Best CPAP Masks for Side Sleepers
If you've been prescribed Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy to treat your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you'll find that you're in no short supply of CPAP masks to choose from. CPAP therapy is a full-time commitment, and selecting a well-fitting mask will make all the difference when it comes to consistent, effective treatment.
Luckily, we carry all types of cpap masks that are designed with comfort and functionality in mind. While your facial anatomy will definitely be something to consider, let's look at how your most comfortable sleeping position may also have an effect on your mask selection, including choosing a CPAP mask for side sleepers if that's your preferred position.
Below, we highlight some of the best CPAP masks for side sleepers and share tips on choosing a CPAP mask for side and active sleepers.
Article Overview
Side sleepers have many CPAP mask options, with the priority being a secure seal that withstands both pillow pressure and nighttime movement.
Top picks include minimal-contact, low-profile full face masks (like the Resmed AirFit F40 and hybrid Resmed AirFit X30i), compact nasal pillow masks (like the Nova Micro, Brevida, AirFit P30i), and adjustable nasal masks (F&P Solo, AirFit/AirTouch N20).
For those who struggle with traditional masks, alternatives like the Bleep DreamPort and comfort accessories (CPAP pillows, hose hangers) can reduce leaks and improve comfort. Use fit tools, technology, work with your provider, and take advantage of trial periods to ensure a comfortable, effective setup.
What CPAP Mask Should I Wear If I Sleep on My Side?
You may find it surprising that even side sleepers have a wide variety of choices when it comes to the right CPAP mask. While there's currently no line or series of masks specifically designed for side sleepers, some masks work better than others. The key is to find a mask that can maintain a good seal even if the side of your face is resting on your pillow. This is central to choosing a CPAP mask for side sleepers.
Active sleepers and stomach sleepers face a similar challenge when movement or pressure from bedding causes the mask to shift and cause air leaks, even if they are slight. Your full prescribed level of air pressure must be sustained all night for your CPAP therapy to be effective, so think carefully about your sleep habits. Even if you start on your back, you may toss and shift in position without realizing it.
If you often wake up in positions other than on your back or with your pillow nowhere in sight, you should look for a CPAP mask for active sleepers that also works well when you lie on your side.
Full Face CPAP Masks
Many CPAP users who typically sleep on their sides believe they'll need to sleep on their back in order to use a full face CPAP mask. This may have been true a few decades ago but in recent years, CPAP manufacturers have released many new, innovative full face mask options that are just as functional as nasal and nasal pillow masks but sometimes even more comfortable depending on the user.
In reality, a full face CPAP mask for side sleepers can be a great choice when you pick a low-profile design that stays sealed.
Side-sleepers typically find that a minimal contact full face mask with adjustable headgear is the best way to go. For these users, the Resmed AirFit F40 is a thoughtfully designed mask with a cushion that sits under the nose instead of over the nose.
This design prevents dry eyes caused by air leaks that often occur at the top of a traditional, triangle-shaped full face mask's cushion when it is compressed or shifted by your pillow.
For side-sleepers who also tend to move around throughout the night, a hybrid full face mask like the Resmed AirFit X30i is an innovative mask option that incorporates features of both a nasal pillow mask and a minimal contact full face CPAP mask.
As with the Resmed AirFit F30i, your machine's tubing is able to connect to the top of the AirFit X30i's frame which is situated at the top of the head during treatment and removes any cause for concern about rolling over on your tubing during the night.
Nasal Pillow Masks
A nasal pillow mask is a minimal coverage mask option that tends to be a popular choice for side-sleepers.
Nasal pillow masks typically include small, silicone pillows (or prongs) that sit just inside of the nose, as well as elastic headgear that prevents air leaks and skin irritation by tightly holding the pillow in place in/at the nostrils. While nasal pillow masks are already minimal coverage, here's a list of the top minimal-contact nasal pillow and nasal CPAP masks perfect for side sleepers.
