If you have Chiari malformation, then sleeping may be difficult for you. Chiari malformation is when part of the brain actually bulges down through the foramen magnum (the bottom opening of the skull), possibly causing headaches and trouble sleeping.
For this, softer, fluffier pillows that offer adequate neck support are often advisable. To shop for a good pillow, pay attention to the following list as we have gathered the best pillows for Chiari malformation!
Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
What makes this a great chiari pillow? It’s great because you can comfortably use it to sleep on your side or on your back: the two positions that are most often recommended to people with Chiari malformation.
The Utopia Bedding Bed Pillows are incredibly fluffy and are stuffed with hollow fibers so they keep their shape even after you wash them in the machine. However, you should note that the company recommends spot-drying these pillows by hand.
They come in a variety of sizes to fit any bed and offer really good neck support. The cover is made out of a very breathable cotton material so these pillows also keep your head and face cool while sleeping. The striped design also looks nice!
Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow
Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
Have you ever heard of an adjustable pillow? Well Coop Home Goods has made one and it’s great whether you are a side or back-sleeper. You can actually take out some of the filling depending on how you like to sleep and how much neck-support you like.
The pillow is made of a mixture of 60% cotton and 40% bamboo so it is at least partly made from sustainable materials. The mixture of materials also makes this pillow very breathable so you won’t overheat while you’re sleeping.
It’s pretty easy to care for as well. You can simply take out the outer cover and throw it in the washing machine. This is a great Chiari malformation pillow overall because it allows you to get the neck level you need for comfortable sleep.
Viewstar Standard Pillow
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
These Viewstar pillows are great for Chiari malformation sleep positions because they hold their shape very well. There is a gusseted side band that helps it keeps their shape night after night. It’s wrapped in a plush fiber shell so it feels very soft to the touch.
While these aren’t adjustable pillows, the set of 2 feels very supportive whether you are sleeping on your back or your side. They feel very much like down pillows but they aren’t actually down pillows which makes them animal-friendly.
These are the standard size but you can also get them in queen and king sizes. Another great thing about these pillows is that you can wash them in the machine and tumble dry them – and they still keep their shape.
WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
Memory foam is a great material for chiari malformation because it is very reactive and adaptive. The WEEKENDER Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Pillow in particular will support the contours of your neck and head without being too stiff.
It’s great no matter what the contours of your head and neck are like because it adjusts to provide gentle support. The gel memory foam has perforations in it as well to allow more air to pass through. This makes for a very cool, and comfortable pillow.
You can get this pillow in standard, queen and king sizes and each one comes with a removable case that can be easily washed in the machine. Our only complaint is that, as memory foam, you can’t wash the actual pillow in the machine.
Mediflow Water Pillow
Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
We end our list with one of the most unique pillows we have ever come across. This may be the best pillow for Arnold Chiari malformation because it uses a water base. The water base fits to the shape of your neck and head like a dream – no pun intended.
Aside from the water base, the Mediflow Water Pillow features a ventilated memory foam upper so it breathes very nicely. Another great thing about this pillow is that you can adjust the water level which will tweak the firmness.
The Mediflow Water Pillow also features a hypoallergenic cover and the water pouch is fully sealed so you don’t have to worry about leaking. This is a truly one-of-a-kind pillow that will minimize neck and headaches caused by chiari malformation.
Pillow for Chiari Malformation Buying Guide
Getting a good night’s sleep with Chiari malformation can be a real challenge. To help, here is a list of buying tips for the best pillow for Chiari malformation:
Firmness
A pillow for chiari malformation should be a good mix between firm and soft. It should be viable for both back and side sleeping as well.
Adjustability
Adjustability isn’t a must; but it can be a huge boon for people with Chiari malformation. Being able to adjust your firmness and width will allow you to find the perfect fit for your head and neck.
Resilient
Whether you prefer a firmer or softer pillow, it is very important to find a pillow that holds it’s shape well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What helps with Chiari neck pain?
A: Analgesics have been prescribed to people with moderate Chiari neck pain. Sometimes, a soft collar can also be used to relieve Chiari neck pain.
Q: How do you sleep comfortably with Chiari malformation
A: For the most part, it is recommended to sleep on your side or your back if you have Chiari malformation. You can also use special pillows like the ones featured on the above list.
Q: What is a water pillow?
A: A water pillow is one that has a special bladder that can be filled with water. It was designed to help reduce neck and head pain. It’s a therapeutic type of pillow that for the most part, can be adjusted to suit the contours of your neck and head.
Some Parting Words
While it’s unfortunate that people with Chiari malformation have a harder time sleeping pain-free, at least there are things you can do about it. The best pillow for Chiari malformation will help you sleep deeper, more restfully and to wake up without pain.
A good night’s sleep is important for your overall health so don’t think too lightly about sleeping troubles. You can also speak to your doctor or specialist to find more options for a better night’s sleep with Chiari malformation. A good pillow may be all you need though so check out the ones on our list!
