CPAP Pillows

A CPAP pillow is a specially shaped bed pillow with side cut-outs and contours that make room for your mask and hose, so your mask stays sealed and comfortable when you move, especially if you sleep on your side. It is sometimes called a sleep apnea pillow. A regular pillow pushes against the mask and breaks the seal; a CPAP pillow gives the mask and tubing somewhere to go. Looking for a replacement mask cushion or a nasal pillow mask instead? Those are in our CPAP mask cushions and nasal pillow masks.

Why a CPAP pillow helps

When you turn over on a normal pillow, it presses on the mask frame, which is what breaks the seal and starts a leak. The cut-outs on a CPAP pillow give the cushion and the tubing room to sit, so the mask stays put:

• Fewer leaks: the seal holds when you change positions.
• Less face pressure: the mask is not mashed into your cheek, so you get fewer red marks.
• Easier side sleeping: the shape is built for sleeping on your side with a mask on.
• Tidier hose: channels keep the tubing out of the way instead of tangled under your neck.

Shop by fill

CPAP pillows come in a few fills, and the feel is the main difference:

• Memory foam contours to your head and holds its shape. See the Snugell ergonomic memory foam pillow, the Best In Rest softer memory foam pillow, and the Lunderg memory foam pillow.
• Cooling gel and ventilated foam help you sleep cooler. See the Best In Rest cooling gel pillow, the Contour CoolPAP, and the Contour Cool Flex. The Contour CPAPMax 2.0 adds an adjustable, layered design.
• Down alternative gives a softer, more adjustable feel, like the Lunderg down alternative pillow.

Shop by need

Pick the shape that matches how you sleep:

• Side sleepers get the most from a CPAP pillow, since that is when the mask presses hardest; the contoured Contour and Lunderg pillows are built for it.
• Travel: the Lunderg travel-size memory foam pillow and travel-size down alternative pillow pack down for the road.
• Full-body support: the Contour L-shaped body pillow helps you hold a side position through the night.
• Keep it fresh: add a washable CPAPMax pillow case or CoolPAP pillowcase.

How to choose the right CPAP pillow

A few things make the difference between a pillow that helps and one that fights your mask:

• Loft and height: match the height to your mask and sleep position. Adjustable pillows let you add or remove fill or layers to fine-tune the seal.
• Cooling: if you sleep warm, look for cooling gel or a ventilated, breathable foam.
• Mask compatibility: a CPAP pillow works with nasal, nasal pillow, full face, and hybrid masks across ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Philips Respironics.
• Firmness: memory foam feels firm and supportive, while down alternative feels softer and more plush.

Caring for your CPAP pillow

Most CPAP pillows have a removable cover you can machine wash, while the foam insert is spot-cleaned and aired out. Washing the cover regularly keeps oils and dust off the surface your face rests on. If your pillow did not come with a spare cover, a washable pillow case keeps a clean one always on hand.