If you sleep with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, you know how tricky it can be to get comfortable without getting tangled in tubing or breaking the seal on your mask. That’s where a CPAP pillow can be really helpful. According to our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, these pillows are specially designed to help reduce CPAP mask air leaks, improve sleep quality, and ideally make CPAP therapy a little more comfortable.
But like any pillow, there are a lot of options to consider. To help you drill down to those most likely to meet your needs, we researched the most popular CPAP pillows on the market. Then, our tester, who has sleep apnea and sleeps with a CPAP machine, put them to the test. Between our insight and his hands-on testing, we pinpointed the best CPAP pillows based on comfort, versatility, temperature regulation, and price.
Since 2014, the Sleepopolis team of certified sleep science coaches and expert product testers has helped more than 60,000 people find the right sleep products. For this roundup, we also consulted with Dr. Dasgupta to ensure our recommendations align with the latest research on obstructive sleep apnea and other topics in sleep health. Keep reading for our picks of the best CPAP pillows for different sleep styles and comfort preferences.
Best CPAP Pillows for 2025
- Lunderg CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers – Best CPAP Pillow Overall
- Contour CPAPMAX 2-in-1 Cooling Plush – Best CPAP Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
- Endurimed CPAP Pillow for Side Sleeping – Best CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Ikstar 5.0 CPAP Pillow – Best Cooling CPAP Pillow
- Elviros Cervical Neck CPAP Pillow – Best Customizable CPAP Pillow
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What I Looked for in a CPAP Pillow
After we assembled a short list of possible contenders for our best CPAP pillows roundup, our tester used our review methodology to personally evaluate them during CPAP therapy. We zeroed in on four key categories.
- Comfort: Of course, comfort is key in any good pillow. But for CPAP users, it can be even more important. Dr. Dasgupta notes that some people may find the hose or mask on their CPAP machine regularly interferes with their sleep, leading to ongoing sleep disruptions. A CPAP pillow can help people who are already managing equipment on their face by reducing pressure on the mask and tubing, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
- Versatility: While CPAP therapy serves a singular purpose of opening the airways to reduce negative symptoms and improve sleep quality, every CPAP mask setup is a little different. The equipment itself can vary, and then there are personal variables, like sleep position and body type. We prioritized adjustable pillows that accommodate different sleep needs and preferences.
- Ease of care: Maintaining a clean and hypoallergenic sleep environment is really important for CPAP users, which makes ease of care a big plus. We prioritized removable and washable covers in our picks because it simplifies upkeep and helps keep things clean.
- Price: Like pillows in general, CPAP pillows can range pretty dramatically in price — and it’s not always a reflection of comfort or compatibility. CPAP therapy is already an ongoing expense, so affordability is an important factor. We looked for CPAP pillows at varying price points to ensure people with different budgets can enjoy comfort without unnecessary cost.
We evaluated CPAP pillows based on these categories to identify the ones that really deliver in all the ways that matter. From comfort to versatility to functionality and cost, these are the pillows that can really make a difference for CPAP users night after night.
Lunderg CPAP Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers – Best CPAP Pillow Overall
Lundberg CPAP Pillow
This memory foam pillow is designed to support all three sleeping positions with its adjustable height. It also features mask cutouts for improved CPAP comfort.
Contour CPAPMAX 2-in-1 Cooling Plush – Best CPAP Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Contour CPAPMAX 2-in-1 Cooling Plush
With its dual‑surface design and four different height settings, this pillow is suited for a variety of sleepers who need to use a CPAP mask. We found it to be a good value and comfortable overall, if a little lacking in pressure relief.
Endurimed CPAP Pillow for Side Sleeping – Best CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers
Endurimed CPAP Pillow
This memory foam pillow is designed to fit full‑face CPAP masks. It features corner gaps to reduce tubing interference and air leaks, the latter of which can be helpful for side sleepers.
Ikstar 5.0 CPAP Pillow – Best Value CPAP Pillow
Ikstar 5.0 CPAP Pillow
An adjustable memory foam pillow, the IKSTAR features customizable height, universal mask compatibility, and several cooling features.
Elviros Cervical Neck CPAP Pillow – Best Customizable CPAP Pillow
Elviros Cervical Neck CPAP Pillow
With adjustable height, dual inserts with different firmnesses, and CPAP‑friendly cutouts, this cervical pillow comes packed with customizable features.
Other CPAP Pillows We Considered
Beyond the five CPAP pillows that we’ve recommended here, we also considered a few other models. Here’s what we tested and why it didn’t make the final cut.
Pure Comfort Pillow
The Pure Comfort Pillow is a memory foam model specifically designed for side sleeper support. It’s orthopedic and adjustable, with foam panels that can be added or removed to accommodate different body sizes. The Pure Comfort Pillow is contoured for cervical support without facial pressure, and it’s compatible with CPAP machines. While it has a machine-washable cover and a reasonable price tag, our research revealed mixed reviews and fit issues, so we didn’t include it.
