Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), is the first line treatment for sleep apnea. This breathing condition affects millions of Americans. CPAP can be very effective, but some people have difficulty adapting to the mask that they wear every night. Accessories can make treatment easier. CPAP pillows are a popular accessory for ensuring a restful night’s sleep with a CPAP machine.
CPAP pillows – also known as CPAP nasal pillows which are a low-profile type of mask – are pillows that are designed to fit a CPAP machine. Although they come in a variety of designs, most have curves or cut-outs that allow CPAP users to sleep on their sides without the mask digging into their faces. Some designs are adjustable and stabilizing, while others may be more accommodating. A CPAP pillow can also increase treatment efficacy, making it less likely that an active sleeper will dislodge their face mask.
The best CPAP pillow for you depends on your preferences, budget, and how comfortable you are. We will show you our top picks and then guide you through the important things to consider before you make a purchase.
The Core Mini CPAP pillow is a simple design with a down alternative filling, which is a departure from most other CPAP pillows. The Core Mini CPAP pillow provides surprisingly strong support for users of CPAP, regardless of mask type or preference. The Core Mini’s lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for frequent travelers, even while flying.
Although molded foam pillows are the most common type of CPAP pillow, Core Minis’ crescent shape is still a popular choice. The pillow is designed to be snug against the body, with no excess. This leaves plenty of space for any type of mask. The pillow is comfortable for both back and side sleepers. However, side sleepers who are used to a larger pillow may find it difficult to use. It is possible for active side sleepers to dislodge it, since it requires precise positioning.
The Core Mini has a down-alternative filling and a cotton cover. However, you can purchase pillow covers through the Core official website. The manufacturer backs their pillow with a 1-year warranty that covers common manufacturing flaws and defects.
How To Choose A CPAP Pillow
It can be difficult to choose the right CPAP pillow. There are many pillows that are specifically made for CPAP, but there are also other pillows, such as wedge, cervical and adjustable pillows.
We will walk you through all the information you need and considerations before you make a purchase.
What To Look For When Buying A CPAP Pillow
Many CPAP pillows are advertised using a variety of marketing terms that have no concrete meaning. Comfort is a personal matter. The most comfortable CPAP pillows might work well for one person, but not for another.
We have compiled a list of 11 important factors that you should keep in mind when selecting a CPAP pillows to help our readers get past the hype. You may find some of these categories more important than others, but they will help you make an informed decision about which pillow is best for you.
Sleeping position This is the most important thing to consider when purchasing a CPAP pillow. For side sleepers, a pillow should have cut-outs and curves that allow for space for their mask. People who sleep on their backs often prefer cervical pillows because they provide the stability as well as comfort they require. Many pillows can be shaped at different points so that they can be turned by combination sleepers. For stomach sleepers, a nasal pillow mask is more comfortable when it’s paired with a memory foam or gel pillow.
Loft
The pillows loft is the height of the pillow. Traditional pillows are usually one-dimensional. However, CPAP pillows have a variety of heights. Pillows for CPAP users have curves or dips to support the cervical area and provide space for CPAP masks. Your preferred sleeping position will also affect the ideal pillow loft. Side sleepers may need a thicker neck support than stomach or back sleepers.
Mask Accommodation
There are many types of CPAP masks. The most popular ones include full-face, nasal and nasal pillow masks. For side sleepers, larger masks such as full-face or nasal masks require more space. However, nasal pillow masks work well with most CPAP pillows. Consider whether the curves and cut-outs of your CPAP pillow will provide enough room for your mask to fit in your preferred sleeping position.
Support
High-quality CPAP pillows provide excellent support for the cervical spine. This is due to the pillows’ design and materials. Most CPAP pillows are made of memory foam which offers soft comfort, while still supporting your neck more than traditional feather pillows. To get the best support, customers need to make sure they choose the correct loft for their sleeping position.
Firmness Level
CPAP pillows can be very firm or medium-firm. They are designed to support the cervical area while supporting a CPAP mask.
There are many options, but most people will quickly adapt to a firmer model. They appreciate the extra support.
Pressure Relief Firm does not have to be uncomfortable. A good CPAP pillow will conform to the head and provide buoyancy with a supportive core. Memory foam CPAP pillows offer the most pressure relief. However, latex and polyfoam pillows also provide contouring.
Shape
There are many options for CPAP pillows. They can be made in a variety of sizes to support the cervical spine, and allow you to fit a CPAP mask. Different shapes can be more effective depending on the type of mask or your preferred sleeping position. A back sleeper who needs cervical stability should have a deep curved support, while side sleepers who are more concerned with space for their full-face mask will need a smaller central support with large cut-outs at their sides.
Price
CPAP pillows cannot be covered by insurance companies because they are not considered essential. The majority of models cost between €80 and €150, though there are some that can be purchased for significantly less. It is important to select the best pillow, not the cheapest. Pillows are less likely to need to be changed than other CPAP accessories. This makes them well worth the investment.
High Quality Materials
A CPAP pillow, like any other bedding piece, should be made from high-quality materials. Memory foam and polyfoam are the most common support materials used in CPAP pillows. Both of these synthetic materials work well for this purpose. For those who prefer natural materials, there are latex options. High-quality CPAP pillows will have a soft, washable cover.
Moldability
Some CPAP pillows can be molded from shredded memory foam, which can be adjusted to provide the correct amount of support and space for your mask. Most CPAP pillows can’t be adjusted in this manner, so customers need to decide what adjustability they prefer before narrowing their choices.
Temperature regulation
Memory foam and polyfoam may be the best choice for most CPAP users. However, they can retain heat all night and can become unbearably warm for some. Temperature regulation is a different approach by different manufacturers. Features like gel memory foam and improved airflow are just a few examples of how they work.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPAP Pillows
Although purchasing a CPAP pillow can be similar to any other pillow purchase, there are enough unique features to confuse and overwhelm many people.
We answer the most frequently asked questions about buying and caring of a CPAP cushion.
What is the cost of CPAP pillows?
CPAP pillows are usually priced between and and have an average price of around. A CPAP pillow that isn’t right for you can cause neck pain as well as make it more likely that your mask will fall off during the night. It is important to choose the best pillow for you, not the cheapest. CPAP pillows may not be covered by insurance, but you can still get a high-quality pillow on a tight budget by doing comparison shopping or waiting for a deal.
Do I Need A Prescription To Purchase A CPAP Pillow
CPAP pillows can be purchased as an accessory item without a prescription. They can be bought from both online and brick-and mortar retailers that do not specialize in CPAP products. However, specialized CPAP retailers will likely offer a greater selection and better pricing than general retailers.
Can I Wash My CPAP Pillows?
You can wash most foam CPAP pillows in warm water with a little soap. However, it is better to use and regularly wash a pillowcase every day. Some CPAP pillows have a pillowcase that hugs the cut-outs of their curves. This can provide a more comfortable experience. An oversized pillowcase made from a stretchy, soft material such as cotton jersey, is a good alternative to a CPAP pillow. You should squeeze out any excess water from your pillow’s foam core and let it dry.
What Are Some Other Pillows That Are Suitable For CPAP?
CPAP patients may also find that adjustable shredded foam pillows or wedge-shaped pillows are more suitable than those with cut-out accommodations for masks. Different sleep apnea pillows will suit different needs. We recommend that you consult your sleep specialist to determine which design is best for you. For example, wedge pillows can help reduce gravity-related airway compression, which in turn can improve the effectiveness of CPAP treatment for some people.
