Written by Olivera Jancikin, Content Writer
Migraines can make it feel impossible to fall asleep or go about your day. Sometimes, they’re so intense there’s nothing you can do but lie in bed and wait for the pain to pass.
One thing that could help is a comfortable, high-quality pillow. A good pillow can help you ease into sleep, relieving the tension in the neck and head. However, there’s more to buying a pillow than just picking anything that looks comfortable. You should also consider other factors like your preferred sleeping position, firmness, materials, and more.
In this review, we’ll go through the best pillows for migraines and how they could help you sleep better once the pain kicks in. We’ll discuss their features, specifications, and pros and cons to help you decide which one suits your needs the best.
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Editor’s Pick
- Nolah Squishy Pillow – Best Pillow for Side Sleepers with Migraines
- Luxome LAYR Pillow – Best Adjustable Pillow for Migraines
- Saatva Graphite Pillow – Best Cooling Pillow for Migraines
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud® Pillow – Best Pillow for Migraines and Pressure Relief
- Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow – Best Hypoallergenic Pillow for Migraines
- Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Best Memory Foam Pillow for Migraines
- Cozy Earth Silk Pillow – Best Luxury Pillow for Migraines
- Brooklinen Marlow Pillow – Best Pillow for Migraines and Back Sleepers
- Purple Harmony™ Pillow – Best Latex Pillow for Migraines
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
Along with testing pillows in various sleep positions, we also analyze everything from feel and firmness to temperature regulation, loft, and more. This testing methodology allows us to provide honest reviews to help you decide if a particular pillow is the right fit for you and your needs.
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
A firm pillow available in multiple sizes.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
Why did the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pilow Earn Editor’s Pick?
We loved that this pillow comes in three sizes, so you can find a comfortable one regardless of whether you’re a back or side sleeper. The TEMPUR-Neck pillow is made from the brand’s TEMPUR® foam, offering a firmer feel. We found that the material allows you to sink just enough to get pressure relief in the neck and head. However, you still get good support for proper alignment with the rest of the body.
What’s the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow Made Of?
The construction starts with a hypoallergenic polyester cover you can remove for machine washing. Under the cover, is the brand’s proprietary TEMPUR® material, offering a balance of pressure relief and support in various sleeping positions. The pillow has a curved design, and the taller part of the pillow goes between your neck and the bed.
Our Take
We rate this pillow best for side and back sleepers, thanks to its support design. We think these groups should benefit the most from the TEMPUR-Neck pillow.
What We Liked
- Ergonomic shape – We feel the curved shape of the TEMPUR-Neck pillow should be an excellent choice for most back and side sleepers with migraines and neck tension. The design helps fill the gaps between your body and the mattress, offering excellent support for the neck and shoulders, which should help relieve tension and pain.
- Excellent pressure relief – Although this pillow has a firm feel, we still found that it allows gentle contouring to relieve pressure in the neck and head, which should help with migraines. Plus, it has the brand’s TEMPUR® material, which is known for great pressure relief.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- No trial period – Unfortunately, the company doesn’t offer any trial period with this pillow. They have a no-return policy due to the personal nature of the product. Although it makes sense in some regard, this can feel limiting for online shoppers, especially given the price. People like testing pillows before they commit, more so if they buy one to relieve migraines and neck pain.
- Loft sizes only – Although you can choose between three loft sizes, all three sizes have the same width and length dimensions. The only thing that changes is the loft, which is the height of the tallest point of the pillow. This provides many options for people to choose from based on their body frame and preferred sleeping position, but some may find this to be a drawback if they want a King or Queen pillow.
Nolah Squishy Pillow
Adjustable foam filling and machine-washable.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.50 / 5
What Did the Nolah Squishy Pillow Earn Best for Side Sleepers?
Side sleepers often need a supportive pillow that can keep the head from sinking too much, as this can force the neck to fall out of alignment with the rest of the body, which might make your migraines even worse. We think the Nolah Squishy pillow has the right balance of support and bounciness to keep your head and neck aligned when you sleep on your side. The pillow feels medium-firm, but it doesn’t have that traditional feel you’d get from a down pillow. Instead, it has a buoyant feel that doesn’t allow easy sinking.
What’s the Nolah Squishy Pillow Made Of?
