Ear pain can be imputed to any number of causes. If wax impacts the ear and hardens, it can lead to pain. The same goes for infections and imbalances in air pressure.
Regardless of the cause, ear pain is worst at night because the act of lying down to sleep causes fluid to accumulate. It is unable to drain effectively because of your posture.
One way of combating such situations is to take pills and undergo surgical procedures. But if your condition isn’t serious enough to warrant such measures, you should consider getting yourself an ear pain pillow.
The best pillow for ear pain features firm stuffing that will contour to fit the needs of your body, keeping your head and neck supported whilst also removing any pressure that is contributing to the blockages in your ear.
An ear pain pillow is also useful for people that are recovering from surgery and who cannot afford to aggravate the wound around their ear. This is also true for anyone whose ear-piercing went horribly wrong.
Regardless of your situation, if you can secure the right ear pain pillow, it will accommodate the needs of your ear, allowing you to sleep peacefully and deeply.
Why You Should Buy Ear Pain Pillows?
People buy ear pain pillows because they have the power to relieve ear pain. They have a firm construction that will support the head and neck whilst also alleviating the pressure that normally exacerbates ear-related illnesses when you sleep on your side.
When Should You Buy Ear Pain Pillows?
You should buy ear pain pillows after talking to a qualified medical professional. An ear pain pillow cannot perform miracles. It cannot resolve medical anomalies or combat infections.
Visit a doctor. Once they have diagnosed your condition, provided you with the relevant chemical treatments and performed the necessary surgeries, a doctor will eventually recommend the use of an ear pain pillow.
If your condition is not necessarily serious but you are tired of struggling with the misery that ear pain attracts, you can try experimenting with an ear pain pillow in the short term to see if it will improve your condition.
Take a look at the products listed below. One of them is bound to suit your situation. If you don’t have the time to read our reviews, use the comparison table. It has all the information you need:
5 Best Pillow for Ear pain Relief
1. PureComfort Side Sleeping Pillow
Some pillows are designed for conventional use but they have materials that allow them to ease ear pain as a bonus. This pillow was made for the specific purpose of relieving ear pain.
It was also designed with side sleepers in mind which is why it has ear cutouts. They are responsible for keeping your ears free of pain while you sleep. They will also reduce the pressure exerted on your face.
At 2.7 pounds, the pillow is not only lightweight but quite small. Do not expect to wrap your arms around it. It isn’t that kind of pillow. Some people will appreciate the fact that it doesn’t occupy that much space.
Boasting medium firmness, it might take some customers a few days to grow accustomed to the height. In the beginning, it might feel too high.
Material
The pillow is made from memory foam. The material is CertiPUR-US certified. This tells you that it is an environmentally friendly product that does not have any toxins that might harm the average customer.
The cover is bamboo which is known for being soft.
Performance
Perfect for CPAP users, the pillow has height inserts that you can use to finetune the level of comfort it offers. This will help people that have neck pain.
It was made without TCEP flame retardants, PBDEs, Mercury, heavy metals, lead, and any other dangerous elements. This is why it does not smell. This is also the reason why it has hypoallergenic properties, not to mention resistance to dust mites.
Washing and Care
The pillow is machine washable. It has a 5-year warranty. You can return it within a hundred days for a refund.
Pros
- Reduces facial pressure
- Relieves neck pain
- Hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Not shaped like an ordinary pillow
- It takes the body a while to acclimate to the pillow
2. The Original Pillow with a Hole – Your Ear’s Best Friend
This pillow was designed to contend with CNH, ear pain, and pressure sores. The people that made it spent years struggling personally with ear pain. They finally decided to create a pillow that could help them as well as other people.
As the name suggests, it has a hole in the center that is designed to accommodate your ear. The hole is present on both sides even when the pillow is wrapped in a case. The manufacturer provides these cases.
As such, you can flip the pillow without losing any functionality. The product enjoys the trust of so many people because it has been commended by doctors from all over the UK. These medical professionals appreciate the pillow’s ability to relieve ear-related aches and pains.
It feels a little too firm on arrival. Your body needs time to adapt to it. You should also know that it is expensive. Additionally, aiming for the hole when sleeping takes work. It is not at the center of the pillow.
