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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing stops and starts while they are sleeping. A person may have mild, moderate, or severe sleep apnea. People with this condition may benefit from a particular type of pillow. Investing in an appropriate pillow can help alleviate symptoms associated with sleep apnea, such as snoring and breathing difficulties. Obstructive and central sleep apnea are the two main types. Central sleep apnea happens when brain signals do not tell the muscles to breathe, and people who have this type may find that pillows do not help. The most common type of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, and using an appropriate pillow may provide benefits. This article explores 5 of the best pillows for sleep apnea, discusses some alternative remedies, and answers some frequently asked questions.
If you’re curious to learn more evidence-based information about the fascinating world of sleep, visit our dedicated hub. Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes. Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles. Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets. Firmness: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles. Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial. Shipping: Where possible, Derila Neck Relief Pillow MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free. Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products.
All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Below is a range of pillow options that may help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms and lead to a better night’s sleep. According to an older 2013 review, a person with sleep apnea should avoid sleeping on their back and sleep on their side instead. The PureComfort Side Sleeping Pillow claims to make sleeping on the side more comfortable, particularly if a person is more familiar with sleeping on their back. This pillow’s defining feature is the ear cutouts, which the manufacturer says relieve overall facial pressure. A person can also use the height inserts to set the pillow at the right elevation and open the airway. Overall this pillow has positive reviews from Amazon customers, who mention it is comfortable to sleep on. More negative reviews mention splits in the foam and sinking during use. Some people with sleep apnea may require continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP).
This is a machine that helps a person with sleep apnea breathe. The EnduriMed CPAP pillow contains contours designed to allow people to sleep more comfortably in their CPAP masks. It is adjustable so that a person can add or remove the foam pad inside to find the right elevation and comfort level. According to the manufacturer, the design is suitable for front, back, and side sleepers. This pillow’s shape also allows people to move more freely in the night without risking the wires from their mask becoming tangled. Positive reviews mention that it is a comfortable pillow that helps keep a person’s CPAP mask in place. Negative reviews mention it does not offer enough support for the head or neck. According to the manufacturers, the shape of the MARNUR Contour Memory Foam Pillow helps a person breathe better by supporting their neck. Positive reviews mention it is a comfortable pillow that can help relieve pressure on the neck and spine.
The manufacturer states it is suitable for back, front, and side sleepers. There is no evidence or information to suggest that this pillow is appropriate for people who require CPAP machines. It may, therefore, be more suitable for individuals who have a milder form of sleep apnea. In some instances, issues with the cervical spine may trigger sleep apnea. The cervical spine refers mainly to the neck area. Reducing pressure in the Derila Neck Relief Pillow may help alleviate pain in the neck area and improve sleep apnea. According to TEMPUR, its Neck Pillow relieves pressure on the neck through its contoured design and extra-firm TEMPUR material. The company claims that a person’s neck and shoulder muscles will be able to relax while being supported by the pillow. A person can choose between three sizes: Derila Official Site small, medium, and large, ensuring they get the best fit for their needs and sleep preferences. A 2017 study suggests that mild head elevation may reduce the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.