The Best Sleep Apnea Pillows of 2021 – Sleep Soundly Tonight

Did you know that sleep apnea affects over 22 million Americans? Unfortunately, as little as 20% have been diagnosed and the rest are trying to cope alone or don’t even realize the problem exists. 

Considering sleep apnea describes blocked or obstructed airways during sleep, it’s a serious problem right across the country. According to experts, our health is affected whenever breathing pauses around 30 times an hour, so sleep apnea needs to be addressed. Depending on the severity of your own sleep apnea, there are solutions to try. 

At first, the easiest way to sort the problem is through nose strips and nasal sprays since these are cheap and effective in light problems. For those with mild or severe sleep apnea, more serious solutions are required, and this leads to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines and special pillows. In recent times, more and more are turning towards the latter since they’re effective and affordable. 

Ultimately, each case is unique. Some people will use pillows alone, and others will pair it with a CPAP machine. Although there are many different designs, they all have the same goal of keeping the airway open while sleeping to accommodate breathing. 

Today, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite pillows to help your purchasing decision. From here, we’ll delve into the different types you might find alongside their advantages and other considerations. 

The Best Sleep Apnea Pillows  

EnduriMed Memory Foam Contour Pillow Review 

While a lot of the other pillows are designed to resolve a number of problems including joint pain and acid reflux, the EnduriMed Memory Foam Contour Pillow is specifically designed for sleep apnea sufferers. Therefore, it's perfect when used alongside CPAP machines.

If you've tried other pillows that haven't considered the use of a mask, you'll know how uncomfortable they can be. Offering high-quality memory foam for support and comfort, you can get a good night's sleep with this sleep apnea pillow no matter what style of sleeper you are. Back, side or stomach sleepers can all find a space to lay where their mask is out of the way.

There are also two levels of thickness as a result of the dual-density design. Not only is this great for small and large sleepers, but the cooling effect is also ideal for warmer climates and for body temperature regulation.

Although only a small feature, we love the fact that the EnduriMed Memory Foam Contour Pillow can also be used with regular pillowcases. There's no need to go out and buy specific ones in awkward shapes when the time comes to replace the pillowcase, so this is efficient.

MedSlant Wedge Pillow Review

For those who want firm support, we decided to go for the MedSlant Wedge Pillow. It's mainly designed for people with acid reflux, but it elevates the upper body well enough for anybody with sleep apnea to benefit. When we lay flat, the neck closes, and breathing is restricted. With this MedSlant, the upper body is elevated at an angle, and this should reduce snoring while maintaining constant support. Especially for back sleepers, you'll love this sleep apnea pillow and should wake up rested and ready to take on the day.

Made in the US, the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and offers an ISOFresh, hypoallergenic overlay. This way, all pressure on the shoulders, head, and neck is reduced. Often, people worry about the space they have on wedge pillows, but this one is 28" wide and 31" long. Whether you sleep on the side or back, you should still have room to spread out and find comfort without an issue.

We love the fact that the microfiber cover is stain resistant; even if an accident does occur, it's washable too. The fabric will hold its shape even after numerous washes and stays soft against your skin. All things considered, the MedSlant Wedge Pillow is a fantastic product to buy.

Visco Love Therapeutic Wellness Memory Foam Pillow Review

Next up, we have the best option for the snorers out there; it also doubles as one of the best cervical pillows for sleep apnea. With a contoured shape and a dip in the center, the Visco Love Therapeutic Wellness Memory Foam Pillow is ideal for those who experience neck pain and other sleeping problems as well.

Using a soft, resilient 100% visco-elastic memory foam, the pillow actually reacts to heat and then molds perfectly to the body. With your shoulders and neck supported, it should relieve tension, pain, and stress in these key areas. As heat and pressure change, the pillow will adjust accordingly to keep the critical air passages open. Using smart material, the memory cells adjust to the exact contours of the neck and shoulders and then go back to their original shape in the morning.

