Pillows for Hypermobility | Hypermobility & EDS Exercises with Jeannie Di Bon

[@annabellbellaison5785]

So glad it’s not just me that has a variety of pillows to rotate! 👍🏻 one of the best I have found is a mediflow water pillow, you can adjust height/support by adding or removing water from it. I also have an adjustable memory foam pillow, the foam is in cubes in an inner, so you can add/remove filling from it, and it’s softer than the solid ones.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

They sound interesting.

[@jenniferdavis6479]

Just slept my first night with my buckwheat pillow (from comfy comfy in Canada). I felt much more supported and am shocked at the difference in my neck/ribs/clavicle/shoulders. The fact that this doesn’t heat up and lose height throughout the night is a big game changer. I even Received an additional 1lb of hulls that I made a little lumbar roll to lay on! A definite asset to my pillow army ! Thanks Jeannie

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Excellent! Glad it helped.

[@marlennyanziani9327]

Very cool can you share which brand on Amazon Amazon you bought your buckwheat from that also included the additional pound of hulls?

[@jenniferdavis6479]

@@marlennyanziani9327 the brand is comfy comfy. I’ve had mine for 3-4 yrs now and it’s still in perfect condition. Just make sure to use a good pillow protector! I am in Canada so hopefully you have access to the brand, although I’m sure others are just as good. It’s definitely an investment but you don’t need to worry about replacing a pillow every few years or the dreaded lack of support when your pillow gets hot.

[@annikezee]

Thank you for sharing that sleeping wasn't a problem before. Recently I've been really struggling with a sore neck and I found this very helpful and encouraging.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Glad it helped!

[@FIcantchoose]

Rolling up a towel or a throw blanket to use as a pillow's also a great option, since the rolling can be adjusted whenever

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Great idea

[@alexandragallen6943]

Thank you so much for this! It helps a lot to know that it’s not just me struggling with pillows … 😅 At the moment a water pillow seems to be a quite satisfying solution. I appreciate that it can (relatively) easily be adjusted to my changing needs.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

That’s sounds interesting

[@helenat2446]

I have found my people! Everything you said and did up to the buckwheat pillow is something I’ve said and done! Time to add a buckwheat one to my pillow library.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

👍👍👍

[@malinichandra6953]

That’s how I feel too!!

[@honeyfungus90]

I use a modified pillowcase on a V pillow. I sewed a triangle shaped piece of fabric in between the arms, to bring them closer together. Its about 30 cm at the widest part. The arms then stay in place all night so there's something to lean on behind and in front. And the pillow doesn't slip upwards either as you are lying on the extra fabric which keeps it in place. It's cosy :)

[@ruthwolf1958]

I know this is several years old (would love to see an updated one on this? One that covers pregnancy pillows and possibly how to sleep if you need to elevate/tilt yourself?) For me personally, the pregnancy pillows are the best but you still have to hack them a bit. The J shape ones work best for my situation (but the C and U shapes aren't bad either) because you can sleep side or back and still have support between or under the knees. The key for me has been adjusting the filling. I either shove the cotton/poly fiber fill down into the "legs" and replace the top head/neck area with shredded memory foam or latex (prefer latex for allergy reasons and coolness) or replace the head/neck area (inside the pillow, take the top filling out or shove it down) with a shaped memory foam/latex pillow (usually one of the ones that gives you both neck support and a "shelf" for your shoulder to go under, as I have wide shoulders and a long neck, the one I use is for side and back sleepers.) This lets me support everything through moving positions. The Fibro Guy has a great video on examining how to choose your sleeping position that helped me find this solution.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Oh yes, I recorded this years ago. You’ll want to check out my recent blog which looks at all the research into pillows and sleeping. jeanniedibon.com/if-you-have-hypermobility-pillow-struggle-is-a-real-thing/

[@ruthwolf1958]

@@JeannieDiBonHypermobility I'm so impressed you even saw this comment! Thank you for the link to your blog. I hadn't gotten to that part yet, being a very visual learner & this being a very new diagnosis for me, I'd been focusing on videos. But I will check it out now. You and your community seem to be one of the best and I'm actually looking forward to the exploratory journey. I'm on a wait list to start getting in person assistance with management, but that's months away still & work like yours is priceless for building an education in the meantime. :)

[@NaderSl]

I have struggled a lot with pillows, I have a military posture neck and cranial cervical instability, I finally found the best pillow today after trying many different at shops, it is a Latex pillow. it is a little bouncy with a good pushback force, it was the perfect balance for me. every other pillow out there is causing an over laxation in one form or the other.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Sounds interesting.

[@alysethomas486]

I have the same problem! Could you name what the pillow name?

