According to sleep experts, there are six official sleeping positions: the yearner, the starfish, the log, the soldier, the free faller and the foetus position. We’re going to simplify things: some people sleep on their side, some on their back, and some people are perfectly content snoozing on their stomach. When it comes to getting CPAP therapy, your sleeping position plays a crucial role, because you want your mask to work in your favorite sleeping position so you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Side Sleepers
If you are a tried and true side sleeper, you need to choose a mask that will stay on even when the pillow presses on it. For instance, the Swift FX’s flexible nasal pillows were designed for side sleepers. The ends of the pillows stay put in your nose, while the rest of the mask bends with the pillow. Another mask that is great for side sleepers is the SleepWeaver, which is unique in that there are no buckles or hard contours that push against your face when you sleep. Plus, it is made out of cloth, so it inflates and does not lose its seal when it comes into contact with your pillow or bed. These comfy cloth masks are available in both nasal and full face styles. Last, but certainly not least, you may want to try the Amara View mask system, which is a full face mask that fits under the nose instead of over it, making it perfect for sleeping on your side comfortably – and bonus, you won’t wake up with those unsightly red marks.
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Back Sleepers
As a sleep apnea sufferer, sleeping on your back can often worsen your symptoms. In fact, you may want to train yourself to sleep on your side or stomach. If you simply can’t, you may want to elevate your head just a little bit. Committed back sleepers have to deal with uncomfortable headgear pushing into the back of the head or tubing weighing the mask down. What you need is a mask with a totally unique architecture, like the DreamWear mask system, which has tubing that attaches at the top of the head. Next up, you have the Swift FX Bella mask system, which is another ultra minimal mask. In fact, the headgear doesn’t even wrap around the entire circumference of your head – it actually fits neatly behind your ears. Plus, it comes with multiple sizes of nasal pillows, so you can find the perfect fit. Then there is the AirFit F20 Full Face mask system, which has soft edge headgear that circles the crown of your head for a perfect night of sleep on your back.
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Stomach Sleepers
If you are a stomach sleeper, you are in a rare category, but there are some of you out there. If you sleep flat on your belly, it means that you may have a harder time adjusting to CPAP therapy – but it’s certainly not impossible. One of the best masks for stomach sleepers is the Pilairo Q, which is a self-inflating nasal pillow mask with minimal headgear, so that you can sleep in your normal position without all the fuss. Another great mask for stomach sleepers is the AirFit P10, which is a nasal pillow mask that offers high-level performance without that feeling of claustrophobia. Plus, the nasal pillows compress up and down depending on your body and head position. Lastly, the Nuance Gel Pillows Mask provides a superior seal so that you can sleep in any position and still receive quality sleep therapy. The non-slip headgear and flexible tubing allow for movement throughout the night while keeping the mask in place. The unique gel pillows offer great stability and a comfortable experience.
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