Hi Jacs, Beside the pillow and other suggestions my doctor prescribed a mucus thinner and a suction machine to help remove it. Praying for you and your brother. Bryan

15 year survivor of tonsil cancer. In 2002 I was diagnosed with Stage III squamous cell carcinoma. I had a left neck dissection, teeth removed, and 38 radiation treatments. In 2015 I received a feeding tube and in 2016 a trach, both due to radiation side effects. But I'm happy to say that life has been good to me!!