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Find the Best CPAP Mask for Your Sleeping Position

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Are you a starfish or a soldier? Maybe you freefall while you dream or sleep like a log? No matter your preferred sleeping position, it is essential to pick the best mask for your sleep situation.

Let’s be real—we all have a favorite sleeping position. We have our go-to and constant when we hop into bed each night. When you snuggle down under the covers at night, as if it was muscle memory, your body automatically molds to your comfortable sleeping position.

But is your beloved sleeping position causing you to wake up with aches or pains? Is it keeping you from sticking to your CPAP therapy? Hand us our magic wand because we’ve done the digging for you to find the CPAP mask to match your sleeping position of choice!

Best CPAP Masks for the Side Sleeper

Nasal pillow and nasal CPAP masks are the recommended masks for side sleepers as they allow for movement and flexibility while also having few facial touch points. Due to a smaller footprint using a nasal pillow or nasal mask will help reduce mask shifts and help you maintain a secure seal.  If you breathe through your mouth and sleep on your side consider pairing a nasal pillow or nasal mask with a chinstrap or try using Somnifix to help prevent breathing through your mouth during the night. 

It’s important to note that sleeping on your side can occasionally cause a change in the pressure required to keep your airway unobstructed, if you sleep on your side it may be worth considering switching to an APAP machine as it will adjust your pressure according to what you need in the moment.

Best CPAP Mask for the Fetal Position

The fetal pose looks just like you’d imagine, curled up and cozy with your knees drawn to your chest. Fetal sleepers generally require a flexible CPAP mask. Great options for the fetal position are masks that feature soft-touch buckles and cloth surfaces and masks that fit under the nose versus over.

Swift FX Nasal Pillow Mask

Swift FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask features a built-in flexible chamber that ensures the mask stays on even as you shift from side-to-side. The nasal pillows include dual-wall flaps to provide ergonomic support and comfort while you’re sleeping. With this mask’s low-profile design, you’ll notice it much less than a traditional full face mask, allowing you much more freedom of movement at night.

Best CPAP Mask for the Log Position

In the log position, you rest on one side with both arms lying to your sides. Similar to fetal sleepers, log sleepers also require a soft mask that won’t dislodge when pressured by a pillow. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that additional pressure may be exerted on the facial area as the arms are kept low and not positioned near the head as also in the fetal sleeper position. This reinforces the need for a soft nasal mask, completely devoid of hard surfaces that can either act as an irritant or create leaks during sleep.

AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask

With its simple design, the AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask will feel light and comfortable on your face. The QuickFit elastic headgear offers a secure fit without the use of any velcro tabs or clips. This makes it feel less obstructive than other mask headgear and also reduces facial marks for log sleepers.

Best CPAP Mask for the Yearner Position

In this position, you sleep on your side with both arms extended out in front of your body. This sleeping position can put some pressure on the side of your face. However, the “arms out front” sleeping style minimizes this pressure to a degree. Any mask that works well for the fetal position or log will also work well for the yearner.

SleepWeaver Advance Small Soft Cloth Nasal Mask

The SleepWeaver Advance Small Soft Cloth Nasal Mask is made out of cloth, making it an ideal choice for the yearner sleepers who need a soft nasal mask. The cushion inflates with air, helping maintain a seal even when it comes into contact with your pillow. The lightweight and breathable fabric is comfortable and helps reduce facial marks, making it an ideal choice for side sleepers.

Best CPAP Masks for the Back Sleeper

Full-face, nasal pillow, and nasal masks are all recommended masks for back sleepers, as any mask type will work for this sleeping position. One thing to consider when looking for a CPAP mask is whether it is easy to put on and take off during the night to provide you with additional convenience. 

Best CPAP Mask for the Soldier Position

In this position, your sleep on your back with your arms stretched rigidly out and parallel to your legs. Back sleepers will want to order a mask that is designed to keep uncomfortable parts of the headgear system away from the back of your head. Then, you won’t be lying on top of straps, buckles, hoses, or any other potential nuisances.

ComfortGel Blue Nasal or Full Face Mask

Depending on your individual needs, the ComfortGel Blue Nasal or Full Face Mask are both good options for soldier sleepers.

The headgear attaches to the top of the head, reducing potential discomfort from the straps when sleeping on your back. The ComfortGel forehead pad comes with a stability selector to let soldier sleepers easily adjust their mask fit. It also keeps your head elevated, which is especially important for soldier sleepers who are managing their sleep apnea symptoms.

Best CPAP Mask for the Starfish Position

Just one in twenty people assume the starfish pose, which involves lying on one’s back with arms stretched up around the pillow. Starfish sleepers can seek out any mask that is designed for back sleepers. The important part to remember is that starfish sleepers often move their arms around a bit during the night so any mask type that is as minimalist as possible helps to reduce the chances of tangles in the middle of the night.