The core is made from foam cubes and is encased by a breathable bamboo blend cover. The cover gives a cooling feel that’s perfect for hot sleepers, and it’s machine-washable for extra convenience.
Our Take
We love the Squishy pillow’s dual-chamber design, which lets you adjust the loft and firmness. By removing some of the filling, you can customize the pillow to better accommodate your neck and head when you sleep on the side.
What We Liked
- Trial and warranty – Nolah offers a two-year warranty with the Squishy pillow. You also get a 30-night trial to test how the pillow fits your needs. Should you want to return it, the company will refund the money if you return it within the trial period. The returns are easy and free, making it worth a shot, even if you’re not completely sure whether this is the right pillow for you.
- Easy adjusting – The dual-chamber design makes it easier to adjust the firmness and loft by removing the loft. The entire process should take no longer than a minute, so it’s something you can do even right before bed when you’re sleepy. This is a benefit for many people, especially those who sometimes switch from sleeping on their side to their back.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Not for stomach sleepers – We don’t think this pillow would be as good for stomach sleepers because you’d have to remove so much of the filling to lower the loft enough. Removing the fill is an option, but keep in mind you’re paying the full price for a pillow just to remove most of its filling. We don’t think it’s worth the hassle, so it’s best to look elsewhere if you enjoy sleeping on your stomach.
- One size only – The Nolah Squishy pillow is available in just one size. It’s the Queen size, measuring 18 by 24 inches, so you should consider if this would work for you before you buy. The Queen size should fit most beds and is a good choice for all sleeping positions, but it may be too small if you have a King-size bed.
What Did the Luxome LAYR Pillow Earn Best Adjustable?
If you often change how you feel about the firmness and height of your pillow, you should consider the Luxome LAYR pillow. This one is adjustable in multiple ways, making it easier to create a comfortable pillow each time. The LAYR comes with three inserts with different firmness levels, but the pillow only fits two.
What’s the Luxome LAYR Pillow Made Of?
The firm insert is made from two blocks of memory foam. The medium insert has shredded memory foam and a down alternative, whereas the soft insert has a down alternative only. On top of that, the firm insert is split into two, meaning that you can use just one if you want a lower loft or two if you want a taller loft. Another thing worth mentioning is the outer cover, which is made from bamboo viscose and is soft to the touch.
Our Take
This is an excellent choice if you’d like a non-traditional, versatile pillow that works for many sleeping positions. We think this is a good match for combination sleepers, co-sleepers, and people who can’t decide on a single loft or firmness.
What We Liked
- Adjustability – The Luxome LAYR pillow has multiple adjustability options, so it’s easy to customize it. This is excellent if your sleeping needs and preferences change when you have a migraine. Although you can only use two out of three inserts, you can get plenty of combinations, and they’re easy to switch between, making this a rather fun and exciting pillow.
- Multiple certifications – The memory foam in this pillow has a CertiPUR-US® certification. On top of that, the LAYR is certified STANDARD 100 by Oeko-Tex®. All of this indicates that it’s free of toxins, chemicals, and harmful substances.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- The price – Although there’s much to love about this pillow, its price may be a drawback for those on a budget. The design makes it highly adjustable, meaning you almost get more pillows out of just one. However, it’s still over 100 dollars, even for the Standard size, and the King size is even pricier.
- Not a traditional design – If you’re after a simple, traditional pillow, you may not like this pillow as much. It gives you many options and should be fun to play with, but if it’s not what you’re after, it may seem like a little too much.
Why the Saatva Graphite Pillow Earned Best Cooling
Some people find relief with cooling products when they have a migraine. This can come from a cold press, but another way of getting relief is by using a cooling pillow. The Saatva Graphite pillow features advanced graphite technology that helps draw heat away from your body. Although memory foam is known to overheat, the graphite infusion helps it stay cool, even for hot sleepers. Additionally, this pillow contains latex, which is a temperature-neutral material.
What’s the Saatva Graphite Pillow Made Of?
The Saatva Graphite pillow has two core materials, which include shredded memory foam and latex. These two materials offer an excellent combination of support and pressure relief in various sleeping positions. Plus, you can take out the shredded memory foam to adjust the loft and feel of the pillow. The pillow also has an organic cotton cover that aids in cooling and freshness.