Material
The pillow has a shell that is 100 percent cotton. It is hand-stuffed with hollow-fiber which is hypoallergenic and softer than memory foam. Because it is hand stuffed, you don’t have to worry about sagging corners or lumpy sections.
Performance
The hollow-fiber stuffing gives the pillow a plump but naturally cool body. The fibers are coiled. This allows them to last much longer and to provide greater loft. You can make adjustments to the loft by opening the zip and either adding or removing the stuffing.
When used appropriately, it will expedite the recovery process after ear surgery. It also allows you to sleep with earphones or earplugs. You are encouraged to place this pillow on top of a conventional pillow. This is because it is so small.
Washing and Care
The pillow is machine washable
Pros
- The loft is adjustable
- Treats ear pain and CNH
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Too firm at the start
- Aiming for the hole is somewhat difficult
3. PureComfort – Pillow with an Ear Hole
This is an adjustable pillow that uses a proprietary material to provide the perfect firmness for your body. It is supposed to keep CNH sufferers happy, not to mention people with sensitive ears.
But it doesn’t stop there. It will also keep the spine and neck properly aligned while you sleep. By maintaining a healthy posture, the pillow allows the body to relax, making deeper, more restful sleep possible. The manufacture is so confident in their product that they have offered a 100-day money-back guarantee.
If you don’t like their pillow, they will give you a refund regardless of the reason. You also get a 5-year warranty.
The cover isn’t that good. It just isn’t as soft as the manufacturer claims. Some customers have also complained about the zipper being too short to be of any practical use.
Material
The pillow uses a proprietary mix of shredded viscoelastic memory foam. It can be adjusted to meet your particular needs. The cover is cotton.
Performance
As was mentioned above, this item doesn’t just stop at alleviating your ear pain. It also aligns the spine, allowing the body to enjoy satisfactory sleep. The cotton cover is cool but not as soft as you might expect.
The memory foam is CertiPUR-US Certified. It does not have TCEP flame retardants, TDCPP, CFCs or any other dangerous components. This is why the memory foam does not smell on arrival.
Washing and Care
The pillow is machine washable
Pros
- You can return it for a refund in 100 days.
- Aligns the body to encourage deeper sleep.
- Adjustable
- CertiPUR-US Certified
Cons
- The cover is horrible
- The zipper is too short
4. Duro-Med DMI Side Sleeper Body Pillow with contoured Supports
This is a unique pillow for ear pain that was designed with side sleepers in mind. But it doesn’t stop at relieving physical distress associated with the ear. It is firm enough to support the head and neck.
Because of the way it is shipped, do not use the pillow the moment it arrives. You should give it 24 hours to fluff out and recover its original loft. Otherwise, you might be disappointed by how firm and flat it appears to be.
At 1.4 pounds, the pillow is quite light. As such, you can take it with you when you travel. It doesn’t come with a pillowcase. This is a problem because the cover it comes with is a little rough. Finding a case isn’t easy. If you can get one, you will find that it is quite difficult to get it around the pillow.
Material
The pillow is filled with hypoallergenic polyester fiber. The cover is 80 percent polyester and 20 percent cotton. It unzips.
Performance
The pillow has a unique ergonomic design that includes an ear cup divot that provides comfort by eliminating friction when you sleep on your side. The polyester filling will contour to fit the needs of your body.
The ‘wrap-around’ design makes the pillow huggable. It also promotes a healthy alignment of the head, back, and spine.
Washing and Care
The cover is machine washable.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Promotes proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine
- Portable
Cons
- Cover is rough
- Pillowcases are hard to find
5. EarSplintz Easy Sleepy – No Pain – Cauliflower Ear Pillow
This pillow is perfect for side sleepers with ear-related conditions that prevent them from sleeping comfortably. The foam is quite soft. As such, it isn’t as supportive as some people would like.
But it can still be relied upon to relieve the pressure on your face and ear. The shape is strange, varying drastically from the conventional pillow that people know, and that might put some customers off.
Material
The pillow is made from soft memory foam.
Performance
This product is a square piece of foam with a hole in the center that will accommodate your ear, keeping it free from pain. As was mentioned above, the shape might present a challenge for some people. But if you give it time, your body will acclimate to the design.
