Best CPAP Pillows

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the frontline treatment for sleep apnea, a breathing condition which affects millions of Americans. While CPAP is a very effective treatment, some people struggle to adjust to the mask they must use every night. Accessories can make treatment more comfortable, and CPAP pillows are one of the most popular accessories for ensuring a good night’s sleep while using a CPAP machine.

CPAP pillows — not to be confused with CPAP nasal pillows, which are a type of low-profile mask — are pillows designed to accommodate a CPAP mask. They vary in design, but most have cut-outs or curves so that CPAP users can sleep on their side without their mask digging into their face. Other designs may be adjustable or stabilizing rather than accommodating. A CPAP pillow may also improve treatment efficacy by making it less likely for an active sleeper to dislodge their mask.

Choosing the right CPAP pillow depends on your personal preferences and budget, as well as what type of mask you use and your preferred sleep position. We’ll introduce you to our favorite models, then walk you through the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.

Product Details

Best Overall

Bicor Products CPAP Pillow for Side Sleeping

Price:

$39

Fill:

Down alternative fibers

Firmness:

Medium

Pros

1. Down alternative fibers give the pillow a plush, lofty feel
2. Wide cutouts on each side accommodate your mask’s tubing
3. Affordable pricing

Cons

1. Soft fill may not provide enough support
2. Not sold with a pillowcase or protector

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Side sleeping is generally considered the best position for people with sleep apnea because you’re less likely to snore. However, interference from your mask and its connective tubing can lead to sleep disruptions when you sleep on your side. The aptly named CPAP Pillow for Side Sleeping mitigates this issue with a large cutout on each side, allowing you to feed your mask’s tubing through the cutout and rest comfortably on either side.

What Does It Do?

The pillow contains down alternative fibers that mimic the natural softness and lightness of real down without using animal-based materials or triggering allergy symptoms. This fill also makes the pillow feel quite lofty. The shell is a cotton-polyester blend with a smooth hand-feel that’s ideal for people with sensitive skin. Thanks to the reversible design, you can adjust your pillow’s position during the night without your tubing getting in the way.

Who It’s Best for

While the pillow’s name signifies its practicality for side sleeping, we also found the profile was thick enough to provide proper head and neck support when lying on our backs. Combination sleepers who switch between the side and back positions are another group who can benefit from using this pillow. Since down alternative fill retains very little heat, we’re also recommending it to hot sleepers — especially those who can’t sleep comfortably with memory foam pillows.

The CPAP Pillow for Side Sleeping carries an accessible price-point. If you order through Singular Sleep, your purchase also includes affordable flat-rate shipping.

Best Value

Medline CPAP Pillow with Memory Foam

Price:

$65

Fill:

High-density memory foam

Firmness:

Medium Firm

Pros

1. Unique shape accommodates CPAP masks
2. High-density memory foam balances contouring and support
3. Foam composition helps relieve pressure buildup

Cons

1. High potential for strong initial odor
2. Foam may trap and absorb heat

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The Medline CPAP Pillow with Memory Foam is a solid choice for sleepers seeking a pillow that removes some of the discomforts that can arise when using a CPAP mask with more traditional pillows. The Medline model has an approachable price-point compared to other CPAP pillows on the market.

What Does It Do?

The specialized shape of the pillow is meant to accommodate CPAP masks and tubes, reducing pillow interference that can sometimes jostle masks and result in leakage. The pillow measures 13 inches by 20 inches, with a 5-inch loft. It’s filled with memory foam that molds closely to the shape of your neck and head. The cover has a zippered construction and may be machine washed for easy care.

Who It’s Best For

The close contouring of the memory foam offers relief to sleepers who experience pressure buildup at night, yet the high density composition of the foam maintains enough support to keep the head elevated and aligned with the spine. This mid-range loft is best suited for side and back sleepers, while stomach sleepers may find it too thick to keep their neck aligned with the spine.

Medline pillow purchases on Health Products For You are returnable within 30 days. A refund will be issued, minus a restocking fee.

