Stomach sleeping is the least common position for sleeping. However, for those living with sleep apnea and other breathing-related sleep disorders, this sleeping position has been shown to improve oxygen saturation as well as reduce the apnea hypopnea index.
However, as a stomach sleeper, you may also have difficulties finding a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device with a mask that will not press into your face or cause a strain on your neck.
Although CPAP therapy usually requires a lot of trial and error before finding the best devices and techniques, there are some general recommendations for stomach sleepers.
Let’s take a look at the best CPAP masks for stomach sleepers.
Best CPAP Masks For Stomach Sleepers in 2024
When choosing a CPAP machine for the first time, it is important to consider how you sleep so you can rest comfortably while using your device.
As stomach sleepers, you usually face challenges when selecting a CPAP device due to the unique way you sleep, which can result in issues such as getting tangled with CPAP tubing.
Here are our picks for the best CPAP masks for stomach sleepers in 2024.
ResMed AirFit ™ P30i Nasal Pillow Mask
The ResMed P30i Nasal Pillow Mask is designed for active sleepers and stomach sleepers who breathe through their nose. Its 360° rotating top-of-the-head hose connection allows you to move around, sleep in any position you like and even get closer to your bed partner.
It has a flexible silicone frame with minimal face contact, accommodating all facial structures and providing a good mask fit. It also includes a quick-release elbow that allows easy disconnection and has vent ports that help to remove carbon dioxide so it doesn’t accumulate near your face.
Key features:
•Holds the mask seal even while lying on your stomach or moving in bed, preventing air leaks.
•Minimal pressure points that make stomach sleeping easier.
•Minimalist design that reduces claustrophobia and allows those who wear glasses to use them at the same time as their CPAP machine.
•Easy to put on and take off.
•Vents the excess air quietly
ResMed AirFit ™ F30i Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
This is one of the best CPAP full face masks. Like the previous one, it has a 360º top-of-the-head hose connection and an under-the-nose full-face cushion that allows less facial contact than a traditional full-face cushion, reducing claustrophobia. This cushion has InfinitySeal™ technology that prevents mask leaks even at high pressures.
The ResMed AirFit™ F30i Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear also has a soft silicone frame that does not press into your face while stomach sleeping, and it is great for mouth breathers. It also has QuietAir™ technology that turns the CPAP therapy into a quiet experience.
Key features:
•Does not cover all of your nose. It seals under the nostrils.
•Easy to put on and off with magnetic clips. However, it can interfere with other medical devices, such as peacemakers.
•The mask style is compact and does not press into your face.
•Holds a secure seal even while moving or lying on your stomach.
Fisher & Paykel Evora ™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
The Fisher & Paykel Evora™ Full Face CPAP Mask has a minimalist design that provides a clear line of sight, while its unique Dynamic Support Technology seal keeps the mask comfortably in place and secure under the nose.
Opposed to the previous masks, this one does not have a top-of-the-head tube connection. Instead, its hose connection is closer to the chin and facing downward, allowing you to sleep on your stomach.
This mask has a shallow side profile that reduces the pressure against your face, and its headgear can be easily released from the mask itself so it can be cleaned without changing the adjustments of the velcro straps.
Key features:
•Holds a very strong mask seal.
•The headgear is easily adjusted.
•No airflow over the ears, which makes it quieter.
•Pacemaker safe.
•The mask and hose are compact enough to not press into your face.
DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack
The top-of-the-head hose and nasal cradle design of the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask significantly reduces extra weight and bulk on the face, which lets you sleep in any position you want without discomfort. It is a great option for stomach sleepers who require high air pressure as part of their CPAP therapy.
Its soft silicone frame provides a good fit that will not move, even if you do, and it is interchangeable with other DreamWear masks, including the Silicone Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask. This mask also has a 360º elbow swivel that rotates and avoids tangling with the tubes. This elbow is easy to remove but might be harder to put back in place.
Key features:
•Under-the-nose cradle makes it easier to do daily activities while using the CPAP mask.
•Holds a very strong seal.
