If you’re newly diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be wondering, “can I sleep on my side with a CPAP machine?”
Well the answer is yes; there are a variety of CPAP masks out there that are suitable for whatever your preferred sleep position may be, whether it is on your back, stomach, or side.
It’s just a matter of finding the CPAP mask with the best size, fit, and comfort level that works best for you and will help you get the most out of your CPAP therapy.
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What is the most comfortable CPAP mask for side sleepers
I carefully researched various masks currently available to find suitable options for the best CPAP mask for side sleepers.
Any of these four CPAP masks make great CPAP options for side sleepers, but you may find one more appealing than others based on your personal preferences.
Which CPAP mask is best for me?
Out of the various types of CPAP masks, nasal masks and nasal pillows are more ideal for side-sleepers (as opposed to full-face masks).
When selecting the ideal CPAP mask for side-sleepers, here are the key factors to consider:
- Bigger masks (ie, full-face masks) can press against your pillow and also the side of your head as you sleep on your side, making them less comfortable and also possibly causing air to leak out of your mask. Therefore, smaller masks (ie, nasal masks and nasal pillows) with a less bulky frame are more ideal.
- Air is more likely to leak out of masks that are inflexible as they press against your pillow. Therefore, masks that are made of more flexible material that conforms to the face are more ideal.
- As you sleep on your side and your mask presses against your pillow, masks that are secure and stay on the face (eg, with straps) are preferable.
- Masks with soft-touch buckles and cloth surfaces are more comfortable for when the mask presses against your face as you sleep.
- A mask that fits under the nose (ie, nasal pillow) might be more comfortable compared to a mask that fits over the nose (ie, nasal mask) as you sleep on your side.
If you are a mouth breather when you sleep at night, you may either want to consider using a chin strap that will help keep your mouth closed with a nasal mask or nasal pillow, or see my recommended full-face mask for side-sleepers below in this review.
My Top Pick
Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Cushion (Medium)
- HCPCS Reimbursement Code:A7032
- Included In Box:Single DreamWear Cushion
- Brand/Manufacturer:Respironics
- No other parts of the mask are included
- Size: Medium
- HCPCS Reimbursement Code:A7032
- Included In Box:Single DreamWear Cushion
- Brand/Manufacturer:Respironics
- No other parts of the mask are included
- Size: Medium
The Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Cushion is the CPAP mask that I recommend for side-sleepers.
It was designed with side-sleepers in mind, as it allows for minimal contact with the face as it cushions the nostrils, the frame has an over-the-head air entry design, and the swivel/elbow allows your tubing to move with you as you sleep during the night.
Also Great:
The ResMed Swift FX Nasal Pillow is also a great option as it is small, soft, and flexible to maximize comfort and prevent air leaks.
As a nasal pillow, it fits more directly into the nostrils compared to the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Cushion, which can cause more irritation.
Also, the short tube that should be purchased with it has a swivel/elbow feature to allow for more maneuverability as you move during the night.
Best Nasal Mask Pick
If you are a side-sleeper looking specifically for a nasal mask, the Philips Respironics Wisp Nasal Mask is the best option for you. It performs as a nasal mask should with the comfort and minimalist presence as a nasal pillow.
Required accessories with this mask include the headgear, frame, and short tube.
Best Full-Face Mask Pick
If you are a side-sleeper looking specifically for a full-face mask, the ResMed AirTouch F20 Full Face Mask is the best option for you.
This mask is made of soft memory foam that contours to the face, provides added comfort, and a superior seal to prevent leaks. Required accessories include the headgear, frame, and elbow.
Popular CPAP mask for side sleepers
My pick: Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Cushion
- HCPCS Reimbursement Code:A7032
- Included In Box:Single DreamWear Cushion
- Brand/Manufacturer:Respironics
- No other parts of the mask are included
- Size: Medium
The Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Cushion is my choice of CPAP mask for side-sleepers with sleep apnea.