With special air channels in the core, thermal regulation is one of the most advanced we've seen in the niche. As is nearly standard for sleep apnea pillows, the cover is washable to make your life much easier. For patients with a CPAP mask, we think the Visco Love Therapeutic Wellness Memory Foam Pillow is a great option because the malleable pillow will simply mold itself to the additional shape and remain comfortable even with a mask strapped around your head.

Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow Review

When it comes to memory foam pillows, you won't find too many better than the Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow. Depending on your needs, it's adjustable between 4 and 6 inches as you add/remove the shredded filling. Though a little smaller than the average pillow, the memory foam fill allows for the optimum support of the head and neck. Over a number of nights, you can keep adjusting until you find the right balance. As well as the foam in the pillow, the product arrives with extra fill just in case you need a higher elevation.

Unfortunately, the Coop Home Goods isn't designed for stomach sleepers but will work well with side and back sleepers; this sleep apnea pillow allows room for a CPAP hose. Soft, breathable, and supportive from edge to edge, it will adjust to your unique size and sleep position so you can wake up feeling refreshed.

One of the best features is the gel infusion within the cross-cut memory foam; this will keep users cool and should prevent hours of uncomfortable tossing and turning. With the hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant case, the pillow has both softness and breathability thanks to the Lulltra fabric (a blend of polyester and bamboo-derived viscose rayon).

The Coop Home Goods Eden Adjustable Pillow has been rigorously tested and certified by CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD. With these, we can feel confident in the product's safety. On top of this, the pillow comes with a 100-day money-back guarantee, made in the US, and offers a five-year warranty.

Contour Products CPAPMax Pillow Review

Finally, we come across the Contour Products CPAPMax Pillow, which contours to your body to provide maximum airflow and correct alignment. The cutouts for the shoulders help maintain a neutral sleeping position without putting pressure on your neck while the concave center gently cradles your head.

Ultimately, the pillow contains three different foam layers, and these are all removable so you can choose a loft that provides the right support. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or front, you'll find a height that keeps you comfortable through the night. The following layers are present; 

• Top layer - Soft memory foam to cradle and support the face 
• Middle layer - Highly resilient and installed to support the shoulders and neck
• Bottom layer - Designed to keep the whole pillow fresh and remove odors (infused with charcoal)

If you have a CPAP mask, there are pressure-free zones which means the mask will stay in place without interference that comes with a normal pillow. Suddenly, airflow is promoted, and you can sleep comfortably without having to stick with one position or continually readjust the mask.

For those worried about their CPAP machine, this sleep apnea pillow actually comes with an extended hose tether which means that you'll have more freedom than ever before. Whenever you move, there will always be enough hose without pulling or tugging on your mask.

Depending on your preference, there are actually two different sleeping surfaces: a ventilated foam surface and a plush, traditional pillow surface. As the name suggests, the ventilated surface promotes air circulation, which is ideal for the warmer months when you need a cool sleep. Alternatively, just flip the pillow over, and you'll have more of a traditional experience. Rather than a 3D mesh memory foam, this is a soft, fiber-filled, and hypoallergenic side.

We've discussed comfort, but we should also mention durability. With high-quality memory foam and premium support, the Contour Products CPAPMax Pillow should last for many years (even with daily use!).

Sleep Apnea Pillow: How does it work?

There are two different ways through which sleep apnea works. Between a sleep apnea pillow and a standard pillow, one of the significant differences is the final design. Sleep apnea pillows are structured to create space for CPAP sleep masks. Also, the pillow is designed to accommodate the tubes which come with the equipment. Compared to the standard pillows, sleep apnea pillows ensures that sleeping with CPAP is possible as well as convenient, in some circumstances.

Besides, sleep apnea pillow encourages sleep apnea patients to relax in the best position. This quality is most beneficial to those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. In a bid to keep the airway free of obstruction, sleeping in the proper position is one of the most important conditions. That aside, in a situation where your inability to fall asleep is caused, in part, by restlessness, a good option is to add essential oils such as lavender to your sleeping routine. In this way, getting a peaceful night rest will become easier.

