Best pillows for ear pain

To make sure we always provide the latest information, this page was last updated on 1 May 2024. 

Best pillows for ear pain

This article is about pillows designed to reduce ear pain. It explains what types of pillows are available, providing you with lots of information. This will make sure you make the best pillow for your needs. 

What is a pillow for earpain? 

Pillows for ear pain are specifically designed to alleviate pressure on the area for ear pain relief. The original pillow is often donut shaped with a hole in the middle for the ear. Other designs simply have a dent. Others are made of a very soft, malleable material, such as memory-foam or microbead pillows.  

These cushions can be used daily for sleep. This will help with long term pain relief.

Topics covered on this page

Our Number 1, and best rated, pillow for ear pain

SleepEazy Pillow with an Ear Hole for treating Ear Pain

Why we rate this the best pillow for ear pain

  • This pillow is designed with a small centre hole. This helps it treat ear pain and CNH. The hole makes it usable for patients post-surgery. It is also suitable for sleeping with earphones or earplugs. Alongside, people who have awkward piercings. 

  • This SleepEazy company commits to a lifetime satisfaction guarantee. This assures the quality of their pillows. 

  • The design makes the size smaller than conventional pillows. 

  • The shape of the cushion promotes proper alignment. This helps customers to sleep deeply. It takes the pressure of the ear and helps to keep the neck straight.

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This is rated our best value for money pillow for ear pain

PureComfort, Height Adjustable Side Sleeping Pillow with CertiPUR

What you need to know

  • This one of the best pillows with ear holes for side sleepers. It is specifically designed for sleepers in this position. The ear cutouts eliminate ear pain whilst asleep. 

  • The technology is designed to reduce facial pressure whilst asleep. This product is great for CPAP users or after ear surgery.

  • This pillow can be tailored to the height of each customer. It includes height inserts for optimum comfort. 

  • Suitable for sleepers with allergies or breathing issues as the product is hypoallergenic. It also has a dust mite resistant bamboo cover. The cover is machine washable for cleanliness.

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The best of the rest

The Original Pillow with a Hole, suitable for Ear Pain and CNH

What you need to know

  • The best friend for individuals recovering from surgery. 

  • The product is made in England. The 100% cotton fabric means it is dermatologically tested and approved. 

  • The product has a handy zip. This allows customers to choose their firmness level. Firmness can be altered depending on pain, such as neck pain or pressure sores. 

  • This pillow with ear cut out is helpful for individuals with CNH. The shape helps to reduce pain during sleep.

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Mkicesky Side Sleeper Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow with Ergonomic Design

What you need to know

  • This product is one of the more expensive options on the market. 

  • It utilises CertiPUR Memory Foam to perfectly cradle the head and neck during sleep. The ergonomic design makes it suitable for side and back sleepers. 

  • Includes a washable, breathable pillow-case making it a clean, healthy option for all skin types and allergies. 

  • The arched design makes it multifunctional. Not only is it one of the supportive ear pillows with wells. It also is suitable for tending to neck pain, back pain, snoring issues and respiratory problems.

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Duro-Med DMI Side Sleep Body Pillow with Contoured Support

What you need to know

  • This pillow has a unique design to cleverly support the head, neck, arms and body. 

  • Includes Ergonomic Ear Pocket Design. The cooling ear cup divot allows a calm sleep without friction. This helps relieve pressure for side sleepers, people with an ear problem or another issue. 

  • This brand is confident with their products, offering a satisfaction guarantee. 

  • It is suggested pillows have a 24 hour recovery period after unboxing. This allows them to fully fluff as needed. 

  • The machine washable cover makes this product very clean, cool and usable. The cotton blend case prevents allergies, dust-mites and germs. 

  • Its small size makes it the perfect pillow for travel. For example It can be used on planes, trains, in cars or in hotel rooms.

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EarSplintz Easy Sleep, No Pain Ear Pillow

What you need to know

  • This simple foam pillow supports and relieves pressure on the ear area. 

  • It is both firm enough to raise the ear off the ground but soft to be comfortable. 

  • Its design allows you to wear earbuds during sleep. 

  • This pillow does not come with a pillowcase. It is recommended that a pillowcase is used during sleep. 

  • Shipped efficiently in a space-saving vacuum packed case. It is suggested that a few hours are spared before use to allow the pillow to expand fully to its original size.

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Pillows With a Purpose U-shaped Sleep Pillow Designed for Side Sleepers

What you need to know

  • This side sleepers pillow has a unique U shape design. This supports the head, neck and shoulders. 

  • The centre dimple relieves pressure on the ear area, relieving ear pain. The dimple can also be used to support the back of the head.

  • The pillow uses hypoallergenic materials. It has a 100% cotton and polypropylene cover. This makes it cool to use. The material fill is 100% hypoallergenic blow slick polyester fiber.

  • It does not have a removable cover, making it difficult to wash. The pillow is spot clean only. 

