5 Best Ear Pillows with a Hole of 2023

An ear pillow is a pillow with a hole in the middle that lets people with ear pain sleep better.

The ear pillow with a hole for your aching ear creates a distance and cushion between your ear and the bed. It helps with almost all types of ear pain.

We have reviewed some of the top ear pillows with a hole in this article. You'll find information on how a pillow with a hole helps with different types of ear pain. 

Who can use a Pillow with a Hole?

Here are the top ways a pillow with a hole is used. 

A pillow with a hole or an ear hole pillow helps CNH patients sleep better and heal quicker. 

The ear hole pillow helps in painless recovery from Otoplasty surgery. Your ear does not move, does not pain and you can also enjoy your sleep.

If you are having  ear sores pain during sleep, a pillow with a hole in the middle is your best aid. Your ear sores won't touch the pillow or the bedding and you won't have to bear any pain. 

People with ear piercings can also benefit from a pillow with a hole. Ear piercings are painful in the first few days. If your ear gets under your head, you will experience sharp pain and it may become hard for you to sleep. Having a  ear piercing pillow with an ear hole by your side can save you pain and discomfort. 

There are many other  causes of ear pain, you can use the ear hole pillow for every type of ear pain. Trust us, this type of pillow for ear pain will speed up your recovery, protect you from discomfort, and guarantees a good night's sleep. 

Reviews of the Best Pillows with a Hole 

You are probably looking for a pillow with a hole to make your life easier, to get your pillow ear pain, let us help you with your quest. We have reviewed some of the best pillows with a hole available on the market and explained why they are a top choice for an ear pillow. 

We have reviewed some of the best pillows with a hole available on the market and explained why they are a top choice for an ear pillow. Our reviews cover a range of options, from small travel pillows to larger, more versatile pillows that are suitable for use at home. We also provide information on how a pillow with a hole helps with different types of ear pain, including  CNH pain, Otoplasty surgery pain, ear soreness, and ear piercing pain. So, check out our guide on the best pillow for ear pain and compare top choices to pick the one that is most suitable for your needs.Read along!

SleepEasy CNH Pillow® Original

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SleepEasy CNH Original Pillow was our first ear pillow with a hole for CNH pain and it is still our hero product.

A go-to ear pillow for CNH patients, this is the pillow that packs the most value.

SleepEasy CNH Pillow is our original pillow with a hole. It is filled with memory foam, adjusts to your body, and stays fresh for long.

There is no off-gassing, no odor in this pillow with a hole for ear pain and you will get good comfort.

Being a good pillow with a hole in the center, it gives a cushion to your ear and ensures good sleep.

SleepEasy CNH Pillow with hole for ear review shows that it is suitable for people of all ages and works perfectly for all types of ear pains including ear soreness pain, CNH Pain, ear-piercing pain, and Otoplasty surgery pain.

Using a pillow with a hole for your ear prevents the spread of infection with its effective prophylactic properties.

SleeEasy Original Ear Pillow comes with a 100% cotton, removable and machine-washable white pillow cover.

Pros: 

Targeted Pain Relief: The SleepEasy CNH Pillow® Original is specifically designed to address ear-related pain, such as Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis (CNH) and ear soreness resulting from surgeries like craniotomy or otoplasty. Its unique design with a center hole allows the ear to rest on air, reducing pressure and friction on sensitive ear areas, providing targeted pain relief and promoting a more comfortable sleep experience.

Comfortable Sleep Positioning: The contoured lower edge of the pillow provides proper neck and shoulder support, ensuring a comfortable sleep position and reducing strain on the upper body.

Cons:

Limited Usage: The primary drawback of the SleepEasy CNH Pillow is that it caters specifically to individuals suffering from CNH or similar ear-related conditions. If you don't have this condition, the pillow may not provide significant benefits compared to regular pillows.

Adjustment Period: Some users might need some time to get used to the unique shape and contour of the pillow, especially if they have been using traditional pillows for a long time.

See our guide on the  best pillow for ear pain and compare top choices to pick the one most suitable for your needs. 

SleepEasy CNH Pillow® Cotton Comfort

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SleepEasy CNH Cotton Comfort PIllow is a starter and versatile ear pillow.

SleepEasy CNH Cotton Comfort Pillow is an adjustable ear pillow with hole. You can take out or insert more foam into the pillow and make the height perfect.

SleepEasy Cotton Comfort pillow with hole for ear pain has breathable, poly fiber fill. The pillow cover is 100% cotton, and washable.

Pros:

CNH Relief: The SleepEasy CNH Pillow is specifically designed to provide relief for individuals suffering from Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis (CNH), a painful condition affecting the ear. The pillow's unique shape and materials can help alleviate pressure on the affected area, reducing discomfort during sleep.

