If you use a CPAP machine, you may have noticed that sleeping on your stomach can make treatment feel more difficult. Compared to back sleepers, stomach sleepers are more likely to complain about air leaks and experience micro-awakenings while on CPAP therapy.
Sleeping on your stomach may cause your CPAP mask to move during the night or cause your mouth to open. Both can reduce therapy’s effectiveness and potentially cause discomfort. But, that doesn't mean CPAP therapy won't work for you.
Below, we’ll cover our expert-approved picks for the best CPAP masks for stomach sleepers and guide you through picking the best mask for you.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
ResMed AirFit P30i Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask
Ideal For
- Combination sleepers who regularly change sleep positions
- People who feel claustrophobic or uncomfortable under bulky masks
- Light sleepers who need an especially quiet mask
Who Should Keep Looking
- People who breathe through their mouths during sleep
- Sleepers who require very high CPAP air pressure levels
- Individuals with unusually shaped nostrils that don't work well with nasal pillows
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Price
$115
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Size
Small, Medium, Large
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Type
Nasal Pillow
The AirFit P30i nasal pillow mask is slim and much less likely to interfere with stomach sleeping compared to bulkier options. In contrast to most CPAP masks, the hose connection is on top of the head, allowing combination sleepers to change sleep positions freely, without getting tangled up in the CPAP hosing or pulling on the machine.
This nasal pillow mask is ultra quiet, clocking in at 21 decibels, making it unlikely to disturb light sleepers. Sleepers who breathe through their mouths may need to skip this mask, though, and opt for a full-face mask instead.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on the AirFit P30i
Shop NowBest Under-the-Nose Mask
ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask
Ideal For
- Those who find nasal pillows uncomfortable or ill-fitting
- Active sleepers who want to avoid getting tangled in CPAP hosing
- People who feel anxious using a full-face mask
Who Should Keep Looking
- Especially light sleepers who are sensitive to the sound of air moving
- Individuals who have trouble breathing through the nose during sleep
- People who have high CPAP pressure settings
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Price
$115
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Size
Small, Standard
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Type
Nasal
Instead of two individual nasal pillows, this nasal mask has one cushion that sits beneath the nose and doesn't enter the nostrils. Some people find this low-profile design more comfortable, and it's a helpful option for those who find that nasal pillows don't fit their nostrils well.
This CPAP mask is sleek, so it's less likely to move out of place or cause discomfort while stomach sleeping. The tubing connector point is on top of the head, which keeps tubing out of the way during tosses and turns. However, it's louder than nasal pillow masks and not ideal for mouth breathers.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on the AirFit N30i
Shop NowBest for Beginners
Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask
Ideal For
- People needing to identify if they prefer nasal pillows or a nasal cushion
- Sleepers who have thick facial hair, like a mustache or beard
- Those who don't like the sensation of straps across the bridge of the nose
Who Should Keep Looking
- People with metal implants, like a pacemaker or cochlear implants
- Individuals who can't easily breathe through the nose all night
- Sleepers who’ve been prescribed a high CPAP pressure setting
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Price
$104
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Size
Small, Medium, Medium Wide, Large
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Type
Nasal
The DreamWear Nasal CPAP “fit pack” comes with nasal cushions in three sizes, so you can figure out which size is ideal for you. The headgear is also compatible with nasal pillows, so if you'd like to try those, you can do so without ordering a different mask frame.
The DreamWear has a slim design that stays out of the way while stomach sleeping. It also has tubing that connects above the head, allowing for freedom in movement. It's important to note that most CPAP machines feature a universal connection size, making this mask compatible with CPAP machines by other brands.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask
Shop NowBest Full-Face Mask
ResMed AirTouch F30i Comfort Full Face Mask
Ideal For
- Sleepers who often breathe through their mouths
- Those who change sleeping positions throughout the night
- People who’ve been prescribed a CPAP pressure setting
Who Should Keep Looking
- Stomach sleepers who are fine with a nasal or nasal pillow mask
- Individuals who have a pacemaker, cochlear implants, or other metal implants
- People who have thick facial hair, especially a mustache
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Price
$184
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Size
Frame: Small, Medium, Large; Cushion: Medium, Large
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Type
Full face
Nasal and nasal pillow CPAP masks generally work best for stomach sleepers, but sometimes a person needs a full-face mask. In these instances, the AirTouch F30i is a solid choice, because of its comparatively slim profile. This CPAP mask model allows sleepers to breathe through both the nose and mouth, which can be important for people who have chronic nasal congestion or nasal blockages, like a deviated septum.
Full-face masks tend to make receiving high air pressure easier, compared with nasal masks. But, some sleepers with a large mustache have reported difficulties keeping this model in place.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on the AirTouch F30i
Shop NowCompare the Best CPAP Masks for Stomach Sleepers
| ResMed AirFit P30i | ResMed AirFit N30i | Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal | ResMed AirTouch F30i | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Nasal pillows | Nasal | Nasal | Full face |
| Price | $115 | $115 | $104 | $184 |
| Magnetic Hardwear | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cushion Type | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone |
| Cushion Size | Small, medium, and large | Small, small wide, and medium | Small, medium, and large | Medium and large |
| Headgear/Frame Size | Small and standard | Small and standard | Medium | Small, standard, and larage |
| Sleep Position | All | All | All | All |
| Breathing Preference | Nasal | Nasal | Nasal | Mouth and nasal |
How We Picked the Best CPAP Masks for Stomach Sleepers
We selected our top picks based on factors that are especially important for stomach sleepers, including comfort, mask profile, seal reliability, and ease of movement during the night. We also reviewed customer experiences, product features, manufacturer reputation, and overall value to identify masks that can help stomach sleepers use CPAP therapy more comfortably and consistently.
