These Pillows Are Specifically Designed for People Who Sleep With a CPAP Machine

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Using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine can help alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), explains Harley Greenberg, M.D., F.C.C.P., F.A.A.S.M., medical director of Northwell Health Sleep Disorders Center. However, the cumbersome device may also impact your ability to sleep soundly in the position that’s most natural to you, especially if you often roll to your side. This could cause an unintentional leak or a tangled tube, leading to sleep disruptions.

One solution for some people with OSA is swapping out a traditional bed pillow for a CPAP pillow. “People who find that the hose or mask on their CPAP machine routinely interferes with their sleep and leads to frequent sleep disruptions might benefit from a CPAP pillow,” says Raj Dasgupta, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.S.M., chief medical officer of Sleep Advisor. “These pillows are designed with indents for the CPAP mask and hose, which may help improve sleep quality for some.”

Meet the experts: Harley Greenberg, M.D., F.C.C.P., F.A.A.S.M., medical director of Northwell Health Sleep Disorders Center, and Raj Dasgupta, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.S.M., chief medical officer of Sleep Advisor.

CPAP pillows aren’t for everyone, and experts encourage speaking with you physician about your unique condition before purchasing one. However, if you are ready to give something new a try, some of the best CPAP pillows are available to order online for under $80. They feature cutouts and contours to support back, side, and even stomach sleepers who wear CPAP masks in bed. Many are made with memory foam, and some have removable inserts for a custom level of support.

Our top picks

Ahead, read about the best CPAP pillows you can buy online today. There’s one for every type of sleeper and CPAP mask. Plus, they’re likely an eligible FSA or HSA expense.

CPAP Pillow 2.0

This pillow has two cutouts to accommodate side and stomach sleepers who wear CPAP masks. It also has a concave center that cradles the head when sleeping on your back. Whether you use a nasal mask or full face mask, the pillow is suitable to use with your device. It even has a built-in feature to secure your CPAP machine hose in place, reducing the risk of tangles and kinks. The pillow is made of 4-inch thick medical grade foam and has a removable cover you can throw in the washing machine.

What the reviews say: “I’m a side and stomach sleeper and wasn’t too sure this pillow would be comfortable for me with my CPAP. I loved it immediately after the first night! I’m finally sleeping comfortably with the CPAP. Don’t hesitate to purchase it.”

CPAP Pillow

This CPAP pillow has multiple adjustable features for a customizable sleeping experience no matter what type of CPAP machine you use. The pillow has a small and large neck option on either side to accommodate different sizes. It also has a removable base layer of foam you can remove to lower the height of the pillow. Plus, it comes with a standard pillowcase and one made of cooling fabric, so you can sleep comfortably year round.

What the reviews say: “Before this pillow, I was about to give up on using my CPAP machine because it was impossible to get comfortable,” said one shopper. “This pillow made all the difference; being able to sleep on my side without the mask touching the pillow is perfect.”

CPAP Max 2.0 Pillow

Those who run hot when they sleep may consider this cooling CPAP pillow from the top-rated Contour brand. It has two side cutouts to prevent the pillow from interfering with your mask and a concave center for improved airway alignment when sleeping on your back. But what’s inside the pillow is equally impressive. It includes layers of ventilated high-resiliency and memory foam for cool, yet supportive comfort. One layer is even infused with charcoal to neutralize odors, and you can remove layers to adjust the height and firmness of the entire pillow.

What the reviews say: “It does absolutely everything that it promises,” wrote an Amazon reviewer. “It’s so very well made and very durable and pretty much my new best friend.”

2.0 CPAP Pillow

Ideal for side sleepers that use CPAP machines, this pillow has two side indents and a center indent for comfort in multiple sleeping positions and mask leak prevention. The memory foam fill is soft yet firm while the breathable cotton pillowcase is removable for easy laundering.

What the reviews say: “Great product for the price and for CPAP users. It’s great for side sleepers like myself.”

