The 5 Best CPAP Pillows To Reduce Mask Pressure And Air Leaks (2024)

CPAP machines are a common treatment for sleep apnea, but they can be uncomfortable to sleep with, especially when you first start using one. The best CPAP pillows have special cutouts for the mask and tubing, which can make using your CPAP machine more comfortable. Our top recommendation is the Lunderg CPAP Pillow, which is height adjustable and can be used with any type of mask.

CPAP pillows—not to be confused with nasal pillows, a type of CPAP mask—are generally made from memory foam and have cutouts on the sides and/or top of the pillow. These grooves allow your CPAP mask and its tube to hang off the edge of the pillow unobstructed, helping to reduce pressure and leaks as you sleep. As you choose a CPAP pillow, make sure it’s compatible with both the style of mask you use and your preferred sleep position. Here are several of the best CPAP pillows you may want to consider to help you get a better night of sleep.

  • Best Overall CPAP Pillow: Lunderg CPAP Pillow

  • Best Value CPAP Pillow: Homca CPAP Pillow

  • Most Comfortable CPAP Pillow: Contour CPAPMax Pillow

  • Best CPAP Pillow For Neck Pain: EnduriMed CPAP Pillow

  • Best CPAP Pillow For Side Sleepers: Core Products CPAP Pillow

Best Overall CPAP Pillow

A Height-Adjustable Pillow For Any Mask Type

Fill: Memory foam | Outer material: Polyester | Firmness: Medium-firm | Loft: Adjustable | Contoured: Yes | Trial: No | Mask type: All types

Pros:

  • Adjustable height with removable insert
  • Two neck contour sizes
  • Comes with two pillowcases

Cons:

  • Some users say the pillow is too firm

The Lunderg CPAP Pillow can be used with any style or brand of CPAP mask, and it’s suitable for any sleep position as well. This CPAP pillow is made from a thick layer of memory foam that provides support for your head and neck during the night. It has a removable insert that’s 1.5 inches thick, allowing you to lower the overall loft of the pillow as needed. The pillow is also reversible, featuring two size neck contours to accommodate different body types.

Thanks to the cutouts on each side of the pillow, the CPAP tubes stay unobstructed during the night, helping to reduce air leaks and mask pressure. This adjustable CPAP pillow comes with two pillowcases that fit its unique shape. One is a standard pillowcase, while the other has a cooling material for those who sleep hot.

What the reviews say: “I wear a full face mask and am a stomach and side sleeper. After struggling with several other pillows, mask leaks, deep lines on my face and neck pain, I decided to purchase this pillow,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “It has been life changing for me. I love the options: you can remove a layer of the pillow to reduce the thickness. This option relieved my neck pain. You also have the option of a smaller or wider cut out to accommodate the mask.”

Best Value CPAP Pillow

A Reasonably Priced Option Made From Quality Materials

Homca CPAP Pillow

Fill: Memory foam | Outer material: Not listed | Firmness: Medium-firm | Loft: 3.5 or 4.3 inches | Contoured: No | Trial: No | Mask type: All types

Pros:

  • Reversible design has two height options
  • Made from CertiPur-US certified foam

Cons:

  • Some users find the pillow to be too firm

Some CPAP pillows can be quite expensive, but this option from Homca is a well-priced option made from CertiPur-US certified memory foam. The pillow offers two different thicknesses—one side is over 4 inches thick for a higher loft, while the other side is around 3.5 inches. This allows you to easily choose the height that’s more comfortable for your head and neck.

This CPAP pillow has cutouts on each side to allow your mask’s tubes to hang over, and it also has an indent in the center of the pillow to help reduce ear pressure when sleeping on your side. The brand claims the pillow can work with any style or brand of CPAP mask, including nasal or face options, and it comes with an inner dust cover and washable pillowcase to help keep the pillow clean.

What the reviews say: Users say this pillow works well, especially for a low-priced option. “It has helped my mask stay in proper position, and my neck is feeling great for the first time in years, as height of pillow is perfect alignment for spine. Even the small indentation works great to take pressure off your ear,” says one Amazon shopper.

