ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Headaches => Topic started by: GeorgiaMei on April 09, 2009, 08:44:55 pm
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8) Anyone have a pillow they've found really helpful w/ the headaches? I have searched high and low and haven't found anything great. I sleep w/ a stack of pillows to elevate me and then 1 or 2 super soft down pillows for my head and neck. I'm thinking of buying the memory foam pillow, but they are just so expensive. Are they worth the cost?
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I tried the memory foam pillow, and I didn't like it. A store in town had them on sale for $20 the day after Thanksgiving. So, I thought I'd try it.
It's so heavy. Like you can't take the corner and turn it under, or any way to move them, except for flat.
I hope that helps you. Alot of people love them....so don't take my opinion only.
I'm so sorry you have terrible headaches. I'll keep you in my prayers....and also, don't stop trying to get help.
Lacey
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It depends on what kind of sleeper you are. Side sleeper stomach or back. I'm a side sleeper so I need height. If you are on your stomach lean to sleep on your back or side. It puts a lot of strain on your neck. If you are a back sleeper your pillow should be low. My Chiro schooled me on this. But….sleeping on my back aggravated the nerves on the back of my head and neck. I didn’t realize it until I started sleeping on my side. I noticed instant improvement. It didn’t end my headaches but it sure helped.
The goal is to keep your neck straight so if you are on your side you need the elevation. Brookstone sells regular and high memory foam. The sales person checked me out and she said the regular height was fine. I'm not so sure. I've had off and on success with it which tells me it doesn't really help too much. I switch back and forth between that and my inexpensive Hollofil puffy pillow that has lots of height I actually prefer it over the very expensive memory foam one. Really I would try a synthetic Hollofil they tend not to loose their loft like down which flattens out pretty quickly. My expensive down pillow didn't give me any support after a very short time it flattened out I tossed it. My cheapy I bought at Macy's on sale works best. It’s still puffy after years of use. I'm also allergic to dust mites who thrive in anything down. Hope that helps. Joe
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I paid $85 for a memory foam pillow that was promised to be just the ticket by the friendly sleep specialist rep at Brookstone. Bought it, and HATED it! It is now in a corner in my bedroom - no one in my family liked it either! I have yet to find a really good pillow, but I ended up going back to my old favorites that I paid $20 for at Kohls 5 years ago. Good luck on the pillow search. Hopefully, you'll get some good feedback here that will help lead you one that works!!!
Kathy
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I bought the memory foam pillow also on sale for $20 and back it went and as couldn't stand it. I have been thru the multiple buying of pillows with my surgeries. I like lower ones but couldn't take that for several weeks post op. My most favorite one is a Karen Neuberger but is a type that has been discontinued. I bought more for future use when saw it was on clearance. Our back bedroom has a pillow pile so any visitors has no problem getting the one of their choice. We got given 2 of the foam type ones when we bought a new mattress last year and my husband is using one. I was surprised he would like it.
Cheryl R
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After surgery, I was using one of those big back cushions from the couch. This was mainly to keep my head elevated, but I was told it would help with headaches. I hated sleeping at the 30 degree incline, but it something you can try if your couch is equipped with removable cushions.
Ernie
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A couple of years ago, a family member gave me a gift that I wouldn't trade for anything. It's called the Dreamer Ultra pillow, made by Avita Labs. I still have the flyer, but their website is no longer in business. Just google "Dreamer Ultra pillow" and you'll find a link where you can buy one. It's totally machine washable and dryable, hypo-allergenic and so very comfortable if you like a pillow that you can "scrunch" up in the position that you want.
Like other folks, I bought a memory foam pillow and hated it. They are totally over-rated.
The Dreamer Ultra is a little expensive ($60 or so, plus S&H), but it's worth it. My entire family bought one for themselves and we have never slept better.
Sweet dreams!
Jan D
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My husband sleeps on his memory foam pillow and doesn't have a problem with it. I wasn't at all comfortable with mine. I use a feather pillow.
Sue in Vancouver USA
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I got a water pillow from my chiropractor's office. Has some foam (maybe part memory foam? don't remember) but the part I like is that you can then ad the amount of distilled water to it until you get the amount that you're comfortable with. It has helped my neck problems a lot.
Cathy
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I use an orthopedic foam pillow from my local bedding store--I can't sleep without it and take it everywhere. I had neck issues going into surgery and had really bad problems post-op and ended up seeing a physical therapist.
Capt Deb
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I'm with Captain Deb--the orthopedic foam pillow has been a life saver.
Marci
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Just to clarify; mine is NOT a memory foam, but a Sealy Therapeutic Foam pillow.
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I hear the orthopedic foam pillows are the way to go.
You might want to invest in one.
Good luck,
Jan
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I have the same pillow as Donnalynn and I too bought it at Costco. It was the best $25 I have ever spent. If my husband happens to raise his arm up over his head and his elbow lands on my pillow, look out!! Or if he should lay his head on the corner of my pillow he gets it with both barrels. I offered to buy him one but he didn't want one. I not a possessive person, but that is my pillow and I guard it with my life ;D
Anne Marie
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Wow! :) Thank you so much for the info! Orthopedic foam pillows and Dreamer Ultra pillows sound great! I have trouble sleeping on my side b/c of the strain on my neck. How do those of you with neck issues avoid that? And my head hurts even worse if I am not elevated 20-30 degrees. Anyways, thanks for all of your input before I invested in such an expensive pillow! Karen