The Gradual Development of Sleep Apnea Pillow

In the 1990s, the first set of sleep apnea pillows made its way into the market. This happened about ten years after Collin Sullivan found a treatment known as the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy, for chronic respiratory conditions. Although a design began after the discovery, a reliable sleep apnea pillow didn’t make it to the end-users until the late 1990s.

With a series of advancement over time, the creation of sleep apnea nose pillows and sleep apnea position pillows have become a reality. According to medical research, sleep apnea is common among both adults and kids. Consequently, the toddler sleep apnea pillow has been created to correct the apnea condition affecting the toddlers.

Kinds of Sleep Apnea Pillows

Based on whether the Apnea pillow will be used with or without a CPAP machine, the pillow can be categorized into two:

1. Positional Pillows
2. CPAP Pillows

Positional Pillows

This kind of sleep apnea pillows is used without a machine. However, it will help position the neck in such a way that the airway remains open. Positional pillow models come in two shapes; the cervical-shaped pillow and the wedge-shaped pillow.

• Cervical Pillow: this design is also known as the contour pillows, and primarily, it is designed for the side sleepers. Aside from ensuring that the airway remains open by sustaining the head and the neck in a specific position, it also relieves pain and aches from the neck, shoulder, and head. Although cervical pillows are useful for the back sleepers, the intended primary users are the side sleepers. 
• Wedge pillow: compared to the cervical pillow, wedge design is more famous and designed for the back sleepers. Since sleep apnea has been known to aggravate by sleeping on one’s back, the wedge pillow is developed to raise the upper body while it stays in a reclining position to keep the sleep apnea patients in the right position. The natural gravity will be counterbalanced by the elevated heights; as a result, the tongue will be prevented from covering the throat while snoring.

CPAP Pillow

This pillow model is used with a machine. It is designed to make the mask quite convenient for the wearer while sleeping. CPAP pillows are designed in different forms according to sleeping positions (back, side and stomach) – nevertheless, if you prefer to sleep on your back, you are best advised to use the positional wedge pillow. Ideally, a CPAP is designed with either moldable or a cut-out design feature. The Cut-out feature is the space for accommodating the CPAP mask as well as the hose. This kind of CPAP pillow can be used by back, side, and tummy sleepers. As for the moldable feature, it comes with a buckwheat hull that serves as a filler. With this material, you can create a space to accommodate a mask. Primarily, the moldable design is meant for those who love to sleep on their stomach.

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Pillow

• Adequate Head and Neck Support

People suffering from sleep apnea are best advised to use pillows that raise their head, shoulders, and neck. Since apnea results from the obstruction of the airways while sleeping, having the upper area lifted slightly will improve breathing across the night.

Sleep apnea pillows come with a specific length which offers support to the torso by distributing the area’s weight equally. Once there is no tension in the neck and shoulders, the alignment of the spine will be accurate, and the airways will remain open. Regardless of your preferred sleeping position, every kind of sleep apnea pillow is created to improve your convenience.

• Neck Pain Relief

Wrong positioning while sleeping can result in shoulder and neck pain; however, with the sleep apnea pillow, you will experience better pressure point relief as it takes the shape of the body. Also, with the softness of the pillow, it offers comfort while preventing neck strain by keeping the head in place.

• Comfort

Among the various designs of sleep apnea pillow, the foam wedge pillow is really comfortable. Also, most patients get accustomed to the design quickly due to the support which it offers. Hence, these pillows are one of the most convenient means of treating sleep apnea. Also, sleep apnea pillows help to relieve the effect of the condition quickly. Although long-term weight loss and healthy eating are vital to recovery, the pillows are effective therapeutic means of relieving the symptoms shown by the condition.

• Promote side sleeping

By resting the body on the side – and not the back – the effects of sleep apnea will be minimized. The reason is that less weight will be falling on the throat and the neck while the head will be raised naturally. Since sleep apnea pillow helps keep you off your back during the night, consequently, it helps promote side sleeping – a position which is recommended for sleep apnea treatment.