Our Take
We feel this Saatva pillow is a safe choice if you can’t decide on a cooling pillow. This is because it features multiple cooling properties, both in the core and the cover.
What We Liked
- Washable cover – The Saatva Graphite pillow comes with a removable and washable cover, making it easier to maintain and clean. However, be sure to use a cold and delicate cycle. You can also tumble-dry low to avoid damaging the materials. It’s important to follow the company’s cleaning instructions to ensure no damage is done to the design or materials. Washing it any other way will void the warranty.
- Contouring feel – This pillow has a contouring, buoyant feel that comes from the combination of memory foam and latex. You should feel a nice balance of pressure relief, responsiveness, and support to help with migraines.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- The price – Saatva is known for their high-quality products, but the brand may not be ideal for budget shoppers. Although you get good value for money, this pillow will come with a higher initial cost. The best way to decide if this is worth paying for is to consider how it would fit your sleeping needs and preferences. On the plus side, it comes with a trial, so you can always return the pillow if it doesn’t work for you.
- Not ideal for people who like down pillows – While memory foam and latex have a lot to offer, if you’re keen on getting a down pillow, you may not like the Saatva Graphite. The pillow has a buoyant feel that’s nothing like what you’d find in a down model, and getting used to it would likely take too long if you only slept on down pillows thus far.
TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow
Featuring the brand’s famous TEMPUR® Material, this pillow adapts to the pressure from your head and neck to deliver soothing comfort.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.50 / 5
Why the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud® Pillow Earned Best for Migraines and Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is probably one of the first things people look for when buying a pillow for migraines. If this is your primary concern, we think you will like the TEMPUR-Cloud® pillow from Tempur-Pedic. This soft cushion has a traditional shape but is made of anything but traditional materials.
What’s the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud® Pillow Made Of?
The construction starts with a premium polyester knit cover that’s hypoallergenic and washable. You can remove it within seconds, making it easy to wash whenever you want to freshen it up. Under the cover, comes the TEMPUR® material. This proprietary foam from Tempur-Pedic is made to offer quality support while also allowing just enough sinkage to help relieve pressure in your neck and head.
Our Take
Thanks to its conforming TEMPUR® memory foam, we think the TEMPUR-Cloud® is a good option for people with pressure buildup. Lying on the pillow, you should feel the slow-sinking sensation coming from the slow-responding foam. The foam moves slowly but always returns to its original shape once you move.
What We Liked
- Washable cover – The TEMPUR-Cloud® pillow has a polyester knit cover that’s safe to machine-wash. The cover is also hypoallergenic, so we’d recommend it for people with allergies as well. Although washing is easy, make sure to use a gentle cycle to avoid damaging the material, and washing it any other way would void the warranty.
- Medium firmness and loft – We consider this pillow to have a medium firmness and a medium loft, which is a great middle-ground feel and height that’s especially ideal for back sleeping. It should also work for some side sleepers with a smaller body frame.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- One size only – This pillow is available in one size, which means shoppers don’t have as many options. This doesn’t have to be a problem if you’re after a Standard pillow size, but if you want anything more specific, like Queen or King, you should look elsewhere.
- Non-adjustable – Since it’s filled with a single piece of foam, the pillow is non-adjustable. This means it’s not the best for those who have changing needs or combination sleepers who often like playing with the loft size.
Coop Eden Pillow
A gel-infused memory foam pillow with a hypoallergenic design
Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5
Why the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow Earned Best Hypoallergenic
People with allergies can benefit from hypoallergenic products that help prevent the growth of allergens like bacteria, mold, dust mites, or mildew. If this sounds like something you’d need in your sleep space, you may want to look into the Coop Sleep Goods Eden pillow. This luxurious and supportive pillow is made from hypoallergenic materials, so it should help relieve allergy symptoms.
What’s the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow Made Of?
This pillow features an interlocking dual-case system, which we appreciate because this makes it easier to adjust the fill for a lower loft and customized firmness. The Eden pillow has a unique Lulltra™ cover made from a blend of polyester and viscose rayon. On top of that, it has a woven ribbon gusset where you can expand the pillow if you add more fill. We also found that the pillow does a good job of remaining cool and breathable.
