Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by irregular breathing patterns when sleeping. Some common symptoms include inconsistent breathing, heavy snoring, gasping, dry mouth, and daytime fatigue (1). If you experience any of these symptoms, consider investing in the best pillows for sleep apnea to alleviate the symptoms and get relief. With the right pillow, you can comfortably rest while keeping your head elevated, nasal passages unobstructed, and spine aligned. Check out our favorite options in this post. We have also included a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed choice.
What Types Of Pillows Are Best For Sleep Apnea?
Depending on the severity of your condition, there are different types of pillow options for you to pick from.
1. Wedge pillows
These compact, triangular pillows are designed for those who have trouble breathing when sleeping on their backs and prefer side sleeping. They help elevate the body and relieve obstructions in the nasal passages, thus making them ideal for people with sleep apnea and acid reflux.
2. CPAP pillows
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) pillows are innovative solutions for those who have trouble breathing during sleep. The mask constantly pumps air to facilitate smoother respiration as you lie on your back or side. The pillow accommodates this mask to make it easier to sleep with, allowing you to relax in a comfortable position.
Tips For Getting Better Rest If You Have Sleep Apnea
While it’s necessary to consult with a doctor and follow a treatment plan designed for your needs, there are a few measures you can take to manage sleep apnea at home and sleep better (2) (3).
1. Have a healthy lifestyle
Sleep apnea tends to occur most frequently among those with diabetes and obesity. Thus, practicing a healthy lifestyle is one of the most crucial aspects of managing as well as preventing the condition. Consuming balanced, nutritious meals, following a regular sleep schedule, and exercising can help you function better during the day despite the apnea.
2. Try CPAP machines
A CPAP machine can send increased air pressure into the nasal passage to keep your throat open, relaxed, and unobstructed while sleeping. The mask or machine comes with various components that can be adjusted according to your needs, making this a temporary but excellent solution.
3. Find the right sleeping positioning and the correct pillow
Your sleeping position can improve or worsen the symptoms of your condition, as can the pillow you use. Ideally, sleeping on the sides with your back straight can reduce snoring. It also ensures spinal alignment, and paired with the best sleep apnea pillows, this position can help you get good sleep. Sleeping on the stomach is also advisable to keep gravity on your side. Back sleepers are advised to elevate their heads with a wedge or CPAP-compatible pillow.
5 Best Pillows For Sleep Apnea
1. Best For Side Sleepers: EnduriMed Memory Foam CPAP Pillow
EnduriMed’s large-sized CPAP pillow makes an essential sleeping accessory for so many reasons. It has an ergonomic design with clever contouring that offers good comfort regardless of whether you’re sleeping on your side, back, or stomach. Further, it includes an adjustable and removable foam pad that lets you achieve the desired thickness. The indentations around the edges accommodate full face masks and prevent the CPAP tube from entangling at night. This pillow measures 22.4 x11.8 x 5.1in. Watch this video to learn how to adjust the thickness of the pillow. Pros
Has no tangled tubing Works with CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP Allergen-resistant memory foam Washable cover
Cons
May be a bit firm May not be memory foam
2. Best Soft: Mars Wellness Premium Pillow
Irrespective of whether you are a CPAP, BiPAP, or APAP user and side-sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, here’s a premium-quality pillow that is crafted for anyone who experiences breathing problems at night. It is filled with super-soft and high-density memory foam that easily molds to the shape of your head and helps alleviate stress, muscle stiffness, and breathing difficulties. Measuring 19 x 13 x 4.25 in, this pillow is adjustable for mask-wearers and comes with right indentations and contouring to accommodate your headgear without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Moreover, it comes with a one-size-fits-all cover that is soft and gentle on the skin. Pros
Prevents mask leakage Allows contact-free CPAP use Machine washable Features removable cover for easy cleaning
Cons
May not be as thick May have a peculiar smell initially
3. Best Breathable: Ikstar Sleep Apnea CPAP Pillow