Because the pillow is flattened and stored in a vacuum-sealed bag for shipping purposes, it needs a few hours to regain its shape and loft.
Washing and Care
You should contact the manufacturer for the washing instructions
Pros
- Soft foam
- The hole in the middle alleviates the pressure exerted on the ear.
Cons
- Strange shape
- Too soft for some
What Causes Ear Pain?
Even though ear pain is very common in children, plenty of adults struggle with it. The issue has several causes, with the most prominent including:
1). Wax
Most people that struggle with ear pain do not realize that their wax is to blame. Ear wax is normal. It forms all the time but the ear gets rid of it. However, there are times when things go wrong and the ear wax not only accumulates but also hardens.
This blocks the ear canal and eventually causes pain. Some people make things worse by trying to pull the wax out with cotton swabs and sharp objects. They don’t realize that they are pushing it further down the canal.
2). Pressure
The ear has a mechanism that ensures that the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum is equal. However, if the pressure in your surroundings changes suddenly, it can create an imbalance that can lead to pain.
You can experience this on a plane or elevator.
3). Swimmer’s Ear
When water is trapped in the ear canal, it creates an environment in which germs can thrive. This will lead to an outer ear infection. You can tell that you have swimmer’s ear by pulling on the earlobe. If you feel pain, you have swimmer’s ear.
It makes the ear red. In some cases, swelling can occur, not to mention the leaking of pus and itching.
4). Middle Ear Infection
When you have illnesses that block the tubes in the middle ear such as a sinus infection or a cold, the resulting build-up of fluid will result in an infection. This will lead to pain.
5). Teeth
Problems with your teeth can cause pain in your ear. That includes cavities, abscesses, and impacted molars. The same goes for your jaw. The grinding of your jaw could cause pain in your face and ear.
6). Piercings
The physical trauma of an ear-piercing can cause short term pain. If the procedure was not performed properly, infections can occur, leading to more pain.
What Can Help Alleviate Ear Pain?
The remedy you use to alleviate ear pain will depend on the cause. Some methods work better than others:
1). Earwax
If you have ear wax, a doctor can take it out without damaging your ear. You are discouraged from trying to remove the wax yourself using sharp objects. Some over-the-counter medications can be used to relieve the pain.
2). Air Pressure
If imbalances in the air pressure are ruining your hearing and causing pain, you can chew gum, swallow repeatedly, or yawn. You can also try taking a deep breath and pinching your nostrils shut before blowing the air gently out of your nose.
3). Swimmer’s Ear
Along with encouraging you to keep your ears dry, especially during and after a swimming session, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic ear drops.
4). Middle Ear Infection
Depending on the cause of the infection, your doctor could prescribe antibiotics, antihistamines, nasal steroids, and a decongestant allergy treatment.
5). Drugs
If you do not have the option of seeing a doctor, you can buy some effective over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If the patient is a child, you should consult your doctor about the appropriate dose.
6). Compresses
A cold or warm compress can do wonders for ear pain. Place a pad or washcloth (warm or cold) over the ear. You need to alternate between hot and cold every 10-15 minutes. This method can work with just one type of compress, either hot or cold, depending on your preferences.
7). Olive Oil
Some people believe that adding a few drops of warmed olive oil to the ear canal can bring relief from the pain. The efficacy of this method hasn’t been scientifically proven but plenty of people will tell you that it works. It is also perfectly safe, so you lose nothing by trying it.
8). Hydrogen Peroxide
A few drops of hydrogen peroxide added to the ear will bring about relief. People have been using this remedy to alleviate ear pain for a long time. When you add the drops to the ear, you need to sit in place for several minutes to allow the hydrogen peroxide to sink.
After this, you should clean your ear with distilled water.
9). Exercises
If your ear pain is the result of pressure in the ear canal, certain neck exercises, such as neck rotation, can relieve the pressure, eliminating the pain in the process.
Are There Any Home Remedies for Ear Pain?
While you are encouraged to consult a doctor whenever you fall victim to ear pain, there are things you can do on your own at home to remedy the issue:
1). Steam
Steam can do a lot to alleviate the pain that is caused by the cold, allergies, sinuses and other ailments of this ilk. It is also an effective alternative to a warm compress. It will relax the airways and reduce ear pressure.