Can You Sleep on Your Stomach With a CPAP?
You can sleep on your stomach while receiving CPAP therapy, but the wrong mask may make it a difficult experience. With an ill-fitting or too-bulky mask, you may experience air leaks that compromise your therapy or discomfort that makes you want to discontinue treatment.
If you’re a combination or stomach sleeper, it's important to find the best CPAP mask for sleepers like you to ensure your mask stays in place and remains comfortable, even when you're sleeping on your stomach.
Find the Right CPAP Mask for You
Sleep Doctor makes it easy to explore and compare top-rated CPAP masks so you can find your perfect fit.
What to Consider When Choosing a CPAP Mask for Stomach Sleeping
When choosing the best CPAP mask for you as a stomach sleeper, it's important to think about multiple factors.
Price
CPAP masks come in a range of prices, with most falling between $50 and $250. Many of the masks that work best for stomach sleepers are streamlined and lightweight. As a result, they tend to cost less than larger masks that require more materials to make.
When picking out a CPAP mask, keep in mind that it comes with recurring costs beyond the price for the initial kit. You'll need to replace the mask cushion or pillows as frequently as every two weeks and the headgear every six months. Look into the costs of these items individually for any masks you're considering to make sure they fit your budget.
Size and Fit
Size and fit are of utmost importance when it comes to CPAP masks in general, and these factors can be especially important to stomach sleepers. A mask that doesn't fit well is more likely to move out of place or cause discomfort.
Both CPAP mask headgear and cushions often come in multiple sizes. Look for manufacturers' instructions regarding size and follow them by measuring yourself to identify which size is likely best for you. Also, consider initially purchasing a fit kit, which is a mask set that allows you to try out multiple sizes.
Compatibility
The vast majority of CPAP mask sets work with most CPAP machines, because of a universal 22-mm connector. That means you can usually pick the mask brand you prefer, regardless of which brand made your CPAP machine. However, a few CPAP machines, particularly travel devices, have their own connector size, so you cannot easily use masks made by other brands with these models. Check for compatible connection sizes before making a purchase.
Comfort
Even if a CPAP mask appears to fit well, it’s only the right mask for you if it feels comfortable. Most mask purchases come with a trial period during which you can return or exchange the mask. If the mask you buy won't stay put, feels too small or too big, irritates your skin, or creates discomfort in any way, be sure to return or exchange it within the trial period window.
Quality Materials
The best CPAP masks and frames use medical-grade materials. These materials have been designed to be gentle on skin and maintain their shape over time. Silicone is the industry standard for CPAP mask cushions and nasal pillows.
Headgear and frames are often made with plastic designed to lightly bend but not crack. Fabric wraps are common, as these add softness and can contribute to comfort. Some masks incorporate gel and memory foam for comfort.
If you have allergies to any materials, such as latex, carefully look over a mask's materials list before making a purchase.
Types of CPAP Masks for Stomach Sleepers
Nasal and nasal pillow CPAP masks tend to be ideal for stomach sleepers, but there are versions of all mask types that can make CPAP therapy in this sleeping position easier.
Nasal Mask
There are two main nasal CPAP mask designs. The ideal nasal mask for stomach sleepers sits just beneath the nostrils and has a tubing connection on top of the head. This type of nasal mask takes up little space and allows for movement. Nasal masks that fit around the nose, with the hose connecting directly to the nose area, aren't ideal for stomach sleepers. These masks are bulkier and their hose connections can interfere with nighttime movement.
Nasal Pillow
Nasal pillow masks look similar to nasal masks, but they contain two cushions that enter the nostrils, while nasal mask cushions are not inserted into the nostrils. Some people find they can get a better seal with nasal pillow masks, while others find nasal masks more comfortable.
Just like nasal masks, nasal pillow masks are available in two main designs. The best nasal pillow mask for stomach sleepers is the type that has a hose connection on top of the head, rather than one extending from the nose area.
Full-Face or Hybrid
Nasal and nasal pillow CPAP masks are usually the top choice for stomach sleepers, because they’re less likely to get in the way, but there are also full-face and hybrid models that can work well, too. In addition to covering the nostrils, these masks cover the mouth, which makes them a good choice for sleepers who tend to mouth breathe or cannot consistently breathe through the nose. Slimmer full-face masks with hose connections on top of the head are preferred.
How to Buy a CPAP Mask for Stomach Sleepers
Once you’ve identified the CPAP machine you'll be using, it's time to purchase a CPAP mask, so you may begin therapy.
Do You Need a Prescription for a CPAP Mask?
Yes, you need a prescription for an assembled CPAP mask that includes the headgear, mask frame, and cushion all put together. However, individual CPAP mask parts and bundled collections of CPAP mask parts that aren’t assembled together can be purchased over-the-counter from CPAP websites and brick-and-mortar stores.
Does Insurance or Medicare Cover CPAP Masks?
Yes, private health insurance and Medicare generally covers CPAP masks for people with a sleep apnea diagnosis and CPAP therapy prescription. You may also be able to use FSA and HSA funds to reimburse yourself for any out-of-pocket costs that insurance doesn’t cover.
Where Can You Buy a CPAP Mask for Stomach Sleeping?
CPAP masks of all kinds are sold by online CPAP supply retailers, as well as in some sleep labs and brick-and-mortar durable medical equipment stores. Many shoppers find purchasing CPAP masks online to be the easiest option.
Written by
Jay Summer, NBC-HWC, Contributing WriterJay Vera Summer is a writer, editor, and wellness coach. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in psychology and Master's degrees in both writing and public policy. As a wellness coach, she's certified by the Mayo Clinic and the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). She's been writing about sleep and other health topics for six years. Previously, she taught undergraduate writing courses for five years at the University of South Florida.
