Best Pillow for Headaches – 5 Top-Rated Options

By Michael Barnes •  Updated: 06/05/22

Waking up with a headache or some signs of having one as soon as you get out of bed is never a welcome experience. It might be that it is caused by getting in bed late, or it can have something to do with your pillow. Fortunately, the best pillow for headaches may help alleviate the problem that you have.

Can the Wrong Pillow Give You a Headache?

Is it possible that the wrong pillow can lead to headaches in the morning? It appears so. You see, neck pain and headaches often go hand in hand and they mostly occur when you have a stiff neck in the morning because the nerves leading to your head have become irritated. Unfortunately, that stiff neck you are nursing can be caused by using the wrong pillow.

As a matter of fact, tension headaches can be brought about by staying in the same position with a pillow that is either too soft or too firm. The right type of pillow is one that keeps your head and neck in a neutral position. If you are wondering if the one that you are using right now is causing your headache, try sleeping in a hotel or perhaps a friend’s place. If you were able to sleep well and no headaches occurred, it is your pillow that is causing your problem.

What to Look for in a Pillow for Headaches

There are different types of pillows in the market that you are sure to come across in your search, but not all of them are appropriate for alleviating headaches. The good news is that it is possible to narrow down your choices to those that will help lessen or even prevent pain in your head as well as your neck from occurring.

Thickness

There is a common misconception that sleeping on a thicker pillow will prevent migraines from happening. Although it is true that having enough cushion can help ease the pressure on your head, yours should be a bit slimmer and flatter to maintain a neutral spine. Memory foam may be a hit or miss, while cotton and polyester have a tendency to become lumpy. Others consider shredded memory foam to be a good option because they are able to shape it the way they want.

Breathability

Another factor that you should consider when shopping for the best pillow to help with preventing headaches is its breathability. Luckily, there are materials like gel-infused memory foam as well as shredded memory foam that can help with dispersing heat. However, they will eventually get hot, especially when you lay on them for hours. Generally, a less thick pillow will generate less heat.

Stability

Those who are diagnosed with migraines often feel better when their head doesn’t move that much when they sleep. This is one of the reasons why contoured pillows are often recommended to those who are susceptible to headaches because they have an indentation for the base of the head to keep it still. And because of its design, the neck and head become more stable thus less prone to aches and pains in the morning.

Hypoallergenic

The ideal pillow for someone who is prone to headaches should not only have enough support for the head and neck but also prevents allergies from getting triggered. Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens can adhere to the surface of the pillow that you are using which can lead to an allergy attack. That said, a hypoallergenic pillow that is designed for migraines will be your best bet at this point. Take note, however, that some pillows will have that chemical scent especially memory foam, so if you have a sensitive nose, it might be better to look for alternatives.

Price

The price is also a factor that you should take into account as specialty pillows may be a bit expensive. The size and materials used will also play a part in how expensive it will be so you should compare products first before making any final purchase.

How Can Your Pillow Help with Your Headache?

So, why the quest to find a pillow for neck pain and migraine? If you haven’t been sleeping well lately, it is a good chance that you are suffering some pain between your eyes or that throbbing sensation in your temples in the morning. Sleeping on a pillow that is designed to keep your head still or at least thin enough to keep your neck and head in a neutral position can make you sleep better at night thus eliminating the dreaded throbbing sensation in the morning.

Additionally, a supportive pillow will mean a lot to eliminate the pressure points in your head as well as your neck, thus easing the tension in your muscles. This can also be helpful in preventing migraine attacks from occurring.

A Review of the Best Pillow to Help with Headaches

If you suffer from migraines, you are probably looking for a pillow that is designed to provide you with comfort, support, and relief from your morning headache. Since there are quite a number of options out there that may leave you at a loss as to where to begin, you might want to start with these products instead.

EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow

The EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow is a luxurious pillow that gives relief to your head and neck as you sleep. It makes use of a premium fabric covering that makes you feel as if you are sinking your head on a cool and comfy cloud that helps you rest better at night. What makes this an ideal choice to improve your night’s sleep is its ergonomic design which has been proven to not only support your head and neck but also keep them aligned to prevent the nerves on your neck from becoming irritated and inflamed. It will take at least two weeks for you to adjust to the contours of the pillow but once you get used to its design, you will be sleeping well into the night and feeling refreshed in the morning.

EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow
$43.99
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Another plus to the EPABO Foam Pillow is that it is ideal for all sleeping positions. This means that regardless of whether you are a back, side, or even a stomach sleeper, this pillow will give you your much-needed comfort and support to minimize the feeling of pain in the morning. This pillow is made from breathable foam so you won’t be sleeping hot at night.

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Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Cervical Support Pillow

Another option that you can try out to help with your head and neck pain is this cervical support pillow from Sleep Innovations. The curved design easily follows the contour of your head as well as your neck and shoulders for a more comfortable sleep. The therapeutic design adapts itself to your body which is why you will be happy to know that it can provide you with the right amount of support to keep your spine aligned. Fortunately, the memory foam material used here changes based on the heat that you are exuding so it is responsive to any movement that you do.

Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Cervical Support Pillow for Sleeping, Queen, Made in The USA
$44.99
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You can choose between the higher or perhaps the lower contour of the pillow depending on the head and neck support that you need. This Cervical Support Pillow is suitable for those who sleep on their back or on their side. The cover is removable and washable so you can keep it fresh and clean. For sure, you will be sleeping deeply without any bouts of migraines in the morning.

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Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow

The Mediflow Fiber Water Pillow is quite unique when it comes to addressing migraines which is why it has made it to this list of best pillows for migraines. It appears that the water base has been found to be effective in offering migraine relief based on an independent study conducted by Johns Hopkins. It is perfect for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers since the water will easily move with your head. No need to worry about lumps, bumps, or even sleeping hot at night.

Mediflow Fiber: The First & Original Water Pillow
$70.00
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What else makes the Mediflow Pillow a good choice when you often experience pain in the morning? Well, it is adjustable meaning that you can have soft, medium-firm, medium, to firm depending on your preferences. Since it is water-based, the materials used need to be strong enough to prevent the water from breaking through. If you break this product down, you will find a fully sealed and insulated water pouch from within, enclosed in a polyester fiber layer, plus a hypoallergenic cotton cover on top.

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Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow

If you are not a fan of using a memory foam pillow to help with your headache woes, then perhaps an organic buckwheat pillow is ideal for you. Unlike memory foam that traps heat within, the loose hulls let the air circulate better thus preventing you from waking up sweating at night. The buckwheat hulls may help with various sleeping problems like stiff neck, stress, headache, and muscle pain just to name a few. This is because the pillow can easily adjust to your body’s shape without collapsing under you which is a common issue with memory foam.

Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow - Queen Size (20 inches x 30 inches)
$89.99
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The combination of 100% organic buckwheat hulls and cotton makes the Beans72 Pillow a good option if you are in need of a good night s sleep. It’s because it can be used by any type of sleeper so stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and side sleepers can always find a comfortable position with it. The pillow can weigh between 10 to 12 lbs based on the availability of the hulls.

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Coisum Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow

The Orthopedic Memory Foam Pillow by Coisum can also provide relief if you tend to suffer from migraines. This is because it is designed to be moderately hard to help cradle your head thus alleviating too much sinking that can lead to your spine becoming out of alignment. The gentle slope on the pillow prevents your head from rolling too much too which is what any migraine sufferer needs. This pillow is best for side sleepers and back sleepers, even those who have back problems.

Coisum Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain
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Another thing that you will love about the Coisum Memory Foam Pillow is that it is made from 60 density high-quality memory foam, thus it has a medium hardness to it. It also comes with a temperature-sensing feature which means that it can follow the contour of your head and neck as you sleep. The cover is also removable and breathable which gives it a whole new level of comfort too. You don’t have to worry about sleeping hot since the cover allows the air to circulate so no heat gets trapped. It is also certiPUR-US certified which means that there are no harmful chemicals included.

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Conclusion

If you are looking for the best pillow that can help you deal with your neck pain, then you should try Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Cervical Pillow. Unlike the rest of the products here, this one contour naturally for the added comfort and support that you need the most. It keeps your spine neutral so no need to worry about waking up in the morning with a migraine. It is comfortable and can give you a good night’s sleep too.

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