Lying on a sore ear is painful, whether it comes from an earache, a new piercing or a pressure spot on the cartilage. A pillow with an ear hole or cutout lets the ear rest in open space instead of pressing into the surface.
This guide explains why the pressure matters, what a pillow can and cannot do, and eleven ear hole and cutout pillows to consider.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. A pillow does not treat the cause of ear pain. Get medical help if earache has lasted more than two to three days, or if you have a high temperature, swelling, fluid from the ear or hearing loss.
Ear pain pillow basics
- Most earaches get better on their own, but see a doctor if they have not improved within 2 to 3 days.[1]
- For chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH), a painful bump on the ear cartilage, the usual first steps are to avoid pressure on the ear, sleep on the other side and use a soft pillow or a pillow with a hole.[2]
- A hole pillow works best when the hole lines up with your ear, so check the hole size, position and the loft of the pillow.
- New piercing pillows are usually smaller. Use them on top of your regular pillow.
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Cover | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Original Pillow With a Hole | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | Organic cotton | 19.7 x 3.1 x 13.8 in | – |
| 2 | Comfythera Ear Piercing | Ear hole pillow | Foam | Cotton | 16.5 x 11.8 in | Wipe clean; hand wash |
| 3 | SleepEasy CNH Pillow | Ear hole pillow | Revoloft fiber | Cotton | 19 x 14 in | – |
| 4 | CCidea Cooling Cutout | Memory foam pillow | Slow-rebound memory foam | Ice silk satin | 25.4 x 15.8 in | Cover washable |
| 5 | Swaycy Ear Piercing | Ear hole pillow | PP cotton | Pure cotton | 17.3 x 12.6 x 2 in | – |
| 6 | Coceyese Ear Piercing | Donut pillow | Down filling | Cotton | 9 x 9 in | Machine washable |
| 7 | Glbpxd Ear Piercing | Ear hole pillow | Pearl cotton | Polyester, removable | 20 x 15 x 3 in | Machine washable |
| 8 | USlixury Off-Center Hole | Memory foam pillow | CertiPUR-US memory foam | Champagne satin | 16 x 11 x 4 in | – |
| 9 | IMPRESA Firm | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | 30% cotton, 70% polyester | 19 x 14 in | Machine washable cases |
| 10 | Uowuoiw Side Sleeper | Memory foam pillow | High-density memory foam | Ice silk | – | Cover washable |
| 11 | BLISSBURY Memory Foam | Memory foam pillow | Gel-infused memory foam | Double-weave, hypoallergenic | 26 x 15 in | Machine washable |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Why Lying on Your Ear Hurts
Earache and ear pain are common and can have many causes, so the NHS says not to try to diagnose the cause yourself.[1] Pressure on the outside of the ear is a separate problem:
- Side Sleeping Pressure – CNH is a painful inflammatory nodule on the ear cartilage. DermNet says repeated pressure and a compromised blood supply to the ear are factors, mostly in people who sleep on one side.[2]
- Pressure Ulcer Comparison – The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine says CNH is thought to behave like a pressure ulcer, which is why treatment starts with pressure relief.[3]
- New Piercings – A fresh piercing is tender, and lying on it presses the jewelry into the ear.
- Headphones and Hearing Aids – DermNet lists trauma from headphones, mobile devices and hearing aids as a possible factor in CNH.[2]
What Helps With Ear Pain
For earache, the NHS suggests these steps:[1]
- Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and check the leaflet first, because some painkillers are not safe for everyone.
- Place a warm flannel on the ear.
- Do not put anything inside your ear, try to remove earwax or let water get inside it.
- See a pharmacist or GP if it keeps coming back.
For pressure on the cartilage, DermNet suggests protective padding at night, avoiding sleeping on one side only, choosing a soft pillow, and making a hole in the pillow to avoid pressure on the painful area.[2] The Primary Care Dermatology Society says to avoid sleeping on the affected side and use foam pillows, and that ready-made pillows with a hole are sold online, although the hole is not always in the right position.[4]
You can also raise your head with a few soft or adjustable pillows if that is comfortable.
Types of Pillow for Ear Pain
There are two main options:
- Pillow With an Ear Hole or Cutout – A hole or indentation where your ear sits keeps the ear out of contact with the surface.
- Soft Adjustable-Fill Pillow – A soft pillow with a fill you can move lets you press out a space for your ear.
What to Look for in an Ear Pillow
- Hole Size and Position – The hole should be large enough for the whole ear and sit where your ear lands. Some pillows have an off-center hole or two holes.[4]
- Loft – Thickness decides whether your neck stays level. Side sleepers usually need a higher loft, and back or stomach sleepers a lower one. Adjustable fill lets you change it.