• Multipurpose

Aside from treating sleep apnea condition, positional pillows and wedge pillow can be used to relieve acid reflux symptoms. Also, doctors usually advice patients recovering from leg or back surgeries to use positional pillows. Additionally, these pillows are found handy among nursing mothers since the models make them feel comfortable while nursing in bed.

• Long Lifespan

When properly used, sleep apnea pillows can remain useful for a decade due to their foam filling that retains shape. Foam fillings in traditional pillows deform quickly. In fact, some products lose a significant part of their foams within a short while.

• Excellent performance with CPAP machines

Combining medical pillow with CPAP helps reduce the symptom of the sleep apnea significantly as well as promoting sound sleep. Sleep apnea pillows ensure that the mask stays in the right position; otherwise, it will rotate and become ineffective. Also, some designs help alleviate the overall mask pressure.

• Affordable

Although these medical pillow designs are costlier than the conventional products, the treatment which they offer is cheaper than using a CPAP machine. And more so, they work for a longer period.

Disadvantages of Sleep Apnea Pillow

Despite the huge benefits which this kind of medical pillow offers, they have a few shortcomings that may be inconsequential depending on an individual’s preference.

• Designed strictly for obstructive sleep apnea patients

These pillows are created to keep the airways of obstructive sleep apnea patients open across the night. If a patient suffers from central sleep apnea condition, then he/she may find these designs as ineffective.

• Imposes one sleeping position

With a positional pillow, you will be forced to sleep in a specific position, which may not be easy for some individuals. However, you can improve your comfort level by combining the pillow with a special mattress – the combination would help you stay in a single position for a longer period.

• Adjusting Time

Considering the firmness that comes with this kind of pillow, it may take a couple of nights to get used to it. Try to cope with the first few nights regardless of the relatively inconvenient feeling.

• Special Covers

Due to the special shape with which the pillows are made, there is a need for a unique cover. Since extra covers may not be readily available, a regular cover may be applied instead. But, be informed that the regular cover may make the pillow less convenient.

• Temperature

Some materials, such as memory foam, becomes hot during the night. However, a cooling gel may be applied to the pillow to correct the issue.

Factors to Consider Prior to Purchase

Some essential features were considered while evaluating the models of sleep apnea pillow to be included in our list. You have a better chance of purchasing the right pillow for yourself by understanding these factors as well as knowing your preferred sleeping position. Alongside the shape and sizes of the pillow, we have highlighted some other vital elements to consider while deciding the best sleep apnea pillow for you. 

1. Pillow shape 

Undoubtedly, the shape is one of the most important elements of a pillow. Essentially, a sleep apnea pillow is created to offer a distinct shape that can give a different angle to the body while sleeping. In this way, the user can breathe freely during the night. Unlike the traditional pillows, this kind of medical pillows come with a unique design. For example, a wedge pillow has a triangular shape when seen from aside. Also, you will see a cervical pillow as a brick having a wavy top.

Some of the common shapes of sleep apnea pillows include the moldable CPAP designs that can be modified to accommodate the mask. In this way, you will feel comfortable on your face and neck while wearing the mask. Also, it helps to prevent annoying marks caused by the mask. Also, wedge pillow comes with wedge shape in different angles; while some designs have 15◦ slopes, others are made with 30◦ slopes. As for sleep apnea patients, 30◦ is the optimum angle. Cervical pillows are made with the lowered middle area, which is ideal for side and back sleepers. Also, people who suffer from neck pain will find cervical pillows useful.

2. Materials for filling and pillowcase/cover

When it comes to sleep apnea pillows, only a few materials are commonly found in the market. While choosing a product, consider your needs from a pillow, cost, and your preferred texture. Most sleep apnea pillows are made with a considerable amount of memory foam – sometimes, it can be entirely or a few inches on top. However, you will find some pillows made for sleep apnea with a different kind of foam. For instance, many brands use bamboo material for pillows since the interior fibers are suitable for making affordable, quality, flexible pillows. Also, such material offers excellent breathability. Due to the possibility of some pillows becoming extremely hot, some materials are created to provide better breathability and cooling effect.

