Everyday life with CPAP
How to Sleep on Your Side With a CPAP Mask
You can sleep on your side with CPAP, and for many people with sleep apnea side sleeping is a good position. The usual problem is the pillow pushing the mask and breaking the seal. A low profile mask such as nasal pillows or a nasal mask, a CPAP pillow, and routing the hose above you solve most side sleeping leaks.
Signs
- Mask leaks or hisses when you turn on your side
- Mask shifts toward one eye
- Air blowing into your eye
- Red marks on the side of your face from pillow pressure
- Hose pulling as you roll
Common causes
- Pillow pressing on the mask
- A standard pillow pushes the mask cushion out of place, which creates leaks.
- Large mask footprint
- Bigger masks have more surface for the pillow to push against. Sleep Foundation says nasal pillow masks generally keep their seal when the face turns against the pillow, and nasal masks can work with a good seal and soft headgear.
- Fit set while sitting up
- ResMed advises fitting the mask lying down, because faces change shape when you change position.
- Hose drag
- A hose lying across the bed pulls the mask each time you roll.
Fixes to try, easiest first
Fit the mask while lying on your side
Put the mask on, turn on the air, lie in your usual side position, then adjust the straps. Fisher and Paykel suggest testing the fit in the position you normally sleep in.
Position the pillow edge
Let the mask hang just off the edge of the pillow rather than pressing into it.
Try a CPAP pillow
CPAP pillows have cutouts on the sides so the mask has space when you lie on your side.
Route the hose up and away
Use a hose hanger or run the hose over the headboard so it does not drag as you roll.
Consider a lower profile mask
Ask your equipment provider about nasal pillows or a nasal mask, or a mask with a top of head tube connection. Sleep Foundation recommends these styles for side sleepers.
Ask about positional therapy
NHLBI notes your provider may recommend sleeping on your side rather than your back to help keep your airway open. Ask your doctor before relying on position alone instead of CPAP.
See your doctor if leaks continue in every position, if your machine reports high leak, or if you have marks or sores that do not fade. Do not use side sleeping as a reason to skip CPAP unless your sleep doctor has told you that position alone is enough.
Supplies that can help
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.
A simple hook or hanger for drying CPAP tubing vertically after washing, and for keeping it off the floor.
A stand or arm that lifts the tubing above the bed so it does not drag on the mask when you turn over.
Soft fabric liners that sit between your skin and the mask cushion to reduce skin irritation, red marks and the noisy leaks some people get from …
Soft fabric sleeves that wrap mask headgear straps to stop red lines, rubbing and hair tangles.
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Mask types this applies to
Frequently asked questions
What is the best CPAP mask for side sleepers?
Sleep Foundation says nasal pillow masks are generally suitable because they keep their seal when your face turns into the pillow, and nasal masks can also work with good headgear. Mouth breathers may need a compact full face or under the nose full face style.
Is it better to sleep on your side with sleep apnea?
For many people, yes. NHLBI says your provider may recommend side sleeping to help keep your airway open. CPAP is still needed unless your doctor says otherwise.
Do I need a special CPAP pillow?
Not always, but a pillow with side cutouts often stops leaks for side sleepers who keep bumping the mask.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error