- Fill and Feel – Memory foam, fiber and cotton fills all appear here. Foam holds a shape, and fiber is softer and often adjustable. DermNet and the Primary Care Dermatology Society both suggest a soft or foam pillow.[2][4]
- Shape – A curved or contoured shape can cradle the neck and shoulders. A small donut shape is meant for piercings and goes on top of your pillow.
- Care – Check whether the cover is removable and machine washable. A cover that does not catch on earrings is a bonus.
If you also need neck support, see our guide to cervical pillows, or pillows for side and back sleepers.
How We Chose These Pillows
These picks come from research. We compared the makers’ specifications, the The web product pages and buyer feedback, and we checked that every pick is in stock on the web US. We did not test the pillows ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Ear Hole – Whether the pillow has a hole or cutout for the ear, and how large it is.
- Loft and Fill – Whether you can adjust the height or the pillow suits side sleepers.
- Fabric – Whether the cover is soft and breathable.
- Care – Whether the cover can be removed and washed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Pillow with Ear Hole
- How do you sleep with ear pressure or ear pain?
Try sleeping on the other side, and use a soft pillow or a pillow with an ear hole so the sore ear does not touch the surface.[2] For earache, the NHS suggests painkillers and a warm flannel, and getting medical help if symptoms have not improved within 2 to 3 days.[1] - Can you wash a pillow with a hole?
It depends on the model. Many have a removable cover that goes in the washing machine, while some pillows are hand wash or wipe clean only. Check the care label. - Can headphones cause ear pain?
Pressure from headphones, mobile devices or hearing aids can irritate the ear and is listed by DermNet as a possible factor in CNH.[2] See a doctor if the pain continues. - Is there a pillow with an ear hole?
Yes. Pillows with a hole or cutout for the ear are sold online. The Primary Care Dermatology Society notes that the hole is not always in the best position, so check the hole size and shape before you buy.[4]
Our Picks: Pillows for Ear Pain
Here are eleven ear hole and cutout pillows for side sleepers.
We hope you love the pillows for ear pain we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
The Original® Pillow With a Hole UK-Made Ear Hole Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Original Pillow with a Hole is a hand-sewn ear pillow made in Liverpool, UK, with an organic cotton cover.
- The center hole lets a sore ear rest in open space, and it also suits sleeping with earplugs or earphones.
- It is not made for fresh ear piercings. The brand makes a V2 pillow with a larger, deeper hole for that.
- You can add or remove filling through the zip to set the height and firmness.
- The fill is hypoallergenic coil fiber, and the pillowcase is OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton sateen.
2
Comfythera® Ear Piercing Adjustable Ear Hole Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Comfythera Ear Piercing is an adjustable ear hole pillow with a soft foam fill and a pure cotton cover.
- It measures about 16.5 by 11.8 inches, with a 3.15 inch center hole that keeps the ear free of pressure.
- A hidden zipper lets you take out filling for a softer feel or add it back for more support.
- The arched shape follows the curve of your shoulders and neck.
- It arrives vacuum packed and flat, so allow 24 hours to expand. The brand suggests hand washing and air drying.
3
SleepEasy® CNH Pillow Ear Hole Pillow With Revoloft Fill
Currently unavailable
The SleepEasy CNH Pillow has a center ear hole for side sleepers, a cotton cover and a soft Revoloft fill.
- The hole in the middle takes pressure off an aching ear, a new piercing or tender cartilage.
- The cotton cover is breathable and wicks away moisture.
- A side zipper lets you remove or add filling (not included) for a soft, medium or firm feel.
- It is made in Houston, Texas.
4
CCidea® Cooling Cutout Dual Ear Relief Memory Foam Pillow
Currently unavailable
The CCidea Cooling Cutout is a memory foam cervical pillow with a dual ear relief zone for side sleepers.
- Two ear cavities and a wider side-sleeping zone keep the ear from pressing into the foam.
- Rotate it 180 degrees to switch between a 5.9 inch high side and a 3.54 inch low side.
- The slow-rebound memory foam is covered in an ice silk satin case.
- It arrives roll-packed and takes up to 24 hours to expand.
5
Swaycy® Ear Piercing Adjustable Cotton Ear Hole Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Swaycy Ear Piercing is an ear hole pillow with a long, curved shape and a pure cotton cover.
- It measures 17.3 by 12.6 inches, with a hole about 3.5 inches across for the sore ear.
- The curve follows the line of your neck and shoulders, with a groove on one side for your shoulder and neck.
- A side zipper lets you remove some of the PP cotton fill to lower the height.
- It suits new piercings, sensitive ears and side sleepers who wear hearing aids.
