Top-Ranked Migraine Pillows Highlighted on Medical News Today
In the quest for a good night's sleep, people suffering from migraines face an additional challenge - finding a pillow that not only supports their neck and head but also helps to alleviate migraine symptoms. This article offers a guide to choosing the right pillow for migraine relief.
Research suggests that poor sleep quality can cause headaches and migraines, making it crucial to invest in a pillow that promotes good sleep hygiene[1]. A 2021 review indicates that pillow design and comfort play a significant role in sleep quality[2].
For migraine sufferers, pillows that provide proper neck and head support and promote correct spinal alignment are recommended to reduce neck strain, a common migraine trigger[1][3].
Ergonomic pillows with a neck "dip" or cervical support, such as the Original Groove® Pillow or the Tri-Core Natural Cervical Support Pillow, help maintain neutral spine alignment and reduce muscle tension in the neck and upper back[1][3]. Proper support can alleviate neck pain and headaches linked to migraines[1][3].
Pillows made from latex, memory foam, or supportive shredded latex offer cushioning without excessive sinkage. Latex pillows, such as the Saatva Latex Pillow, provide good support with ventilation to keep cool and maintain comfort for side sleepers, the most common migraine-triggering positions[5].
When purchasing a migraine-friendly pillow, consider the pillow's compatibility with your preferred sleeping position. Side and back sleepers benefit from neck cradling and loft adjustments to prevent cervical strain[1][5].
Ergonomics are also essential. Pillows designed to keep the cervical spine aligned and prevent hunching can reduce migraine frequency by limiting muscle tension and improving blood flow[1][3].
Breathable materials are another important factor. Pillows with breathable covers (organic cotton, latex) help avoid overheating, which can worsen migraines[3][5].
Additional sleep environment elements, such as adjusting temperature, light, and noise, and establishing a relaxing nightly routine, can further improve sleep quality and potentially reduce migraine attacks[2][4].
The market offers several options for migraine-friendly pillows. The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is considered the best overall pillow for migraine, while the Hullo Buckwheat Pillow is considered the best buckwheat pillow for migraine[6]. The Dosaze Contoured Orthopedic Pillow is considered the best contoured pillow for migraine[7].
The OCESOPH Memory Foam Pillow, with its memory foam core and Tyvek polyester outer case, is a memory foam pillow that may help with migraine[8]. The SpineAlign Pillow, an adjustable pillow with CertiPUR-US shredded foam and a polyester cover with mesh strips, may also help with migraine[9].
The Mediflow Original Fiber Water Pillow, which contains fiber floating on top of a thin layer of water and has a polyester fiber layer and a cotton shell, is another type of pillow that may help with migraine[10]. The Mediflow Original Fiber Water Pillow is hypoallergenic and may help with neck pain and improve sleep quality[11].
The Kanjo Acupressure Cervical Traction Wedge Pillow, with 100% organic cotton linen, coconut fiber, and BPA-free plastic stimulators, is a wedge pillow that may help with migraine[12]. It costs $40, with bundle discounts available.
It's essential to remember that everyone's needs are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consult a doctor if your migraine symptoms are severe, you have migraine more than 5 days per month, your migraine episodes interfere with daily activities, or regular pain relief medication does not help with your migraine[13].
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications called triptans or recommend antiemetic medication[14]. Acupuncture is also an effective treatment in reducing the frequency of migraine episodes[15].
In summary, migraine sufferers should seek pillows that offer ergonomic neck support tailored to their sleep style, use breathable materials, and contribute to overall posture correction. Considering these factors can improve sleep quality and reduce migraine triggers associated with poor neck positioning and disrupted sleep[1][3][5].
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562891/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7479394/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6163772/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4598496/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6347735/ [6] https://www.healthline.com/health/best-pillows-for-migraines#best-overall [7] https://www.healthline.com/health/best-pillows-for-migraines#best-buckwheat [8] https://www.healthline.com/health/best-pillows-for-migraines#best-memory-foam [9] https://www.healthline.com/health/best-pillows-for-migraines#best-adjustable [10] https://www.healthline.com/health/best-pillows-for-migraines#best-water-pillow [11] https://www.healthline.com/health/best-pillows-for-migraines#best-hypoallergenic [12] https://www.healthline.com/health/best-pillows-for-migraines#best-acupressure [13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562891/ [14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6347735/ [15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6163772/
- Research indicates that selecting a pillow that aligns the cervical spine and offers breathable materials can potentially reduce the frequency of migraine episodes.
- For individuals who predominantly sleep on their side or back, pillows with neck cradling and loft adjustments are recommended to help prevent cervical strain, a possible migraine trigger.
- The market offers various options for pillows designed with ergonomics in mind, such as the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow, the Hullo Buckwheat Pillow, the Dosaze Contoured Orthopedic Pillow, and others, that can help alleviate migraine symptoms.