•Designed not to press into your face if you are stomach sleeping.
•Provides high pressure air.
•Easy to remove
DreamWear Silicone Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
The Philips Respironics DreamWear Silicone Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear offers a soft silicone frame and silicone nasal pillows, which reduce pressure points and increase comfort. Its nasal pillow mask fits right under the nose, allowing the headgear to have minimal contact with the skin, leaving fewer red marks.
As with some previous masks, this one has a top-of-the-head hose connection and a 360º elbow swivel that allows the user to move freely and adapt comfortably in their sleep. Like the DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask, it has an interchangeable frame and an easier-to-remove-than-to-reinsert elbow.
Key features:
•The silicone nasal pillows are very soft and comfortable.
•Provides a strong mask seal.
•Designed not to press into your face if you are stomach sleeping.
•Provide high pressure air.
•Easy to remove.
Dive deeper and learn more about the best masks for stomach sleepers. Check out our CPAP masks collection for other mask options for side and back sleepers.
At Sleeplay, we offer premium sleep apnea products from leading brands to help you elevate your CPAP therapy and get better rest.
What Is the Best Type of CPAP Mask for Stomach Sleepers?
Sleeping on the stomach is the least common sleeping position. However, experts affirm that stomach and side sleeping can help reduce the apnea rate and improve oxygen saturation for those living with obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing-related sleep disorders.
Considering your sleep position is as essential as a healthcare provider’s opinion in choosing the best type of mask when buying a CPAP machine. These are the best types of CPAP masks for stomach sleepers.
Nasal Pillow Masks
Nasal Masks
CPAP Masks with Top-of-the-Head Connection
In this type of mask, the CPAP tubing connects to the top of the head instead of the front of the face. This unique design provides a number of advantages, such as a more secure fit, greater comfort, unobstructed vision and less noise discomfort.
Full-Face Masks
How Do You Sleep With a CPAP as a Stomach Sleeper?
As we previously commented, sleeping on the stomach is a very unusual sleeping position, and people who sleep in such a position often find it hard or complex to choose a CPAP mask.
This happens because, in this position, the CPAP mask can get pressed into the face (leaving red marks) or force the head into an uncomfortable position (causing neck stiffness). Similarly, this position might lead to air leaks in some masks, reducing the quality of the CPAP therapy.
However, it is important to note that sleeping on your stomach with a CPAP machine depends more on the mask than on the machine itself. With the right mask, you can sleep in any position you feel comfortable in because there are different CPAP masks types for different sleeping positions.
The best type of CPAP mask for those who prefer sleeping on their stomachs, the optimal choice is a nasal pillow mask. This type of mask requires a smaller surface area for an effective seal and minimizes facial contact, making it a more comfortable and suitable option.
Another aspect to consider is where the CPAP tubing is located. For example, some masks include headgear with tubes along the temples, which can restrict movement or comfort level.
On the other hand, for those who require higher air pressure, a healthcare provider might recommend a full-face mask that connects to your CPAP machine with top-of-the-head tubing. This allows you to sleep on your stomach without having the tubing pressing into your face or being dislodged by your pillow.
What Is the Best Position to Sleep Wearing CPAP?
Finding the best sleeping position with sleep apnea or other breathing-related disorders might be challenging and may require adjustments depending on individual preferences.
Most people assume that being a back sleeper is considered the worst position because it can lead to airway obstruction. However, when the high pressure is well-adjusted, it is actually the best position for sleeping while using a CPAP device. The head-tilt sleeping position also helps reduce the effects of blocked airways.
The key to improving your CPAP therapy is finding a mask that can be adapted to your sleeping position and your facial features.
We hope you can find a suitable option among this list of best CPAP masks for stomach sleepers, active sleepers or anyone who wants a lightweight mask.
For a more personalized recommendation, our sleep specialists can guide you with your sleep apnea treatment. Contact us to set up a free consultation with a sleep expert, or visit our website to see the products available
Medically reviewed: Daniela García
Medical Doctor. She has actively participated in various research projects and currently holds the position of Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the Central University of Venezuela.