6
Coceyese® Ear Piercing Ear Hole Donut Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Coceyese Ear Piercing is a small 9 inch donut pillow with a 3.5 inch hole, made for healing piercings.
- The hole gives a healing ear a place to rest without pressure or rubbing.
- The cover is 100% cotton with a down filling, and an invisible side zipper lets you remove stuffing to adjust firmness.
- It is machine washable and dryable.
- Because it is only 9 inches wide, use it on top of your regular pillow rather than instead of it.
7
Glbpxd® Ear Piercing Curved Ear Hole Pillow
Currently unavailable
The Glbpxd Ear Piercing is a curved ear hole pillow for side sleepers, with an adjustable pearl cotton fill.
- The 20 x 15 x 3 inch curved shape follows your neck and shoulders, and the hollow hole holds the ear clear of the surface.
- A zipper lets you add or remove fill to set the height and firmness.
- The soft polyester cover zips off and goes in the washing machine.
8
USlixury® Off-Center Hole Memory Foam Ear Piercing Pillow
Currently unavailable
The USlixury Off-Center Hole is a memory foam ear pillow with a 4.7 by 3.2 inch off-center hole.
- The off-center opening lets you pick the side that matches your neck curve.
- The slow-rebound memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
- The satin cover is smooth against hair and does not catch on earrings.
- An included foam plug fills the hole so you can use it as a regular pillow, and the 16 x 11 inch size packs easily.
9
IMPRESA® Firm Firm Memory Foam Ear Hole Pillow
Currently unavailable
The IMPRESA Firm is a memory foam pillow with an ear hole, sold with two machine washable cases.
- The firm, non-adjustable foam holds its shape, and the hole suits ear surgery recovery, piercings and tinnitus sufferers.
- Both cases are a 30% cotton, 70% polyester blend and are machine washable.
- The 14 x 19 inch size is compact and works for travel.
10
Uowuoiw® Side Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow With Ear Hole
Currently unavailable
The Uowuoiw Side Sleeper is a memory foam side sleeper pillow with both an arm hole and an ear recess.
- The built-in ear recess gives the ear a pressure-free zone, and the arm hole gives your arm space under the pillow.
- The lower center and raised edges fit the curve of your neck.
- The slow-rebound, high-density foam sits under an ice silk cover.
- It has a three-layer design with a lining that protects the foam.
11
BLISSBURY® Memory Foam Adjustable Ear Hole Pillow
Currently unavailable
The BLISSBURY Memory Foam has two ear holes, so you can sleep facing either direction.
- Each hole measures 4.3 by 2.7 inches, and the height adjusts from 4 to 5 inches.
- The gel-infused memory foam is CertiPUR-US certified.
- The double-weave pillowcase is hypoallergenic and machine washable.
- There is room for earbuds, headphones or earplugs.
Lastly
A good pillow for ear pain keeps contact with the ear to a minimum.
The list includes ear hole pillows, memory foam pillows with ear cutouts, and small donut pillows for piercings. Pick by the hole size, the loft you need for your sleeping position and how easy the cover is to wash.
Index Table: Top Pillows for Ear Pain
Sources
- National Health Service (NHS). Earache. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- DermNet. Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH). Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- Primary Care Dermatology Society. Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around NHS and dermatology guidance on earache and pressure on the ear cartilage, removed the claims about Eustachian tubes, the warm hair dryer and essential oil remedies, and the dust mite claims, rewrote all eleven product notes, and replaced the Sources with four on earache and ear pressure
- Oct 2026: Replaced Core Products Tri Core and Core Products D-Core (cervical pillows, not ear pillows) with Swaycy Ear Piercing Pillow and USlixury Off-Center Ear Pillow
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Remedy Microbead Pillow with Comfythera Ear Piercing Pillow; PureComfort Side Sleeper Pillow with SleepEasy CNH Pillow Cutout; Remedy Contour Ear Pillow with CCidea Cooling Cutout Pillow; Nologo Buckwheat Pillow with Coceyese Ear Piercing Pillow; Natures Guest Deluxe Comfort Pillow with Glbpxd Ear Piercing Pillow; PureComfort CNH Pillow with Uowuoiw Side Sleeper Pillow
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
- Mar 2022: Added Nologo Buckwheat Pillow
- Jan 2022: Added PureComfort CNH Pillow
- Sep 2021: Added IMPRESA Firm Pillow and BLISSBURY Memory Foam Pillow
- Mar 2020: Added Core Products Tri Core Pillow, Remedy Microbead Pillow, PureComfort Side Sleeper Pillow, Remedy Contour Ear Pillow and Natures Guest Deluxe Comfort Pillow
- Dec 2018: Published