If you’ve been trying to alleviate your sleeping problems by resting on your side but to no avail, it might be time to try this unique sleep apnea pillow by Ikstar. The pillow is designed to accommodate CPAP masks and hoses through indents and cut-outs on the side and is ergonomically designed to keep your neck and spine aligned. With this pillow, you won’t feel constricted because of the CPAP tubing, nor will you have to endure the discomfort of mask pressure as you attempt to get a good night’s sleep. It offers medium firmness and maintains shape for a long time, making it one of the best sleep apnea pillows. Pros
Works with all mask types Odorless Prevents air leaks Ideal balance between soft and firm High-density memory foam filling
Cons
May be a bit firm for some May not be scratch-resistant
4. Best Memory Foam: Everlasting Comfort Wedge Pillow
Give your head, back, and legs the love and support they need when sleeping with this memory foam wedge pillow that is ultra-cool and functional. It features a two-inch gel-infused memory foam top layer that resists heat-trapping and regulates temperature. You can use it as a backrest for relaxation or an incline or footrest pillow to keep your head and legs elevated for unobstructed breathing. In addition to its thickness and multifunctional design, you will love that it has been tested and certified safe by OEKO-TEX. Pros
Filled with100% premium high-density foam Comes with a storage compartment Eco-friendly materials Ergonomic design
Cons
May have a powerful chemical odor May be a bit stiff
5. Best Cooling: Ubbcare Memory Foam Pillow
Whether you sweat while sleeping at night or struggle with acid reflux and GERD, this memory foam pillow can keep you cool and comfortable and offer good support to your back and legs. The polyester-crafted pillow is filled with high-density premium foam that is wear-resistant. Further, its multifunctional triangular design opens up a world of lounging possibilities, making it the perfect cushion for relaxing around the house or catching some serious Zzzz. Pros
Super-soft outer pillowcase Features a quality zipper Durable and machine washable Available in two colors
Cons
May be a bit thicker than expected May not have a cooling effect
Disclaimer: The information given in this section has been taken from manufacturers’ sources. MomJunction is not responsible for any of the claims made here. We recommend readers’ discretion.
How To Pick The Right Pillow For Sleep Apnea
Before deciding which pillow to buy, these are some factors you should consider to find the right match.
1. Elevation
People struggling with sleep apnea or other breathing-related problems are advised not to sleep on their backs as it can worsen the condition by obstructing the airways. However, if it’s challenging for you to fall asleep in other positions, make sure your pillow offers optimum height or elevation to keep your upper body well-supported. Wedge pillows for sleep apnea are ideal in such cases and are multifunctional too.
2. CPAP-compatible
Obstructive sleep apnea might require you to wear CPAP masks that provide continuous airflow. Therefore, ensure the pillow comes with indentations and cut-outs to accommodate these masks and hoses without causing discomfort or leaks. The right pillows can also help relieve the machine’s pressure and improve sleep quality.
3. Soft yet firm
Pillows that are too soft or firm can be harmful to your body. When purchasing a pillow, especially to alleviate sleep-related problems, look for one that gives you the best of both worlds by offering medium thickness. Memory foam is an excellent option since it molds to your body’s shape and bounces back even after hours of pressure, rendering the pillow durable and comfortable.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is an experienced product writer passionate about the health and lifestyle segments. She enjoys scouring the Internet for unique products that help make her reader’s lives easier. In this article, she lists the best pillows for sleep apnea that are beneficial in ensuring better sleep and alleviating the symptoms of sleep apnea. Her review process involves extensive research into the features and benefits of each product, along with aggregating consumer reviews from multiple e-commerce websites.
When left untreated, sleep apnea can make your day-to-day functioning challenging. However, this common problem can be managed with a healthy lifestyle, weight management, and of course, the right pillows. Choosing the best pillow for sleep apnea might help you keep your spine aligned, improve your quality of sleep and life, and alleviate stress. Make sure you pick the right one by following our buying guide to enjoy uninterrupted, ache-free slumber every night.