DreamWear Nasal Mask

Similar to the ComfortGel, the DreamWear Nasal Mask uses a headgear that attaches to the top of the head. The CPAP hose is positioned above the starfish sleeper to reduce tugging on the mask.

This helps maintain a reliable seal while removing any uncomfortable pain that starfish sleepers may feel from the back of the straps. The DreamWear frame allows easy airflow to the cushion. Air can flow on both sides of the frame or through just one side if the other side is blocked.

Best Masks for the Stomach Sleeper

Any nasal pillow mask with minimal touchpoints and top-of-head hose connections is ideal for a stomach sleeper when paired with a CPAP pillow. A CPAP pillow has indents or spaces for your mask and hose to sit, allowing you to sleep more comfortably. If you breathe through your mouth and sleep on your stomach consider pairing a nasal pillow or nasal mask with a chinstrap or using Somnifix

Best CPAP Masks for the Freefall Position

Five to seven percent of the public sleeps on their stomach while grasping their pillow with both hands. Though not a lot of people sleep on their stomachs, there are some CPAP masks explicitly designed for stomach sleepers. One option is the nasal pillow mask, which inflates on its own and generally offers a minimalist design for superior comfort. A top-quality gel or memory foam pillow can also help stomach sleepers find a comfortable position in which to rest.

DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow Mask

The DreamWear Gel Nasal Pillow Mask provides a reliable seal paired with the comfort that freefall sleepers need. The gel nasal pillow uses a gel insert that provides comfort for each nostril while maintaining a secure seal.

The mask has a hollow frame that facilitates easy airflow to the nasal pillow. With a frame design on either side of the head, freefall sleepers experience less irritation and discomfort when sleeping on their stomachs.

Now, all that’s left to do is to grab your mask, get in your most comfortable sleeping position, and drift off to dreamland.

Sweet dreams!

Related reading: Looking for the best CPAP mask? We’ve got you covered! Read our review of the latest CPAP masks to find your perfect match.

  • David Repasky

    David Repasky has been using CPAP treatment since 2017 and has first-hand experience with what it's like to live with Sleep Apnea. He brings the patient's perspective to the CPAP.com blog and has received formal training in CPAP machines, masks, and equipment.

Need Help With Sleep Apnea?

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35 Responses

  1. This is something that I haven’t considered. I am a stomach sleeper. Maybe there is a mask more comfortable than the one I use now. Thanks for the info.

  2. I need a mask that has an extension on it to keep the jaw from opening causing me to breath through my mout and snoring.

  3. I’m a side sleeper. I use the nasal pillows, which work well but my mask won’t stay on my head. My hair is very fine and silky so the straps slider off my head while I’m sleeping.

  4. Nasal pillows worked fine, but dilated my nostrils, even throughout the day, resulting in a “Miss Piggy” appearance. Switched to the Wisp mask which works well, even sleeping on my side, and doesn’t make me look like a pig.

    1. What is a wisp mask. I too suffer from the miss piggy syndrome. The full face mask leaves my face deeply lined and doesn’t fully recover in the daytime.

      1. Hi Lois,

        The wisp is a Nasal Mask. Please see the link below to gain further knowledge of the Wisp. If you happen to give the Wisp a try, but your mouth falls open during the night please consider using a Chinstrap, otherwise the Nasal Mask will not work for you and you will need to wear a full face mask.

        For the deep lines that you are being left with from your full face mask, you may try some mask liners to see if they provide any relief for you. I have linked a couple of the mask liner options below also.

        https://www.cpap.com/productpage/wisp-nasal-cpap-mask-fit-pack-pr

        https://www.cpap.com/productpage/silent-night-full-face-cpap-mask-liners

        https://www.cpap.com/productpage/remzzzs-full-face-cpap-mask-liners

        Have a wonderful day!

    1. Hi Alicia, I am sorry to hear that the Chinstrap did not work out for you. You may want to try the DreamWear Full Face Mask to see if it will work for you. The hose is over the top of head and the mask isn’t real bulky, so you will still be able to sleep on your stomach. Please see the link below for more information regarding this mask.

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-dreamwear-full-face-cpap-mask-headgear#features-tab

      For further questions, or concerns please feel free to contact us at: 1-800-356-5221, or e-mail: cpap@cpap.com.

      We wish you the best!

  5. I have tried the DreamWear full face mask medium n small can’t get a seal at nose with either one . Used another full face make that fits over nose n mouth and it’s like you put a plastic bag over my head. I am side sleeper n mouth breather. Please help I am easy to give up . Single chin strap does not work . Need something with two straps.

    1. Hi Rhonda, I know that it can be difficult to find a mask which fits comfortably and allows you to have a good seal. Please see the link below for a few full face masks, that may work for you.

      https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart-share/2fns

      Please keep in mind that the only real way to know if a mask is a good match for you, is to actually try the mask. CPAP.com, offers free 30 day returns on all complete masks purchased from us. If you purchase the mask, find that it doesn’t work for you, simply return the mask and we will either refund your money, or you may request a different mask.