Most Comfortable CPAP Pillow

A Breathable Design With Two Firmness Options

Contour CPAPMax Pillow

Fill: Ventilated memory foam/fiber fill | Outer material: Cotton-polyester blend | Firmness: Plush or medium-firm | Loft: Adjustable | Contoured: Yes | Trial: No | Mask type: All types

Pros:

  • Ventilated foam allows heat to dissipate
  • Adjustable height thanks to removable inserts
  • Built-in CPAP hose attachment

Cons:

  • Some users report an odor after unboxing

If you don’t like the firm feel of memory foam pillows, one side of the Contour CPAPMax Pillow has a layer of polyester fiber fill that gives it a plusher feel—like a traditional pillow. It still has multiple layers of supportive memory foam in the center to keep your head and spine aligned, but it’s softer and more comfortable than many other CPAP options. Plus, it can be used with any type of CPAP mask and in any sleep position.

The CPAPMax Pillow is made up of three layers, and each one can be removed, if needed, adjusting the height and feel of the pillow to suit your individual preferences. The foam is perforated with small holes to prevent it from getting too warm during the night, and you can flip the pillow over if you prefer a denser, more supportive feel. Plus, this pillow also has a hose tether that helps reduce pulling on your mask during the night and prevents kinking as you shift positions.

What the reviews say: “As a side sleeper with a CPAP, it can be tricky to get into a position that feels right enough to be able to fall asleep and stay asleep,” writes one Amazon shopper. “This pillow has minimized my neck/shoulder aches and is so comfortable that my sleep quality has improved and helped me to feel more alert during the day.”

Best CPAP Pillow For Neck Pain

Ergonomic Shape Keeps Your Neck Aligned

EnduriMed CPAP Pillow

Fill: Memory foam | Outer material: Not listed | Firmness: Medium | Loft: Adjustable | Contoured: Yes | Trial: No | Mask type: CPAP, BiPAP and APAP

Pros:

  • Foam is soft yet supportive
  • Two neck contour sizes
  • Adjustable height with removable inserts

Cons:

  • Works best with full-face masks

Your pillow can cause neck pain if your head and neck aren’t in alignment with your spine during the night, and the EnduriMed CPAP Pillow has an ergonomic shape that prevents this from happening. The memory foam pillow allows you to sleep on your side, back or stomach while providing just the right amount of support for your head, and you can rotate the pillow to see which of its two neck support options is more comfortable for your body type.

To further customize the feel of this pillow, it comes with a removable insert that lets you raise or lower its height as needed (your spine should be in a neutral position to prevent neck pain, so it’s important to keep your head from tilting up or down while sleeping). However, this pillow is best-suited for use with full-face CPAP masks. The brand says it may not work as well with nasal masks.

What the reviews say: “I had a sore neck for a month prior to using this pillow,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “A few nights after using the pillow I realized my neck pain was gone. Very comfortable and the mask fits right in the grooves of the pillow, eliminating movement of the mask and neck strain.”

Best CPAP Pillow For Side Sleepers

A U-Shaped Pillow To Accommodate Your Shoulder

Core Products CPAP Pillow

Fill: Polyester fiber fill | Outer material: Cotton-polyester blend | Firmness: Firm | Loft: 4 inches | Contoured: Yes | Trial: No | Mask type: Any type

Pros:

  • U-shaped design for side sleepers
  • Thick construction to support the neck

Cons:

  • Cover isn’t machine washable

For those who sleep predominantly on their side, the Core Products CPAP Pillow has a U-shaped design that leaves room for your shoulder. Unlike most CPAP pillows, this one is stuffed with polyester fiber fill, which gives it a squishier feel—though the brand says it’s still a firm option. The pillow is around 4 inches thick, helping to support your neck as you sleep on your side.

This pillow has curved sides that provide space for your CPAP hose to hang off, helping to prevent mask leaks or pressure. It comes with a polyester-cotton cover that’s soft to the touch, but it’s not machine washable, so you may want to cover it with a pillowcase to make maintenance a bit easier.

What the reviews say: “I’ve tried three or four different pillows before I found this one; so far this is the best one for my needs. I am a side sleeper and also a CPAP user, and this was the first one I found that supported my neck and shoulders more adequately,” writes one reviewer.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

We take sleep health seriously at Forbes Vetted, and our robust library of mattress and sleep stories speaks for itself. The Forbes Vetted team has first-hand experience testing many sleep categories, including the best pillows, best pillows for side sleepers and more. We know that CPAP machines aren’t the most comfortable devices to sleep with, and we completed extensive research to help you find the best CPAP pillow for your needs.

