CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers: Cutouts, Height and Mask Fit

The best CPAP pillow for side sleepers is one with generous mask cutouts and a height you can match to your shoulder, and the IKSTAR CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers is the strongest all-round pick here because it pairs memory foam with side cutouts and dual-height support at a mid-range cost. The Lunderg CPAP Pillow is the runner-up for people who want adjustable height and a brand built around CPAP users. If your budget is tight, the Elviros memory foam model with four height options is the flexible value pick.

Side sleeping with a CPAP mask has one recurring problem: when your face presses into a regular pillow, the mask shifts, the seal breaks and air escapes, often with a hiss in your ear or a draft across your eyes. A CPAP pillow tackles that with cutouts or a contoured edge that gives the mask room, plus a height that keeps your neck aligned. This guide explains how those features work, compares six pillows by what the listings state and shows how to check fit. It is general comfort information, not medical advice. Do not change your therapy settings or mask because of a pillow, and talk to your sleep clinician or equipment provider about leaks, pressure sores or comfort problems.

Farrumex CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers with Firmer Foam Core

Picked as a relevant option in this category.

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IKSTAR CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers, Memory Foam Pillow with Mask Cutouts for More Room, Fits Full Face, Nasal & Nasal Pillow Masks, Dual Height Support for Side, Back & Stomach Sleepers

Chosen because it specifies Memory Foam Pillow with Mask Cutouts for More Room and Fits Full Face.

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Lunderg CPAP Pillow for Side & Back Sleepers - Memory Foam | Adjustable Height - 2 Pillowcases Included - Reduce Air Leaks & Mask Pressure for Better Sleep - Works with ALL Masks

Chosen because it specifies Memory Foam and Adjustable Height.

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HSA/FSA CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers with Larger Cutouts – Adjustable Height Memory Foam – Fits Most Nasal/Full-Face/Pillow Masks – Helps Reduce Mask Pressure & Air Leaks – Cooling Washable Cover

Chosen because it specifies Adjustable Height Memory Foam and Fits Most Nasal/Full-Face/Pillow Masks.

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: IKSTAR CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers (memory foam, mask cutouts, dual height)
• Best Adjustable Height: Lunderg CPAP Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers (memory foam, two pillowcases included)
• Best Value: Elviros CPAP Pillow (four height options, adjustable firmness)
• Best Certified Foam: HOMCA CPAP Pillow (CertiPUR-US memory foam, cutouts on both sides)
• Best Firm Support: Farrumex CPAP Pillow (firmer foam core)
• Best Long-Standing Brand: EnduriMed CPAP Pillow (adjustable memory foam for side and back sleepers)

Comparison Table

1. IKSTAR CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers: Best Overall

• Memory foam with mask cutouts for more room, per listing
• Listed to fit full-face, nasal and nasal pillow masks
• Dual-height support for side, back and stomach sleepers per listing
• Classic version is about 22.8 x 14.9 inches with ends around 3.9 and 3.7 inches per retailer pages; larger, adjustable and large-cutout versions are bigger
• Side indents help keep tubing organized

Best for: most side sleepers who want a straightforward CPAP pillow with room for the mask.

Skip if: you need a taller pillow than about 4 to 5 inches or one with extra-large cutouts, in which case look at the larger IKSTAR versions.

The cutout is the key part. When you roll onto your side, the mask and hose press against the pillow; a cutout lets the cushion of the mask sit in open space so it is not pushed sideways. The butterfly shape gives you a center cradle for the head and side wings where the face meets the foam.

IKSTAR sells several versions, so confirm which one you are looking at. The classic version is the compact one, the large version adds length and height, and the adjustable version has a removable 2 cm insert. If you have broader shoulders, the larger versions may fit better.

Because this is a mid-range choice from a line with many variants, it is easy to compare options. A lot of side sleepers start here.