Our Take
We think this adjustable design is also beneficial for those who experience migraines because it allows you to find what’s comfortable for you once the pain kicks in. Plus, the gel-infused memory foam and microfiber offer excellent support, which could help relieve migraines as well.
What We Liked
- Eco-friendly certifications – The Eden pillow comes with several certifications, including a GREENGUARD Gold certification and a CertiPUR-US® certification. This indicates it’s free of toxins, chemicals, and harmful substances.
- Cooling features – This pillow contains cooling gel memory foam that helps prevent it from overheating. This makes it a good option for those who also tend to overheat when sleeping and can feel good during those times when a migraine occurs. The cooling features allow you to sleep comfortably even in hot temperatures and without flipping the pillow.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Not very moldable – Although this is a fluffy pillow, don’t expect it to be as moldable as a down pillow or even a down alternative. As such, it’s not the best option to use as a body pillow if you wanted to place it between the knees or under the lower back.
- The price – The Eden pillow costs around 100 dollars, so it may not be the best for budget shoppers. Although there’s much to love about its features and specifications, it’s still quite a dent in the budget for many people. However, if this is something you’re interested in, you can always take advantage of holiday discounts and coupons.
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow
A pillow with dual-action cooling for hot sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Earned Best Memory Foam
Fans of memory foam have many options when it comes to pillows. This Brooklyn Bedding pillow is available in two loft options: Low and High, measuring 4 and 5 inches, respectively. As such, this is a memory foam pillow that should provide more tailored comfort to help alleviate migraine pain.
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Made Of?
One of the qualities we like best about this pillow is that the memory foam is infused with copper, a natural heat conductor that helps keep this memory foam pillow from overheating. The material draws body heat away from you, leaving the surface comfortable and cool throughout the night. Copper is also hypoallergenic and has antimicrobial benefits, so it’s good for those with allergies.
Our Take
In general, we’d advise back and stomach sleepers to try out the Low model, while side sleepers should test the High one. Plus, the company offers a 30-night trial, giving you enough time to test out this pillow and ensure you’ve got the right loft to make you feel comfortable.
What We Liked
- Washable cover – This Brooklyn Bedding pillow comes with a removable cover that’s suitable for machine washing. Use a gentle setting and tumble-dry low to avoid any damage. However, keep in mind that the pillow itself is non-washable, and you can only spot-clean it.
- Copper-infused memory foam – The memory foam has copper infusions for those who enjoy a cooling sensation when migraines arise. Plus, it also helps make the pillow hypoallergenic since copper has antimicrobial properties that help keep dust mites, bacteria, and mold away.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Non-traditional feel – This memory foam has a quick response and behaves more like latex. As such, it may not be the best for those after a traditional slow-moving memory foam feel. The pillow allows enough sinkage, but it has a bouncier feel and comes back to shape much faster than traditional memory foam.
- It’s more costly – Brooklyn Bedding is known for providing products that give you a lot of value for your money, but be ready to cash out for this cooling memory foam pillow. The pillow has many excellent features that make it worth a shot, but could still be over many people’s preferred budgets.
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
The pillow has a premium bamboo viscose shell that’s naturally breathable and has temperature-regulating properties.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.90 / 5
Why the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Earned Best Luxury
If you’re after a luxurious pillow that can make you feel like sleeping in a 5-star hotel, it doesn’t get much better than the Cozy Earth Silk pillow. Lying on it, you should immediately get that luxury feel from the long-strand silk and premium cover combination. The pillow is soft, so you should experience enough sinkage and pressure relief in the neck and shoulders.
What’s the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Made Of?
This pillow is available in two sizes and is filled with long-strand mulberry silk. This gives it a unique feeling of luxury and fluffiness. The pillow is squishy and plushy, so you can mold it any way you want. For reference, it behaves a bit like a down pillow. However, the filling doesn’t shift as it’s the case with down pillows. On top of that, it has a smooth and soft cover made from premium bamboo viscose.
Our Take
Because it’s soft and has a lower loft, this pillow is not the best for side sleeping. We found that lying on the back and stomach felt comfortable since these positions don’t need as high of a loft.
What We Liked
- Excellent pressure relief – The silk is plushy and comfortable, allowing plenty of sinkage. This provides excellent pressure relief as the pillow contours your head and neck, relieving tension in these areas.