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Deluxe Comfort Ear Guard Pillow Accessory

What you need to know

  • This donut shaped pillow is designed specifically to protect the ear during sleep. The hole allows air passage, drainage and protection from bed sores. 

  • The firm polyurethane foam raises the ear from the bed to relieve ear pain. The foam is orthopedic grade, for optimum support.

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Core Products D-Core Cervical Support Pillow

What you need to know

  • This cushion will become your best friend for supporting the head and neck. The D-shaped centre cradles the head. This design also provides ear pain relief.  

  • The firm feel of the pillow makes it the best pillow for support. The manufacturers warn that sleeping adjustments may need to be made to get used to the firmness. 

  • This model has a choice of sizes. By choosing a size, midsize or full size, pillows can be tailored to everybody. 

  • This product is made from non-allergenic 100 percent polyester fiber fill. Making it the perfect product for sensitive users. 

  • The pillow does measure a standard pillow case. This means it can match the bedding.

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The Original Travel Side Sleeper Pillow with Ear Hole for Ear Pain

What you need to know

  • This original design with a hole provides relief to chronic ear pain, pressure sores and CNH. 

  • When deciding which best pillow is for travel, smaller than a regular sized pillow this product is perfect for travel. It comes with a travel bag and pillow case. 

  • The deep hole in the centre makes it great for quick recovery after surgery. The pillow can also be used for sleeping with earphones, ear plugs or painful piercings. 

  • The firmness of this pillow can be adjusted by adding or removing the stuffing. The pillow has a zip to make alterations easy. 

  • Made in England and doctor recommended.

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Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow

What you need to know

  • The contoured indentation supports the body whilst relieving ear pain. 

  • Pillow comes in two heights depending on the customer. Clever, flexible design suits many sleeping positions, such as back and side sleepers. 

  • Premium memory foam material provides firm, supportive comfort. 

  • Removable, breathable pillowcase. The zipper design means it can be removed for washing. This allows you to keep the pillow clean and fresh-smelling. All materials are also chemical free

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Milemont Memory Foam Pillow, Providing Support for Back

What you need to know

  • The combination of Polyester and Tencel in this design produces a firm, supportive feel. 

  • The curved shape provides relief on the ear area during rest. The foam has been calibrated for optimum support. 

  • There are four sizes available. This allows users to buy the best pillow tailored to their needs. 

  • Milemont are sure of the quality of their products. Each product comes with a 10 year warranty. They also have a 30 day no questions asked refund policy. 

  • The double pillowcase makes this product the most hygienic.

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Who would use a pillow with the ear cut out? 

The ear hole pillow is useful for lots of different people. The most common use is to alleviate ear pain or pressure sores which may have been caused by ear surgery, infection or injury. Ear hole pillows are also used for one side sleepers who may find it uncomfortable to use a regular pillow. 

These cushions can also be a great option for people who wish to wear ear plugs or headphones when asleep. 

What features to look for when buying an ear pain prevention pillow? 

Shape

Deciding what pillows are best in terms of shape, depends on your preference. The donut shaped original pillow may be less comfortable, but will provide the most relief to the ear area. Other shapes include, body pillows, wedge pillow, butterfly shape and, d shape and j shape. 

Materials

The best pillow which will suit you depends mostly on the materials. Different materials have different functions. Memory foam gives a softer, more comfortable experience. Harder foams are not as comfortable but can elevate the ear off the surface and relieve pressure more effectively. 

Usability

Different pillows have different designs that make them more usable. For example, many come with a washable cover to help with cleaning and odor. Others come with handles, useful for changes and travel. 

Comfort 

Depending on your needs, depends how important comfort is. If firmness and support if needed, the pillow may be less comfortable yet more supportive. More comfortable pillow tend to be less supportive. 

What do cheap pillows for ear pain cost?

Cheap pillows for ear pain can be bought for as little as a $19.00 price tag. At this reduced amount of money, pillows often do not come with covers. These pillows often use polyester fibers, which can result in discomfort for sensitive skin. 

Ear protectors can be bought for $10.00 to be used with a pillow for extra support. 

What do the best pillows for ear pain cost? 

Some of the best pillows for ear pain cost up to $69.00. These pillows are made with high quality materials such as CertiPUR US approved memory foam, microbeads of feathers. Expensive pillows often have a longer durability. 

How do I stop my ears from hurting when I sleep? 

There are multiple ways to stop ear pain during sleep. To stop ears hurting, the individual must reduce the amount of pressure on the ear area. Using a softer pillow can help relieve pressure sores on the ear. However, it is recommended to use a specific pillow or ear protector. 

Other remedies can be used, such as home remedies, a heat pack, flannel cloth or olive oil. However, before using these methods, consult a doctor for advice. 

A helpful video for you

Want to learn more? Well here is a useful video that provides you with more useful information when looking to make a purchase.

Meet the author

Hayley Suarez

Hayley Suarez

Hayley is a part-time member of the team and writes content for the site as well as managing the social media profiles. As a full-time writer, she also writes for a couple of cookery and food blogs.

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