If you have Chiari malformation, also known as Chiari II malformation, you have a smaller-than-normal opening in the bone at the base of the skull. As a result, your brain and spinal cord are squeezed into these tight spaces. This can affect your body’s balance.
The condition, which can occur from an injury, illness, or birth defects, can also affect your muscles and nerves, leading to numbness, pain, and weakness. Most Chiari patients suffer from a variety of symptoms, but the most common is neck pain.
If you have Chiari malformation, it’s important to find the right pillow to support your neck and head.
We looked at pillow reviews from 11 popular sites including Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Walmart. We also looked at feedback from over 1,200 Amazon customer reviews.
Based on these reviews, here are our picks for the 10 best pillows for Chiari malformation:
1. Mediflow Water Pillow Memory Foam
Best Pillow for Chiari Malformation
- IDEAL FOR ALL SLEEP POSITIONS
- Pain relief
- Value for money
- Best For Chiari Malformation
Sleep is so important. It affects your mood, your energy levels, and overall health. My neck pain and headaches were so bad that I couldn’t sleep.
My friends and family kept going on and on about the Mediflow pillow and how good it was, so I decided to give it a try. I am so happy I did.
This pillow has changed my life! I used to wake up with neck pain, headaches, and stiffness. But, now I wake up feeling refreshed. The Mediflow pillow is so comfortable that I’m actually looking forward to going to bed.
The other thing I love is the pillow is super convenient. I can throw it in the laundry, and it comes out as good as new. It doesn’t smell and it stays cool. I have recommended the pillow to all my friends with neck and back pain.
They love it. Also, it’s so affordable. I would definitely recommend the Mediflow pillow to anyone who’s looking for a night of better sleep! So far, it’s the best pillow I’ve ever owned.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Water-base design
- No need for a pillow case
Cons
- Non-slip surface
- Not ideal for smaller hands & fingertip grip
2. Coop Home Goods Original Pillow
Best Pillow for Chiari Malformation
- Unique adjustable design
- Best For Chiari Malformation
- Made with proprietary Lulltra fabric
- Made in the USA
The Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow was our favorite pillow overall. It met all our criteria for comfort, adjustability, and support for back and side sleepers, but for stomach sleepers who didn’t need a lofty loft, we preferred the Tencel.
The Coop Home Goods Eden is better for side sleepers who want more loft than either of our other picks, but it’s also available in memory foam and plush versions that are as adjustable for firmness as the Coop.
More generally, we think the Coop Home Goods pillows are the most impressive combination of comfort, adjustability, and support. Also, the company is committed to a sustainable manufacturing process, and we like that.
Actually, we’d recommend any of Coop Home Goods’ pillows if you want to customize your sleeping experience.
So, if you’re looking for a pillow that offers a great combination of comfort, adjustability, and support, the Coop Home Goods Original Loft Pillow is the best choice.
Pros
- All-natural filling materials
- Breathable cover
- Removable and washable cover
Cons
- Limited neck support
- Slightly more expensive
3. KEEPMOV Cervical Memory Foam Pillow
Affordable Pillow for Chiari Malformation
- Best For Chiari Malformation
- For Side Back Stomach Sleepers
- Neck Pillows for Pain Relief Sleeping
- 100% Premium Memory Foam
The KEEPMOV Cervical Pillow for Sleeping is a well-priced, high-quality neck support for side sleepers.
Compared to other pillows for neck pain and back pain, the KEEPMOV cervical pillow for the sleeping side sleeping area is bigger and softer, and its large, soft design makes it suitable for all types of people.
The head support area relieves pressure on the skull and forehead and the neck area provides relief from neck and shoulder pain. You can adjust the cervical pillow for sleeping according to your sleeping position.
In addition, the memory foam pillow for lower back pain features a removable, breathable ice silk pillowcase in grey, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.
Also, the pillow comes with a compression-resistant bag which allows for easy storage. All these features make the KEEPMOV cervical pillow for sleeping an ideal choice for people experiencing neck and shoulder pain.
