Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Material things that help...?

I've read and have seen here you can buy Chiari pillows but have yet to find an actual photo of what they look like.  Do they help?  Do they make sleep more comfortable even if you've not had surgery?  What are some of the other every day items/things/routines that have helped any of you in coping with the everyday lifestyle of Chiari whether you've had surgery or not?
8 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
You could also try a pregnancy pillow.  It's much less expensive and helps me when I'm having a lot of pain. I don't use it every night because it's like having a third person in bed with us. It's really comfortable if you prefer to sleep on your side but still need back support. I ordered mine at walmart.com for about $30 or $40 while I was pregnant last year.
Helpful - 0
1306714 tn?1327257080
I am sitting here just laughing my head into a headache. LOL!!!!!  Your talking of what position to lay in, what angle our bed should be in.  I know I'm hitting 50 now. LOL.   Selma suggest laying on your left side.  I can't because I have  bursitis in my hip.  Can't lay on my right or on my back beause it causes pain in my head.  It's not funny but yet it is.  Heck.  Having Chairi is one issue,  but this aging thing's stinks!!.  I do have a confortable pillow though and it does help to get some rest.  Thank's for the giggle even though it was meant to be one.  
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

   U should deff have ur bed elevated...u can't get something under the frame?

The wedge is not always the best  as u can slide down and the angle is not correct.....but it would be better then lying flat with LPR.

    "selma'"
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I used to have my bed elevated.  But I eventually got a better set because of my back pain issues and it's hard to prop it up.  I did get a wedge to put under the mattress but this mattress is super heavy so I didn't even try it.  I should do that though.  Doesn't hurt to try.  I have LPR (reflux) too and that was why I was originally propping it up.
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Seems we r all wired the same yet a bit different...lol....

  The side is always best for me as well even b4 the Dr told me...it is also good to sleep on the left side for digestive issues too.....

   Is the head of ur bed elevated at all...I find I am more comfortable elevated...like the hospital beds the way they can prop u up....not only is it good for those with acid reflux, but great for us with head pressure too.

      "selma"
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ok thanks.  I actually sorta already sleep that way which is good then.  I sleep only on my sides and have pillows on all sides for between my legs and behind my back.  Over the years, I found that the most comfortable.  The only odd thing I find is that with my sleep apnea, I have it on my sides and didn't on my back.  Usually it's the complete opposite.  I'm most comfortable on my left side (because laying on my right makes me feel like my bladder is super full) and yet on my left side, I have more breathing issues.  Who knows.  Geesh....it's always something eh?
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Here is a link to more threads on this topic-

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/search/257?query=pillows
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi...we have links to the pillows web site in the Health Pages-
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological-Disorders/Links/show/538?cid=186

The chiari pillow can be costly and not everyone likes it...if u r like me u may be better to go to the local store and select a few types of pillows and see which fits u best......

  I found sleeping on my side, (per my drs neway) and using either a rolled up blanket or a body pillow behind me so I do not roll...u would also need a small pillow btwn the knees to keep ur spine aligned.

  Listen to ur body- rest when u need to and avoid what triggers symptoms ....do not push urself to get things done....

"selma"
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Chiari Malformation Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
987762 tn?1671273328
Australia
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease