6 Best CPAP Masks For Side Sleepers

Most sleep apnea patients are side sleepers. The CPAP masks we will cover should help you sleep properly in that position. Broad varieties of masks are there for different types of sleepers, which can get overwhelming!

No worries, I am here to help. I am Aaron, sleep expert. Below are some of the best and new CPAP masks that are designed for side sleepers. These masks are specific to nasal masks only.

Generally, most side sleepers prefer a lightweight mask that covers less area on the face. Nasal masks are just that.

If you are looking for the best full-face masks for side sleepers you can check that post out here.

Take a look at the 6 we believe to be the best based on user reviews, features, etc. We will leave it up to you to decide what is best for you.

  • ResMed Swift FX
    • ResMed Nano
  • Philips Respironics Nuance Pro
  • Fisher & Paykel Opus 360
  • Airfit P10 Nasal Pillow
  • Wisp Nasal Mask
  • DreamWear Nasal-Fit Pack

resmed swift fxResMed Swift™ FX

The Swift™ FX also known as “Swift™ FX for Her” or Swift™ FX Bella is certainly one of the comfiest CPAP masks. Why is it so comfy?

Well, for starters, it is not all over your face like full masks are. It is super lightweight, and will stand the test of time due to it’s simplicity.

This is probably the most basic, simple, lightweight mask available. It is nothing confusing and just works.

The nose piece is a nasal pillow that fits into your nostrils. The hose connection to the nasal pillow is very stable.

The ear loops look to be custom-made for side sleepers. With multiple cushion sizes, as well as its soft headgear that give it suppleness, it guarantees a good fit no matter your sleep position. This has been a super popular one for many, many years.

ResMed Nano

ResMed did recently come out with a new product call the ResMed Nano. It is basically just a few more tweaks to the Swift. Mainly, the nose piece.

This version is no longer a nasal pillow, but instead a cradle cushion/female-type receiver that you place your nose in.

ResMed did this for the people who don’t like nasal pillows and the feeling of something in your nostrils.

They also made this nose piece a little more flexible where it connects to the tube. It seems to be more stable on the original ResMed Swift FX. All-in-all, both are very similar besides the nose mask piece.

The Nano is a little more expensive, being it is newer.

Also, if you already have the original ResMed Swift and are thinking you could just convert to the Nano by replacing the nose piece, you CAN NOT do this.

The hoses are different sizes. I think ResMed did this just so you would have to buy the whole thing. Bummer! Though, this is about like any product. It is all about the money!

Nuance proPhilips Respironics Nuance Pro

This mask, as you can see in the pic, looks a lot similar to the ResMed we just discussed. Except, the gel nasal pillows it provides.

This was the first-ever gel pillow mask made.

For most CPAP users, the gel pillows are unmatched in coziness to your nose. The Philips Respironics Nuance Pro was considered as the best CPAP mask to utilize gel pillows (it comes with 3 different sizes).

Well, it might be considered the best to use gel pillows because they are one of the few, if any, that use them.

Overall, most people have loved them. Though, some have said they couldn’t really tell a difference from a normal pillow mask.

The gel idea was made for better seal into your nose, and of course, to be more comfortable.

It’s flexible/mushy, yet still strong. It has both fabric and gel frames for whichever you like best.

It includes headgear, much like the ResMed, claims to do the job, and stays attached to your head very well during the night.

Patients report that it leaves less red marks on your face compared to many of the leading competitors.

Again, there is not much difference in this and the ResMed, besides the new gel technology.

If regular nasal pillows do not bother you, then you will not notice any real difference here. Though, if you are new or want to try something with more comfort, this is a good choice.

Opus 360Fisher & Paykel Opus 360

F&P offers a mask that’s apparently broadens the horizons of the tube placement for side sleepers.

Just as the title says, this mask offers 360 degrees of free movement where the tube connects to the nasal pillow on the ball joint.

You can anchor it above your head (as shown), on the side of your face, straight down like most masks you see, or let it freely move where it wants while you sleep.

This makes it the most diverse cpap mask for side sleepers who want lots of options with how their tube is placed.

The nose fitting uses nasal pillows like the prior 2 masks above. It also comes with 3 different sized nasal pillows.

The pillows give a sturdy, but relaxed seal, like most masks.

This mask is also very lightweight and all the features are pretty much the same as the prior masks. Though, you get the 360 feature unlike any of the others.

If it is important for you to be able to adjust where your tube is, then this mask is for you.

If you have tried other masks and the tube placement gets on your nerves, again, the Opus 360 is an excellent option. Other than that, it is a lot like the others.

airfit p10AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow         

The Airfit P10 is a very popular nasal pillow mask designed by Resmed. The most popular features about this mask is the quietness level and weight.

This mask is an amazing 50% lighter and quieter than the popular Resmed Swift FX mentioned above.