Moreover, the price of this pillow is very affordable and it is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality cervical pillow for sleeping.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Effective neck pain relief
- Support for your side, back and stomach sleepers
- Portable, easy to carry around with you
Cons
- May be uncomfortable for larger people
- May take up a lot of space
4. Pulatree Cervical Pillow for Pain Relief
Sub Title
- IDEAL FOR ALL SLEEP POSITIONS
- Best For Chiari Malformation
- For Neck Pain Relief
- Cradles Design
The Pulatree Cervical Pillow is the best pillow for neck pain that solves all your sleeping problems. The pillow has a beautiful form that allows for superior neck support, making it the best pillow for neck pain.
The pillow features 2 different contour heights on each side, so it adjusts to whichever sleep posture you prefer. The butterfly design shape gives armrests, no more arms numbness. It also offers enough room for your shoulders and makes good nasal airflow for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
The hole inside was designed to cradle your head for optimal support, reducing the pressure of the skull. It allows for a comfortable yet supportive night’s sleep. The pillows are made with high-quality memory foam, soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic fabric.
They provide support for the neck, head, and spine while eliminating and preventing neck pain. The pillow has 8 hours of power every night, so you won’t have any problems falling asleep with this.
The pillow is removable with zippered and machine washable. The pillow is gentle on your skin to stay crisp throughout the night, it retains moisture absorbency qualities to leave you from night sweat in a comfortable climate.
If you’re looking for a neck pillow for neck pain, this is the best pillow for neck pain. Apart from its competitors, this pillow also offers a lifetime guarantee for your peace of mind.
Pros
- Provides excellent neck support
- Cradles cradles the head, providing softness, comfort, and support
- Soft and flexible memory foam
- Ultimate contouring support
Cons
- Different sizes needed
5. Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Cheapest Pillow for Chiari Malformation
- Ventilated
- Washable Cover
- Best For Chiari Malformation
- The cooling pillow is infused with gel
The Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow is a handy and affordable option for people who need a memory foam pillow for sleeping. The foam conforms to the shape of the neck, providing a comfortable surface to sleep on.
The sides of the foam are a little rough, but theres no unpleasant odor or chemical smell. Apart from its competitors in the market, this pillow provides a medium-firm level of support that is ideal for side sleepers.
The open-cell construction allows for maximum air circulation and breathability, making this an ideal option for those who get hot while sleeping. In performance tests, this pillow also proved to be highly durable and resistant to flattening.
The pillow is also hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, making it safe for those with allergies or asthma. It is also machine-washable and dry able for easy care and maintenance. It Might be best for certain uses .
The Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow is an affordable option for people looking for a medium-firm medium-sized pillow with good comfort, breathability, and durability. People who sleep hot, have allergies, or need a hypo
Pros
- Perfect firm support
- Great choice for chiari malformation
- Washable cover
Cons
- Expensive
- May cause neck pain in some individuals
6. SAHEYER Cervical for Neck Pain Relief
Comfortable Pillow for Chiari Malformation
- Best For Chiari Malformation
- Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain Relief
- 100% Premium Memory Foam Pillow
- Perfect Gifts:Standard Size
The SAHEYER cervical pillow is a must-have for side sleepers. It has three Styrofoam balls inside that you can take out or put in, depending on how you want to use it. Most other pillows don’t offer that many options when it comes to customizing the contour.
The pillow is contoured to fit the shape of your neck, and it’s comfortable enough to go several hours without waking up in pain.
The memory foam is high-quality, and it helps relieve the pressure between your neck and shoulders, and it also conforms to your head, so your neck doesn’t have to twist anymore, which relieves the stress on your upper back.
If you’re looking for a great pillow that flatters every sleeping position, look no further. Performance and comfort, the Saheyer cervical pillow is a great choice for your sleep needs.
It has been designed to reduce snoring, neck pain, and headaches, and provide a great night’s sleep. The key choices for customization, the Saheyer pillow is a great choice for neck and head comfort.
