CPAP Masks for Side Sleepers

Last updated on January 22nd, 2024 at 10:02 am

CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most effective and common treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). A CPAP machine keeps your airways open by providing regular pressurised air through a CPAP mask, preventing blockages.

This article will let you know the most suitable CPAP masks for side sleepers. 

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where your airways become blocked, causing breathing pauses (Apnoeas). People with OSA can stop breathing for up to 10 seconds or more during their sleep. These breathing pauses can happen up to 30 times per hour per night.

OSA affects 1.5 million people in the UK and can lead to a series of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

There are many Sleep Apnoea symptoms, such as choking during sleep and snoring.

Anyone can develop OSA; for many people, weight loss can be hugely beneficial in decreasing Sleep Apnoea symptoms. 

Which CPAP Mask is Best for Side Sleepers?

It can take up to a month to get used to a CPAP mask and CPAP machine.

A CPAP mask should be comfortable and fit correctly. People give up on wearing their CPAP masks because of discomfort. Mask leaks, red marks and a dry mouth are all side effects of a poor-fitting mask.

There are CPAP masks for everyone; here are some helpful tips:

• Full-Face CPAP masks – For those who breathe through their nose and mouth during the night or for those who snore. The bulkiness of full-face masks makes it difficult for side sleepers to sleep comfortably.
• Nasal Pillows or Nasal Cushion CPAP masks – For those who breathe out of their nose at night. Nasal masks are much more suitable for side sleepers as they provide freedom of movement. If you snore or breathe from your mouth during sleep, you can use a nasal CPAP mask with a CPAP chin strap. A chin strap will hold your mouth closed while you sleep, so you can still benefit from the freedom of a nasal mask.

CPAP users with a larger nose may find a nasal pillow mask more comfortable as the nasal prongs fit straight into the nose, not over.

Pros of Nasal CPAP Masks for Side Sleepers

Nasal masks hold many benefits for those who sleep on their side; these include:

• Freedom to move
• A secure mask seal
• Reduction or elimination of mask leaks
• Prevention of red marks and a dry mouth
• Allows for better vision whilst in bed than a full-face mask
• Suitable and recommended for CPAP users with facial hair

CPAP Masks for Side Sleepers

Choosing a CPAP mask can be difficult when you sleep on your side. 

Here are some CPAP mask options for side sleepers:

The ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillows Mask

This flexible mask is designed with freedom in mind. 

The mask has been developed to allow you to sleep on your side without dislodging your mask. 

The dual-wall pillow stems compress to enable an effective seal and allow for movement. 

This light mask comes in three parts, frame, headgear and nasal pillows – So you can easily replace the mask parts when wear and tear shows.

The ResMed P10 is 50% quieter and 50% lighter than ResMed’s previous nasal pillow mask (the Swift FX).

This mask comes with three different-sized cushions, small, medium and large, so there is a size for everyone!

ResMed is a well-known CPAP brand that created the popular AirSense 10 with myAir features.

DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask

The award-winning Phillips Respironics DreamWear Nasal CPAP mask is soft and flexible – a great option for side sleepers. 

The tubing is connected above the head to give you freedom of movement, making you feel like you’re not wearing a CPAP mask. 

The comfortable silicone frame and fabric wrap gently touch your cheeks. 

This mask comes with multiple cushion sizes, so a size should be just right.

Brevida Nasal Pillows CPAP Mask

The Fisher & Paykel Brevida CPAP mask is one of the most comfortable CPAP masks for side sleepers. 

Brevida is an easy-to-use mask that encourages confidence in CPAP therapy. It is simple to adjust headgear, velcro adjustment points, and an innovative AirPillow that inflates for a secure mask seal.

One of our users left a review explaining how using this mask felt like a duck to water – it’s that simple to wear. 

The mask comes in single-size Brevida Nasal Pillows (find your size in the sizing guide on the product page ‘download‘ tab) or Brevida Nasal Pillows CPAP Mask – Fit Pack (includes multiple sizes in one)

Eson 2 Nasal Cushion CPAP Mask

The Eson 2 CPAP mask is the newer version of the successful Fisher & Paykel Eson mask.

The mask has a new, quieter diffuser designed to allow more freedom of movement and a more durable, secure seal.

New features include a smaller cushion for reduced contact to prevent red marks and irritation. And slimmer forehead support to create a clearer field of vision. 

You can scroll down to the ‘downloads‘ tab to find the sizing guide to get the correct size for a suitable fit.

Nuance & Nuance Pro Gel Nasal Pillows Mask

Phillips Respironics designed the Nuance & Nuance Pro Nasal Pillows CPAP mask with an effective seal and extra comfort. The highly flexible and lightweight design makes it appropriate for CPAP side sleepers.

The Nuance and Nuance Pro’s elbow connection features micro exhalation ports to soften the exhalation stream, reducing the chance of the therapy disturbing you or your partner’s sleep.

You can choose a soft cloth or silicone frame; the cloth frame is designed to prevent red marks during therapy. 

The Nuance and Nuance mask also has no forehead support to make sleeping on your side easier. 

You can scroll down to the ‘downloads‘ tab to find the sizing guide to get the correct size for a suitable fit.

DreamWear Full-Face CPAP Mask

Unlike most full-face masks, the DreamWear full-face mask by Phillips Respironics is recommended for side sleepers who require a full-face mask.

The tube comes from the top of your head, so it does not get caught or tangled like other full-face masks during the night.

This mask has an under-nose design to minimise facial contact – for improved comfort and to make it easier to seal.

You can choose between the DreamWear Full-Face Mask – Single Size (find your size in the sizing guide on the product page ‘download‘ tab) or DreamWear Full-Face FitPack (includes multiple sizes in one)

Alternatives for Sleep Apnoea Side Sleepers

There are different severities of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, which can impact the treatments suitable for you.

An oral appliance (mandibular advancement device) or a Somnibel positional sleep therapy trainer are alternatives to a CPAP machine.

But some lifestyle changes can reduce the symptoms of OSA, for example:

• Reducing alcohol consumption before you sleep
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing consumption of foods that affect your sleep

If you do not want or need a new CPAP mask, a CPAP pillow will benefit those who sleep on their side. An orthopaedic Sleep Apnoea pillow is recommended for those who sleep on their stomach or side – as it is designed with cutouts to prevent your mask from moving and causing discomfort.

Round Up

Getting the most comfortable and suitable CPAP mask will make all the difference to your CPAP therapy.

If you think you have OSA and have not yet been diagnosed – Take an In-Home Sleep Test.

Please contact us if you need further help with your CPAP mask.