- Washable design – This pillow is entirely washable, which makes it easier to keep clean. However, you’re advised to use a rinse cycle only and without spinning. You can also tumble dry on delicate, using low heat. Washing with high temperatures and harsh detergents is most likely to damage the silk beyond repair.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- The price – This pillow is among the most expensive choices on our list, with the Standard size costing over 200 dollars. The high price is expected given that it’s filled with silk, one of the most luxurious materials used in pillows.
- Not so supportive – Although you should experience plenty of pressure relief, you won’t get as much support as you’d get from memory foam and or latex pillows. As such, we wouldn’t recommend this for side sleepers with migraines.
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow
A gel-infused memory foam pillow which is a happy-medium between plush and firm.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.20 / 5
Read Full Review
Why the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow Earned Best for Back Sleepers
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The Marlow by Brooklinen is a memory foam pillow that offers excellent support and just enough sinkage to keep the head and neck aligned with the rest of the body, especially when you sleep on the back. When testing this pillow, our reviewer, Jill, felt most comfortable on her back.
What’s Inside the Brooklinen Marlow Pillow?
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The inside has chopped cooling memory foam combined with polyester fiber for a fluffy yet supportive feel. All of this is encased in a breathable mesh that allows plenty of airflow, which is a plus for those who sleep hot. Thanks to the cooling memory foam, the pillow feels cool to the touch, so you shouldn’t worry about having to flip it mid-sleep.
Our Take
“I felt most comfortable while lying on my back. My head and neck remain supported, but the memory foam still provided some nice cushioning and contouring for me to melt into a bit.”
– Jill, Sleep Advisor Pillow Tester
What We Liked
- Trial and warranty – The Marlow comes with a 2-year warranty and an industry-leading 365-night trial, giving you ample time to test whether it helps when you have a migraine. Returning it is easy and the company will refund your money if you return it within the trial.
- No clumping – The fill should stay consistent, meaning that it’s unlikely to clump in a way that can’t be fixed by a bit of fluffing in the morning. This is especially important for people who change positions and like to hug their pillow when sleeping. It’s also important for restless sleepers who often wake up with their pillow in a different place than when they went to bed.
- Good cooling – While testing the pillow, Jill shares, “The Marlow feels cool when you touch it, which should provide immediate relief for those living in warm temps or anyone prone to sleeping hot at night.”
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Off-gassing – Jill noticed some initial off-gassing odor after unpacking the pillow. However, this isn’t harmful and should dissipate within a day or two. Off-gassing odors are common inbedding and mattress products made with synthetic materials, but if you’re sensitive to odors, you can leave the pillow to vent for a day or two before sleeping on it.
- Non-adjustable loft – Although you can adjust the pillow’s firmness, you can’t adjust its loft. For this reason, the Marlow probably won’t work as well for stomach sleepers. It should work well for back and side sleepers, but it’s not low enough to be comfortable for those who sleep on their stomach.
For more on the Marlow, visit our Brooklinen Marlow Pillow review
Why the Purple Harmony™ Purple Pillow Earned Best Latex
The Purple Harmmony™ has a soft-medium feel and is bouncy. This is excellent for sleepers who are used to more buoyant pillows, and the softer feel should provide enough sinkage for pressure relief in the neck and head area. However, it’s not so soft that it would make you bottom out to the mattress. In other words, you should feel nicely supported and comfortable in a healthy sleep posture.
What’s the Purple Harmony™ Pillow Made Of?
This pillow is made of latex and has three loft options, so you can choose based on your preferred sleeping position. We think hot sleepers should appreciate the latex core as it’s naturally temperature-neutral and therefore, shouldn’t retain heat. This is paired with temperature-neutral PurpleGrid™ and a moisture-wicking mesh cover. The combination allows plenty of airflow and cooling for those who sleep hot.
Our Take
We think the core compresses under pressure just enough so that your head isn’t propped up too high. Thanks to its bounciness, it quickly retains its original shape when you move or get up, so you shouldn’t have to worry about fluffing it each morning.
What We Liked
- Excellent support – The Purple Grid™ Grid is specifically engineered for neck and head support, which is something to look for if you often sleep with migraines. The support remains at the same level throughout the night, even when the pillow compresses under your weight because it bounces back into shape quickly.