Pros
- Comfortable design
- Good price
- Soft, lightweight, and breathable
- Good support
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Not suitable for side sleepers
- Filled with styrofoam
7. Elviros Cervical Pillow
Good Pillow for Chiari Malformation
- For Side Sleepers, Back and Stomach Sleepers
- Contour Pillows for Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Well designed to support
- For Chiari Malformation
The Elviros cervical pillow is the most generous pillow in the guide–at 22.8 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 15 inches thick, it’s pretty large. We like the blue color, and the pillow’s memory foam material feels supportive without being too firm or sinking too far into the pillow.
The shape conforms nicely to your neck, and the curve is high enough that you can position it higher while still exposing your chin, which many side sleepers prefer. The pillow also has a removable pillowcase.
Why Elvis? Well, the company’s website makes no mention of support, but it does note that every side of the pillow has “an inbuilt face curve design” to help assuage pressure for side sleepers.
We’ll grant that side sleepers can adjust the pillow’s side position, but we’d also like to see the company make a little more of an effort to describe the pillows’ construction and design. Key choices that define Elviros’s cervical pillow include:
- 1. Memory foam material: Elviros’s memory foam material is supportive without being overly firm or sinking too far into the pillow.
- 2. Long, wide, and thick design: The pillow measures 22.8 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 15 inches thick, which makes it one of the most generous pillows in the guide.
- 3. Removable pillowcase: The pillow comes with a removable pillowcase, allowing users to customize the look of the pillow.
- 4. Face curve design: Every side of the pillow has an inbuilt face curve design to support side sleepers and alleviate pressure.
Pros
- Relieve neck pain
- Low-profile
- Good-quality memory foam
- Comfortable
- Good support
Cons
- Can not be washed
- Tongue can get caught
8. Osteo Cervical Pillow for Neck Pain Relief
Cheap Pillow for Chiari Malformation
- Best For Chiari Malformation
- Contour Support for Side Back Stomach Sleepers
- Pillows with Cooling Case
- Adjustable Orthopedic Bed Pillow
We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so it makes sense that we’d want to spend that time as comfortably as possible. In some cases, though, we suffer for poor or inconvenient sleep, largely because of the pillows we’re using.
The Osteo Cervical Support Pillow solves that problem. This pillow is one of the best we’ve tested. It has the spinal support we need, and it’s comfortable and cool enough to use for sleeping.
If you suffer from neck or back pain, this pillow is worth a try. If you want a more affordable option with fewer features, we like the Travel Rest Natural Cervical Pillow.
The Osteo Cervical Support Pillow’s unique design makes it stand out among other neck support pillows, and it’s simply more comfortable to use than standard pillows.
Best for a certain purpose, this pillow is a great choice for those who need extra neck support, especially if they suffer from neck or back pain. Might be best for side-sleepers and back-sleepers.
It has a contoured design that helps support the neck and spine for a more comfortable sleep. It is also made from temperature-regulating materials that keep the pillow cool even during warm nights.
Pros
- Comfortable, moldable, and adjustable
- Reduces neck pain and stiffness
- It returns the natural curve of the neck
- Eliminates head drop
- Reduce muscle tension and headaches
- Use for traveling, camping, or as an extra pillow
Cons
- TOO SOFT
- Not Ideal For Shoulder Pain
9. Mediflow Fiber Neck Support Pillow
Best Pillow for Chiari Malformation
- 100% Cotton
- Made in USA
- Best For Chiari Malformation
- 100% hypoallergenic cotton shell
Mediflow is the first, and only, water pillow on the market. The Mediflow water pillow has revolutionized the sleeping industry by offering a revolutionary water pillow that helps reduce neck pain and improve sleep quality.
With Mediflow, you no longer need to worry about tossing and turning to find the right position because it adapts to your sleeping preferences.
The Mediflow water pillow might be best for people who suffer from neck pain, who have difficulty finding the right sleeping position, or who are looking for an improved sleep quality.
