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Recommendations on pillow for migraine

I have chronic migraines accompanied by chronic neck stiffness and shoulder pain. I can never seem to find the right pillow for me. I like medium firm and mostly less dense pillows. Any recommendations on what type of pillows is suitable for migraine with chronic neck pain and stiffness.

Thank you in advance for your time and help!


  1. Great question! This is a topic that comes up frequently. I've been using a bamboo pillow I find beneficial.
    While we wait for others to share their pillows with you, let me share some other discussions on this topic;
    1) https://migraine.com/living-migraine/right-pillow
    2) https://migraine.com/video/comfort-softness
    3) https://migraine.com/forums/sitting-positions-pillows-chairs-etc-during-an-extended-migraine
    Let me know what you think and I'm sending you pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team Member

    1. thanks so much for sharing your preferences on pillows. I completely agree with you on not enjoying hotel pillow. I always prefer my home pillow - and mattress for that matter - over a hotel stay.

      That's amazing to hear that your current pillow has maintained its quality for so many years. That's not always easy to find, but when you do, it's certainly a great win! Thanks again for sharing.
      Best
      Alene, Migraine.com Team Member



    2. More great information - thank you! I'm becoming less enamored with my current pillow. I'm also a side sleeper and am finding my pillow less and less able to spring back. I will check Kohl's out, they typically have a good supply of pillows.
      Totally agree about hotel pillows - they are awful! Doubling them up is the way to go.
      I hope you have a good weekend, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team Member

  2. I use this. Helps retire my cervical curve. Impingement in the neck is a major trigger for my migraine
    https://www.optp.com/The-Original-McKenzie-Cervical-Roll?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI39P2o-LvhAMV3mFHAR1pMAjYEAAYAiAAEgIWa_D_BwE


    1. Thank you for sharing your pillow suggestion with us. I know many of us deal with neck pain and anything that can help with relief is always a good thing.
      How are you doing today? I'm sending you pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team Member

  3. I meant helps restore. Don’t type during a migraine!

    1. this is such a GREAT topic, thanks for starting this conversation. I see that Nancy has shared a lot of great existing resources that will hopefully be of help in your search. My personal experience with pillows is that the cervical pillows support my head and neck best. What I didn't know until recently is that there are different "profiles" of cervical pillows. So, there's a low profile pillow if you don't want too big of a contrast, and vice a versa. So if that's something that's of interest, but be aware that they are options even within the cervical pillows. I also like the cooling pillows. I have a "chill" pillow now and that simply helps to keep my head cooler. Keep us posted on your search and what you ultimately decide upon!
      Best
      Alene, Migraine.com Team member

      1. this is the pillow that I purchase on Amazon. It's unfortunately not available on Amazon any more but I'm sure you could check out the company's website if you're interested in it. "ChiliSleep Cool Luxe chiliPILLOW"
        I hope this helps your pillow search!
        Alene, Migraine.com Team Member

      2. thanks so much! Best always, Cathy Chester

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