Comfortable?

While it may seem difficult at first to sleep comfortably with your port, after a few days or weeks you will eventually find what works for you. Here are some tips we can offer:

1. Re-evaluate your pillow and mattress: Is your pillow sized appropriately? Or does it provide too much stress on your neck, head, or shoulders forcing you to toss and turn at night? Making sure you have a comfortable mattress and correctly sized pillows can help ease the sleeping process. 
2. Prop pillows around your body: Propping pillows around the body can help keep you stable while sleeping and prevent tossing and turning, which in turn will mean less movement and irritation to your port. Placement of body pillows on either side of you may help prevent you from shifting at night and waking up with discomfort. 
3. Find a comfortable sleeping position: It’s generally best to sleep on your back to prevent any friction or movement to the port, but some prefer to sleep on their side. If you must sleep in any position other than flat on your back, sleep on your non-port side. For example, if your port is on the left side of your chest, try to sleep on your right side.