The Mediflow Fiber water pillow is the original and the best water pillow on the market. The Mediflow Fiber is a water pillow that has many great features, from superior comfort to optimal pressure relief for head and neck.
The Mediflow Fiber is a water pillow that is able to support your head and body comfortably.
The Mediflow fiber is a water pillow that is great for all sleeping positions and it will keep you cool at night. Best pillow for chiari malformation.
Features We Like:
- The First & Original Water Pillow
- Clinically Proven to Reduce Neck Pain & Improve Sleep
- Ideal for People Looking for Proper Neck Support
- Superior Material
- Water creates a different sleeping sensation that provides superior comfort and support
- 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
- 100% Cotton
- 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
- Made in USA
Pros
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Clinically Proven to Reduce Neck Pain & Improve Sleep
Cons
- Rigid foam filling
10. Zoey Sleep Side Sleep Pillow
Best Pillow for Chiari Malformation
- 100% Adjustable Supportive
- Helps Relieve Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Pain relief
- Best For Chiari Malformation
If you’re looking for a new memory foam bed pillow, we do recommend the Zoey Sleep Side Sleep Pillow.
It’s comfortable, supportive, and provides additional neck support when reclined, which is great for when you’re propped up on your side, which helps relieve tension and neck discomfort.
It’s also one of the only memory foam bed pillows we’ve seen that has an adjustable, removable loft, which makes it easy to adjust the pillow to better suit your sleeping position.
With 75 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 on Amazon, this bed pillow stands out from the crowd. In various categories of performance, the Zoey Sleep Side Sleep Pillow was rated highly among customers due to its comfort, support, and adjustable loft.
Own experience with the product was positive, with customers praising it for its overall comfort and support of their neck and head.
We found that the adjustable loft makes it easier to find the best support for the individual, and the memory foam provides a comfortable sleep experience .
The Zoey Sleep side sleep pillow is an affordable ergonomic option that’s especially well-suited for those who suffer from neck pain or shoulder pain.
The pillow features a medium-firm memory foam fill that conforms to your neck and head, and it comes with an adjustable strap for securing the pillow to the bed.
The adjustable strap is especially useful for those with limited mobility, and the pillow is machine washable. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer a firmer pillow, or who sleep on their side.
Pros
- Ergonomically comfortable
- Ideal height for side sleepers
- Slim profile, not bulky
- Superb cooling properties
- Non-allergenic
Cons
- Noise when moving
- Not ideal for stomach sleepers
Best sleeping position for Chiari malformation:
The best sleeping position for Chiari malformation is on the back with the head and neck slightly elevated. This encourages the natural curvature of the spine, which helps to keep the cerebellar tonsils from herniating through the foramen magnum.
Additionally, some people with Chiari malformation find the side sleeping position to be comfortable, but with the neck kept in an elevated position.
Avoiding sleeping on the stomach is important, as this position can exacerbate headaches and other symptoms associated with Chiari malformation.
If possible, using a supportive pillow that keeps the neck and head elevated is recommended. Overall, finding a sleeping position that is comfortable and reduces symptoms is the best approach for those with Chiari malformation.
How To Choose the Best Pillow for Chiari Malformation?
The symptoms of Chiari Malformation (CM) are headaches, dizziness, nausea, depression, and ringing in the ears which are mainly caused due to the misalignment of the spinal bones.
Thus, patients with CM are advised to take appropriate measures to relieve their pain and prevent further complications. One of the recommended measures is the use of the best pillow for CM.
A pillow for Chiari Malformation should be gentle, firm, and thick enough to support the neck in proper upright alignment. Moreover, the best pillow for CM should be comfortable, and soft, and should not induce further inflammation in the muscles.
The pillow should be large enough so that your head doesn’t have to tilt forward in order to rest. A pillow that is too small, on the other hand, will force your head to tilt forward.
What should you avoid if you have Chiari malformation?
Some types of pillows can cause cervical compression if you have Chiari malformation. Avoid any pillow that places your head in a lower position than the rest of your body, which can lead to cervical compression.