Most Comfortable

Vive CPAP Pillow

Price:

$89

Fill:

Memory foam

Firmness:

Medium

Pros

1. Solid memory foam offers excellent pressure relief
2. Cutout design prevents mask from pushing against the face
3. Polyester shell is removable and machine-washable

Cons

1. Low-loft design may not provide enough cushioning for side sleepers
2. Foam may emit bothersome off-gassing odor after unboxing

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Traditional pillows have a tendency to push against CPAP masks at night, which can cause uncomfortable pressure against the face. The Vive CPAP Pillow has an ergonomic design that allows CPAP masks to rest with minimal pushback against the face.

What Does It Do?

The pillow is made with solid memory foam encased in a machine-washable polyester shell. The unique shape includes cutout curves that provide a space for the mask and tubes to rest, producing minimal pushback against the face. This not only feels more comfortable but also reduces the risk of your mask being pulled away from your face, which can lead to leakage.

Who It’s Best For

The foam conforms closely to the head and neck to relieve pressure buildup, which can be beneficial for sleepers who experience neck pain at night. At the same time, the pillow is firm enough to keep the head from sinking too deeply, especially compared to down or down alternative pillows. The pillow is 13 inches by 20 inches, with a 3.5-inch loft that is ideal for back sleepers.

Vive CPAP Pillows purchased on Health Products For You may be returned within 30 days for a refund, minus a restocking fee.

Best for Neck Pain

EnduriMed CPAP Pillow

Price:

$60

Fill:

Solid Memory Foam

Firmness:

Medium

Pros

1. Provides cervical support and stability for back sleepers
2. Removable pad for loft adjustment
3. Side cutouts to accommodate masks and hoses

Cons

1. Harsh initial off-gassing smells may occur during the first few nights
2. Cover can be difficult to reattach after cleaning or adjusting the insert

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While some other memory foam pillows can compress over time, the EnduriMed CPAP Pillow has a durable design that should hold its shape well without becoming firm or brittle. The pillow’s design also features a removable pad to allow users to adjust the loft as needed.

What Does It Do?

The pillow features a lower loft to allow for the natural curve of the spine, with a shoulder cut-out and molded cervical support. This design gently encourages proper cervical alignment while also stabilizing the position of your head on the pillow. Some people end up in an uncomfortable position during the night due to the extra weight of a CPAP mask and hose, but this pillow’s molded support should help prevent this from happening.

Who It’s Best For

Despite featuring mask accommodation for side sleepers, this pillow is best for people who sleep on their back. All CPAP users who sleep on their back should find the EnduriMed CPAP pillow works well for them, regardless of what type of mask they use. If you sleep on your side and still choose this model, it accommodates nasal and nasal pillow masks the best.

The pillow comes with a removable cotton cover and is backed by a 30-day manufacturer’s warranty.

Best Travel CPAP Pillow

Core Products Mini CPAP Pillow

Price:

$50

Fill:

Down Alternative

Firmness:

Medium

Pros

1. Crescent-shaped design accommodates all sleep positions
2. Fiber filling is lightweight for travel
3. Excellent temperature regulation

Cons

1. Down alternative fill offers less neck support than solid foam
2. Pillow can only be hand washed

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Unlike most of the other CPAP pillows on the market, the Core Products Mini CPAP Pillow has a fairly simple design and a down alternative filling. The pillow provides surprisingly robust support to CPAP users regardless of their mask type or preferred sleeping position.

What Does It Do?

The Mini CPAP Pillow features a down alternative fill with a cotton cover that cannot be removed, though pillow cases can be purchased through the official Core Products website. While molded foam pillows are some of the most popular CPAP pillows, the crescent shape is one of the original CPAP pillow designs and is still quite effective at accommodating CPAP gear. The pillow is shaped to fit against the body without any excess, leaving plenty of room for whatever type of mask you use.

Who It’s Best For

The pillow’s lightweight design makes it a great choice for frequent travelers, including for use while traveling by air. It is effective for both side and back sleepers, although its design may be an adjustment for side sleepers accustomed to a larger pillow. Active side sleepers may also dislodge the pillow, as it requires fairly precise positioning. The Mini CPAP is also a good choice if you enjoy the feel of alternative down instead of memory foam.

The manufacturer stands behind its pillow with a 1-year warranty covering common manufacturing defects and flaws.

How to Choose a CPAP Pillow

Choosing the right CPAP pillow can be confusing. There is a wide range of pillows specifically designed for CPAP users, and other types of pillows — particularly wedge, cervical, and adjustable pillows — can also be helpful for CPAP users. We’ll walk you through the details you should know and factors to consider before making a purchase. By focusing on your own needs and arming yourself with information, it’s possible to choose a CPAP pillow that provides you with personalized comfort.