Pros

• Cutouts for several mask types
• Dual height
• Side indents for hose
• Several size options

Cons

• Many near-identical versions
• Classic size may be short for broader shoulders
• Foam can feel warm

2. Lunderg CPAP Pillow for Side and Back Sleepers: Best Adjustable Height

• Memory foam with adjustable height per listing
• Two pillowcases included
• Designed to reduce air leaks per listing
• A down-alternative Lunderg Parkin version is also sold, with adjustable filling and a 100 percent cotton case

Best for: people who want to fine tune height and plan to use the pillow every night.

Skip if: you want the lowest cost. This is among the pricier options here.

Lunderg is a brand that markets specifically to CPAP users, which shows in the details such as the included pair of pillowcases. Having two means you can wash one and use the other, which matters with a device that sits on your face every night.

Adjustable height is a significant advantage. Your best height can change with the type of mask, your mattress and your weight. Being able to add or remove filling lets you correct for those changes without buying a new pillow.

The Parkin version swaps memory foam for a down-alternative fill. Some people prefer it for a softer, cooler feel; others want the stability of foam.

Pros

• Adjustable height
• Two pillowcases
• CPAP-focused brand

Cons

• Higher cost
• Fill may need regular fluffing
• Two versions with different feel

3. Elviros CPAP Pillow: Best Value Adjustable Pick

• Memory foam with four height options per listing
• Adjustable firmness
• Marketed for side, back and stomach sleepers
• Several Elviros listings exist, including FSA eligible ones

Best for: buyers who want to experiment with height and firmness for a modest cost.

Skip if: you don’t want to compare several near-identical listings.

Four heights is a lot of range. A side sleeper with a narrow frame might use the lowest setting, and a broad-shouldered sleeper the tallest. The adjustable firmness lets you tune how deep your head sinks.

Because there are several Elviros pillows with similar names, compare the cutout size and the number of heights carefully before ordering.

As with any memory foam pillow, allow a day or two for new-foam odor to air out.

Pros

• Four heights
• Adjustable firmness
• Moderate cost

Cons

• Confusing listings
• Specs vary by version
• Foam retains heat

4. HOMCA CPAP Pillow: Best Certified Foam

• CertiPUR-US memory foam per listing
• Cutouts on both sides
• Cervical shape; listed for all masks
• Exact dimensions: not listed in the title

Best for: side sleepers who like the idea of a certified foam and symmetrical cutouts.

Skip if: you need a verified height before ordering. Confirm it on the page.

CertiPUR-US refers to the foam’s content and emissions standards, not to any health benefit. If you are sensitive to new-foam odors, the label can help you narrow a search.

Cutouts on both sides mean you can roll from one side to the other without changing the pillow. That is useful because many people sleep on both sides during the night.

A cervical shape gives some neck support while the cutouts leave space for the mask.

Pros

• Certified foam
• Cutouts on both sides
• Mid-range cost

Cons

• Dimensions not in title
• Fixed foam
• Fewer variants to compare

5. Farrumex CPAP Pillow: Best Firm Option

• Firmer foam core per listing
• Designed for side sleepers
• Other specs: not listed in the title

Best for: heavier heads or people who find soft CPAP pillows collapse.

Skip if: you like a soft pillow. A firm core will feel stiff.

Firmness matters with a CPAP mask because a soft pillow compresses and the mask edge ends up pressed against the pillow regardless of cutouts. A firmer core preserves the clearance.

The listing is short on details, so check the maker’s page for height and cutout size.

Expect a short adjustment period; firm foam feels different at first.

Pros

• Firmer feel
• Preserves cutout clearance
• Side sleeper focus

Cons

• Specs sparse
• Premium cost
• May feel hard

6. EnduriMed CPAP Pillow: Best Established Brand

• Adjustable memory foam for side and back sleepers per listing
• CPAP-specific design
• Exact dimensions: not listed in the title

Best for: people who prefer a brand focused on sleep apnea products.

Skip if: you want the lowest cost; this is a premium choice.

EnduriMed is known for pillows that fit CPAP masks and has been around a while. The adjustable design lets you set the height.

Read the product page carefully, since the title is short on detail.

A pillow from a CPAP-focused brand may be easier to find replacement covers for.

