Special Pillows

[stacyrings]

Do you use a special pillow when you sleep, like the Double Edge PAPillow or the Multi-mask Sleep Aid CPAP Pillow?

Do you find that having a special pillow improves your sleep? (less leaks or whatever to get better numbers)

I'm just starting on this journey to improve my sleep by learning all this stuff and I don't know what is important and what isn't. You would think that after almost 10 years of using my machine and having OSA, I would have it all down pat. HA! My first mask fell apart after I was using it for over a year and I put it back together with tape. I never knew I was suppose to get a new one after so many months. So glad I found you guys!

[Pugsy]

I use a buckwheat pillow. I prefer it to a larger higher profile pillow because I am small and the larger pillow put my head much higher than my body...sort of out of natural alignment. It also lets me make a little "nest" for my mask when I am on my side. I have minimal leaks because there is no pressure on my nasal pillow mask from the pillow and I often end up sleeping on my stomach with face pretty much buried in the buckwheat pillow.

Other people will chime in with what they like to use. There are a lot of preferences and it is mainly a personal preference thing. Bed pillow use has been discussed here often. Always a multitude of different preferences.

Even without the mask...I would still use the buckwheat pillow. I have really bad arthritis in my neck along with a metal plate and it is just more comfortable for my own situation. I love the "feel" of the memory foam pillows but if I use one very long I wake up with a headache from neck pain.

[SleepingDVader]

I use the Resmed Mirage Quattro FFM and have found that the small "Cloud Pillow" from Sobakawa works absolutely perfectly (at least for me). I have the larger Sobakawa also but switched when I started Bipap a few weeks ago because it was just a little too bulky. You can find this pillow for $19.95 at Walmart or BB&Beyond. But if you order it online you can get a slightly better deal and wind up with two so you'd have a backup. Good luck!

[SleepingUgly]

I use the Resmed Mirage Quattro FFM and have found that the small "Cloud Pillow" from Sobakawa works absolutely perfectly (at least for me).

Does it stay put if you make a dent in it?

I have the larger Sobakawa also but switched when I started Bipap a few weeks ago because it was just a little too bulky.

Switched to what?

Why would switching to bipap change what kind of pillow you need?

[stacyrings]

The "cloud pillow" has those tiny beads in it right?

Do both the buckwheat and cloud pillows hold up over time? I had one of the original Contour pillows many years ago and it went "flat" in less than a year. It could have been less time than that but it was so long ago I don't remember exactly how long it lasted. It was made of two types of foam though.

[SleepingDVader]

Yes it has the beads and holds it shape very well which is what makes it work so well. Very similar to the buckwheat pillow that pugsy is referring to. Because of it's small size, I had been using it for traveling since my job sometimes requires quite a bit of travel. Now it's my primary because it works so well with the mask. Good luck!

[Pugsy]

I don't remember just when I got my buckwheat pillow. It was during a pillow trial offered by the guy who markets the Regenisis buckwheat pillow which is what I have. Late summer or early fall of 2009. So a little over 2 years for sure. Works as good now as it did then. Have never done a thing to it. Mine is the smaller original version. Came with less hulls. I think they ship with extra hulls now and a larger size is offered. I have not felt the need to add hulls though and this size works well for me. Like I said I am small boned petite woman. My shoulders aren't large. I could sure see where a larger shouldered woman or man would maybe want a little higher profile either in the buckwheat (add more hulls) or a different type of pillow. I would probably also do well with an old flat worn out down pillow that no longer puffs up to swallow my head. You know the kind...a little fluff and more firmness.

[Burkebang]

I'm using Ikeas firm and very cheap Tempur knock off. I was using it before getting my CPAP also. I love that thing, it gives my head firm support without any pressure points and the height is perfect for me as i sleep on my side. I have a real Tempur pillow also, but for me, Ikeas is better.
When I started sleeping with the machine, I wanted to give the pillow a chance, before investing in a made for CPAP pillow. It works great for me, the curv in the pillow makes it easy to find a comfortable position with all my masks.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10131604/