If you have hypermobility, pillow struggle is a real thing

Pillow struggle is a thing. Is there the perfect pillow to hypermobile necks that will help prevent neck and shoulder pain? This is the number one non-movement related question I get emails and questions about.

hypermobility

by Jeannie Di Bon, June 14th, 2021

If you have hypermobility, pillow struggle is a real thing

Personally, I’ve tried so many different pillows. I have soft pillows, moulded shaped pillows, orthopaedic v-shape pillows and my latest is a buckwheat pillow. I think I’ve found a winner!

I’m not selling or endorsing buckwheat pillows, but I thought this might be useful info to share. A fellow zebra and client of mine was given a tip from another zebra about buckwheat pillows. I’d never heard of them but decided to give it a go. I’m a couple of months in and have zero morning neck pain.

I realised the difference. The buckwheat is more solid and yet adaptable, it moulds to your head creating a 360-degree support. It allows the release of neck muscles into this support and the weight of the head to relax. I know understand that even at sleep, I was guarding my very mobile neck and not allowing the muscles to relax. When I woke every morning, my neck would feel understandably stiff and uncomfortable. This pillow seems to have helped with this .

I’d love to hear your pillow struggles. Is it a thing for you too? What’s your best pillow advice?

If you’d like to watch my short video – here’s the link

11 Comments

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traci dean - 13th June 2023

I have a Mediflow water pillow that has been the best pillow for me for the last two years. I would go through pillows every other month trying to find one but my dr recommended this (I found it at a chiropractor office though). I love it. Would be interested in adding a buckwheat one to travel with though cuz my water pillow is HEAVY lol

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    Jeannie Di Bon - 20th June 2023

    Hope you like the buckwheat pillow.

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Anonymous - 12th May 2023

I use an expensive foam pillow for my head which I cut a hole in the middle of with a knife, so my ear doesn’t get so painful when I lie on it. Without this hole I would have excruciating pain in the outer cartliege of my ear every night. Why? I have no idea. Just part of my inexplicable body weirdness. At the same time I use a V pillow to support my hips and legs but I also have to have two Squish mallows to support my chest (so I don’t roll forwards and to hold up my arm so my shoulder doesn’t hurt) and another for my foot so my ankle isn’t flopping downwards off the V pillow. I am not diagnosed with hEDS and probably never will be because NHS. But this massive palaver with pillows and support and pain every night due to my joints feeling like they’re slipping out of place and straining to stay together convinces me (amongst other things) I have it.

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    Jeannie Di Bon - 17th May 2023

    Thank you for sharing your experience. Yes pillows are an essential part of the toolkit.

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Enjolique Zimmerman - 30th July 2022

Do you recommend the full size buckwheat pillow or the neck roll?

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    Jeannie Di Bon - 4th August 2022

    A full size pillow is the one I use.

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Robin Porter - 22nd December 2021

Something I found on migraine boards was a water pillow. I’d never heard of it. I bought one and I love it! It’s memory foam on top of a bladder that you can custom fill. It gives me the support I need as a side sleeper. Highly recommended! The one I have is made by Mediflow. I got it on Amazon.

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Lisa - 14th September 2021

I have been struggling with pillows too and it’s so difficult for me to find one that is comfortable. I have been thinking about trying a buckwheat pillow but of course, I never know which one to try. Thanks for posting this!

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Lisa - 14th September 2021

I have been struggling with pillows too and it’s so difficult for me to find one that is comfortable for me. I have been thinking about trying a buckwheat pillow but of course, I never know which one to try. Thanks for posting this!

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Aimee Jacobs-paton - 6th September 2021

Thank you for posting about pillow!! It’s something I always struggle with. I have quite a collection at home 😂
I have been considering a buckwheat pillow amd I know you don’t endorse it, but is there a brand you would recommend as I have seen a lot and I don’t know which one to buy?

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    Jeannie Di Bon - 8th September 2021

    Thank you for your reply. I got my pillow from Amazon. I was going to share the link but it’s not available anymore. I know people have tried various brands. I would go for one that is sealed rather than a zip as I hear the buckwheat can come out.