3. Dimensions and size options 

While considering a sleep apnea pillow to buy, you should always consider your preferred size and that of the pillow. While some products are created as one-size-fits-all, other models come in sizes to suit people comfortably. Once you know your preferred sleeping position, endeavor to use it in measuring the distance between your mattress and neck. To get a more accurate result, ask another person to take the measurements for you.

Compared to the conventional pillows, wedge pillows are larger; however, you will find cervical pillows relatively smaller. If you intend to buy a wedge pillow, endeavor to consider the height since it influences the incline. Ideally, an elevation of 7 or 12-inch is made with wedge pillows. People with severe back problems or acid reflux are better advised to use the 12-inch elevation while sleep apnea patients will find the 7-inch model more useful.

Can I be using the CPAP machine while sleeping?

Using a CPAP machine while sleeping is the most recommended treatment for sleep apnea. The machine will be attached to your head through a mask, which as you would imagine, may not be very comfortable while sleeping. The situation will become more challenging by using your old, regular pillow. However, the good news is that the majority of top sleep apnea pillows have been remodeled to accommodate CPAP machines. They can comfortably suit face contours while the mask is on. However, some wedge pillow designs may not accommodate your mask as conveniently as others.

Other Points to Consider While Purchasing and Using Sleep Apnea Pillows

While pillows for sleep apnea are perfect for correcting breathe issues during slumbers, you should consider the following few points:

First and foremost, always remember that some people will find sleep apnea pillows more comfortable than others, most especially because various designs are available. Due to the unique designs in which sleep apnea pillows are made, it is understandable why some specific shapes will not be comfortable for every person. Pillows that suit your body shape may be unsatisfactory for others. Thus, you shouldn’t feel discouraged if your first pick doesn’t meet your expectations; you can always check out the others.

Always remember that the most important reason behind purchasing a sleep apnea pillow is to help you breathe. Hence, if you can get a product that supports your ultimate goal, other qualities may be given less consideration.

Also, the cost is another point to consider. Despite that pillows are a cheaper alternative to costly sleep apnea treatment, you may find the top-quality designs as pricey. Mostly, the price range of sleep apnea pillows do fall between $28 and $70; however, you will find a quality pillow for $50 or $60. In most cases, the materials used and available unique features determine the cost of a pillow.

Another point is that sleep apnea pillows are usually criticized for sleeping hot, which means they hold body heat across the night. Consequently, it makes some people uncomfortable. If you are concerned about such an issue, then you should consider pillow having gel layers that enable refreshing night sleep.

Lastly, in a situation where you realize that your sleep apnea pillows are not correcting the symptoms of sleep apnea, you are best advised to seek the services of a sleep expert. A sleep professional will perform a sleep study to find out the reasons behind the ineffectiveness. With the result, your doctor will be able to draft a better treatment plan for you. 

Recommendations For Sleep Apnea Patients On How To Get A Sound Sleep

As someone suffering from apnea, a pillow is one of the vital means of getting a good night sleep; however, you can also make some lifestyle adjustments to improve your convenience.

• Keep off from Alcohol: Consuming alcohol with your condition may result in the soft tissues resting and consequently, lead to snoring as well as breathing problems connected to sleep apnea.
• Keep your sleeping hours regular: sleeping for a specific period consistently come with several benefits, most especially decreasing the symptoms of sleep apnea.
• Quit Smoking: By smoking, a sleep apnea patient is likely to suffer more compared to non-smokers.
• Drop weight and live healthily: these two changes have been found to offer a significant impact on the patients of sleep apnea.
• Avoid the use of sleeping pills: sleeping pills will force you to sleep but also relax your muscles – something which we are trying to avoid. As a result, your throat may be blocked eventually. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sleep Apnea Pillow mean?

Any pillow which is specially created to help reduce the incidences of sleep apnea is referred to as the sleep apnea pillow. In the market, you will come across different varieties of sleep apnea pillow. For instance, there is positional sleep apnea pillow, toddler sleep apnea pillow, among others. As the name suggests, toddler sleep apnea pillow is designed for sleep apnea affected toddlers.

Why would I need a sleep apnea pillow?

