Best Pillows for Sleep Apnea

Millions of Americans struggle to get a good night’s sleep because they suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When people with OSA fall asleep, soft tissues collapse, blocking their airway. When the brain signals that it isn’t getting enough oxygen, the result is arousal and repositioning to allow proper breathing to resume.

Chronically poor sleep, as a result of OSA, has short-term and long-term health consequences. In the short-term, daytime fatigue and low energy can make day-to-day life less enjoyable. In the long-run, insufficient sleep increases the risk of suffering from chronic illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease.

If you or your loved one has sleep apnea, using the right pillow can offer some level of relief. Sleep apnea pillows are designed to encourage an open airway, so you can breathe better.

For some, the right sleep apnea pillow will be enough on its own to improve breathing and reduce snoring. But for others, a pillow is one part of a multi-step process to help them and their partners sleep peacefully at night.

The Four Best Pillows for Sleep Apnea

Can a Pillow Really Help with Sleep Apnea?

By properly aligning the neck and spine, sleep apnea pillows support an open airway. Additionally, some sleep apnea pillows have grooves where a mask can comfortably lay, which is helpful for side sleepers.

Not everyone will notice an improvement with a sleep apnea pillow alone. Work with your doctor to come up with a complete plan to treat your sleep apnea.

The Four Types of Sleep Apnea Pillows

1. CPAP Pillows

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a valuable tool used by OSA patients to breathe properly throughout the night. However, a CPAP mask can be difficult to sleep with, particularly for anyone who doesn’t sleep on their backs.

Without a pillow that provides cutouts for the CPAP mask, some side sleepers will give up on using their CPAP machine altogether. And with practitioners often advising sleep apnea patients to sleep on their sides to relieve airway blockage, many OSA sufferers are side sleepers.

CPAP-friendly pillows are those designed specifically for use alongside a CPAP machine. They’re typically molded from medium-firm to firm memory foam to support proper neck and spine alignment while providing a spot for the mask to rest.

2. Wedge Pillows

Wedge pillows are wide foam pillows made in a triangular shape. The narrow part of the triangle should be positioned underneath your back, elevating your upper body.

Wedge pillows were not designed specifically for people with sleep apnea. Rather, the triangular wedge was made so users can sleep in a semi-upright position. With your head located above your heart, wedge pillows alleviate acid reflux as well as cold symptoms, like congestion and snoring.

However, some sleep apnea patients find that this upright position relieves their snoring and difficulty breathing. For some, the incline allows the airway to stay clear throughout the night. Wedge pillows are best used by side sleepers and back sleepers. But keep in mind that not everyone will respond to a wedge pillow.

3. Orthopedic Pillows

Orthopedic pillows are designed to properly align the neck and spine during sleep, reducing neck, back, and shoulder pain. For some, correct alignment minimizes airway collapse.

Orthopedic pillows are a solid option if you don’t use a CPAP machine or if you sleep on your back. CPAP pillows are, in essence, orthopedic pillows designed with mask cut outs, making them a better option for most sleep apnea patients who use a CPAP machine.

4. Adjustable-Loft Pillows

Adjustable-loft pillows, typically made from shredded memory foam, are an option for patients who desire a pillow similar to what they’re already using. While typically not as effective as the types of pillows listed above, the benefits of an adjustable-loft pillow make them a step-up from your standard pillow. You can shape the pillow and increase or decrease the thickness until you find your correct pillow height.

Adjustable-loft pillows are best for those who have tried other sleep apnea pillows, but did not enjoy sleeping with them. Most OSA sufferers find moderate relief at best with this type of pillow.

What to Look for in a Sleep Apnea Pillow

When choosing the best sleep apnea pillow for you, be sure to take into consideration your sleep position and whether or not you use a CPAP machine. You want to pick the right type of pillow based on your needs. If you’re not sure which type of pillow to choose, talk to your doctor. They can help you identify which sleep apnea pillow best suits your needs.

Next, do your homework to find a high-quality pillow at a price point that you’re comfortable with. Sleep apnea pillows are more expensive than the average pillow, and you want to rest easily knowing that it will last you for at least two years.

Read over third-party and customer reviews to get a feel of what to expect. Additionally, look for companies that offer warranties or trial periods as this speaks to the quality of the product itself.

Related: Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea

Proper Care for Sleep Apnea Pillows

Most sleep apnea pillows are made from medium-to-firm foam, which is not easily laundered. The best thing to do is to ensure that your pillow is always covered with a high-quality pillowcase. Regularly wash the case and spot clean the pillow itself.

For most pillows, their efficacy will start to wane over time. Consider replacing your pillow if you notice your sleep quality decreasing, or once every two years.

Other Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea

Only in rare cases will a pillow provide 100% relief from OSA. Speak with your doctor to formulate a complete plan on how to best treat your sleep disorder.

Conclusion

A sleep apnea pillow is a simple way to find relief from sleep apnea symptoms. Whether used on its own or as a part of a treatment plan, a sleep apnea pillow might help you breathe more easily and stay comfortable throughout the night.