Best CPAP Masks for Side Sleepers
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Intus Healthcare’s writers, customer service team, and sleep experts review and ensure this information is accurate.
Last updated on December 22nd, 2023 at 01:07 pm
Which CPAP Mask is Best for Side Sleepers?
Your CPAP mask should be comfortable and fit well.
If you sleep on your side and breathe through your nose at night, a nasal cushion or nasal pillow mask is the best choice for you.
However, some customers who are side sleepers may need a full-face mask. While there are minimal contact versions, full-face masks can be bulkier, potentially hindering comfortable side sleeping.
If you require a full face mask and sleep on your side, consider a hybrid mask. You can also look to add a specially designed CPAP pillow to enhance your comfort.
So, let’s look at the options.
Top 6 Masks for Side Sleepers
At Intus Healthcare, we provide a diverse range and unbiased advice to help you choose the right mask. It is important to pick a mask style that suits how you breathe and sleep. This will ensure you get the most from your CPAP therapy. If you are in any doubt about which mask you should choose, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for advice.
The ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillows Mask
This flexible mask has been designed and developed to allow you to sleep on your side without dislodging the mask.
The dual-wall pillow stems compress to enable an effective seal and allow for movement.
This light mask has three parts: frame, headgear, and nasal pillows. This allows you to replace the worn-out parts easily when required.
This mask comes with three different-sized cushions to ensure there is a suitable size for everyone.
Brevida Nasal Pillows CPAP Mask
The Brevida CPAP mask is one of the most comfortable CPAP masks for side sleepers.
This easy-to-use mask encourages confidence in CPAP therapy. It has simple-to-adjust headgear and velcro adjustment points. It also features an innovative AirPillow that inflates for a secure mask seal.
The mask is available in single-sizes (find your size in the sizing guide on the product page ‘download‘ tab) or as a Fit Pack, which includes multiple cushion sizes.
AirFit N20 Nasal CPAP Mask
The ResMed AirFit N20 Nasal CPAP mask is soft, flexible, and an excellent option for side sleepers.
The N20 is designed with a universal InfinitySeal. An international study found the mask to fit 99% of CPAP users’ faces.
The comfortable silicone frame and simple quick-release elbow make the N20 a popular mask choice.
This mask comes in single sizes (small, medium and large); find your size in the sizing guide on the product page ‘download‘ tab.
Evora Full-Face CPAP Mask
The Evora is a popular choice for many CPAP users. Designed by Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, the Evora full-face mask allows you to sleep on your side during therapy.
The mask has easy-to-remove clips, and a secure seal makes movement during sleep simple. The mask features a soft silicone cushion. In a study, 93% of trial participants found the Evora mask to be very comfortable or comfortable.
You can choose between the Evora full-face FitPack or Evora full-face single size.
Eson 2 Nasal Cushion CPAP Mask
The Eson 2 CPAP mask is the latest version in the successful Eson mask series from Fisher & Paykel.
The mask has a new, quieter diffuser designed to allow more freedom of movement and a more durable, secure seal.
Features of this mask include a smaller cushion for reduced facial contact to reduce red marks and irritation. A slimmer forehead support creates a clearer field of vision.
On the product page, scroll down to the ‘downloads‘ tab to find the sizing guide to get the correct size for a secure fit.
Ascend Full-Face CPAP Mask
The Ascend full-face mask by Sleepnet stands out from other masks because it caters specifically to side sleepers needing a full-face mask. It features AirGel technology for comfort, reducing skin irritation and pressure points on the nose bridge.
The Ascend’s headgear provides superior stability and a strong seal, preventing leaks and dryness.
This mask is available in a FitPack. A FitPack contains three cushion sizes: small, medium and large. This increases the chance of finding the perfect size for the best fit.
Features to look in a side sleeper mask
Some features to look for in a CPAP mask for side sleepers include:
Minimal contact: A mask with a low profile that has minimal contact with your face will give you more freedom during the night. Low-profile masks such as nasal pillows or nasal cushions help to reduce pressure points as they are much smaller. They are also an ideal choice if you wear glasses to read or watch television before sleeping.
Flexible headgear: Choose a mask with flexible and adjustable headgear. This will ensure you can make adjustments to suit your head and face shape. They also make putting on and taking off your mask easier.
Secure seal: A mask with a soft, silicone seal that conforms to the contours of the face and minimises leaks. When sleeping on your side, your face changes shape. Choosing a mask with an adaptable seal helps ensure you sleep comfortably.
360-degree swivel: Select your next mask with a swivel elbow or a 360-degree rotating connection. This feature is great for active sleepers. It gives you more freedom to move around and lessens any issues with tubing getting in the way.
It might take 30 days to adjust to a new CPAP mask, so it’s essential to keep going and give it time.
Make small adjustments each night until you find the right level of comfort. Imagine your CPAP mask is like a new pair of shoes. To begin with, they may feel tight, slightly restrictive and not so comfortable. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they become.
Benefits of a Nasal CPAP Mask for Side Sleepers
Nasal masks hold many benefits for those who sleep on their side; these include:
- Freedom to move
- A secure mask seal
- Reduction of mask leaks
- Prevention of red marks and a dry mouth
- Allows for better vision whilst in bed compared to a full-face mask
- Suitable and recommended for CPAP users with facial hair
Those who struggle to wear their CPAP mask because of discomfort often encounter issues like mask leaks, red marks, and a dry mouth. These can all be side effects of an ill-fitting mask.
Summary
Getting the most comfortable and suitable CPAP mask will make all the difference to your CPAP therapy.
If you think you have OSA and have not had it confirmed – Take an In-Home Sleep Apnoea Test.
Please contact us if you need further help with your CPAP mask.
