Sleep
CPAP pillow
A pillow with cutouts or a contoured edge so a mask and hose are not pushed out of place when you sleep on your side.
Why it helps
Side sleepers often get leaks when the pillow presses the mask cushion sideways. A CPAP pillow has recesses where the mask sits, so your head is supported without the pillow pushing on the mask or kinking the hose. Fewer leaks also means less noise and less dry eye from air blowing upward.
How to choose
Match the pillow to how you sleep (side, back or mixed) and to your mask size; full face masks need larger cutouts. Look at height and firmness the way you would for any pillow, and check whether the cover is removable and washable. Some people do well with an ordinary pillow plus a mask with a top-of-head tube.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special pillow for CPAP?
Not everyone does. It helps most if you sleep on your side and get leaks when the pillow pushes your mask. Check your leak data after a few nights to see whether it made a difference.
Does a CPAP pillow work with a full face mask?
Many are designed for any mask, but full face masks need larger cutouts. Check the pillow's stated mask compatibility.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error