Pros

• Adjustable height
• CPAP focus
• Side and back use

Cons

• Premium cost
• Specs sparse in title
• Foam can feel warm

Also Consider

IKSTAR CPAP Pillow with Larger Cutouts

A larger IKSTAR version with adjustable height and bigger mask clearance, useful for bulky full-face masks.

Lunderg Parkin CPAP Pillow

A down-alternative CPAP pillow with adjustable filling and a cotton case; a softer feel than memory foam.

GasGbb CPAP Pillow

An adjustable cervical memory foam pillow for side, back and stomach sleepers with a cooling cover.

COSTAPARTAY CPAP Pillow

A low-cost 2-in-1 cervical CPAP pillow with cooling memory foam.

Setting Up Your Pillow, Mask and Hose Together

A CPAP pillow only works as part of a small system: mask, hose and head position. Start by putting the mask on while sitting up and adjust the headgear until it seals at rest, without overtightening. Then lie on your usual side with the pillow in place and let your face settle. The mask frame should sit over the cutout or in the pillow’s open area, with the cushion not pressed into the foam. If you hear a hiss or feel air on your eyes, shift the pillow a couple of inches, rather than tightening the straps.

Hose routing deserves attention too. A hose that drags across the bed pulls the mask sideways every time you turn. Many users loop it over the headboard or use a hose holder so it falls behind the head. The side indents on some pillows are meant to hold it in place when you are lying down. If you roll to the other side, check that the hose does not twist.

Finally, think about your sleeping surface. A mattress that is too soft lets your shoulder sink and calls for a lower pillow; a firm mattress calls for more height. If you change to a different mask style, such as moving from a full-face mask to a nasal pillow mask, recheck the fit, because the clearance you need changes.

Cutout Size by Mask Style

This is a general guide only; masks vary by maker and model, so check clearance with your own gear. If you are unsure whether a leak comes from the pillow, the mask cushion or your pressure settings, your equipment provider can check the device data and help sort it out.

Warmth, Odor and Durability

Memory foam traps heat, which matters when you are already wearing a mask. If you run warm, choose a cooling cover or a down-alternative pillow, and keep the room cool. New foam often has a smell that fades with airing; leave the pillow out of the wrapper for a day or two before the first night. Over time, foam loses its resilience. If your cutouts begin to sag or you notice leaks that were not present before, the pillow may be worn out. Covers can also collect skin oil from the mask, so wash them weekly if you can and rotate between two.

Which Pillow for Which Situation

A Worked Example

Imagine a side sleeper with a 17-inch shoulder breadth on a medium mattress who uses a full-face mask. Lying on the side with no pillow, a helper measures 4.5 inches from the mattress to the middle of the ear. Subtract about half an inch for foam compression and the target is 4 inches. A classic IKSTAR with ends around 3.9 and 3.7 inches fits the range, and the cutouts provide room for the mask frame. Now change one variable: the same person switches to a firmer mattress and the raw gap grows to 5.5 inches. The target becomes 5 inches, and the classic pillow is now too low. At that point the adjustable or larger versions, or an adjustable Lunderg or Elviros, become the better choice. The lesson is that the right CPAP pillow is a function of your body, your bed and your mask together, not a universal best.

When you shop, write down your three numbers: shoulder breadth, raw ear gap and mask type. Then read each product page for height, cutout size and whether the pillow can be adjusted. That small amount of homework removes most of the guesswork and cuts the risk of returns. Keep packaging and receipts for at least the first two weeks, because the true test of a CPAP pillow is a week of ordinary nights.

Travel, Guests and Second Pillows

Many CPAP users keep one pillow at home and wonder what to do on the road. Compact, lightweight models pack more easily, and adjustable-fill designs can be emptied partway to shrink in a suitcase. If you cannot bring a pillow, a rolled towel placed beside a regular pillow can mimic the hollow a cutout gives you, though it is not as stable. Guests who use CPAP also appreciate a spare in the guest room, and a budget pick works fine for that role.

