The CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original is the memory foam version of the original Easy Sleeper pillow with a hole, designed by dermatologist Dr. Cannon to take pressure off a sore, healing or sensitive ear while you sleep on your side. It is the same SleepEasy CNH pillow many readers know as the 'ear pillow with a hole', 'cnh ear pillow' or 'pillow with ear hole'.
The medical grade memory foam core holds its shape across long nights without going flat. There is no off gassing and no harsh odor. The 2 by 4.5 inch center recess gives the ear a place to rest where the pillow does not touch it, which is the mechanism that relieves pain from chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis, post otoplasty surgery soreness, new ear piercings, and side sleeper ear pressure.
Every pillow ships with a 100 percent cotton cover that you can remove and machine wash. Many CNH Pillow owners keep a second cover on hand. See CNH Cotton Pillow Case Covers with a Hole for spares, or save with the Original plus pillowcase bundle.
Why the Ear Hole Matters: Pressure Free Side Sleeping
Most ear pain at night is mechanical, not medical. When you sleep on your side, your full head weight presses your outer ear against a flat pillow. That repeated pressure aggravates chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis, new piercings, ulcerated sores, healing otoplasty incisions and tinnitus.
The CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original removes that pressure entirely. The 2 by 4.5 inch recess in the middle of the memory foam means the ear sits in air, not on fabric. This is the same principle behind the pillow with a hole category as a whole, refined by Dr. Cannon for clinical use.
Three practical advantages of the central ear hole:
- The ear does not contact the pillow surface, so a fresh piercing, sore lobe or CNH nodule heals without nightly friction.
- Memory foam holds the recess shape across an eight hour night. The hole does not collapse the way a donut pillow loses shape.
- Cool airflow under the ear reduces sweat trapping, which is one of the contributing factors to outer ear inflammation.
Who the CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original Is For
For CNH (chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis) sufferers
If a painful nodule on the rim of your ear keeps waking you up, this is the original pillow that solves it. The condition explainer is on the CNH pillow page.
For side sleepers with ear pain
If you cannot fall asleep on your favourite side because your ear aches by morning, the central recess removes the cause. No more switching sides at 3 am.
For people recovering from otoplasty surgery
Surgeons recommend keeping the operated ear off the bedding for several weeks. The recess in the CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original lets the dressing stay intact and avoids pressure on the suture line.
For people who just got their ears pierced
Helix, cartilage, midi, tragus and lobe piercings all hate side pressure. If aftercare is your priority, the dedicated ear piercing pillow is the smaller travel friendly option built around the same principle.
For tinnitus sufferers
Many people with tinnitus sleep better when the affected ear is not compressed. Some prefer the cooler, softer feel of the tinnitus pillow configuration.
For people sleeping with headphones, earbuds or hearing aids
The recess clears the device, so you keep the audio and lose the ear pressure.
For elderly carers managing pressure sores
If you are caring for a bedridden parent or a care home resident, the matched product is the pillow for pressure sores on the ear, which is built for longer duration prone use.
Still comparing options? Read the best ear pillow with a hole guide.
CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original vs Cotton Comfort
The Original is the memory foam version. If you prefer a natural fill that breathes more, see the CNH Cotton Comfort Pillow. Quick comparison:
| Spec | CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original | CNH Cotton Comfort Pillow |
|---|---|---|
| Fill material | Medical grade memory foam | Natural cotton, soft fill |
| Firmness | Firm with contour | Soft, more pillow like feel |
| Hole size | 2 by 4.5 inches | Larger soft opening |
| Best for | Side sleepers wanting structured support, CNH and otoplasty recovery | Sensitive sleepers, allergen aware buyers, those who find foam too firm |
| Care | Cover machine washable, foam spot clean | Cover machine washable |
| Price | USD 69.99 | USD 69.99 |
Product Details
| Color | White |
| Product Type | Physical Product |
| Material | Memory Foam |
| Length | 18 Inches |
| Width | 14.5 Inches |
| Weight | 2.81 Pounds |
| Depth | 3 Inches |
| GTIN | 695087999974 |
| Brand | CNH Pillow |
| Product Care Instruction | Machine Washable |
| Hole Size | 2" x 4.5" |
| Fabric Type | Cotton blend |
Frequently Asked Questions About the CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original
Does the CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original help with neck pain?
The Original has a 3 inch memory foam profile with a contour edge that supports the head and neck while side sleeping. Owners report neck pain relief alongside ear pain relief, but the pillow is designed primarily as a sleep easy pillow for ear pressure. If neck support is the only goal, a dedicated cervical pillow is a better fit.
How does the CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original help you sleep better?
The 3 inch memory foam profile contours to your head while the 2 by 4.5 inch recess keeps the outer ear off the surface. That removes the mechanical pressure that causes ear pain, sore piercings and CNH nodules to flare overnight. Airflow under the recess also keeps the ear cool, which reduces sweat related irritation.
Is the pillowcase washable?
Every pillow ships with a breathable 100 percent cotton cover that wicks away sweat and moisture. The cover is removable and machine washable. Replacement covers are available at CNH Cotton Pillow Case Covers with a Hole.
What is the size of the Sleep Easy Pillow Original?
Length 18 inches. Width 14.5 inches. Thickness 3 inches. Central ear hole 2 by 4.5 inches at its widest point.
Which material is used in this chondrodermatitis pillow?
The core is medical grade memory foam with no off gassing and no harsh odor. The included cover is a cotton blend that is soft against sensitive skin and machine washable. This is the same Sleep Easy memory foam construction Dr. Cannon developed for CNH patients.
What is the best way to use the SleepEasy Easy Sleeper Pillow Original?
Place it on top of a thin support pillow if you prefer extra height. Lie on your side with the affected ear centered over the recess so the ear does not contact the foam. Use it every night during piercing healing, CNH flares, or post otoplasty recovery.
Is the CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original the same as a donut pillow for the ear?
It uses the same principle, a hole in the middle so the ear sits in air, but the Original is rectangular memory foam with a fixed recess shaped for the outer ear. A round donut pillow is usually smaller and less supportive at the neck.
Is this the best pillow for CNH?
Buyers searching for the best cnh pillow with ear hole most often choose between the Original (memory foam) and the Cotton Comfort variant (natural fill).
Can I use the CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original after otoplasty surgery?
Yes. Surgeons commonly recommend keeping the operated ear off bedding during the early weeks of recovery. The central recess clears the dressing and prevents pressure on the suture line.
Will the memory foam off gas?
No. The Original ships ready to use with no off gassing and no chemical odor. The foam is dense and holds its shape, so the recess does not collapse during the night.
Most CNH Sleep Easy Pillow Original buyers come back for the cover refill. Bundle and save with the Original plus pillowcase bundle, or browse the full Sleep Easy Pillows range to compare both fills.