How We Picked and Tested These CPAP Pillows
We focused on four factors to assemble our list of the best CPAP pillows for those with sleep apnea: comfort, versatility, ease of care, and price. Our tester tried each pillow out with his CPAP mask to determine how well they supported him in different sleep positions, their compatibility with his equipment, whether they came with bonus covers, and how much they cost.
Comfort
Between the hoses and the mask, CPAP users have a lot of CPAP accessories and equipment to manage. Traditional pillows may press against this gear, which can affect the seal or push the mask out of alignment and create air leaks. Not only is it uncomfortable, it can make CPAP therapy less effective. A good CPAP machine is designed to accommodate CPAP equipment. Cutouts and contours reduce pressure points around the face so users sleep more comfortably, and that’s what we prioritized in our picks.
Versatility
Beyond individual equipment, sleeping position and body type dictate specific needs in a pillow. The best CPAP pillows adapt to a wide range of sleepers, keeping you comfortable and aligned whether you sleep on your back, side, stomach, or some combination of all three.
Many CPAP pillows are made with removable inserts or adjustable lofts so you can dial in the height and feel. Multiple contours also accommodate different preferences, while mask cutouts on both sides let you easily change positions without having to make gear adjustments.
We looked for pillows that make it easy for CPAP users to find what works so they can stick with their sleep apnea therapy and enjoy restful nights at the same time.
Ease of Care
Dr. Dasgupta notes that CPAP users have to be mindful of keeping their equipment clean. Between skin oils, moisture, and nightly use, there’s a very real potential for bacterial buildup on both CPAP equipment and your pillow. A CPAP pillow with a removable and washable cover minimizes the potential for irritation and contributes to a healthier, more sanitary sleep environment.
We looked for pillows that are easy to keep clean, with bonus points for models that came with an extra cover.
Price
Just like regular pillows, CPAP pillow pricing can vary widely. But paying more doesn’t guarantee a better pillow, and it’s important to consider quality and compatibility. Some models offer more value with premium materials, added features, or trial windows and warranties.
We made a point of including CPAP pillows at different price points, and we’re confident that each offers excellent value for their overall construction and design.
What to Consider When Shopping for a CPAP Pillow
CPAP users have a few additional factors to think about when they’re looking for a great pillow. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop to ensure comfort, compatibility, and better sleep.
Compatibility
Not every CPAP pillow works well with every CPAP therapy setup, and Dr. Dasgupta recommends speaking with your sleep doctor before making a purchase. It’s also helpful to consider the size and style of your mask, which can steer you toward an appropriate pillow shape. Think about your preferred sleep position too.
In general, side and stomach sleepers tend to do better with deeper mask cutouts, which can help combat air leaks and pressure on tubing. Back sleepers may want to look for gentle contouring to support healthy alignment and a secure seal.
Temperature Regulation
Going to bed with a CPAP machine means a lot of equipment on and near you. That’s why a lot of CPAP users find that heat buildup is an unpleasant side effect. A pillow that effectively regulates temperature can help CPAP users stay cooler and more comfortable. If you’re already a hot sleeper, you may want to consider a model with gel-infused memory foam or cooling and moisture-wicking covers.
Trial Window and Warranty
The ultimate test for a CPAP pillow is sleeping with it, which makes a sleep trial a really nice feature. While trial windows aren’t always offered, it’s an added bonus that may steer you toward one pillow over another. Check the fine print so you’re clear on the return window and whether any return or shipping fees apply in the event you give the pillow a sleep test and it doesn’t work out.
Warranties are another consideration — mostly for peace of mind. A good warranty shows that a company stands behind its materials and craftsmanship. Look for warranties of at least one year, though some brands offer longer coverage.
FAQs About CPAP Pillows
What is the best pillow to use with CPAP?
There’s no single best pillow for CPAP users. Ideally, you should look for a pillow that supports your preferred sleep position and keeps your mask secure and comfortable. During testing, the Lunderg CPAP Pillow earned perfect scores in the relevant categories, including comfort, versatility, ease of care, and price.
What is the 4-hour rule for CPAP?
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, require sleep apnea patients to use a CPAP machine for at least four hours per night on 70% of nights over a 30-day period in order to maintain coverage. Still, it’s important to use your CPAP machine all night every night for the best results.
Are CPAP pillows worth the money?
For many people, CPAP pillows can make a big difference in comfort and mask performance. They’re designed to include cutouts or contouring to help ease pressure on the mask and CPAP hose, and they can also improve spinal alignment, which means less repositioning during the night. Not every CPAP user needs a CPAP pillow, but it might be a good idea if you’re having a hard time getting comfortable.
How do I get rid of my CPAP belly?
CPAP belly describes bloating or gas that’s caused by swallowing air during CPAP therapy. You should speak with your doctor about adjusting your mask and pressure settings, but you can also try sleeping on your side or with your head slightly elevated to help keep air from getting to your stomach.