It features woven-mesh vents within the nasal connection to help reduce air noise. This also helps direct air more accurately while inhaling and exhaling.

The Airfit p10 comes with a very flexible short-tube that can not be detached.

The headgear can be disassembled from the nasal connection easily with two clips. The same applies to the nasal pillows that can also be removed with two clips.

This headgear is elastic so no worrying about annoying Velcro. The elastic bands can be adjusted for tightness to make the headgear easy to slide on and off.

The nasal pillows are designed to be super flexible to adjust to your movements during the night. It comes with 3 sizes of nasal pillows for different fits like most.

Like Resmed has done in many of their masks, they designed the Airfit P10 Nasal Pillow mask for simplicity, easiness, and to be as comfortable as possible. This is an all-around great sleep apnea mask.

A great replacement you might want to take a look at is the Mirage Swift II. You have the option to attach the hose to either side of your face with it if you like.

wisp nasal maskWisp Nasal Mask

Philips Respironics changed the game some on these masks by offering 2 different types of frame styles for the head gear.

You can select clear silicone or fabric. If you are accustomed to normal straps, then silicone is probably the way to go. Though, if you are looking for something softer, then go with the fabric.

It comes with 3 different sizes of cushions to get the best fit possible. As mentioned, you get to choose silicone or fabric for the straps, yet sadly, not both.

As you can somewhat see in the picture, the headgear design is very unique to this mask. It wraps around, above, and below the ear to give a good seal to the nasal cushion.

The hose can be disconnected and moved to different positions for user preference.

Other than the mask that is about to be covered below, this is the most popular nasal cushion mask due to preference in frame choice and giving a great seal because of how the strap is designed.

Again, a very simple sleep apnea mask to make the user comfortable without having to choose the nasal pillow route.

The Wisp Nasal is an awesome mask to consider if you don’t like nasal pillows and don’t want a full-face type mask.

dreamwearDreamWear Nasal-Fit Pack

To put it as simple and bluntly as possible, this is a very comfortable mask.

As you can see in the picture, the DreamWear is conformed to fit perfectly around, and into, your nose. It also has fabric wraps that loosely touch your face while sleeping to avoid any red marks.

This mask is also very light. The objective of the mask is entirely focused on being comfortable for the user. It is designed so that you can barely tell it is there with it’s minimal contact design.

The DreamWear passes air through the headgear/frame then down to the nose.

This is an awesome feature! The air tube connection is located on top of the head so that it is not in the way of your face.

This is quiet different from most of the basic nasal masks you see where the tubing is connected directly around the nose area.

This is also why many people are raving about this mask.

Another note to mention, is that if you are laying on one side and the tube on that side of your face partly collapses, the air can go through the other side and still feed both nostrils.

So, no worries about not getting the proper airflow.

What’s Included

It comes with 4 sizes of cushions which are small, medium, medium-wide, and large. There are also different sizes of headgear that are interchangeable.

It comes with the medium sized headgear. It has other sizes, but they have to be purchased separately.

Overall, if you are looking for a mask that takes up less space as possible around your face, is very comfortable, and lets just say “fancy”, then the DreamWear cpap mask is an excellent choice for the side sleeper. It is considered far more appealing by most users compared to almost any other mask.

What Mask Works for You

There are huge varieties of products available out there, as you can probably tell, or you wouldn’t be looking for the best, but it is important to choose what works for YOU.

You should get to know some important aspects regarding your sleeping positions before buying a CPAP mask.

Different CPAP masks are there for different aspects or preferences to suit the type of person you are. There is NOT A BEST SINGLE ONE. I can’t stress that enough.

Hence, you should really think about how you sleep, what will help you fall asleep fast, and what features fit your needs and then shop for the best CPAP mask FOR YOU.

Just because someone preferred or recommended one does not mean it will work for you.

Be Advised

Sadly, sometimes it is trial and error. Though, thankfully, many mask companies offer a return or money back guarantee.

You also need to take the advice from your sleep specialists or ENT (the doctor who tested you for sleep apnea and saw you sleep). They can help you identify your sleeping styles and choose the appropriate product, or maybe even surgery to fix it for good!

As CPAP masks are designed to give you proper sleep, but picking the wrong one and sticking with it can be a miserable and unhealthy process (leaks and having uncomfortable sleep due to fitting problems).

So, make a wise decision, talk with a sleep doctor and do your research, for you! The masks listed above are not any better than the other when speaking in terms of quality.

These are just the most popular, best six that most CPAP side sleepers users use.

If you don’t like nasal pillows/masks:

Check out our post on full-face masks for side sleepers here

If you are interested in the best machines:

Check out this post about the 6 best cpap machines

Having trouble keeping your mouth closed while you sleep? Check out these cpap chin straps.