Best Sleeping Positions for CPAP Machine Users

If you’re new to CPAP machines or finding your sleep disrupted by your CPAP machine, it might be time to explore which CPAP sleeping positions are best. Changing your sleep habits can be tough after a lifetime of sleeping a certain way, but it’s worth it in order to get a deeper, fuller sleep each night.

Keep reading to better understand breathing during sleep and the best sleeping position for CPAP machines.

Best CPAP Sleeping Positions

1. Breathing & Sleep

Sleep is a time for your entire body to rest, and that includes your breathing. When we’re awake, our breathing is irregular because of speaking, movement, stress, and more. But when we fall asleep, our breathing actually slows down and becomes very regular. Once we enter REM sleep, our breathing becomes irregular again and much more shallow.

If you have sleep apnea, you may find your breathing starts and stops throughout the night, waking you up slightly each time. Another type of sleep apnea occurs when your throat muscles relax and block your airways.

2. Body Positions & Breathing

The position you fall asleep in might not be the position you sleep the rest of the night in, especially if you move around frequently in your sleep.

Your sleep position can drastically affect your breathing; for example, lying on your back can restrict your breathing because gravity is working against your airways and taking a breath requires more effort.

Lying on your stomach can also partially restrict breathing, especially if you use a CPAP machine. If you like to change positions frequently during the night, this can also affect how well your CPAP machine works.

3. Mask Recommendations for Sleep Positions

Because your sleep position can affect your breathing, there are CPAP sleeping positions that are best for each CPAP mask type. While the best sleeping position for CPAP machines is on your side, that doesn’t work for every type of sleeper.

Sleeping on your back

If your most comfortable position is on your back, you may have trouble breathing with sleep apnea but you also have more options for CPAP machines. Full face masks are ideal for this position because they help you comply with your CPAP therapy if you have high pressure settings without being irritating or overwhelming you with pressure.

Try the ResMed AirFit F30 Full Face Mask for the full face coverage you need without the bulk, so you can sleep more comfortably.

Sleeping on your side

This is without a doubt the best sleeping position for CPAP machines because gravity doesn’t impact your airways and you still have enough room for the CPAP machine. You’ll likely prefer a less bulky CPAP machine so that you can sleep comfortably, but you’ll need one that’s secure enough not to budge when pressed up against the pillow all night.

The ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask will be your best bet for side CPAP sleeping positions. It has quick fit elastic technology to fit securely without air leaks but with minimal facial contact so you won’t be left with painful looking red marks on your face each morning.

The best sleeping position for CPAP machines is also the position that helps you sleep deeply throughout the night.

You want to strike a balance between comfort and fit of the CPAP machine so that you can get the oxygen you need to sleep deeply. It’s never a one-size-fits-all when it comes to CPAP sleeping positions, so you may have to demo a few masks to find what works for you.