My Ohropax odyssey: is a pillow with a hole the solution?
The relationship between earplugs and me is complicated – it’s a love, hate relationship. This is the first article in my new series on finding the most comfortable hearing protection for the night.
If I were a piece of technology, I’d be an early warning system. Whether it’s a new clock ticking in the display case in the next room or pipe renovation three streets away: I wake up at every sound. In the Stone Age, I’d have made an excellent guard. These days, it usually just makes me irritable or tired.
And it’s because I flinch at the tiniest of things that I wear earplugs at night. They’re not conventional foam ones – they don’t hold or dampen sounds enough – but custom-made ones from a hearing care professional. The problem is, they press on my ear and itch like hell. Sometimes my ears are inflamed from them.
Source: Darina Schweizer
Since I can’t live without the plugs, I’ve tried everything: various pillows and, to prevent inflammation, Vita-Merfen, Linola, aloe vera, almond oil, jojoba oil and even olive oil. To be honest, I’m surprised I can still hear anything at all with everything I put in my ear. But everything’s only ever semi–effective. That’s why I’m starting a series to find the optimal noise protection solution or an alternative.
A hole should fix it
The Sanapur Med Swiss+ pillow kicks things off. Why do I see potential in this? It has a small hole in the middle. At first glance, it looks like a cushion for haemorrhoid sufferers. In a similar manner, my ear could also «float» in the air and be relieved of pressure points from the earplug. Sounds good. But I’m still sceptical. As someone who sleeps on their front, pillows were always either too high or too soft for me. If I sleep without one, the mattress presses against me. Yes, I’m a tough case to crack.
That’s why I was over the moon when I unpacked the Sanapur pillow and found out that the height can be adjusted – thanks to three foam inserts. One is thicker and firmer, two are thinner and softer – these return to their original shape particularly quickly after lying on them. On the first night, I leave all the inserts in the washable pillowcase.
Source: Darina Schweizer
Finding the right height
That was a mistake. At least as a front sleeper, the pillow with all three inserts is too high. In the middle of the night, I end up unzipping the cover. Removing the insert is quite a fiddly job – especially when it doesn’t want to budge. You first have to pull the cover through the small hole in the pillow. I find myself doing it again a bit later on. The second thin insert also has to go. But now I’ve got the hang of changing the cover.
Source: Darina Schweizer
Source: Darina Schweizer
Finally! One thick insert provides the perfect height for me and my slightly sideways sleeping position with the pillow under my arm. It’s soft, but still supportive. The indentation at the height of the hole means the pillow doesn’t get in the way of my shoulder. At least, it works when I turn the pillow slightly to the right towards the raised shoulder. I can feel the effect immediately – the earplug no longer presses in the ear I’m sleeping on.
Talented in many ways
«That’s all well and good, but how many people sleep as strangely as I do?», I think to myself and decide to test the side position. I immediately realise that the thick insert is too low for this. So the two thin inserts go back in. All three inserts are ideal for lying on your side. It’s even a little more comfortable than the tummy position, as it puts less pressure on your face and your shoulder fits better into the indentation. Of course, lying on your back would also work – whoever does that?!
Source: Darina Schweizer
Slipping doesn’t help
The Sanapur pillow has just one small drawback for people with earplugs. If I move or turn during the night, my ear doesn’t stay exactly where the hole is. A pillow with a larger ear hole would probably give you more to play with. Or one like this that’s also suitable for piercings and headphones. Before my imagination takes over, I quickly discard the idea of converting a haemorrhoid cushion.
So I’ve now partially eliminated the pressure sensation caused by the earplugs. At least the pillow offers me noticeable relief when falling asleep. However, I still find that my ear itches and inflames. I’m already daydreaming about Bluetooth headbands. Or maybe I’m just allergic and hypoallergenic earplugs would help? Follow me if you don’t want to miss out on other ideas I come up with.
Do you have any tips for me? Which hearing protection do you sleep best with and what do you rest your head on? Let us know in the comments!
In a nutshell
Great for side sleepers, a must for those who wear ear protection
The Sanapur Med Swiss+ is a multifunctional and stable pillow that can be adjusted to different heights. It’s particularly suitable for side and back sleepers, but people who sleep on their stomach can also find a comfortable position with a small support under the arm. The hole in the pillow provides noticeable relief for earplug and piercing wearers, but could be slightly larger to keep the ear in place even during night-time movements. The removable cover requires a little skill and can be washed at up to 60 degrees Celcius.
Pro
- High quality
- Height adjustment
- Comfortable firmness
- Washable
- Good relief
Contra
- Slightly small hole for Ohropax earplug users
- Changing the cover a little awkward
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Darina Schweizer
Senior Editor
Darina.Schweizer@digitecgalaxus.chI like anything that has four legs or roots. The books I enjoy let me peer into the abyss of the human psyche. Unlike those wretched mountains that are forever blocking the view – especially of the sea. Lighthouses are a great place for getting some fresh air too, you know?
