If you are comfortable sleeping on your stomach, what can you do if you are required to wear a CPAP mask at night? The answer is the best CPAP mask for stomach sleepers.
This may have been a problem years ago but as it turns out, the manufacturers of CPAP equipment were smart enough to create the tools necessary so that if you sleep on your back, belly, side or upside down, you’d still be able to benefit from the CPAP therapy in treating your sleep apnea.
Stomach sleepers are no different than any other kind of sleeper. However, not all CPAP masks will accommodate you if you prefer to sleep on your belly. That is why I have put together this list of what I consider to be the best CPAP mask for stomach sleepers available in today’s marketplace.
Using a ball joint connection between the mask and hose, the Fisher & Paykel Opus 360 does exactly as advertised – it provides you with 360 degrees of free movement.
You can attach the hose in more than one location to best fit your sleeping style (on the top, to the side, on the bottom).
Three different size nose pillows come with this unit to provide different fitting options and since this is so lightweight, you won’t even notice you have it on.
It is fully adjustable and one of the best nasal pillow choices I have seen.
This particular item is known by two other names. It is also the Swift ™ FX for Her and the Swift ™ FX Bella.
Don’t let those names throw you because this happens to be one of the most comfortable best CPAP mask for stomach sleepers regardless of what it is called.
The ResMed Swift ™ FX is revolutionary in that the nasal pillows are meant to be applied directly into your nostrils. The headgear holds it firmly in place and includes ear loops for a better fit.
This product also comes with different size cushions to assist in creating the best fit possible.
The word ‘wisp’ hints at the amount of noise this product makes – little if any.
The Philips Respironics Wisp Nasal Mask comes with three different size cushions to personalize your fit and the straps in the headgear are available in your choice of fabric or silicone.
The design of this nasal mask is such that it will give a complete seal with straps that wrap above and below your ears to hold it firmly in place.
The hose can be connected in different positions giving you options that will match your sleeping style.
Lightweight and quiet are the two most used words to describe this product. The ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow is pretty high-tech when you take a closer look at what all it offers.
The vents are woven-mesh within the nasal connection and that reduces air noise and directs air exactly where it should go to do the most good.
The short tube is flexible and the headgear comes off the mask simply with the release of two clips. A total of three different size pillows are included in the package so you can get the best fit possible.
This is my top pick for the best CPAP mask for stomach sleepers.
In addition to it employing the use of gel pillows – which are extremely comfortable to wear – and being so easy and lightweight to use, this product is pretty good.
The Philips Respironics Nuance Pro has a headgear that will hold the gel pillow mask securely so you can sleep on your belly, side, back or wherever you feel most comfortable without fear of losing your mask. You have to try this one out.
Not everyone feels different with the gel pillows but you will discover at the very least that this is most certainly a comfortable CPAP mask just the same.
Things to Consider When Choosing CPAP Mask For Stomach Sleepers
If you are a stomach sleeper, you are no alone although there are not that many of you out there. Estimates are that there are only between five and seven percent of all sleepers who prefer to assume the position on their bellies grasping their pillow with both hands.
Regardless of the small percentage of stomach sleepers, CPAP mask manufacturers have put the effort into designing products that are aimed specifically at this segment of the population. But what should you look for in the best CPAP mask for stomach sleepers? That’s easy.
The best CPAP mask for belly sleepers is not a full face mask. Lightweight and secure designs of nasal pillows or nasal masks are the best choices. Masks that have gel pillows or come with different size cushions are best so that you can try each out to determine the best fit.
Best Brands
The best full face CPAP masks listed above are made by a handful of different companies. I have provided a little background on each below.
Philips Respironics
Respironics is a medical supply company that focuses mostly on products related to improving respiratory function. Founded in 1976 in Murrayville, Pennsylvania, Respironics is one of many subsidiaries of the Philips Company. They introduced their first CPAP machine in 1985 and continues to work on developing and manufacturing machines to assist with COPD and other respiratory issues.
Fisher & Paykel
Founded in 1934, Fisher & Paykel is a major appliance manufacturer owned by the Haier Company. It is based in East Tamaki, New Zealand.
ResMed
ResMed is a medical equipment company based in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1989 and provides cloud-connectable medical devices for the treatment of sleep apnea (including CPAP machines/masks), COPD and additional respiratory conditions. The company operates in over 120 countries worldwide and has over 7,500 employees.
FAQs
What is the best CPAP mask for stomach sleepers?
Probably your best bet is not a full face mask but something smaller and lightweight. Nasal pillows tend to work best for sleepers who spend their evenings in bed on their bellies. I have listed a handful of what I think are the best CPAP masks for belly sleepers above.
Can you use a CPAP machine if you sleep on your stomach?
Yes, CPAP therapy can still be delivered if you sleep on your stomach. There are several CPAP masks available to accommodate your needs.
Best CPAP Mask For Stomach Sleepers Wrap Up
Sleep apnea affects sleepers of all kinds. If you happen to be a sufferer of this sleep disorder who sleeps on your belly, there is a solution for you. The best CPAP mask for stomach sleeper options are many and you will likely find the best solution for your specific sleeping habits. It is not impossible to get a good night’s sleep with the right kind of CPAP mask.
What is most comforting for me is to see that these products have been designed to match virtually any kind of sleeping pattern. Stomach sleepers included. Good luck with my list and may you have a restful night once you purchase the best CPAP mask for your sleeping situation.