Dr. Barry Jarvis
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects over 22 million Americans. It causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, leading to reduced oxygen levels. These breathing disruptions also result in loud snoring, choking, and gasping noises.
People with sleep apnea often experience fatigue, headaches, and impaired concentration during the daytime due to poor sleep quality and constantly interrupted breathing. Over the long term, sleep apnea increases risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions.
While sleep apnea requires an overall treatment plan, choosing the right pillow can go a long way towards improving sleep quality and reducing symptoms. The best pillows for sleep apnea help keep the airway open and aligned, provide ergonomic support for proper spine, neck and head positioning, and are made of breathable materials to allow airflow.
This article will cover what to look for in an anti-snore, sleep apnea pillow, provide detailed reviews of top-rated options, compare leading pillows, and make recommendations based on sleeping position and pillow preference. With the information here, you can find the perfect pillow to help manage sleep apnea and wake up feeling more rested.
What to Look for in an Anti-Snore/Sleep Apnea Pillow
The right pillow for sleep apnea needs to check several boxes:
Ergonomic Shape
Look for pillows designed to cradle and support the head, neck, and shoulders in proper alignment. Contoured and wedge shapes often work well to keep the airway open.
Adjustable Loft
Adjustable loft allows you to customize the height and support level of the pillow, so you can find the ideal fit for your body and sleep position.
High-Quality Foam
CertiPUR-US certified foams provide comfort and cushioning while retaining their shape. Memory foam molds to your contours.
Breathable Fabric Cover
Covers made from bamboo, polyester blends and other breathable fabrics allow airflow and prevent heat retention.
Hypoallergenic Materials
Many sleep apnea sufferers also deal with allergies, so hypoallergenic pillows can help prevent reactions.
Top Rated Sleep Apnea Pillow Reviews
Here are in-depth reviews of some of the top pillows on the market to improve sleep apnea:
1. Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Bamboo Shredded Memory Foam Pillow
With over 20,000 reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon, this is one of the highest rated sleep apnea pillows. Customers love its fully adjustable and customizable design.
Key Features:
- Fully adjustable shredded memory foam fill lets you modify loft
- Breathable, cooling Kool-Flow micro-vented bamboo cover
- Maintains shape and resilience without flattening
- CertiPUR-US certified foam is hypoallergenic
Comfort and Performance
This pillow gets rave reviews for its ability to mold perfectly to the user’s contours. The mix of shredded memory foam pieces conforms to the shape of your head, neck and shoulders. It stays cooler than solid foam. The loft can be adjusted by removing or adding foam fill to suit your thickness preference.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Customers mention it may take 1-2 nights to adjust the fill level to your perfect loft and firmness. The bamboo cover is easily removable and machine washable. The foam itself can be spot cleaned as needed.
Downsides
A few reviews mention that the shredded foam requires fluffing and reshaping after adjusting the fill. The pillow also has an initial odor that takes 1-2 days to fully dissipate.
Why We Recommend It
The fully customizable fill makes this pillow stand out for its ability to tailor the thickness and support level specifically to your needs. The breathable and cooling bamboo cover also makes it ideal for preventing heat retention.
2. EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow
With over 8,000 reviews and 4.3 stars, the EPABO pillow is another top choice specifically designed to aid sleep apnea.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic contour wave shape cradle head and neck
- Breathable polyester and spandex removable cover
- High-density hypoallergenic memory foam
- Contoured center improves spine alignment
Comfort and Performance
This pillow receives consistent positive feedback for its comfortable, breathable design and excellent neck support. The contoured center provides ideal alignment whether sleeping on your back or side. Reviewers say it helps minimize snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The breathable poly-spandex cover can be removed and machine washed easily. Users recommend allowing 1-2 days for the memory foam to expand fully after unpacking.
Downsides
Some reviews find the pillow too thick and firm, especially for side sleepers. It may require a break-in period to adjust to the pillow height.
Why We Recommend It
The contoured, ergonomic wave design makes this pillow stand out when it comes to promoting proper neck alignment and keeping the airway open. It’s a top choice for back sleepers in particular.
3. MARNUR Cervical Contour Memory Foam Pillow
With over 5,000 reviews and a 4.4 star rating, this memory foam contour pillow provides strong neck support.
Key Features:
- Contours to neck, shoulders and head shape
- Cutaway center for back/side sleeping
- Machine washable bamboo pillow cover
- Ventilated foam and mesh cover for breathability
Comfort and Performance
This cervical contour pillow gets consistent praise in reviews for cushioning the head and neck in excellent alignment for back and side sleeping positions. It allows you to keep your head elevated at an angle that helps keep the airway open.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The removable bamboo cover can be tossed in the washing machine for quick and simple cleaning. Users mention it may have a mild odor at first that fades within a day or two.
Downsides
A few reviews note that it sleeps hotter than other pillows. And there is less ability to adjust the loft compared to a fully customizable shredded foam pillow.
Why We Recommend It
This pillow excels at promoting spinal alignment and open airways thanks to its sculpted contour design. The breathable bamboo cover and ventilated foam also help prevent heat retention. It strikes a nice balance of comfort, support and value.
4. Cosy House Collection Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow
With over 3,000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, this supportive wedge pillow helps combat sleep apnea.
Key Features:
- 7.5 inch high incline keeps head elevated
- High density orthopedic memory foam
- Machine washable bamboo cover
- Contoured bottom remains in place at an angle
Comfort and Performance
The inclined wedge shape is highly rated by reviewers for keeping the head and torso propped upright while sleeping. This helps prevent airway collapse in people who suffer from sleep apnea, especially back and stomach sleepers. The memory foam cushioning also provides comfort and support.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
The cover easily unzips and can be tossed in the washing machine. Some reviews mention a mild odor at first that airs out quickly. It may take a few nights to adjust to the inclined angle.
Downsides
The large wedge shape takes up a significant amount of room in the bed. You may need an extra-large pillow case depending on the size. It also won’t work well for side sleeping.
Why We Recommend It
For back and stomach sleepers with sleep apnea, this inclined foam wedge does an excellent job at preventing airway collapse while keeping the head and neck comfortably supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does using a sleep apnea pillow help?
The right pillow helps keep your head, neck and spine properly aligned and elevated. This prevents airway collapse and stops breathing pauses associated with sleep apnea.
What pillow firmness and shape is best for sleep apnea?
Medium firm designs with contours or a wedge shape often work well to support the neck and prevent airway closure. But pillow preference is individual.
How do I clean a foam pillow?
Look for foam pillows with removable, machine washable covers. Spot clean the foam itself as needed. Some foams can also be gently spot cleaned.
Any tips for adjusting to a new pillow?
Allow 1-2 nights to adjust to a new loft and shape. Adjustable fills can be modified until you find your perfect comfort level. Expect some adjustment period.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Hopefully this guide has given you a thorough overview of what to look for in a pillow to manage sleep apnea as well as detailed insights into some of the top-rated options on the market. Here are some final tips:
For adjustable loft, the Snuggle-Pedic is highly recommended since you can fully customize the fill level and find your perfect fit. The breathable, cooling bamboo cover also helps prevent heat buildup.
For solid memory foam contour support, the EPABO and MARNUR pillows both provide excellent ergonomic alignment for back and side sleeping.
For back and stomach sleepers, the inclined wedge design of the Cosy House Collection pillow helps keep the airway open by elevating the head and torso.
Any of these top-rated pillows are great options to help manage sleep apnea and improve the quality of your sleep. Just be sure to choose the right design for your preferred sleeping position and comfort needs.
Originally posted on September 19, 2023 @ 4:12 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