- Hypoallergenic – Sleepers with a latex allergy shouldn’t worry about Talalay latex in this pillow. The latex foam goes through a five-stage washing process to rid of anything that could trigger your allergy. As such, it’s hypoallergenic and safe to use for sensitive people and those who live with allergies.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Higher cost – This Purple pillow offers excellent quality, but that also means it’s going to be an initially higher price upfront. However, latex is a durable product, so you should get your money’s worth with this pillow.
- Not for everyone – Some people may not enjoy the feel of latex. As mentioned, it’s more bouncy, which not everyone may be used to. If you’re still curious about this pillow, though, we recommend taking advantage of the 100-night trial period to see if you like it.
To learn more about the Purple Harmony™, check out our Purple Harmony™ Pillow review
What Type of Pillow is Best for Migraines?
A pillow’s feel and firmness are subjective, so what works for you may not work for someone else. You may find a soft and squishy pillow best for your preferred position, while someone else may find more relief in a firmer and more supportive pillow. The best way to decide is to think about how you feel when a migraine kicks in and what would help alleviate those symptoms as they happen.
- Adjustable – Adjustability usually refers to the loft, firmness, or both. With some pillows, you can remove the filling to lower its loft and make it softer. With others, you may get multiple inserts to use in one cover, depending on the feel you’re trying to achieve.
- Memory Foam – Memory foam pillows are a favorite among people who want a supportive and tension-relieving pillow. Memory foam can be shredded into strands or cut into tiny cubes. It can also be included as a single piece, in which case the loft or firmness cannot be adjusted. Although it tends to overheat, many companies use cooling features for temperature regulation.
- Neck Pillow – Neck pillows should be helpful for migraines as they have an ergonomic shape that offers a good balance of support and pressure relief. Neck pillows are designed to help fill the gap between your neck and bed, ensuring your head is aligned with the rest of the body in a healthy sleep posture. However, they’re not ideal for stomach sleepers.
- Down Pillow – A down pillow can be a good choice if you’re looking for a lower loft. Stomach sleepers, in particular, should benefit from the soft and squishy feel and these pillows’ tendency to fall flat. However, down pillows may not be the best for people with allergies.
- Acupressure – An acupressure pillow is specifically designed to relieve tension and pain but shouldn’t be used for too long at the time. In other words, you should only use it until you notice a reduction in pain.
How to Choose a Pillow for Migraines
Materials
Down pillows are typically the softest and have the lowest loft, which makes them good for stomach sleepers. Latex and memory foam are usually firmer and offer better support as they’re unlikely to fall flat. Down alternative is another option for those who want a similar feel to down but maybe have a down allergy or are ethically against the use of down.
Support
Having good support from your pillow could help relieve migraine tension. A supportive pillow doesn’t allow your head to sink too far into the pillow and instead, keeps the head aligned with the neck and the rest of the body.
Typically, memory foam and latex offer the best support because they don’t sink as much as down and down alternative pillows. For this reason, foam and latex pillows are often better for back and side sleepers, whereas down and down alternative can be better for stomach sleepers since they don’t need as much support.
Sleep Position
If you’re a side or back sleeper, you should look for a pillow that supports your head so that it doesn’t sink too much. A pillow with medium firmness may be best here as it combines sufficient support with pressure relief. If you’re a dedicated stomach sleeper, make sure to go for a lower loft so that it doesn’t keep your head too propped up.
Firmness
Some people enjoy softer pillows, while others find that firmer ones help their migraines more. For those who sleep on their side or back, you should go for a pillow that supports your neck and head, and in many cases, that’s a medium to medium-firm pillow. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, may like a soft pillow to rest their cheek against. However, there’s no hard rule, meaning you can go for whatever you find comfortable when migraines take over.
Feel
The feel of a pillow is a general term that can refer to multiple features such as firmness, materials, cooling properties, and more. Does it have a cooling cover? Is it filled with a block of memory foam or down?
Pillows with cooling materials offer a refreshing feel for those who typically sleep hot. Additionally, some people may find the cooling sensation helpful when they experience a migraine. Different materials will produce a different feel, so you can expect some variation among pillow types.
The good news is that many brands offer a trial period, allowing you to return a pillow if you don’t like how it feels.
Temperature
Not all pillows are cooling or even good at temperature regulation, which is something you want to be extra careful with if you’re a hot sleeper.
