Are You A Stomach Sleeper? Check Out 5 CPAP Masks Recommended For You (2024)

Did you know it's estimated that only 7% of people sleep on their stomachs? While stomach sleeping is one of the rarest sleeping positions, there are a multitude of CPAP mask options available for obstructive sleep apnea patients who prefer to sleep on their stomachs.

With continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP therapy, finding the right mask can be difficult at first. To help with your mask selection process, we’re sharing which CPAP masks are most popular among stomach sleepers.

Yes, individuals who sleep on their stomachs can have sleep apnea. In fact, you can be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea regardless of your preferred sleeping position.

However, it’s important to note that some sleeping positions are better for sleep apnea patients than others. Side sleeping, for example, is considered the best sleeping position for individuals who have sleep apnea because research shows it can help reduce breathing disruptions. On the other hand, back sleepers may experience worsened sleep apnea symptoms, due to a higher risk of airway obstructions.

So if side sleeping is the best position and back sleeping is the worst for sleep apnea, where does that leave stomach sleeping?

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of research to suggest whether or not stomach sleeping is beneficial for sleep apnea patients. According to Medical News Today, stomach sleeping may be a good option for some individuals with sleep apnea, but it may not be for others. Ultimately, when determining which is the best for you, consider which sleeping position offers you the most comfort.

For active stomach sleepers, the best CPAP mask is typically one that has a low-profile with minimal contact and allows for freedom of movement. This is good news because there are a variety of mask options out there that fit this description!

More specifically, there are 3 different types of CPAP masks: full face, nasal, and nasal pillow masks. A full face mask covers both the nose and mouth, a nasal mask covers just the nose, and a nasal pillow mask uses soft cushions that insert into the nostrils.

When determining the right CPAP mask for you, your sleeping position is not the only factor that should be considered. Your sleep specialist will likely take into consideration a variety of factors, including your typical sleeping position, your facial features, whether you are a nose or mouth breather, whether you experience claustrophobia or not, and if you have facial hair. With all of these in mind, it becomes easier for your healthcare provider to narrow down the best mask for you.

And guess what? All 5 of these masks are available through insurance with Aeroflow Sleep! To see if your insurance is in-network with us and to get an estimated cost through your insurance, start by filling out our online qualify form below.

At Aeroflow Sleep, we offer a variety of different masks, machines, and supplies all through insurance; so what are you waiting for? Check your eligibility today!

References

Singh, Akanksha. “A Guide to Healthy Sleep Positions.” News Medical, News Medical, 27 Apr. 2022, www.news-medical.net/health/A-Guide-to-Healthy-Sleep-Positions.aspx#:~:text=Only%20about%207%25%20of%20the,is%20not%20advised%20by%20professionals.

Pinna, Gian Domenico et al. “Differential impact of body position on the severity of disordered breathing in heart failure patients with obstructive vs. central sleep apnoea.” European journal of heart failure vol. 17,12 (2015): 1302-9. doi:10.1002/ejhf.410

Sherrell, Zia. “What Is the Best Sleep Position for Sleep Apnea?” Edited by Nick Villalobos, Medical News Today, Healthline Media, 17 Sept. 2024, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/best-sleep-position-for-sleep-apnea#on-your-side.