As someone with sleep apnea, I was prescribed a CPAP mask, which is what helps me breathe at night. While effective for healthier sleep, I felt so uncomfortable wearing it because my pillow didn't feel right while I slept using my mask. That's why I did the research to find the best CPAP pillow for both a safe and comfortable night's sleep!
Pillows Comparison Table
Top 5 Best CPAP Pillow Reviews 2019
Based on my research, tests, and overall customer reviews, these are the five best CPAP pillows to choose from:
What makes the EnduriMed Pillow the best, in my opinion, is because it feels so comfortable and doesn't obstruct my mask in any way at all!
I'll be honest, though. When I first received it, I was very confused by its design. It's not the usual pillow I'm used to, having a patent-pending design (by the company).
However, I picked up on how to sleep on it quickly, and I'm impressed. This type of pillow is truly meant for any type of position, not putting any pressure on my face or mask while I sleep. That way, I'm able to shift positions without being disturbed or waking up from the obstruction.
The memory foam contours well to my neck, which offers pressure relief as well. With the thick and firm feel to it, the pillow helps me in all ways.
- Has larger cut-outs to accommodate the mask
- Firm memory foam to support head neck properly
- It can be used for all types of sleeping positions comfortably
- A few complaints of air leaks
- Not a lot of people will appreciate its firmness
Another excellent choice goes to the Blue Chip Medical CPAP Pillow, which is recommended for either back or side sleepers. It's not the best for stomach sleepers because of its firmness. However, it's soft enough for side sleepers to enjoy, as it is made of soft memory foam to provide comfort and pressure relief.
What I like most about this pillow is that it's lightweight, making it easy to move around without worrying about it being bulky. It's perfect for those who are usually traveling or move their pillows around in bed.
However, it's smaller than what I expected. While that's fine with me, it may not be the best for those with bigger-shaped heads. Besides that, I have no major complaints and commend it for its comfort and super soft cover!
- The pillow comes with a super soft cover
- It’s very comfortable and firm enough for both side and back sleepers
- Made of hypoallergenic materials for sensitive sleepers
- It may be a bit too small for some
- Not as durable as other kinds of CPAP pillows
If you're on a budget and looking for something at a cheaper price (without scrimping on quality!), then I recommend that you get the GoodSleep Company CPAP Memory Foam Pillow. I was a bit surprised that at its price, it seems pretty well-built and made with memory foam, which contoured well to my head neck without the pressure.
Another thing I commend is that it has the design with indentations in the right places. Because of this, I experienced no discomfort as I shifted positions because the pillow prevents my tubes and wires from moving.
The pillow, though differently-designed, can also fit the typical pillow covers. Don't worry about the cover from removing the indentation's purpose, because of the memory foam contours to the pressure well.
It does its job well, though you do get what you pay for, as it isn't as durable as other CPAP pillows and is smaller than you'd expect it to be. But in spite of that, I believe it's still worth the investment!
- Comes at an affordable price compared to other pillows
- Ergonomic design to prevent kinking or twisting of tubes
- Very comfortable and has me sleep without aches
- Not the best for those with larger-sized heads
- Complaints on air leakage if you sleep on your stomach
If you're looking for upgrade pillow, then you'll enjoy the Contour Products CPAP Max 2.0 Pillow. It does the job without any major complaints, really! I am very satisfied with this pillow and use it up to this day.
While it may be a bit on the pricey side compared to the other CPAP pillows I've mentioned, I was surprised with the way it helped with my sleep. Because of its indentations and design, my CPAP's tubings never kinked or twisted regardless of what sleeping position I did at night.
My mask stays where it's supposed to be and I'm able to sleep soundly without suffering from the usual neck pain. Even after a few months, it still looks and feels brand new, which is also what makes it worth the price.
- Cut-outs are perfectly-sized and prevent the mask or tubes from moving
- Firm enough for any sleeping position and relieves pressure
- The customizable firmness with layers for adjustment
- Comes at an expensive price
- Has a weird smell during the first few days
Last but not least, I have the Snuggle-Pedic Memory Foam Pillow. It isn't designed as the CPAP pillows you'd expect, as it's the traditional shape. However, I still recommend using this while sleeping with a machine because it's got the quality material that makes it conform to your head very well (while preventing the tubes from twisting).
It's extremely comfortable and supportive. After a few days of using it, I began waking up with less shoulder pain and feeling even better. Since it's made of the hypoallergenic and natural material, my morning colds stopped and I'm now able to sleep straight, free from both allergies and aches!
Though simply designed, it does the job well and is best for those who are more comfortable with using the "normal" pillow design.
- Hypoallergenic material to prevent allergies
- Supportive and helps relieve neck and back aches
- Contours well to your head and arms while keeping the mask on
- The pillow flattens out easily
- A bit pricier than other kinds of CPAP pillows
What Is Sleep Apnea?
For those who aren't familiar with sleep apnea, this is a sleeping disorder which is potentially serious if not treated. This occurs when you breathing stops and starts repeatedly while sleeping, which causes snoring and lack of quality sleep. (Via: MAYOCLINIC)
There are three different types of sleep apnea, which are:
What's CPAP Machine and How Does It Work?
CPAP machine is a very effective device used to treat obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders, but how exactly does it work?