For those who sleep on their side or stomach and prefer a mask with a compact and contoured design, the Nova Micro Nasal Pillow Mask by Fisher & Paykel is a well-reviewed option.
Also from Fisher & Paykel and with similar features is the Brevida Nasal Pillow Mask. While similar, the Brevida includes a small diffuser at the front of the nasal pillows which aid in sleeping comfort and slightly more rigid headgear.
For the active side sleeper who moves from side to side as they sleep, a nasal pillow mask such as the AirFit P30i Nasal Pillow Mask provides users with more freedom of movement than most masks without allowing air leaks that negatively affect your sleep therapy results.
Nasal Masks
Perhaps the most popular option is a nasal CPAP mask for side sleepers. Nasal CPAP masks are available in a variety of design options.
Some nasal masks feature a simple, elastic headgear band while others have a more rigid and structured, 4-point headgear design for easy adjusting. Nasal masks are available in both under-the-nose and over-the-nose options.
The shape of your face, strength of your prescribed CPAP pressure settings, and your comfort level will help you to determine which is best for you.
Side-sleepers who move from one side to another, have facial hair, and/or have higher CPAP pressure settings can see benefits from the AirFit N20 Nasal CPAP Mask. The AirFit N20 is an over-the-nose nasal CPAP mask which features a 4-point headgear that adjusts in multiple places for a simple yet customizable fit.
Resmed's N20 series also offers the AirTouch N20 Nasal CPAP Mask which is the same design but with a memory foam nasal cushion for those with allergies or skin sensitivities.
CPAP Mask Alternatives
In most cases, there's a CPAP mask for everyone. However, some CPAP users simply cannot tolerate sleep therapy treatment with a traditional CPAP mask. If this is the case for you, CPAP mask alternatives and specialty masks are a great option.
It's recommended before switching from a traditional CPAP mask to consult with a sleep specialist or your healthcare provider to help you find the right alternative.
A specialty mask is a non-traditional mask option that typically focuses on a common area of concern among CPAP users such as pressure sores, scalp/hair damages, claustrophobia, etc, and they often make great masks for side-sleepers.
Instead of a mask that's held in place by headgear, the DreamPort Starter Kit by Bleep is a mask alternative that features small, BPA-free and hypoallergenic "ports" that line up with the nostrils and secure in place using a flexible adhesive that is applied directly to the wearer's nose.
For side-sleepers who cannot seem to avoid mask air leaks when sleeping with one side of their face laid against their hand or pillow, the DreamPort by Bleep may be an ideal solution. Luckily, like most masks, the DreamPort is compatible with any CPAP machine. Additionally, Bleep's Eclipse is an equally great alternative mask option!
Comfort Accessories
Along with better masks, there's been an increased focus on CPAP accessories in the medical equipment industry, as medical and technological advancements have made CPAP therapy more accessible than ever before.
Among the most popular treatment accessories are comfort items and products that make using a CPAP machine less daunting, less uncomfortable, and less of a hassle.
Pairing your required CPAP machine and mask components with the right comfort accessories can make a ton of difference in your sleep each night.
For side sleepers, products like the CPAPMax 2.0 CPAP Pillow by Contour Healthcare aid in both comfort and treatment efficiency by keeping your head and neck aligned to reduce facial pressure and minimize the mask shifting that causes air leaks, skin irritation, and even dry mouth. As a CPAP pillow for side sleepers, it also helps maintain a consistent seal.
Another great option for CPAP users who sleep on their side is the CozyHose Boss™ CPAP Tube Hanger which is a wall-mounted suspension system for CPAP tubing that allows you to keep your CPAP hose out of the way and out of your bed, providing full range of motion for numerous sleeping positions without pulling against your mask or machine.
A CPAP hose hanger like this is especially helpful for side-sleepers who sleep on different sides throughout the night.