Contoured Design: This pillow features a contoured shape that supports the head and neck, promoting proper alignment and reducing the risk of waking up with a stiff neck or shoulder pain.

Cons:

Availability: Depending on your location, the SleepEasy CNH Pillow might not be readily available in local stores, and purchasing it might require ordering online.

Limited Effectiveness for Non-CNH Conditions: While it provides targeted relief for CNH, its benefits for other common sleep issues or conditions might be limited compared to other specialized pillows.

If you know a side sleeper with ear pain, gift them this side sleeper pillow with ear hole. They will thank you for making their life easier.

SleepEasy CNH Pillow® 4"

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SleepEasy CNH Pillow 4''is a small pillow with hole in middle for relieving ear pain. It is 4 inches high and it will be a suitable pillow for most people.

This pillow with hole for ear is a perfect travel pillow for people with ear pain or ear piercing. It is small and compact and you can carry it around in your suitcase.

Designed by a dermatologist, this pillow for ear pain works fine for CNH patients, people with ear piercings, and ear sores patients.

Pros:

High-Quality Materials: The SleepEasy CNH Pillow is typically made from high-quality materials, including memory foam or other supportive fillings. This ensures durability and comfort, giving the pillow a longer lifespan.

Pressure Distribution: The pillow's unique design helps distribute the weight of the head evenly, reducing pressure points on the ear and surrounding areas. This can be particularly beneficial for those who spend long hours lying on one side during sleep.

Cons:

Limited Pillow Styles: The SleepEasy CNH Pillow is designed with a specific shape and contour to target CNH and ear-related issues. However, some users may prefer different pillow styles, such as traditional pillows or memory foam pillows, which are not available with the CNH-specific design.

Limited Return Policies: Depending on the manufacturer or retailer, the SleepEasy CNH Pillow might have limited return or exchange policies, especially for hygiene reasons. If a user finds the pillow uncomfortable after purchase, they may face challenges returning or exchanging it.

SleepEasy CNH Travel Pillow®

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SleepEasy CNH Travel Pillow is a small size ear pillow with hole that is small enough to fit inside the suitcase and comfortable enough to give you a good night's sleep.

People with ear pain cannot sleep comfortably without an ear pillow. Either they will have to sleep on one side for the whole night or they will have to bear ear pain.

Sleeping is especially difficult for people with painful ear piercings. Mostly, people get ear piercing on both ears and they only have the option of sleeping on their backs for the whole night, which is not comfortable.

Keep a SleepEasy CNH Travel Pillow in your travel suitcase. This is lightweight, and easy to carry and it serves a brilliant job of rescuing you from ear pain.

Pros:

Support for Post-Surgical Recovery: Individuals recovering from ear-related surgeries, such as earlobe reconstruction or ear hematoma treatment, may find the SleepEasy CNH Pillow helpful in providing proper support and reducing discomfort during the healing process.

Longevity: The high-quality materials used in the construction of the SleepEasy CNH Pillow often contribute to its durability and extended lifespan. This means that users can benefit from its pain-relieving features for an extended period.

Cons:

Allergic Reactions: As with any pillow made from specific materials, some users may experience allergic reactions to the components used in the SleepEasy CNH Pillow. It's essential to check the materials and consult with a healthcare professional if you have known allergies or sensitivities.

Individual Preference: While some users may find relief and comfort with the SleepEasy CNH Pillow, others might not experience the same benefits. Individual preferences vary, and what works for one person may not work for another, making the pillow's effectiveness subjective.

CNH Donut Pillow

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CNH Donut Pillow is our round pillow with a hole in the middle.

It is an ergonomic pillow and it helps relieve your ear pain. It is a small pillow with a hole for your ear. You can also use SleepEasy ear hole pillow as your travel ear pillow as it can easily be carried with you.

Pros:

Enhanced Airflow: The central hole in the pillow improves airflow around the ear, reducing the risk of heat buildup and perspiration, which can be particularly beneficial during warm weather or for individuals prone to sweating.

Pain Alleviation: By eliminating pressure on the sensitive ear cartilage, the CNH Donut Pillow can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with CNH, allowing individuals to have a more restful sleep.

Cons:

Cleaning Challenges: Cleaning a CNH Donut Pillow can be more challenging compared to regular pillows, especially if the cover is not removable or machine-washable.

Durability Concerns: Depending on the quality of materials used, some CNH Donut Pillows may have durability concerns, such as flattening or losing shape over time.

See our detailed guide on   Best Donut Pillows for Ear Pain and compare top choices. 

SleepEasy CNH Pillow® Extra Pillow Cover (Fits Foam Pillows)

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Keep an extra pillow cover with you in case you need to change your ear pillow cover.