If you share a bed with a partner who does not use CPAP, a CPAP pillow usually goes on your side only. Most are standard bed-pillow footprints, so they fit your existing pillowcases, though some brands include their own cases cut for the shape. Check the case dimensions before ordering extras. A second, flatter pillow can sit under your knees to keep your hips aligned when you sleep on your side.

Finally, remember to bring up pillow problems at your next equipment or sleep clinic visit. Providers can check mask fit, replace worn cushions and review your data. Sometimes a leak that seems like a pillow problem is a mask size issue that takes minutes to fix.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these products. We reviewed listing details, maker pages and independent guidance on sleep apnea equipment. We selected pillows that are plainly sold for CPAP users who sleep on their sides, including cutouts or a contoured edge, and that cover budget, mid-range and premium tiers. We limited each brand to one main pick and wrote “not listed” where a spec was missing. We avoid exact prices because they change.

Buying Guide

Cutouts and Mask Type

Cutouts are the defining feature of a CPAP pillow. Full-face masks need the most room because they cover the nose and mouth; nasal masks need less; nasal pillow masks need the least. Look at the cutout size and position, not just whether it exists. Large cutouts give more clearance but can make the pillow feel less supportive under the cheek.

Height and Shoulder Width

The pillow should fill the gap between your ear and the mattress. Many adults need between 4 and 6 inches, depending on shoulder width and mattress firmness. Adjustable models let you correct for this. Measure your gap on your own mattress before you choose.

Firmness and Foam Type

Firm foam keeps cutouts open; soft foam can fold in. Memory foam holds heat. Look for cooling covers or vented foam if you run warm. Down alternative is softer and cooler but compresses more.

Hose Management

Side indents and channels can help keep tubing in place. Position the hose over your head or behind you so it does not pull the mask.

Care and Replacement

Wash covers regularly because they contact mask silicone and skin oils. Spot clean foam and air dry. Replace the pillow when it loses shape, usually after one to three years. Replace your mask cushions on the schedule your provider suggests.

Fit Check and Common Mistakes

• Judge fit on your usual side for at least a week, not on night one.
• Do not tighten the mask headgear to fix a pillow problem; that can cause skin irritation. Ask your provider.
• Do not buy the tallest pillow by default; too much height tilts the neck.
• Check that the cutout lines up with your mask’s frame, not just its cushion.
• Keep the pillow’s cutout side oriented consistently so the hose runs in the same direction every night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best CPAP pillow for side sleepers?

A memory foam model with mask cutouts and a height matched to your shoulder. The IKSTAR is the best all-round choice in this guide, and the Lunderg is the pick for adjustable height.

Do CPAP pillows reduce air leaks?

They are designed to give the mask room so it is less likely to be pushed out of position. Leaks have several causes, so talk to your equipment provider if they persist.

Can I use a CPAP pillow with a full-face mask?

Many are listed for full-face, nasal and nasal pillow masks. Check the cutout size against your mask.

How tall should a CPAP pillow be for a side sleeper?

Most side sleepers need 4 to 6 inches, depending on shoulder width and mattress.

Is memory foam or down alternative better?

Memory foam keeps cutouts open and holds shape. Down alternative is softer and cooler but compresses more.

Are CPAP pillows covered by insurance or HSA/FSA?

Some listings say they are HSA or FSA eligible. Check your plan rules; eligibility varies.

How do I clean a CPAP pillow?

Wash the cover often and spot clean the foam. Air dry fully. Follow the maker’s care label.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want one reliable choice, pick the IKSTAR. If you want to dial in the height, choose the Lunderg or the Elviros. HOMCA is the certified-foam pick, Farrumex suits those who need firm support and EnduriMed is a brand focused on CPAP users. Measure your shoulder gap, check your mask type against the cutouts and ask your provider about any persistent leaks or skin irritation.

Sources

• IKSTAR manufacturer product page
• Lunderg manufacturer product page
• EnduriMed product page
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine patient resources
• Sleep Foundation guidance on CPAP and sleeping positions

Last updated: October 2026