If you often wake up with ear pain or discomfort, your pillow might be to blame. Traditional pillows can put direct pressure on your ears, especially if you sleep on your side. This pressure not only causes pain but may also lead to more serious conditions like Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis (CNH).
Fortunately, pillows with ear holes offer a simple and effective solution. Designed with a center or side indent, these pillows reduce pressure on the ears while maintaining proper head and neck alignment. Whether you’re recovering from an ear piercing, managing a medical condition, or simply looking for cooler, more comfortable sleep, ear hole pillows are worth considering.
Let’s explore the benefits of these pillows and why they’re becoming essential for side sleepers, CPAP users, and anyone dealing with chronic ear sensitivity.
Why Pillows with Ear Holes Are a Game-Changer for Side Sleepers & Ear Pain Relief
Why Choose a Pillow with Ear Holes?
Pillows with ear holes feature a specialized design that reduces friction and pressure around the ear area. They’re typically made for those with medical needs, but have grown popular with general side sleepers too.
Great for Side Sleepers
Side sleeping is a healthy and common position, but it puts weight directly on your ears. Since the average human head weighs 10–11 pounds, that pressure builds quickly overnight. A pillow with a hole relieves this weight and helps prevent soreness and inflammation.
Great for CNH (Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis)
CNH is a painful ear condition that develops from repeated pressure. It creates small nodules or scabs on the ear. Pillows with ear holes help prevent and relieve CNH by avoiding direct compression on the ears during sleep.
Allows Better Airflow
Because ear hole pillows create space between your ear and the pillow, they encourage better airflow. This helps regulate temperature, reduce sweating, and improve overall sleep quality—especially for hot sleepers or those with sensitive skin.
Top 5 Pillows with a Hole for Ear Pain & Side Sleepers – 2025
Looking for the best pillows with ear holes in 2025? These top-rated models offer comfort, pressure relief, and specialty support whether you’re sleeping at home or traveling.
1. Editor’s Choice – The Original P.W.A.H® (Pillow With A Hole)
Specifically designed for CNH and ear pain, this pillow includes a central ear hole and adjustable firmness. Its cotton filling and shape make it perfect for healing and daily use.
Key Features:
- 100% cotton fill
- Adjustable hole position and size
- Machine washable cover
- UK-made and medically recommended
2025 Price: Starts at $59
2. Best Full Body Pillow – Duro-Med Side Sleeper Body Pillow
This C-shaped pillow supports the neck, back, and knees, while its side cutout helps keep your ear off the surface. Great for total-body support and alignment.
Key Features:
- Polyester fiberfill
- C-shape for body contouring
- Ear cutout on both sides
- Ideal for pregnant or injury-prone sleepers
2025 Price: Starts at $89
3. Great for CPAP Users – PureComfort Side Sleeping CPAP Pillow
Designed with ear holes and CPAP mask cutouts, this pillow offers relief for side sleepers using sleep apnea devices. CertiPUR-US foam and a cooling cover ensure added comfort.
Key Features:
- Dual ear holes
- CPAP hose relief channels
- Memory foam with cooling cover
- Adjustable loft
2025 Price: Starts at $79
4. Best Price – As Seen On TV MKYUHP Side Sleeper Pillow
Budget-friendly and contoured for comfort, this side sleeper pillow has a built-in ear recess. It’s compact and easy to position for light sleepers.
Key Features:
- Soft polyfoam construction
- Built-in ear recess
- Curved neck and shoulder support
2025 Price: Starts at $29
5. Bonus: Best for Travel – The Original Travel Pillow with a Hole
Lightweight and compact, this pillow is perfect for flights or road trips. The ear hole helps reduce ear pain while sitting upright for long periods.
Key Features:
- Soft microfleece cover
- Central ear hole
- Compact travel design with carry pouch
2025 Price: Starts at $39
FAQ Section: Ear Hole Pillows
Yes. Regular pillows can press against the ear cartilage during side sleeping, leading to soreness, inflammation, or even long-term conditions like CNH (Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis). Ear hole pillows eliminate this pressure by suspending the ear above the surface.
A CNH pillow is designed specifically for people suffering from Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis. It features a hole or recess where the ear rests, reducing friction and direct pressure to support healing and prevent flare-ups.
The best pillow for ear pain is one with an adjustable or centered ear hole, such as the Original P.W.A.H®. Look for breathable materials, ergonomic design, and adjustable firmness for maximum comfort and recovery.
Side sleepers benefit from pillows that maintain head and neck alignment while reducing pressure on the ear. Look for models with:
. Ear holes
. Shoulder cutouts or side contours
. Adjustable loft
. Cooling materials
Final Thoughts
Pillows with ear holes offer targeted relief for side sleepers, people with CNH, and those dealing with post-surgical or piercing-related pain. These specialized pillows reduce direct ear contact, enhance airflow, and improve sleep posture.
They’re particularly useful for:
- Side sleepers looking to relieve nighttime ear pressure
- CNH patients needing a medical-grade pillow for healing
- Hot sleepers who want better ventilation
- Travelers or CPAP users needing specialized support
If you wake up with sore ears or struggle with ear-related discomfort, a pillow with a hole might be the sleep upgrade you need.