Memory foam pillows may include cooling gel, copper, or graphite for additional cooling, and latex naturally doesn’t retain heat. Additionally, many models come with a cool or breathable cover that can help with migraines as it acts almost as a cold compress. If cooling is important to you, we recommend looking into pillows with cooling features.
Loft
The loft you choose depends on your body frame and preferred sleeping position. Side sleepers should go for a taller loft, whereas back sleepers should go for a medium loft. Stomach sleepers are unique in that they need a lower loft to keep the neck from curving uncomfortably.
One thing to keep in mind is that the loft is sometimes adjustable. You can do this by removing some of the fill or in any other way specified by the manufacturer. In other cases, the brand itself offers various loft options. For migraines, make sure to choose a loft that allows a healthy sleep posture for the best relief.
Comfort
Comfort is subjective and depends on many things, such as firmness, cooling, and the overall feel. Getting the right loft for your preferred sleeping position is also an important comfort factor.
Budget
Budget is a primary concern for most of us, so we tried to include various options that fit everyone’s budget. Although some of these pillows are on the expensive side, they offer excellent value for money. Plus, brands often offer discounts, especially around major sales holidays, so you can use that time to try a new pillow.
Read More: Best Affordable Pillows
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing is an initial smell that usually lasts for a day or two at most and can sometimes happen with more synthetic products that use memory foam or poly foam. Off-gassing just means any chemical byproducts are being released into the air from packaging, though the smell can be bothersome at first. If you’re sensitive to smells, we recommend either letting your pillow air out well before use or going with a more eco-friendly model as these often don’t off-gas.
Cleaning & Care
Cleaning and care typically come down to the manufacturer’s directions, but when you shop, you want to consider what’s most convenient for you and your schedule. Many pillows come with a machine-washable cover, whereas others are spot clean only for the entire product. In other cases, the entire pillow may be able to go into the machine.
Tips for Sleeping When You Have a Migraine
According to the Mayo Clinic[1], the following tips should help during those times you experience a migraine.
- Apply a hot or cold compress – Apply a hot or cold compress to the forehead and neck may help relieve some of the pain and tension, making it easier to doze off.
- Turn off the lights – Turn all lights in your room, put away your phone, and turn off the TV. A darker room will help make it easier to fall asleep and help prevent your migraine from worsening.
- Keep your room quiet – Try to keep your room as quiet as possible to help relax, which will also make it easier to fall asleep. Use earplugs to help block outside noise if you need to.
Can a Pillow Cause Migraines?
If you already have a headache or migraine, a pillow that holds your head and neck in an uncomfortable position may make things worse by creating more tension. Plus, an uncomfortable pillow can make it difficult to fall asleep, and the Mayo Clinic reports that losing out on sleep is one factor that can trigger a migraine[1].
Our Final Thoughts
A pillow may not cause migraines, and it may not cure them, but the right one could help relieve tension and allow you to rest more comfortably. Buying a pillow may feel overwhelming, especially if you hope for it to help alleviate migraine symptoms. Our hope is that you found the right match in one of the pillows we reviewed.
However, if you find yourself frequently battling migraines, we recommend consulting your doctor about your symptoms and helpful treatment options.
Best Pillows for Migraines FAQs
What type of pillow is best for migraines?
The best pillow for migraines is one that fits your preferred sleeping position and body frame. If you’re a stomach sleeper, this may be a softer pillow with a low loft. If you’re a side pillow, you should benefit from a medium firmness and a higher loft. On the other hand, back sleepers should look for a medium loft that offers good neck and head support. Additionally, pillows with cooling features may be helpful for people with migraines.
What is the best sleep position when you have a migraine?
The best sleep position when you have a migraine is one that keeps your head, neck, and back in a healthy, neutral alignment[2].
Does sleep help end migraines?
According to the Mayo Clinic, both sleep deprivation and excess sleep can cause migraines, so establishing a good routine and getting the appropriate amount of rest each night could relieve frequent migraine attacks[1].
Olivera Jancikin
Content Writer
About Author
Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.
Combination Sleeper
References:
- “Migraines”. Mayo Clinic. Last modified October 4, 2022.
- “HOW POSTURE AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR MAY IMPACT MIGRAINE”. American Migraine Foundation. 2020.