As a nasal cushion, it covers/cushions the nostrils instead of fitting directly into them the way nasal pillows do.
It provides less irritation compared to nasal pillows, while also providing similar benefits as both nasal pillows and nasal masks.
The cushion is designed for minimal contact with the face to help prevent redness and irritation.
It was made with side-sleepers in mind and allows for side-sleeping without having to worry about air leaks.
Finally, it is affordable and also easy to clean and replace.
This nasal cushion comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large. To use it with your CPAP machine and tubing, a mask frame, headgear, and elbow/swivel are required (and are sold separately).
The mask frame (available in small, medium, or large) fits over the top of the head and around the sides of the face to help keep the nasal cushion in place under the nose.
The tubing connects at the top of the head and feeds air bilaterally down the sides of the frame on each side of the face to the nasal cushion.
This frame was designed specifically for side sleepers and is easy to clean and replace.
The headgear is designed to connect to the mask frame.
It fits around the back of the head to keep the mask and frame in place as you sleep on your side during the night.
The elbow or swivel attaches at the top of the frame and connects to your CPAP tubing.
The swivel feature provides maneuverability as you change sleeping positions during the night, and it has a quick-release connector that makes it easy to detach from your tubing.
The manufacturer, Philips Respironics, has an additional accessory, the DreamWear fabric wraps, that you can wear with this mask to help you feel more comfortable as you sleep.
These wraps are made of a very comfortable and soft material and help to prevent pressure marks and irritation on the face from the mask and/or frame.
Pros and cons reported by customers
| Pros | Cons |
| Great for side-sleeping (no pulling or adjusting) |
Will not work for mouth breathers unless a chin strap is also used |
| No leaks | Whistling/squeaking/white noise during use |
| Comfortable |
Also great: ResMed Swift FX Nasal Pillow
The ResMed Swift FX Nasal Pillow is a great nasal pillow option for side-sleepers. It is soft and lightweight and fits in the base of the nostrils.
It is also quite flexible, fits to the contours of your face no matter what position you sleep in.
These features help to minimize marks or irritation to the face and prevent air leaks.
The nasal pillow comes in many sizes: x-small, small, medium, and large.
To use it with your CPAP machine and tubing, you’ll also need the headgear and short tube (which are sold separately).
The headgear connects to the nasal pillow and straps over the top and back of the head to keep it in place.
It has adjustable velcro straps around the back of the head for optimal, comfortable fitting.
The short tube attaches to the nasal pillow and connects to any size CPAP tubing.
The CPAP tubing therefore fits in front of the nose, unlike the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Cushion which fits to CPAP tubing on top of the head.
The short tube also has an elbow/swivel feature, so your tubing moves with you as you move around at night.
Like Philips Respironics, the manufacturer of this nasal pillow, ResMed, also has soft wraps that help the mask and headgear fit more comfortably on your face and minimize irritation/marks.
Pros and cons reported by customers
| Pros | Cons |
| Works exactly as expected | Will not work for mouth breathers unless a chin strap is also used |
| Lasts for 7+ months | Some report the pillow is too stiff so does not seal well at the nostrils |
| Cheaper on Amazon than through insurance/at doctor’s office/from local supplier |
Best nasal mask pick: Philips Respironics Wisp Nasal Mask
For side-sleepers who are looking exclusively for a nasal mask, the Philips Respironics Wisp Nasal Mask is the best choice for you.
It offers the performance of a nasal mask with the same comfort and minimalist presence of a nasal pillow. It is small and unobtrusive and is designed to seal optimally around the nose to prevent air leaks.
This mask comes in a variety of sizes, including petite, small/medium, large, extra large.
To be able to use it with your CPAP machine and tubing, the accompanying headgear, frame, and short tube will also be required.
The headgear provides all-around support as it straps around the top and back of the head and sides of the face. It has multiple adjustable straps where it connects to the frame around the cheeks.