Although sleep apnea can be life-threatening, it can be resolved with a simple treatment that involves a few changes to the pillow. With a sleep apnea pillow, your face can accommodate the masks and tubes connected for managing the condition.

How do I clean my sleep apnea pillow?

If you own a positional pillow, you are best advised to use a sterile liquid and a mild antibacterial soap for wiping the pillow every week. To make the process easier, get a pillow cover. Rather than the pillow, you only need to clean the cover.

If you are using CPAP pillow, get warm and soapy water for daily cleaning. Use clean water to rinse the pillow thoroughly. Ensure that it is positioned flat and clean until dry. Avoid the use of any alcoholic or irritating substance that can affect your nose.

How to design a sleep apnea pillow?

One of the easiest means of creating a sleep apnea pillow is by remodeling the current regular pillow. However, keep in mind that such a sleep apnea pillow will not be as effective as those purchased.

Tie a soft piece of the strap on your regular pillow at the two-third spot of its length from one end. Endeavor to place your pillow length-wisely in a way that the constriction side is facing your bed’s foot. With your side, lie on the pillow; your head mask will stay perfectly on the contraction. Consequently, you will experience a comfortable night rest.

Sleep Apnea Pillow: Does it work?

Regardless of the design, every sleep apnea pillow works by raising the head and adding a tilt. In this way, it will be easier to breathe while sleeping. With the obstructions reduced, the affected person will be able to breathe without surgery or having to engage other means of treatment to correct sleep apnea.

However, depending on the individual, the outcome usually varies. Majority of users do reduce their number of episodes to as much as 70% per night – or more. This implies lesser obstructions during sleep, fewer chances of heart diseases, liver issues, diabetes, as well as higher energy levels. Endeavor to consult your doctor for medical advice if the obstruction is as a result of growth, physical deformity, or any other issues.

Majority of people suffering from sleep apnea can be treated with the right pillow and proper positioning while sleeping.

Is the use of sleep apnea pillow advisable when I don’t have sleep apnea?

Sometimes, long-term health management may be required for chronic sleep apnea. By maintaining a good lifestyle, adhering to doctor’s recommendations, and using pillows for sleep apnea, the effect of the condition will be reduced significantly. As someone who snores but has no sleep apnea, using sleep apnea pillows will come handy for snoring – it will help you breathe better and take in more oxygen during the night. In the day, you will gain better concentration, experience fewer health risks, and lower blood pressure as a result.

Also, people who requires improved neck support will find pillows designed for snoring and sleep apnea quite useful. The anti-snore pillow is beneficial if you have to sleep in an upper position during surgery, injury, or in need of acid reflux. More so, it helps keep the head and neck elevated.

What inclination is perfect for sleep apnea pillow?

When it comes to the angle of sleep apnea pillow to rest on, it is debatable. However, a 30◦ incline, which is commonly found with 12-inch tall pillows, is perfect for leaving the airways open and preventing obstructions. Hence, it is the best option for sleep apnea patients.

Will my neck be strained as a result of using a wedge pillow for sleep apnea?

There is close to zero chance for such to happen. Most people consider a wedge pillow as a natural support for sleeping and improving positioning. People who prefer to sleep on their side or back will hardly experience any such issues.

Can memory foam pillows for sleep apnea be washed?

It depends! Endeavor to read the manufacturer’s description concerning the product to determine whether you can wash it or not. Nevertheless, most pillows on our list have at least a cover which can be washed. Also, they are machine washable for better convenience.  

Conclusion

What you should ultimately look for in your next pillow for sleep apnea is how much comfort and relief the pillow offers. Such a pillow must relief the symptoms and effects of sleep apnea effectively. 

Do not forget that sleep apnea pillows are different in certain aspects. Hence, you may need to try a couple of them before you find the perfect fit. However, every pillow in this category is specially designed to offer effective relief for sleep apnea symptoms. 

Past and present users have confirmed the recommendations in this guide as effective in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. Hence, they are a great way to start your sleep apnea treatment before you proceed to the formal medical treatment.