What to Consider When Purchasing a CPAP Pillow

CPAP pillows are often advertised with many marketing terms that have little concrete meaning. Comfort, for example, is highly personal — the “most comfortable” CPAP pillow might be perfect for one person and less than ideal for another.

To help our readers cut through the marketing talk, we’ll examine 11 critical factors to keep in mind when choosing a CPAP pillow. Some categories may be more important to you than other categories, but considering each of them will allow you to accurately judge what pillow might work for your needs.

Sleeping Position
Your preferred sleeping position is one of the most significant factors to consider when buying a CPAP pillow. Side sleepers should look for a pillow with cut-outs or curves to provide space for their mask, while people who sleep on their back often find that cervical pillows provide the stability and comfort they need. Some pillows are also shaped differently at the top and bottom so that combination sleepers can turn them as required. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, usually find a nasal pillow mask most comfortable when paired with an adjustable memory foam or gel pillow.

Loft
A pillow’s loft refers to its height. While traditional pillows usually have one height, pillows designed for CPAP users often have dips and curves to provide cervical support or space for a CPAP mask. The ideal pillow loft also depends on your preferred sleep position, with side sleepers requiring a thicker neck support than back or stomach sleepers.

Mask Accommodation
There are several types of CPAP masks, with the most common varieties being full-face, nasal, and nasal pillow masks. Bulkier masks like full-face and nasal models require more accommodation, particularly for side sleepers, while nasal pillow masks tend to work well with most CPAP pillows. Before deciding on a CPAP pillow, consider whether the cut-outs or curves will allow enough space for your mask in your usual sleeping position.

Support
Most high-quality CPAP pillows offer excellent support through the cervical spine. This is thanks to their design, but also their materials — most CPAP pillows are made from memory foam, which provides soft comfort while still supporting the neck better than a traditional feather pillow. However, customers should make sure to choose a pillow with the right loft for their sleeping position in order to receive full support.

Firmness Level
CPAP pillows tend to range from medium to very firm. Most are intended to provide excellent cervical support while accommodating a CPAP mask, which requires firmer construction than a feather or down pillow. While softer options are available, most people quickly adjust to a firmer model and appreciate the additional support.

Pressure Relief
“Firm” doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable.  A well-made CPAP pillow will contour against the head, allowing for a buoyant feeling with a supportive core. CPAP pillows made from memory foam tend to offer the best pressure relief, though latex and polyfoam options also provide gentle contouring.

Shape
CPAP pillows are available in a range of shapes meant to support the cervical spine and provide space for a CPAP mask. Different shapes may be more or less effective for the type of mask you have or for support in your preferred sleeping position. For example, a back sleeper looking for cervical stability may prefer deeply curved support around their neck, while a side sleeper mostly interested in space for their full-face mask may require a thinner central support with generous cut-outs at the sides.

Price
CPAP pillows are considered “non-essential” and are therefore not covered by insurance providers. Most cost between $30 and $75, though some models may be available for less and luxury versions can cost significantly more. As with other CPAP accessories, it’s crucial to choose the right pillow rather than the least expensive one. Pillows need to be replaced far less often than many other CPAP accessories, making them worth the investment.

Quality Materials
As with any other piece of bedding, a CPAP pillow should be made of high-quality materials. Most models use memory foam or polyfoam for support, both of which are synthetic materials that work extremely well for this use. However, latex options are available for people who prefer naturally derived materials for their bedding. A high-quality CPAP pillow will also have a soft, comfortable cover that can be washed.

Moldability
Some CPAP pillows are made from shredded memory foam that can be molded and adjusted for the right amount of support and mask space. Most CPAP pillows cannot be adjusted this way, so customers should decide on their adjustability preferences before narrowing down their options.

Temperature Regulation
Although memory foam and polyfoam are the ideal choice for most CPAP users, they do tend to retain heat throughout the night and can be uncomfortably warm for some people. Different manufacturers approach temperature regulation in different ways, with features like improved airflow and the use of gel memory foam.

Purchasing a CPAP pillow is similar to buying any other pillow, but there are enough unique factors to overwhelm and confuse many people. In this section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions our readers have about buying and caring for a CPAP pillow.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.