i have a few questions about care after getting tooth pulled?

several days ago i had a tooth pulled. stitches were put in and the dentist gave me penicillin to take for 5 days. the information sheet on post operative care i was given was not very explicit. it said not to rinse with salt water until after 8 hours, but it didn't say how often per day or for how many days. the dental assistant just said to do it very gently. the sheet also said not to lay horizontal when going to bed, make sure your head is sufficiently elevated. my questions are how many nights do i have to sleep with my head elevated, and how long and how many times per day do i rinse with salt water and will this effect my stitches that are to dissolve over time in any way.
--------------------
Well having my share of teeth pulled I can tell you the following. I never slept with my head raised at all......no problems resulted for me. I rinsed with salt water a 3-4 times per day. Not sure if they told you but you should not use a straw or smoke......takes much much longer to heal and can result in a dry socket....if this occurs make yourself a cup of tea and take the tea bag squeeze the excess water out and place where your tooth was. I am sure you will be feeling fine in no time. Hope it helps!
Source