CPAP Pillow: HSA Eligibility

What is a CPAP pillow?

Continuous positive airway pressure, also known as CPAP, is a series of treatments used to treat breathing problems like sleep apnea by utilizing mild air pressure to keep airways open and alleviate the difficulty that is associated with common respiratory problems. The primary means of treatment for these issues is the CPAP machine, which is a mask that covers the nose and mouth (nose-only devices are called Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP)), and is worn each night to open airways to improve sleep and breathing quality (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute).

In addition to the CPAP machine, mask and other accessories, some CPAP users may wish to alter their bedding to accommodate the mask and add-ons, so many styles of CPAP pillow have been developed. CPAP pillows are suited for stomach and side sleepers (individuals who sleep on their backs will see little benefit from CPAP pillows) who may have difficulties finding comfortable positions wearing their masks or being forced to adjust them throughout the night.

CPAP pillows are very similar to memory foam-type pillows, but feature unique cut-outs that reduce the likelihood of the CPAP masks' straps being pushed out of place when the user moves from side to side. As an added bonus, these cut-outs will reduce pressure on the face, which can prevent the appearance of skin indentations each morning from the CPAP mask's straps. The pillows are not designed to restrict movement and simply allow additional space for the wearer to move comfortably during sleep without altering the functionality of the CPAP mask (VeryWell Health).