Find the Best Fitting CPAP Mask
As we can see, when selecting a mask, consider whether you can achieve a robust seal to maintain the correct air pressure settings (and don't forget about comfort and how practical the mask is for your sleep habits). For CPAP therapy to be effective, you have to be able to keep your mask on!
A mask with all the bells and whistles may seem like the best option on paper and may even fit well when you first try it on but the most "popular" or technical mask may not work for you when you lay down to fall asleep.
Mask Fitting Technology
Using a handy tool such as our MaskFitAR will allow you to scan your face and receive CPAP mask recommendations based on the shape, proportions, and contour of your face.
Simple & Effective Questionnaires
You may also find a feature like our Mask Fit Finder to be helpful if you have an idea of what you need but still need specific mask recommendations.
Working closely with your healthcare provider and your favorite CPAP equipment supplier to determine which mask options work best for you is a great way to avoid purchasing multiple masks before finding a good fit.
When trying on masks, make sure to put it on and wear it around the house for a bit, to be sure it's a mask that you can comfortably wear in a variety of sleeping positions. Many experienced CPAP users even report wearing a new CPAP mask for a mid-day nap before wearing it throughout the entire night.
We offer several fit packs to help with this. They come with 2 or 3 different sizes to ensure you get the right one for you.
We also offer a 30-day Mask Guarantee in which you can swap your mask free of charge within the first month. No matter what kind of mask you need or what position you sleep in, we are here to help you find the perfect solution. Be sure to contact us if you have questions about the best mask for your particular preferences and sleep habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I’m a side sleeper and new to CPAP treatment what type of CPAP mask should I start with?
Short answer: Side sleepers have plenty of options. Prioritize a mask that maintains a secure seal against pillow pressure and movement. Minimal-contact, low-profile full face masks (like the Resmed AirFit F40 or hybrid AirFit X30i), compact nasal pillow masks (Nova Micro, Brevida, AirFit P30i), and adjustable nasal masks (F&P Solo with AutoFit, Resmed AirFit N20 or AirTouch N20) are strong choices. Match the design to your sleep habits, pressure needs, and facial anatomy.
Question: Can I use a full face CPAP mask if I sleep on my side?
Short answer: Yes, there are many modern, minimal-contact full face masks designed to stay sealed even when you sleep on your side. The Resmed AirFit F40 sits under the nose to help prevent dry eyes and leaks that can happen with traditional triangle cushions when pressed into a pillow. Active side sleepers may prefer a hybrid full face like the Resmed AirFit X30i, which routes the hose at the top of the head to reduce tugging and allow easier position changes.
Question: What masks work best if I’m an active side sleeper who moves a lot?
Short answer: Look for masks that minimize bulk at the cheeks and manage hose pull. Top picks include the Resmed AirFit X30i hybrid and the AirFit P30i nasal pillow (both with top-of-head hose connections). For a secure, customizable fit, the AirFit N20 (or memory-foam AirTouch N20) uses 4-point headgear, while the F&P Solo’s AutoFit lets you fine-tune the seal after you lie down. Pairing these with comfort accessories, like a CPAPMax 2.0 pillow to reduce mask shift and a CozyHose Boss tube hanger to keep the hose out of the way, can further cut leaks.
Question: I can’t tolerate traditional headgear, are there CPAP mask alternatives?
Short answer: Yes. The DreamWay Starter Kit by Bleep uses small, BPA-free, hypoallergenic adhesive ports that align with the nostrils—no headgear required. It’s compatible with any CPAP machine and can help side sleepers who get leaks when their face presses into a pillow or hand.
Question: How do I make sure my mask fits? What if it doesn’t?
Short answer: Use tools like MaskFitAR (scan-based recommendations) and the Mask Fit Finder to narrow options by your facial shape and needs. Try the mask at home (wear it around the house or during a nap) to confirm comfort in multiple positions. Work with your healthcare provider and equipment supplier, consider fit packs with multiple cushion sizes, and take advantage of the 30-day Mask Guarantee to swap your mask free within the first month if it’s not right.