CPAP Pillow

This curved pillow comes with a removable foam pad, so you can increase or decrease the thickness to your liking. It has small and large neck contours and four cutouts for a variety of side sleeping positions. The center also accommodates back and stomach sleepers. It works with CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP masks.

What the reviews say: “This is the first pillow I’ve tried that actually works for someone who sleeps on their stomach!” said a user. “For the first time since I began using a CPAP six years ago, I’m sleeping for hours on end.”

How to choose the right CPAP pillow

✔️ Consult your doctor. Before you buy a CPAP pillow, experts recommend speaking with your doctor to determine if this type of product could be safe and beneficial for you. While they help some people sleep more comfortably, they may not be for everyone.

✔️ Consider the design. CPAP pillows come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Think about whether its important for you to be able to adjust the height and thickness of a pillow and how firm or soft you prefer your pillows to be. Some also come with machine-washable covers while others do not.

✔️ Keep your CPAP mask in mind. Most CPAP pillows advertise that they work with all kinds of CPAP machine masks. However, you’ll want to ensure that your mask is truly compatible with a pillow before buying if possible.

✔️ Think about your usual sleeping positions. CPAP pillows are typically designed to offer a solution for people who use a CPAP machine and sleep on their sides. However, some are also ideal for back and stomach sleepers and those who alternative between multiple positions in their sleep.

What is a CPAP machine?

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP machine is a small bedside device that generates airflow. It delivers air to the nose or nose and mouth through a hose and mask as a form of therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Dr. Greenberg explains.

“OSA is a common sleep disorder caused by intermittent obstruction of the upper airway during sleep,” he says. This causes sleep disruption and occasional decreases in oxygen. Cases range from mild to severe and may cause daytime drowsiness and impaired cognitive function. It can also increase risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes in the long term.

“While CPAP may be uncomfortable at first and is not for everyone, many people acclimate to it and use it successfully,” adds. Dr. Greenberg. “Many studies have shown that nightly CPAP use improves symptoms of sleep apnea with improved sleep quality, resolution of daytime sleepiness, improved clarity of thinking, and better mood.”

What is a CPAP pillow?

CPAP machines intentionally leak air from holes in the mask to allow carbon dioxide to vent out for clean air on each inhale, Dr. Dasgupta explains. However, unintentional leaks may happen if the seal between the mask and face breaks or a if there is a tear in the equipment.

“CPAP pillows hope to address the unintentional leak by maintaining proper alignment between your airways, mask, and CPAP machine,” Dr. Dasqupta says. They can also help improve sleep quality and make CPAP therapy more comfortable for some, he adds.

CPAP pillows come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate the mask and a person’s sleeping position. Picture a standard bed pillow with indents, curves, and cutouts to make room for a CPAP machine mask and tubes.

What kind of pillow is best for obstructive sleep apnea?

“The best kind of pillow for obstructive sleep apnea depends on your individual needs and sleeping position,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “In general, a pillow that will elevate your head and can prevent your throat from collapsing while you are sleeping is recommended. However, this will not work if your breathing issues result from central sleep apnea rather than obstructive sleep apnea.”

As always, it’s best to consult your physician about your specific condition and needs before trying a new product.

Benefits of CPAP pillows

CPAP pillows offer an alternative to traditional bed pillows for people who use CPAP machines. They include special cutouts and contours aimed at preventing unintentional mask leaking and improving comfort while sleeping in a variety of positions. CPAP pillows may help those whose sleep is frequently interrupted by CPAP machine equipment.

How we chose the best CPAP pillows

We interviewed Harley Greenberg, M.D., F.C.C.P., F.A.A.S.M., medical director of Northwell Health Sleep Disorders Center, and Raj Dasgupta, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.S.M., chief medical officer of Sleep Advisor, to learn about CPAP machines and CPAP pillows. Then, we researched top-rated CPAP pillows, taking into account specs and customer reviews to determine the best CPAP pillows.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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