Positional asphyxia, also known as postural asphyxia, is a form of asphyxia which occurs when someone's position prevents them from breathing adequately.
People may die from positional asphyxia by simply getting themselves into a breathing-restricted position they cannot get out of, either though carelessness or as a consequence of another accident.
Small children under two are particularly at risk from positional asphyxia.
