What Is Best Pillow for Headaches and Neck Pain? Reviews and Buying Guide

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I am not stranger to migraines. In fact, I was diagnosed with this condition when I was still 19 years old with no apparent reason why it started, but my doctor told me that it was due to stress and unmanaged lifestyle. To effectively mitigate my condition, I was told to get the best pillow for migraines.

After all, I am not a fan of taking prescription drugs, unless it is extremely necessary. Through proper sleeping and improving my diet and habit, I was able to curb down the series of painful headaches. For instance, a support pillow can serve as the borderline between discomfort and utter euphoria. 

In the next sections, I will highlight the reason why having an ergonomic pillow can make your days free from searing pain. Let’s start!

Product Comparison Table

Editor's Choice
Preview
Xtreme Comforts Pillows for Sleeping - GreenGuard Gold Certified Adjustable Standard Memory Foam...*
Material
Bamboo Memory Foam
Our Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Budget Pick
Preview
Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Contour Pillow, Standard Size, Head, Neck, and Shoulder Alignment,...*
Material
Polyurethane Foam
Our Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Best Slim-Profile Pillow
Preview
Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow for Stomach and Back Sleepers - Thin and Flat...*
Material
Gel Memory Foam
Our Rating
-
Prime
-

Top 5 Best Pillows for Migraines 2019

Xtreme Comforts Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow - Best of the Best

I know how difficult it is to sleep if your neck and head are troubled by pain. Lately, I made a shift to my pillows and tried something new just to address such discomforts. Along the way, I discovered the Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Pillow.

This one features a shredded foam that doesn't get flat or lumpy regardless of how many times you use it. Because of this, you can ensure that the pillow can bring proper contour to your neck and head.

I also noticed that this one exhibits proper density. You can also mold and maneuver it so that it can fit your preferences and sleeping position. I just love this pillow because of its efficiency in correcting neck and back alignment. Therefore, it can help prevent insomnia, body pain relief, and a variety of orthopedic problems.

Pros
  • Provides the necessary contour for optimal neck support
  • The shredded design enables the user to mold it based on your preferences
  • Soft and comfortable texture
  • Can help correct spine misalignment
  • Ideal for different sleeping positions
Cons
  • Sometimes, it gets too dense

Mediflow Waterbase Pillow - Runner-Up

I did say that I am quite reluctant when it comes to water pillows because of their given density. However, some models out there have surpassed such limitations. One of the rare gems out there is The Water Pillow by Mediflow.

I have this one on my home as an alternative to the Xtreme Comforts. This one works wonderfully, as it can offer proper neck and head support.

This one has been clinically proven to improve the situation of those that are suffering from neck pain and headaches. If you have chronic back pain, this pillows helps in the alignment of your spine. The surface of this water pillow is soft; it will never cause any pain or agitation that can trigger your migraine.

Pros
  • Extremely responsive to your body’s profile and movement
  • Can work in a variety of sleeping positions
  • Fiber and cotton construction makes it extremely comfortable to the head
  • Good option for people that have sensitive necks
  • Features adjustable firmness
Cons
  • Difficult to fill with water

Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Contour Pillow - Budget-Friendly Option

A lot of my aged colleagues in the office are too keen about the pillows that they are using. I learned this when we had a business trip to London, where one of us took a contour pillow. As I had taken a look at it, the item was made by Sleep Innovations. Of course, I have heard a lot about this pillow, especially on its therapeutic capabilities.

Because of its contoured design, the pillow has no problems of providing the right support that your neck and head needs. It can hamper pressure points on those regions and ensure that pain won't disturb your sleep. It is also a quality pillow to lie on when you have a headache.

After all, it can offer seamless support and relentless comfort.

Pros
  • Provides balanced support to the neck, head, and shoulder
  • Each side has different contours to cater to different user preferences
  • Moderately dense for a more comfortable feel
  • Gentle and smooth surface
  • An affordable option
Cons
  • Not a good choice for back and stomach sleepers

Hullo Buckwheat Pillow - Premium's Pick

If you want a sure-fire option that can treat your migraine and body pains, the Hullo Buckwheat Pillow should be your priority. I love this pillow because of its gentle firmness. Yes. It is firm, but it is definitely malleable. It can give a seamless contour to your neck and head so that you won't sustain any episodic migraines while you sleep.

