Parents, you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Or just as likely, we’ve got questions and you’ve got answers.

Challenge: Your Special Traditions

Gift Ideas For People Living With Chronic Illness

0
Vote up!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email this article

Do you have sleep apnea? Are you going through CPAP therapy to get relief from sleep apnea? Having a difficult time adjusting to CPAP therapy? In order to sleep comfortably, you might want to consider a CPAP pillow.

Looking for the best pillow to have a good night’s sleep? There are many different types of pillows available on the market. However, not all pillows are made equal. To help you choose the best pillow, we have created this buying guide.

Have a look!

What is a CPAP Pillow?

For those who don’t know, the CPAP pillow is a pillow specifically designed for CPAP users. There are many pillows that are advertised as CPAP friendly. However, these pillows are not designed for sleepers suffering from sleep apnea.

The best thing about CPAP pillows is that they are designed for side sleepers. Since sleeping on the back or stomach is not suitable, sleeping on the side is the best position. In this way, the mask will not interfere with your sleeping and you can stay comfortable.

There are numerous types of pillows, here are some of the common features.

•Recessed Bottom- some pillows have special cutouts at the bottom for shoulders of sleepers. This is useful for keeping your neck and shoulders aligned.

•Hose Stabilizer- not all the CPAP pillows have a stabilizer, but most pillows have a thin strap to keep the connective hose in place.

•Center Dimple- for better alignment, the pillow has a dip in the midsection.

•Recessed Sides- the shape of the pillow is irregular as it has cutouts on the side. It provides space for hose and mask.

•Light Weight- these pillows are light in weight, weighing about 2 pounds or less.

Benefits of Using Apnea and CPAP Pillows

Let’s face it, sleep apnea is a condition where you might stop breathing for a short period during sleep. Positive air pressure therapy (PAP) is a treatment in which air is pumped under pressure into the airways of the lungs through a connective hose and mask.

If you have sleep apnea, CPAP therapy can work wonders for you. Unfortunately, with a mask, you cannot find the best position for sleeping. You might not only be uncomfortable; the pillow might be out of place or mask might leak. This is where a CPAP or apnea pillow comes in handy.

Here are some of the benefits of using a CPAP pillow.

•It will provide better support for your spine and neck. So, you will not wake up with pain in your neck and back.

•It will allow you to sleep comfortably.

•There will be no risk of mask leaks.

•This is great for removing pressure on the face and mask.

•It will improve the alignment of the airway.

Things to Consider When Buying CPAP Pillow

When it comes to finding the right pillow, finding the best pillow can prove to be an overwhelming task. Without the proper knowledge, you might just be adding more to your anxiety. This is why we have highlighted the things you need to focus on.

Sleeping Position

One of the first things you need to pay attention to is your sleeping position. Changing your sleeping position will not be helpful as you will go to your old position during sleep. So, it is recommended to get a pillow that will allow you to sleep restoratively.

You will have to look for the pillow that is specifically made for your sleeping position. An important thing to keep in mind is that it must be compatible with the CPAP machine.

Budget

Another thing you need to keep in mind is your budget. The material or filling doesn’t have a role to play in the pricing of the pillow. Mostly, the cost of a sleep apnea pillow

610c5b7cc63290dc6083c53906fe0c018ba3c216.jpg

is no more than $70. It is advised to not buy the most expensive pillow thinking it will be the best on the market. Rather you must be a smart shopper and look for the best deal before buying the pillow. The quality has a huge role to play than the look of the pillow.

Comfort

The most important factor to consider is your comfort. You should always choose a pillow that will aid in having a restful sleep. The comfort is dependent on the material of the pillow. The best material for a pillow is memory foam. This offers optimal support and pressure relief. As far as covers are concerned, cotton is an ideal choice. it is because it has excellent breathability, ability to remain cool and softness.

Do You Sleep Warm?

To buy the best CPAP pillow, you need to ask yourself this question. Since every pillow is not made equal, there are some materials that retain heat in the pillow. If you sleep warm, then it will cause interruptions in your sleep. This is why you should get a pillow that breath well or have cooling properties. It will help in sleeping well throughout the night.

We hope this guide will help you buy the right CPAP pillow for your needs.

This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.