CPAP is short for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (Via: Verywell Health), with the machine applying mild air pressure to the sleeper's upper airway. To do this, the machine uses a mask and air pump, with the pressure being constant or coming at various times depending on the machine and what you need. The pressure is delivered to one's nose or both mouth and nose, preventing your upper airway from collapsing and allowing the sleeper to breathe properly while sleeping.
While these machines are extremely helpful, there are a few problems it comes with while you sleep. It can be quite uncomfortable wearing the mask, suffering from facial discomfort from sleeping in an awkward position. Furthermore, some people complain of air leaks or the tubings twisting, which makes the mask fall off and make it ineffective for helping you breathe!
That's why it's important to invest in a pillow designed for the machine. But how exactly does the best CPAP pillow work and support your CPAP machine?
How Does CPAP pillows Help Support the Machine?
How do pillows for CPAP users benefit and support your CPAP machine? Here are some benefits it has to offer:
Offers Better Support and Relieves Pressure
Comfortable Night's Sleep
Mask Won't Fall Off
Tubings Don't Twist
Suitable For All Sleeping Positions
Besides using a pillow for sleep apnea here are more tips to sleep better while using the machine:
What to Consider When Purchasing The CPAP Bed Pillow?
Here are the main factors to consider when purchasing the CPAP pillows:
What's Your Sleeping Position?
This is very important as you need to select a pillow based on the way you sleep.
Type of Ma​sk
There are different kinds of CPAP masks, a nasal mask that covers your nose or the full-face mask to provide pressure for both your nose and mouth.
Pillow Composition
It's important that you invest in the best CPAP pillow that contours well to the shape of your head neck. This will provide the proper support needed to lessen body aches.
Does Your Body Hurt?
If you suffer from overall neck and back pain, then I recommend a CPAP memory foam pillow, which provides pressure-relieving features to prevent aches.
How Much Can You Afford?
Fortunately, CPAP sleeping pillows are priced just the same as premium pillows, as they have the specialized design. But, they still offer the excellent features and quality you'd expect! Expect to shell out between $50 to $80, depending on your budget.
How to Pick the Best CPAP Pillow?
Best CPAP pillows aren't your typically-designed ones (not to be mistaken as anti-snoring pillows!). They are meant to use for those who have a CPAP machine to prevent the tubing and mask from falling or twisting while you rest.
However, you need to ensure that you purchase the one suitable for YOU, not the most popular one! Here are the other specific factors of pillows to look into:
1
Design
CPAP pillows usually have indentations on its sides, while others have more than two indents, depending on your mask and tubings. Consider the pillow's design according to your comfort and mask.
2
How Big Is It?
You should get a pillow of a proper size that fits your whole head neck. For me, I invested in a smaller pillow since I have a small-sized head! Though, you can get something larger for a more luxurious feel.
3
How Much Does It Weigh?
I prefer a lightweight pillow to make it easier to move around with, whether in the bed or when I'm traveling! Pillows that weigh less than two pounds are most recommended.
4
What's It Made Of?
Pillows are made of different materials and stuffings, may it be cotton, water, polyester, and more. I recommend getting one made of memory foam and with cooling effects for better comfort!
5
Thickness
The thickness and firmness level should be considered based on your sleeping posture. Like mentioned, you may need something softer, while others prefer something firmer for better support. The universal fit is medium-firm, so you can start off with that.
6
Mask
Compatibility
Like mentioned, there are different kinds of CPAP mask, and not all pillows will be able to accommodate every type! Because of this, I recommend that you look into the type of mask you have and get the best CPAP pillow that supports it.
Wrapping it Up
If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine, then it's best for you to use the right type of pillow that offers comfort and safety while wearing the mask as you sleep. With the CPAP sleeping pillow, you'll be able to rest comfortably without the mask getting in the way, regardless of your sleeping posture!
Of all the different pillows tried and tested, I believe that the best pillow goes to the EnduriMed Pillow, which offers all the much-needed features that keep you comfortable while reducing pressure and air leaks on your mask. While the design was quite surprising and confusing, I quickly understood how it worked and I was able to sleep soundly without feeling any pain or discomfort!
The pillow itself is made of memory foam and offers the soft feel but firmness level needed to reduce neck pain. While it isn't as cooling (you can choose the one with a cooling mesh), it's a great investment that's definitely worth the price.
- Relax & Rest Easy CPAP Pillow: New Softer Foam Keeps Your Sleeping Comfortably. The best-curved sleep apnea pillow, our design allows your face and head to rest comfortably whether you sleep on your...
- Patented New Design: You spoke, we listened! Now includes a removable foam pad to increase or decrease thickness. Too thick? Remove the pad and lay on the thin side. Too thin? Insert the pad and lay...
- Invest In Your Rest: Restless nights? No more! Our CPAP pillow for side and back sleepers will let you Wake Up Refreshed, Energized, and Sleep Easier! Other Pillows won't Cut It!
- Sleep Airflow Support: One size fits all body types - Large Or small - Back sleepers, side sleepers, & stomach sleepers will sleep better than ever! remove the insert and rotate the pillow to make it...
- Works Best With Full Face Masks: The gaps on the corners fit perfectly with your full face masks and keep tangles out of the CPAP tubing that comes directly from your face. Some nasal masks may be...
Hopefully, this CPAP pillow purchasing guide gave you an idea on what you need to help keep you rest soundly despite the disorder. So don't wait any longer and look into any of these products now!
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences and CPAP pillow reviews, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.
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