Sometimes, your ear may release odorous fluid or the pillow cover may become stinky with time.

Pros:

Quick Replacement: If one pillow cover becomes damaged, stained, or worn out, having an extra cover on hand allows for quick and seamless replacement, ensuring you can continue using the pillow without interruptions.

Temperature Regulation: With an extra pillow cover, you can use one while the other is being washed and dried, ensuring that you always have a clean, breathable cover to help regulate temperature and prevent excessive heat buildup during sleep.

Cons:

Similar Material: Some users may prefer having an extra cover in a different material to cater to seasonal changes or personal preferences. However, the extra cover is often made from the same material as the original, offering less variety in terms of texture and feel.

Storage Space: Owning an extra pillow cover means you'll need to find a place to store it when not in use, potentially adding to clutter if storage space is limited.

Get a  SleepEasy CNH Pillow Extra Pillow Cover. This ear pillow cover is made with quilted fabric with a 100% cotton exterior and polyester backing.

How Side Sleeper Pillow with Hole Help You with Ear Pain?

CNH Pillows or Ear pillows create a cushion between your ear and the bed.

There is a hole in the center of each ear pillow. That hole keeps your ear away from the bed. Your ear does not get any pressure, rubbing, or squeezing and you can sleep comfortably on your side despite ear pain.

Ear pillows CNH pillows are helpful for different ear pain conditions including:

• CNH pain
• Otoplasty Surgery pain
• Ear Soreness
• Ear Piercing pain

Helpful Tip: If you just went through otoplasty surgery, see our guide on  How to care for your ears post otoplasty surgery. 

How to Make a Pillow with a Hole?

You are on a tight budget and you want to know how to make a pillow with ear hole at home?

The process is simple; you’ll need to buy an ear pillow cover as the proper cover is necessary for a functioning DIY ear pillow.

Here is how you can do it.

• Find a good quality pillow from your home
• Remove the pillow cover
• Draw a circle in the center with some tool
• Take out the foam from that circle
• Put this new pillow with a hole inside the ear pillow cover that comes with a hole already.

This is a quick fix if you need an ear pillow with hole and you can’t wait. We recommend that you get a high-quality ear pillow, like SleepEasy CNH Pillow Original which guarantees peaceful sleep.

How To Take Care Of Your Ear Pillow?

You can take care of your ear pillow by following these four tips.

• Keep your ear pillow inside a pillow cover
• Wash the ear pillow cover after every few weeks
• Keep it separate from other daily-use pillows
• Wash every 3-6 months with warm water and mild detergent

FAQs

Why Does My Pillow Hurt My Ears?

If your ear hurts after sleeping on a pillow, the possible reasons may be:

• Sleeping on one side for too long
• Rigid pillow
• Very friable elastic cartilage in the ear making it very supple and soft and thus causing pain
• An underlying ear condition that may need a medical checkup

Finding a pillow that doesn't hurt my ears? pick a soft pillow like SleepEasy CNH Pillows,  try it for a few nights and the problem will go away.

Why Does My Ear Suction To My Pillow ?

The most probable cause of ear suction to your pillow is ear wax. Your ear may not be functioning as it should and it is not pushing out the excessive wax causing ear suction to the pillow.

When the ear is functioning as it should, it pushes out excessive wax in the shower, or during sleep without any interference.

Can Pillows Cause Ear Infections?

Your pillow can cause ear infection if it was not washed for a long time and the bacteria and fungi had built on the pillow and 

Wash your pillows every 3-6 months with warm water to end the chances of ear infection from your pillow.

Can Hear Pulse in Ear On Pillow or Can Hear Heartbeat in Ear on Pillow?

Hearing pulse in the ear on the pillow is normal. Sometimes, wax buildup increases resonance and you hear your heartbeat.

Another possible reason is weight loss which causes the eustachian tube stuck open and makes blood flow and heartbeat audible.

Can Memory Foam Pillows Cause Ear Problems?

Memory foam pillows can cause ear problems in three scenarios:

• The pillow is very rigid
• The pillow is dirty
• There are bacteria and fungi buildup on the pillow

Get a softer memory foam pillow for your ear or wash your current pillow with warm water.

What Is The Best Pillow For Ear Pain?

SleepEasy Original Ear Pillow with hole is the pioneer and the best ear pillow on the market. It is soft, adjustable, and comes with a wide hole for the ear. The pillow cover is also washable.

Why Do My Outer Ears Hurt When I Wear Headphones?

The most probable cause is a poor fit.

When you are using headphones, see if your ears are in a comfortable position. If you are using headphones too tight or you feel discomfort, you may experience outer ear pain with time.

Try using headphones that cover your ears and don't put pressure on the ears.