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      We wish you the best, please don’t give up!

    2. I am side sleeper with nasal pillows. I tape my mouth using Nexcare sensitive skin tape. I create a Cross -one strip down and one across. Seems to be the best for me although after trying several mask types I still have interrupted sleep most nights.

  6. Hi. I’ve tried sleeping on my side . But have trouble sleeping that way. I sleep on my belly. And I normally wake up once a night
    What do you recommend? And does it hurt if I don’t wear every night?

    Thank You

    1. Hey Mark, we definitely recommend, that you wear your CPAP mask every night. You should speak with your doctor if you find the therapy intolerable for consistent use.

      There are some masks available that will allow you sleep on your stomach without interrupting your therapy. Please see the links below to view masks that have the tube over the back of your head.

      https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart-share/2frx

      https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart-share/2fs5

      https://www.cpap.com/productpage/philips-respironics-dreamwear-full-face-cpap-mask-fit-pack

      We wish you the best!

  7. My 1st night using the ResMed mask, pillow, machine woke me up with a headache, a lot of phlegm and very tired. Why and what should I do about this? I use the nasal pillows which are soft and comfortable, but I did wake up a couple of times noticing that I had to shut my mouth so that my nose could inhale the air.

    1. Hi Shelia, I’m sorry about the troubles you seem to be having with your CPAP therapy. CPAP therapy, does not usually cause headaches unless there is a sinus problem, or your pressure setting is too high. Also, please keep in mind that it make take time for you to become acclimated with your therapy. If your headache persists, please be sure to speak with your doctor about a possible setting adjustment.

      Are you currently using a Heated Humidifier with your CPAP therapy? If not, you may benefit from adding one. Also, please keep in mind that if your mouth falls open during the night, you are not receiving the treatment that you need. In your case, you should either add a Chinstrap if you wish to continue using the Nasal Pillow Mask, or you should consider switching to a full face mask.

      I would encourage you to visit our blog at: cpaptalk.com, as there are many knowledgeable CPAP users that may be able to offer helpful suggestions on how to receive the best results from your CPAP therapy.

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221. You may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      We wish you the best!

    1. Hi Kym, the only type of machine we carry that will adjust to you is the BiPAP Auto, it’ll adjust to the pressure you need on a breath by breath basis, but we’re out of luck with a machine that will adjust to our sleeping position and other desires. If you come in contact with such a contraction, please let us know!

      We can be reached at: 1-800-356-5221, with further questions, or concerns.

      Best Wishes!

  8. I finally found a mask that gives me a good fit. The FM30. My problem is that I used to have .5 events per hour. with leaky masks. With this better fitting mask my events have gone up to 1.5 per hour. Should I be concerned or is this normal?

    1. Hi Joan, congrats on finding a mask that works for you! There is no reason for concern since AHI, under 5 is considered normal.

      We can be reached at: 1-800-356-5221, with further questions, or concerns.

      I wish you continued success with your CPAP therapy!

  9. I have a full face mask but usually sleep on my stomach or side. I am a mouth breather so the nasal ones dont work. Recently I’ve started chewing three the silicone cushin at night which is getting expensive! Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated- this is for a resmed 10 auto set for her.
    Thankyou

  10. I use a resmed cpap machine and currently use a nasal pillow mask. It worked well as long as I did not get exposed to allergies as it allowed me to sleep on my sides. Now due to allergies, I am breathing with my mouth occasionally and it dries up my mouth even with a humidifier. What is a good mask to use in such situations. I even tried a chin guard to stop opening my mouth but it did not help a great lot and is another one to adjust every so many times. Thanks

    1. Hi Srikanth,
      When suffering from allergies and dealing with congestion, you should consider switching to a full face mask. This mask will allow you to breath through both your nose and mouth.

      Please see the link below for a suggested masks. Keep in mind that it may take time for you to become acclimated with your full face mask, but once you become comfortable with wearing it, you may see improved overall therapy.

      https://www.cpap.com/compare-chart/full-face-cpap-mask/2zh5

      If you order your mask with CPAP.com, it’s sold with free 30 day returns (prescription required).

      This allows you to try the mask and if you’re not satisfied with it for any reason, you may return the mask within 30 days for a different mask, store credit, or refund.

      For further questions, or concerns, please reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a great day!

  11. Hi,

    I am a stomach sleeper AND a mouth breather…yuck. Yet to find something that will work for me. Any advice?

    Many thanks!

  12. Awesome read.
    The breakdown for different positions is very helpful. I wonder though, if I am not aware of my preferred sleeping position or if I turn and fidget a lot in my sleep, how would I determine which mask will be best for me?

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