  • Camryn Rabideau, the author of this piece, is a regular contributor to Forbes Vetted and has several years of experience testing sleep products like pillows and sheets.
  • This article was assigned and overseen by Bridget Chapman, senior mattress and sleep editor, and McKenzie Dillon, mattress and sleep editor. Both have extensive experience with sleep product testing.
  • We also consulted with Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, Ph.D., neuroscientist and sleep consultant at Wesper, a sleep disorder diagnostics company. She explained the purpose of CPAP pillows and offered tips on selecting the right one for your needs.

How We Chose The Best CPAP Pillows

To help you get more comfortable using your CPAP machine, we completed meticulous research on the best CPAP pillows, read through hundreds of customer reviews and ratings and consulted with sleep experts for their advice.

  • With guidance from Rohrscheib, we looked for memory foam CPAP pillows with a medium-firm density. We also prioritized options that can be used with any type of CPAP mask, including nasal, nasal pillow and full face.
  • We looked for top-rated products that have at least a 4-star rating from users, but prioritized options with 4.5 stars or higher.
  • We evaluated products on their material quality, firmness, adjustability and sleep trial or return options.

What To Look For In The Best CPAP Pillows

Accommodating Your Mask

There are three main types of CPAP masks—nasal, nasal pillow and full face. “Find a pillow that is appropriate for the type of mask and tubing you use,” says Rohrscheib. “For example, some pillows are made for tubing that connects at the front of the mask, while others are for tubing that goes over the head.” Pillows like the Lunderg CPAP Pillow can be used with any style or brand of CPAP mask, making them more versatile.

Loft

In addition to being compatible with your CPAP mask, your pillow needs to be the right height for your body to keep your spine in a neutral position throughout the night—otherwise, you may experience neck or back pain in the morning. Pillows aren’t a one-size-fits-all product, so it’s always a good idea to select a height-adjustable pillow that you can alter to suit your needs. For instance, the Contour CPAPMax Pillow has three inner layers that you can mix and match to find just the right pillow height for your sleep preferences.

Sleeping Position

Your sleep position also helps determine the right CPAP pillow for your needs. Stomach and back sleepers tend to require lower-loft pillows, and an option like the EnduriMed CPAP Pillow can help keep your spine in proper alignment during the night. Side sleepers, on the other hand, need more loft to support their head, and pillows with a U-shaped design, such as the Core Products CPAP Pillow, provide space for your shoulder to rest comfortably.

Materials

Most CPAP pillows are made from memory foam, which offers more support during the night than fiberfill. “Your pillow should also be medium firm and made out of breathable materials that don't trap heat,” says Rohrscheib. If you sleep hot, you may want to look for a gel-infused pillow or an option like the Contour CPAPMax Pillow, which has ventilation holes in its foam to help dissipate heat during the night.

Do CPAP Pillows Really Help?

If you’re having issues with your CPAP mask leaking during the night or just struggling to find a comfortable position, it’s worth trying out a CPAP pillow. “They increase comfort and decrease the likelihood that your mask will shift or your tubing becomes tangled while you sleep,” says Rohrscheib. However, you may need to try out a few options to find a pillow that works for your sleeping position and CPAP mask.

What Kind Of Pillow Is Best For Sleep Apnea?

The best pillows for sleep apnea can help to prevent your airway from becoming blocked during the night by maintaining a proper spine position. “Pillows that elevate the head and neck or help sleep apnea sufferers sleep on their side are typically the best options,” says Dr. Rohrscheib. “A pillow should always be used in combination with your sleep apnea therapy unless otherwise recommended by your sleep physician.”

How Do I Choose A CPAP Pillow?

To find the right CPAP pillow, look for an option that’s compatible with your CPAP mask and preferred sleep position. Consider what the pillow is made from, its firmness level and its height. Many CPAP pillows have removable inserts that allow you to adjust the height of the pillow, and it’s also a good idea to consider whether the pillow can fit into a standard pillowcase or if you need a special cover for it. Finally, be sure to check the brand’s sleep trial or return policy in case the pillow doesn’t work for you.

The 5 Best CPAP Pillows To Reduce Mask Pressure And Air Leaks (2024)
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