2). Sleep
If you have an infection, sleeping the conventional way is going to cause even more pain because it allows fluid to accumulate in the middle ear. Try sleeping upright. This will drain the fluid, bringing about relief.
3). Oil
Your doctor has probably told you that some essential oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties. If you add a few drops of tea tree oil, basil oil, garlic oil, and the like to your ear, especially if it has been mixed with olive oil, you will experience some relief.
4). Massage
If your teeth and jaw are to blame for the pain in your ear, locate the tender area and massage it as well as the surrounding muscles. The same goes for the jaw and neck. This can bring some relief by encouraging excess fluid in the ears to drain.
5). Onion
Onions (and garlic) have properties that allow them to combat infections and relieve pain in the ear. If you have an onion on hand, heat it for a minute or two before straining the liquid out of it and adding some drops to your ear. You need to lie down for ten minutes to allow the liquid to sink.
6). Ginger
Shred some ginger, mix it with warm olive oil and then strain the resulting solution before applying a few drops around the outer ear. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that will relieve the pain.
Benefits of Ear Pain Pillow
If you are curious about ear pain pillows, these are just a few of the things they can do for you:
1). Piercings
When you pierce your ear, it can take several weeks for you to heal. During that time, you are discouraged from exerting pressure on the pierced ear because that could cause swelling. This can become a challenge for side sleepers.
Fortunately, ear pain pillows have holes in them that can allow you to sleep on your side without pressing against the piercing.
2). Headphones
Ear pain pillows are perfect for people that use headphones and earplugs to block sound. Headphones can become a source of severe distress if you attempt to sleep with them because they will press against your ear, causing pain.
But an ear pain pillow has a hole in which the headphones can fit, keeping them isolated while you sleep.
3). Surgery
If you are recovering from surgery, you need to keep your ears protected from unnecessary physical stress or infections while you sleep. An ordinary pillow cannot offer you that protection because it is designed to press against your ear, applying the wrong kind of pressure.
An ear pain pillow, on the other hand, has a provision that allows your ear to hover in the air while you sleep. It prevents your sleeping position from exacerbating your wounds.
As you’ve probably noticed, the primary attraction of an ear pain pillow is its ability to eliminate the pressure you normally exert on your ear whenever you sleep on your side.
Maintenance, Protection, Care and Storage
The approach you will take to washing and maintaining your pillow is going to depend on the material. This is what you should keep in mind:
1). Instructions
Don’t do anything without looking at the instructions. Most manufacturers provide instructions that will tell you what you need to do to wash their pillows. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure that you wash your pillows without damaging them
2). Covers
You should always keep your pillow in a cover to protect it. This will keep it clean for a much longer period. Cases are easier to clean than pillows.
3). Duration
Wash your pillow every six months, especially if it doesn’t have a cover. The dirt, grime, and oils the pillow absorbs from your body can cause its properties to deteriorate. This is why you should endeavor to keep it clean.
4). Detergent
Regardless of the approach you take to washing your pillow, try to use mild, gentle detergents that are scent-free unless the manufacturer states otherwise.
5). Washing Machine
If you are using a top load washer to clean your pillow, you are encouraged to wash two of them at a time to balance things out. If you have a front load washer, one will suffice, though you can also wash two at the same time. You should always run a full cycle with warm water and a second spin cycle to remove excess moisture.
In case you are curious, front load washers are better for pillows than top load washers because they don’t have a center agitator. Center agitators can ruin delicate pillows. This is why top load washers need two pillows.
6). Drying
If you can wash your pillow with a machine, you should be able to tumble dry it as well. During this process, you should add two tennis balls to the dryer. They will remove excess moisture and fluff the pillows.
Use a low heat setting. When you first take the pillows out, smell them to see if they still have some moisture.
-Washing the Pillow by Hand
Most people know how to wash pillows via machine. The process is no different from washing other bedding items. With hand washing, things are a little different:
1). You should start by filling a tub with water. Use warm water. Don’t make it too hot.
2). Add some mild liquid detergent. Swish the water to spread the soap evenly throughout the tub.