You can also adjust the thickness of Hullo. This feature is one of its best selling points. Regardless of your body size and shape, lying on this pillow will always be comfortable. It is also a good pillow for sleep apnea because of it can help you feel cool and relaxed. It did help me conquer some sleepless nights!

Pros
  • Features adjustable thickness
  • Contouring features prevent strain in the head and neck
  • Seamless support helps in the optimal spine alignment
  • Firmness is on the right level
  • Highly breathable construction
Cons
  • Some of the buckwheat lose when you change pillowcases

Bluewave Bedding Memory Foam Pillow - Best Slim-Profile Pillow

My neighbor hates to sleep on thick pillows. Since she is small, she's having difficulties in dealing with bulky items. She was the one who recommended the Bluewave Bedding Memory Foam Pillow to me. According to her, this is a good option for my child since it can assist in the development of proper spinal alignment. I did try it and accidentally discovered that it is also a good choice for treating migraine!

Because it is made from memory foam, it can easily contour to your head and neck. It is also slightly dense so that your head won't sink down to the mattress. However, I do suggest that you should use its contoured side. After all, a flat surface will never be good for those who suffer chronic headaches pains.

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic construction makes it good for sensitive sleepers
  • Can fully adjust to the shape and profile of your beck and head
  • Features an appropriate level of firmness
  • Ensures optimal air circulation so that you can feel cool all the time
  • Helps in maintaining the alignment of the spine and neck
Cons
  • The flat side is an issue

How Do You Know If You Have a Migraine?

best memory foam pillow for migraine review

Not all headaches constitute a migraine (Source: WebMD) that's the definite thing that you have to understand. It is this very fact that made me reluctant to visit a doctor to have my headache checked. Not easy for accepting that you have this symptom. All those time, I thought that I am just susceptible to headaches.

How did I begin suspecting? Here are some of the warning signs:

Symptoms

Stage 1

Prodrome

This happens a day or two before the actual occurrence of migraine. During this stage, these following symptoms will occur:

  • Food cravings
  • ​​​​Stiffness of the neck
  • Urination and thirst
  • Constipation
  • Mood changes

Stage 2

Aura

Aura happens either during or hours before a migraine. Fortunately, a lot of patients (including me) doesn't suffer from this. When a person experiences aura, he/ she undergo visual disruptions such as haziness of vision and "flashes". It could also affect your sensory and motor systems. At this point, you are very sensitive and weak.

Stage 3

Headache (Attack)

This part is where a migraine occurs. The pain that you experience here is quite disturbing. It is throbbing and challenging to manage. If there's no sufficient treatment, the headache can last for up to three days.


However, headaches are not the only symptom. During this stage, a person can be inflicted by these conditions:

  • Vomiting and nauseating
  • Extreme sensitivity to sound and touch
  • Blurring vision
  • Fainting

Stage 4

Post Drome

Your suffering doesn't end after the migraine. Some "backlash" effects can still happen 24 hours after the attack took place. Moodiness, weakness, and confusion are among those ordeals. But amusingly, some people experience sudden elation.


No person would want to experience this symptoms. As of now, the best route that you can have is to avoid all the trigger factors of this condition. But what are they? 

Causes

what can i lay on to relieve tension headach

In the medical field today, migraine is not yet fully understood. Most doctors suggest that this condition is either caused by genetics or external factors. For instance, one of the prevailing theories today indicate that the varying changes in the brainstem cause it to happen.

Another suspected cause is the sudden shift of brain chemicals. Specifically, it is believed that the sudden drop of serotonin can kickstart unwanted headaches. Serotonin, by the way, is a hormone that mitigates the pain that you feel in your body.

You can learn details in this video:

Risk Factors

Some of us might have been wired to experience migraine. However, the following risk factors can double the chances of us experiencing it. Stress and fatigue are considered as risk factors of headache, but never its primary cause.

Food

Hormonal imbalance

Sleep Irregularity

Environmental Changes

Why Neck Pain is Related to Migraine?

