(Why) Do You Need A CPAP Pillow?

Sleep Apnea and CPAP Therapy

In the beginning, we should go through some short notes on the main reason why CPAP pillow is used and called that way…so let's go through sleep apnea and CPAP therapy basics…

Did you know that according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine it is estimated that over 26 percent of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 years have sleep apnea? Although sleep apnea happens occasionally to almost everyone, people with a severe chronic condition should seek medical attention and treatment.

Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that people can rarely recognize themselves. Symptoms of sleep apnea are often ignored, missed to recognize, or simply mistaken for common snoring. However, sleep apnea is a health condition that needs to be taken seriously and treated with proper medical therapy. If untreated, sleep apnea can cause numerous health conditions and in the most severe case cause death. Out of three main sleep apnea types (obstructive, central, and complex (also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TESCA))), the most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Treatment for OSA sleep apnea condition can be surgical (if possible and needed), but most often it is CPAP therapy. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy was developed by Dr. Colin Sullivan in 1980. and since then it has proven to be overall the best solution for sleep apnea. As the name suggests, the machine uses continuous airflow pressure (prescribed by a physician) to keep the upper airways constantly opened i.e. unobstructed. There are three types of PAP machines: CPAP, Bi-PAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure), and APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure); and they all do the same job – push the air into the patient’s airways to keep them open and unobstructed. CPAP machine is the most common PAP machine used in sleep apnea therapy, as it is simple and highly efficient, but also because it is a more budget-friendly solution than other PAP therapies (also, not to be ignored, more insurance providers cover CPAP devices than other solutions).

Why Use CPAP Pillow?

Best pillow for sleep apnea is the CPAP pillow (or as it also might be known – The sleep apnea pillow). As its name says, besides being good for sleep apnea itself (makes breathing more comfortable and eliminates neck and shoulders soreness), with its special curves and dents, the CPAP pillow is the best pillow to use with cpap machine! 

Having a good night's sleep is a foundation for a healthy life. Humans spend on average around 8 hours per day sleeping; that is 1/3 of our lives. During that period, we must have quality sleep that will give us energy for tomorrow… For quality sleep, among other things, a perfectly suited pillow is at the top of the list! 

CPAP pillow is considered a medical pillow; it is not a prescription therapy but you might get a recommendation from your physician to use one for different reasons (sleep apnea, CPAP therapy, neck and shoulders pain and soreness, snoring). What makes it different than a regular pillow? It is their shape, material, and use. 

CPAP pillows are specially designed pillows, with dents, cuts, and curves, created in such a way that it follows the CPAP mask and tube/hose, making it a perfect fit that keeps the CPAP mask in its place, and tubes untangled. More advanced pillows also have areas with different densities and softness, and different pillow heights. 

With the variety of pillow designs, the CPAP pillow is a CPAP accessory every sleep apnea, CPAP therapy user, or person with neck and shoulders soreness, should consider buying. A CPAP pillow is an investment in a good night’s sleep!

PrimeClean® CPAP Pillow

Not all the pillows are the same. From our experience so far (and we have more than 2,000 satisfied customers) we can say with high certainty that PrimeClean® CPAP Pillow might be the best cpap pillow on the market! It is the first orthopedic pillow for CPAP users. PrimeClean CPAP pillow prevents air leaks, works with all mask types, and has an orthopedic CPAP design.

As CPAP users, we know that a good night's sleep is tough when you are struggling with mask shifts, air leaks, and loud noises. The PrimeClean® CPAP Pillow is a must-have for any CPAP/BiPAP user that sleeps on their side. Its specially designed contours fit both full face and nasal style CPAP masks to help reduce pressure on the mask that can break the mask seal leading to unnecessary air leaks. The memory foam construction of this sleep apnea pillow conforms to the contours of your face providing firm yet soft support. The curved bottom edge allows the shoulder to rest naturally and the slight center recess promotes proper head and neck alignment.

If you are waking up tired and/or with pain (neck, shoulders, head), you are not sleeping well, and you need to change that. The first step and the smallest change you should make is trying to change your pillow. CPAP pillows are created with the sole purpose to help improve your nighttime during PAP therapy, no matter if you are a side, back, or stomach sleeper.

The start of using a CPAP pillow is often a life-changing moment for most CPAP therapy users, allow yourself to be one of them!