I heard about a new CPAP accessory called a CPAP nasal pillow. Would that be a good alternative to my CPAP mask? I’m having trouble trying to sleep because I am fully aware of the mask’s pressure on my face and when I do get that sleep, I get woken up finding my mask askew or totally off my face. I would love to switch to nasal pillows but I need to know more about this first.


Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may currently be the best treatment there is for sleep apnea but its side effects are keeping patients from sticking to the therapy leading to more problems like continued sleep disruption, drowsiness and other symptoms of sleep deprivation.

One of the most common side effects of CPAP therapy is dryness of the nasal and oral cavities. Cracked and flaky skin around the nose, nose bleeds, nasal congestion, sore throat, and mouth dryness are among the most common complaints of patients on CPAP therapy. CPAP machine manufacturers have come up with add-on options such as humidifiers (heated and passover humidifiers) to counteract these side effects.

Another CPAP side effect that is equally unpleasant to CPAP users is the feeling of claustrophobia when using traditional CPAP face masks. The pressure of the CPAP mask on the face can be uncomfortable and can cause even more sleep disturbance. That is why the creation of CPAP nasal pillows is, literally, a breather.

A CPAP nasal pillow is an alternative to CPAP face masks. Unlike the mask, which covers the entire nose and mouth and part of the face, a CPAP nasal pillow is attached only to the nostrils, designed to fit in there snugly. There are two types of CPAP nasal pillows: standard and dilator type. A standard CPAP nasal pillow has a shorter stem compared to a dilator CPAP nasal pillow that has a longer stem and extends further up the nose.

CPAP nasal pillows come with a headgear that secures the pillow well, reducing the likelihood of dislodgement while you sleep. It allows a more comfortable feeling when you sleep because the breathing would feel a lot more normal and your face is free of any pressure. Some nasal pillows also has a strap that supports the chin to make sure that you are breathing through your nose.

In getting yourself a CPAP nasal pillow or switching into one from CPAP face masks, you must contact your durable medical equipment (DME) supplier and get yourself fitted with the nasal pillow that’s appropriate for you. It is important that you know what you want and you get the perfect fit for it to be more effective.

For a more comfortable experience when using CPAP nasal pillows, choose one that has an angle adapter to prevent air leaking. These air leaks can cause irritation of the nostrils. Lubricating ointments may also be helpful to reduce friction and irritation. To be safe, talk to your physician first and be briefed regarding CPAP nasal pillows and how to use it in such a way that you get all the benefit.