Apparently, neck pain is closely related to this condition (Source: American Journal of Managed Care) as it is one of its major symptoms. But despite this, neck pain is rarely as one of the common symptoms of migraine.

pillows for neck pain and headaches

In a particular study, it has been suggested that the neck is more prevalent than nausea during an instance of migraine. The reason for this is still subject for speculation. However, it has been suggested that cervical misalignment is the cause for all of these pains.

When the cervical vertebrae are misaligned, the central nervous system gets affected. The repercussions include restricted blood flow, which in turn, becomes a severe culprit for headaches.

Right now, what you need is a long-term relief for this symptom. If you are not up to medicines (just like me) as the prompt solution, what you need to do is get the best pillows for neck pain headaches.

How Pillows for Neck Pain and Headaches Can Help You?

best pillow for neck pain and headaches

I have already highlighted the varying risk factors and triggers of migraines. Among them are sleep deprivation, stress, fatigue, and even neck pain. Fortunately, all of these can be addressed by having a quality sleep. In that aspect, what you need is a supportive mattress and a quality pillow.

1

Improves Sleep Quality

You can sleep better if you have the right sleeping amenities. A well-engineered pillow alone can ensure that you can achieve an undisturbed evening rest. Of course, once you can get a regular sleeping pattern, your overall health will improve. There's no arguing about that.

2

Corrects Body Alignment

Another exceptional benefit is that it corrects your sleeping posture. It can improve the alignment and positioning of your body. It also can support your neck, knees, hips, and other parts where it tends to be painful.

3

Protects the Neck

head hurts from pillow

Once the neck regions get injured or hurt, you can always expect several repercussions for this. Irritations and discomforts in your head and different parts of your face can happen. Improper sleeping posture can aggravate your neck. Luckily, this can be corrected by choosing a pillow for neck pain and strategically placing it on your neck.

Considerations in Choosing Best Pillows for Headaches

Not all pillows work the same. It is a given fact that you should understand. Just like searching for the best anti-snoring pillows, it is imperative that you know the considerations in choosing the best pillows:

Material

memory foam pillows

When it comes to material, I suggest that you get the best pillows for neck and headaches that has been made from memory foam. After all, the latter has the best contouring capability that would provide sufficient support to your neck. Some people have suggested that I should use water pillows. However, as long they are firm, they won't give the neck support that you need.

Shape

pillow for headaches

You should also need to consider the shape of the pillow. At this point, I would urge you to get curved pillows. The design itself allows the item to contour to the profile of your body properly.

Flat pillows, on the other hand, is a difficult case. You can't find a comfortable position for your neck on flat and even surfaces. In fact, it can also trigger pain in the head and neck region.

You already know the fundamentals of a migraine and how therapeutic pillows can help on this. This time, allow me to highlight some of the finest options that you have for this sleeping amenity.

Wrapping it Up

Migraine occurs when a person doesn't have a healthy lifestyle and proper sleep habit. You are also more prone to it if your neck and head don't receive the right support and comfort they need when you sleep. These are the very reasons why you need the best pillows. It is an amenity that strips all these issues without you spending too much.

After all, the best pillow for migraines is the Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Pillow. It has an exceptional contouring capability, which is excellent for the provision of head and neck support. It has the right firmness and doesn't get flat at all! Using this pillow regularly will improve your sleeping conditions and overall immunity to migraine.

Xtreme Comforts Pillows for Sleeping - GreenGuard Gold Certified Adjustable Standard Memory Foam...*
  • Adjustable - Whether you prefer firm, fluffy, or fine, our memory foam pillows can meet your napping needs. Add or remove the padding with the inner zipper to set your level of comfort.
  • Lump-Free - This bed pillow combines luxury with comfort to create a smooth, no-lump sleeping experience, every night!
  • Cooling - We've designed our back, stomach, and side sleeper pillow with extra-breathable fabric to keep you cool even on those scorching summer nights.
  • Stays Firm - Our cooling pillow won't fall flat on you. Rest your weary head for years to come on a pillow that's designed to maintain its shape, even after heavy usage.
  • Easy-Clean Cover - Our bed pillows have a machine washable cover for extra-easy cleanup on your terms.

Of course, you can always choose any pillow that you want. Just make sure that you refer to this guide whenever you are going to shop for one.

Did you learn from this guide on pillow review? If you have questions or things to clarify, just drop them in the comment section below.

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