The frame connects to the nasal mask and holds it securely in place over the nose.
It is made of fabric to provide additional comfort and minimize marks and irritation on the face.
Finally, the short tube attaches to the nasal mask in front of the nose and connects to your CPAP tubing. The short tube features an elbow/swivel to allow the CPAP tubing to move with you as you sleep.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| More affordable pricing on Amazon |
Will not work for mouth breathers unless a chin strap is also used |
| Small and easier to sleep with | Some report nose feels squished when side-sleeping |
| No leakage | Must be careful to select the right size |
Best full-face mask pick: ResMed AirTouch F20 Full Face Mask
For side-sleepers who are looking exclusively for a full-face mask, the ResMed AirTouch F20 Full Face Mask is the best choice for you.
This mask/cushion features UltraSoft™ memory foam that forms on the face and provides extra comfort.
Additionally, it is both lightweight and breathable while also providing a secure seal around the face to prevent air leaks.
The mask comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
To use it with your CPAP machine and tubing, the accompanying headgear, frame, and elbow are also required.
The headgear straps around the top and base of the head.
It also straps around the sides of the face with adjustable, velcro straps, where it connects to the frame.
The frame holds the mask/cushion securely in place over the mouth and nose.
The elbow attaches to the frame and connects to your CPAP tubing.
It features a swivel to allow your tubing to move with you as you sleep, and it is made with QuietAir™ technology that makes it 89% quieter and 70% gentler than previous models.
Pros and cons
| PROS | CONS |
| Does not pinch nose, leave marks, or cause soreness |
Tubing pops out or disconnects too easily |
| Memory foam makes it especially comfortable |
Can tear at the nose bridge when removing |
| Provides good seal without having to strap on too tight |
More expensive |
Mouth Breather
With the variety of CPAP mask options available for side sleepers, you in fact can sleep on your side with a CPAP machine.
After extensive research, I consider the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Cushion to be the best option for CPAP patients who are side-sleepers (and is on the more affordable side when it comes to these CPAP masks).
The ResMed Swift FX nasal pillow is also great, but I feel that tubing that connects in front of the face may be less comfortable for side-sleepers—compared to tubing that connects over the head like with the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Cushion).
It also fits more directly into the nostrils in comparison, which may be more irritating to patients.
In short, the Philips Respironics Wisp Nasal Mask is the best choice for side-sleepers who are sure they want a nasal mask, and the ResMed AirTouch F20 Full Face Mask is the best choice for side-sleepers who are sure they want a full-face mask.
FAQs
Can I sleep on my side with a CPAP machine?
Yes. there are a variety of CPAP masks out there that are suitable for whatever your preferred sleep position may be, whether it is on your back, stomach, or side.
It’s just a matter of finding the CPAP mask with the best size, fit, and comfort level that works best for you and will help you get the most out of your CPAP therapy.
Tips for the Best cpap full face mask for side sleepers?
Full-face masks are the best CPAP mask for open mouth breathers.
They cover both the nose and the mouth, and they take up a large area of the patient’s face. Side straps on the mask help to keep it in place on the face.
If the mask “sits” too tight and presses on the face, then this can lead to the appearance of red marks.
If it sits too loosely, then there may be air leaks from under the mask – combined with the fact that the mask shifts and rubs the skin, this can lead to some rather unpleasant sensations and inflammation of the facial skin.
Make sure the size is correct.
Also, the straps need to be adjusted for a proper fit.
References
- Brooks R. American Association of Sleep Technologists. Which CPAP mask is best for your patient? Pros & cons of various mask types. www.aastweb.org/blog/cpap-masks-options-full-face-nasal-and-nasal-pillows. Published December 20, 2017. Accessed February 2022.
- Health Sqyre. How to find a CPAP mask for side sleepers. www.healthsqyre.com/education/find-cpap-mask-for-side-sleepers/. Posted August 1, 2018. Accessed February 2022.