While trying to choose a good pillow, you should be aware that there are other problems that can result from neck compression. People with Chiari malformation should remember that their condition is chronic, so they must avoid any type of pillow that causes cervical compression or worsens the misalignment of their spine.
People with Chiari malformation should also avoid any type of pillow that causes pain while using it.
What is the best pillow for Cervicogenic headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are caused when the head is in an unnatural position, such as being held down for too long in one position. The head can slouch forward while sleeping and cause the muscles in the neck to be strained. This can cause pain that radiates through the head.
In order to relieve neck or shoulder tension, it’s very important to sleep on a supportive pillow. The pillow should be firm enough to support the neck and the head. You should try to avoid soft or flat pillows.
A pillow that is too thick can also cause neck pain. The pillow should be comfortable, firm, and thick enough for reading or relaxing, but not so thick that it puts strain on the neck and shoulders.
What is a Cervical Pillow?
A cervical pillow is a pillow that supports the neck. This type of pillow is usually uniquely designed to support the neck using a curved side. The curved side is designed to support the neck correctly when sleeping.
These pillows are usually made from memory foam. Memory foam is made from a type of foam that helps to support each individual in the bed. The foam is shaped specifically to support the neck correctly.
These pillows can also be made from regular foam. This foam is designed to support the neck correctly. The foam is shaped specifically to support the neck correctly.
No matter what type of foam is used, the pillow is usually made with memory foam. Memory foam is designed to support each individual in the bed. The foam is shaped specifically to support the neck correctly.
Is Chiari Malformation genetic?
Chiari malformation is a condition where the brain has an abnormal downward displacement.
This means the cerebellum, which is the area of the brain that controls balance, is pushed down. This produces symptoms like headaches, neck pain, ringing in the ears, and numbness in the arms and hands.
Chiari malformation is genetic and runs in families. However, not everyone with the condition has a family member with the condition, so it can’t be completely ruled out.
Other medical conditions can cause Chiari malformation. These include spinal abnormalities, birth defects, and problems with the brain and spinal cord.
Treatment for Chiari malformation depends on the symptoms you have. You may be prescribed medications or physical therapy. In rare cases, you might need surgery.
What causes Chiari to flare up?
Chiari is the most mysterious condition of all and is unfortunately poorly understood. It is theorized that Chiari is caused by swelling of the cerebellum.
The cerebellum, which lies at the base of the skull, contains billions of small nerve fibers that communicate with the spinal cord and brain. With Chiari, it is thought that nerve fibers become compressed at the base of the skull and swelling occurs.
Although Chiari is not well understood, it is thought to be worsened by head trauma, such as a severe blow to the head or a collision with a vehicle or fixed object. The risk increases if someone has been hit in the head with a hard object more than once.
Other symptoms include:
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- decreased coordination
- loss of balance
- ringing in the ears
- irritability
- sleep disturbances
- breathing difficulties
Chiari malformation dos and don’ts:
If you have a Chiari malformation, sleep is important. In fact, sleep can be very important for your health. There are many things that you can do to improve your sleep if you have this condition, and there are also some things that you shouldn’t do.
Here are some things that you should keep in mind when it comes to sleeping with a Chiari malformation:
Don’t use pillows that push your head forward: These pillows can force your head forward, causing additional pressure in your neck. This can be a problem if you have this condition since it could cause swelling and other symptoms.
Don’t sleep on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your neck and worsen your symptoms.
DO’s use pillows that keep your head and neck in a neutral position: This can help to relieve some of the pressure in your neck.
Conclusion
At this point, you should be familiar with the primary factors you must consider when selecting a lumbar pillow or back support pillow.
However, it is also important to consider the pillow’s structural integrity. Make sure the pillow itself can handle the weight and stress of your spine.
The right pillow will provide proper support to your back, relieve pressure, and alleviate pain. It is particularly useful to use a pillow that has been clinically proven to also reduce snoring.
