According to the American Medical Association, approximately 30 million Americans live with sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by irregular breathing patterns that make it difficult to achieve full, restorative rest. If you have sleep apnea, you might use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to help improve breathing, which relies on a mask and machine to deliver continuous pressurized air. While it can be challenging to sleep when you’re using a CPAP machine, the best pillow for sleep apnea can help maintain cervical spine positioning for an open airway and accommodate sleep apnea therapy devices. We landed on the EnduriMed CPAP Pillow as our top pick, but highlight three other quality choices that fit the bill for those with sleep apnea.
The best pillows for sleep apnea include the Casper Hybrid Pillow, a fluffy, yet supportive pillow ... [+]
Whether you're looking for a pillow that accommodates your machine or a supportive option to minimize snoring, a great night's rest may be on the horizon. Our top pick for the best pillows for sleep apnea may help alleviate symptoms (when used in conjunction with other modifications), offering you the quality sleep you've always dreamed of.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
We take sleep health seriously at Forbes Vetted, and that’s why we conducted some meticulous research for the best pillows for sleep apnea. We used our personal expertise, scoured customer reviews and ratings and consulted a subject matter experts to help us find the best sleep apnea pillows.
- To get expert insights on the best pillows for sleep apnea, we consulted with Dan Gartenberg, Ph.D., Sleep Health Advisor at CPAP.com.
- I've been writing and researching in the health and wellness space for 20 years. My bylines have appeared in Shape, Health, Yahoo, (and others) covering buyer's guides, reviews, fitness, nutrition, mental health, and more.
What To Consider When Looking For A Sleep Apnea Pillow
If you have sleep apnea, here are a few considerations to keep in mind when searching for the best pillow.
Sleeping Position
Sleep position is very important when choosing a pillow, even for those without a sleep disorder. Side sleepers often want a pillow with more loft, while stomach sleepers prefer a thinner pillow. Back and combination sleepers may benefit from something in between. However, Gartenberg advises, "Positional Therapy, which focuses on encouraging sleep apnea to sleep on their side to reduce the impact gravity has on your airway," usually means finding a pillow that is made for side sleepers, which is a slightly firmer pillow with high loft and minimal sinkage.
Shape
Pillows come in a variety of shapes, especially when designed for those with sleep apnea. The shape should cater to your preference, space allowances and body type. Some individuals might prefer a more expansive sleep surface, as is common with a traditional pillow. In contrast, others may settle for a smaller sleep surface as long as the pillow accommodates their CPAP mask with cutouts.
CPAP Machine Compatibility
For those who wear a CPAP machine mask, finding a pillow that accommodates it is essential. Pillows can cause concerns such as mask gaping that cause air to escape, pressure on the mask and face or compression of the mask tubing. CPAP machine-friendly pillows usually have a unique shape. Gartenberg notes that these winged or clover-shaped pillows have "contoured sides that are perfect for aligning your head and neck without getting in the way of your CPAP mask."
Loft
Loft refers to the pillow height, which ultimately affects the position of your head, neck, and shoulders. Gartenberg states, "Some back sleepers with obstructive sleep apnea struggle to breathe at night because laying flat blocks their airway." This is where a loftier and slightly firmer pillow can come in handy, elevating your shoulders, neck and head to prevent gravity from adversely affecting the soft tissues in your airway. However, too lofty of a pillow, especially if used by stomach sleepers, can cause neck and back pain, making it essential to consider your sleep position.
Support
Individuals with sleep apnea generally benefit from a supportive pillow that relieves pressure and encourages proper alignment. Pillows that are slightly squishy but resist sinkage are often a happy medium. You may also want to consider adjustable pillows that allow you to customize the loft and firmness by removing or adding fill.
Firmness Level
The best pillow for sleep apnea typically has a firmness range from medium to very firm. Pillows that do not allow your head to sink aid in supporting the cervical spine, and help to keep the pillow's surface from interfering with CPAP machine masks and tubing.
Materials
It's recommended to choose a sleep apnea pillow made from high-quality materials. Memory foam or polyurethane are two common synthetic materials that can provide significant support without breaking down over time. Natural or organic latex foam is also a supportive material, and more eco-friendly. It contours around your curves like memory foam, but is much bouncier and responsive. Most sleep apnea pillows include a washable hypoallergenic or luxury-quality case.
Price
Unfortunately, insurance may not cover sleep apnea pillows, though some qualify for Health Savings Accounts. Pillows for individuals with sleep apnea range in price from affordable to luxury models. It's typically a good idea to choose one that suits your budget, but is also right for your needs, preferences and sleeping position.
What Kind Of Pillow Helps With Sleep Apnea?
Memory foam pillows with a medium to firm level of support and loft can help elevate the head and maintain proper airway positioning. Pillows that accommodate CPAP machine masks and tubing can also help keep you comfortable throughout the night without interfering with airflow.
Do Sleep Apnea Pillows Really Work?
Gartenberg states, "A good, supportive pillow should be viewed as a helpful tool for overcoming sleep apnea," but "the right pillow is unlikely to totally resolve the issue." Many people consider sleep apnea pillows a helpful addition to sleep apnea therapy options, like CPAP machines.
What Pillow Keeps Your Airway Open?
Wedge pillows or those made from memory foam that are firmer and loftier may help elevate your head and neck. Keeping the head and neck elevated can promote better positioning of the cervical spine and reduce gravity's effects on the soft tissues of your airway.
Is It Better To Have One Or Two Pillows For Sleep Apnea?
A sleep apnea pillow with the proper loft and firmness level should be able to be used alone and can prevent you from needing to stack pillows. Additionally, it is generally recommended that those with sleep apnea sleep in a side-lying position, and often require only a single pillow.