3). Put the pillow in the tub. Push it down to the bottom to ensure that it is completely exposed to the soapy water. Start kneading and squeezing it. Do this gently.
4). Once you are satisfied with the results, pour the water, add clean water and repeat the process. This time, the objective is to rinse the pillow. Keep adding new water until the soap is completely gone.
5). After this, you can lay it out on a clean carpet in the sun to dry it. Keep turning it over where necessary until it is completely dry.
Some pillows require spot cleaning where you use a damp cloth or sponge to rub at the stains on its surface. This is why the instructions are important. They will tell you what your pillow needs.
-Storing Your Pillow
Pillows are not that difficult to store. So long as you keep them in a clean, dry place, they should be fine. Some of these tips might prove useful:
1). Wash your pillows before you store them. Otherwise, they will attract insects. It is also important to ensure that they are completely dry. This will keep mold and mildew away.
2). As far as storage tools are concerned, cedar is popular because it will keep insects like moths away. Plastic bins are another attractive option. Vacuum bags will make the pillows very compact, allowing you to store more pillows in a small space. But if you don’t want to waste money on some of these sophisticated options, you can just use ordinary boxes.
3). You are encouraged to put the pillows in cases before storing them. This will keep them clean, especially if you intend to keep them in storage for several months.
4). Don’t force your pillows into containers that are too small. They will look old and wrinkled by the time you retrieve them. You could even damage some of them.
5). Don’t seal pillows in plastic bags unless they are vacuum bags. Plastic bags are going to attract moisture which can attract mold in the long run.
Ear Pain Pillow and Sleeping Positions
Ear pain pillows are generally designed with side sleepers in mind. This is the only position that applies pressure to the ear. As such, it is the only position that requires a pillow specifically designed to alleviate the pressure it exerts.
What Else to Know?
1). How Long Can You Use it in Bed?
An ear pain pillow is just like any other pillow. You can use it for as long as you want.
2). Drawbacks of Ear Pain Pillows
Ear pain pillows are typically categorized as orthopedic pillows. And most orthopedic pillows are quite firm. This is necessary to provide the support required to protect your head, neck, and ears. This can make them problematic for people that prefer softer pillows.
But you can alleviate this problem by getting pillows made from materials like memory foam which adjusts to fit the user’s unique support needs.
Ear Pain Pillow Buying Guide
Ear Pain Pillows are not like ordinary pillows. They don’t exist to merely keep you comfortable. They are expected to help you fight your ear-related conditions. This is why the ear pain pillow you choose matters. Keep the following in mind:
1). Design
Ear pain pillows come in so many designs. Some are just ordinary pillows with holes in the center. Others have alien designs that enable them to wrap around your neck, supporting your head without exerting pressure on your ears.
You also have those that act like wedges that support your neck. They have ear holes as well. Simply put, ear pain pillows come in a variety of shapes. You need to find one whose shape appeals to you.
Even though most of these shapes are effective, some of them are more comfortable than others.
2). Size
Find a pillow whose size fits your dimensions. There is no point in buying a pillow so large or so small that it cannot give your body the support required to alleviate pressure from your ears.
Pay close attention to the measurements of your chosen pillow, especially those models with holes.
3). Firmness
Most people prefer pillows that are soft and cozy. However, ear pain pillows should be medium-firm to firm to support your head and neck. If the pillow is too soft, it will make your situation worse because your head will sink too deeply into its body.
4). Price
Where ear pain pillows are concerned, you must be prepared to part with the hefty sums that some models attract. It can’t be helped. Ear pain pillows are not a luxury. They are medical tools. You need them to combat physical ailments.
Because some of them are more advanced in their makeup than ordinary pillows, don’t be too surprised to find that they attract staggering price tags. More importantly, be careful with ear pain pillows that are too cheap. They are unlikely to deliver the results you expect.
Conclusion
If you have spent days, weeks, months or even years struggling with ear pain, the pillows above will have a drastic impact on your wellbeing. They are made from high-quality, hypoallergenic materials that is firm enough to support your head and neck, stable enough to align your spine, and supportive enough to relieve the pressure that is normally exerted on your face and ear whenever you seep on your side.