[@runawayfaeIX]

My mom had a buckwheat travel pillow when I was a kid and I loved that thing so much! It was a full sensory experience, in addition to the comfort.

[@meganb4432]

I love my latex pillow, which I modified by taking it out of its cover & pulling it apart into tiny pieces & putting most of them back in the cover. Toxin free, biodegradable & moldable like the buckwheat...but quiet & soft! Also I can add or remove bits as my need changes, as the cover already had a zip. I've done 2 now; the second I used a zippered pillow protector as a case. I've been meaning to get a body pillow for arm support & to cushion knees & ankles.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

That sounds good 👍

[@lindaashford7187]

Wow, someone else with a selection - I have 10 different pillows/types in my room right now - I alternate as I just can’t find THE pillow for comfort and sleep. Definitely going look for a buckwheat one to try

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

I love mine. Hope you like it too 👍

[@Thewhitedragon181]

All of these things speak to me, I too have many pillows. I keep several around to support different parts of my body as I sleep. Haha The one I have enjoyed is a microbead pillow, for me specifically the Sobakawa Cloud pillow. It is like a buckwheat pillow so you can mold it to your head but it is lighter

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

That sounds a good option

[@gamewrit0058]

Thank you for this video! This year I bought a new Therapedic Landmark mattress and absolutely love it! (With a minimalist steel platform instead of a boxspring to save a few hundred dollars.) My mom and sister tried it out, said it felt too firm, but then immediately fell asleep and slept well without discomfort. I haven't tried the buckwheat or orthopedic v-shaped pillow, and now I want to try both! I'm a side sleeper and keep four or five pillows on my bed: -One medium-firm but not too fluffy for between my knees and ankles (needs replacing) -Two medium-firm that I switch between under my neck or hugged in my arms to keep my shoulders from pinching down. They vary in how well they're able to squish into a supportive position along my neck. -A small, firm rectangular throw pillow that I've put a pillow case on and sometimes is perfect for side sleeping neck support -And sometimes an old but still firm and fluffy throw pillow from an old couch, which I tend to use as a lap pillow when I sit up, but occasionally works as a hug pillow or to rest my head sideways on for a few minutes to gently open up my shoulder. I've never found a memory foam pillow that looks comfortable enough for me to try, and feather pillows are too floppy, plus the stems tend to poke out and poke me.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Hope you like the buckwheat. You have a great system 🙌

[@thechillykitty]

Thank you for this, I’m on the hunt for a new pillow as most of my reoccurring issues happen in my sleep, and I’m so over it. The lack of sleep makes everything more painful anyway, so it’s not a nice cycle to be in! The buckwheat sounds lovely, off to see if I can find one in Western Australia 🤞

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Hope you find one 😀

[@ragdollerae]

Totally Agree… I have a variety of pillows 😂 I finally bought a buckwheat pillow and had my first night’s sleep with it last night…. Needless to say I’m a convert! I’ve had the least painful sleep in a long long time! Will be recommending these to many friends 👍👍 if you’re thinking about it, go and do it! Your 🦓 body will thank you for it!

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

So glad you love the buckwheat. It’s a game changer.

[@readingwithreeses1274]

I've had a buckwheat pillow for a few years now after a lengthy search of pillow after pillow and I also really love it. Once you get it customized to the correct volume it is amazing! I'll never go back to a soft pillow now.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

👍

[@angelamatthews8190]

I currently sleep with a combination of 7 different pillows! (all at the same time!) I really like firm pillows. may have to try a buckwheat one!

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Yes give it a go. I’ve found it awesome.

[@NatashaLeeDivine]

Thank you for this, going to give a buckwheat pillow a go for me and my son (both zebras) to try and stop the neck pain.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Hope it helps 😀

[@caitlin8349]

I have had huge issues with pillows ever since my ME/CFS onset 17 years ago. I’m going to try a buckwheat pillow

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Hope you like it

[@mlapointej]

With a shredded memory foam pillow you can also shape it as needed

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

👍

[@annakerr8533]

I like the v shaped pillow. I also like the Tempur Ombracio pillow for neck support.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

That sounds good.

[@coraleigh9661]

I like a shredded latex pillow. I can shape it, add or reduce the filling

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Nice 👍

[@fionac2598]

With the contoured pillow the idea is to shift to the higher edge when side sleeping. ..i love mine good for neck and shoulders.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

👍

[@neekr3052]

I absolutely love my buckwheat hull pillow, I've used it for 2 years now and I can't go back to 'normal' pillows. I originally tried it out because it was a natural material (as is my mattress) and I could play with the height and firmness. I thought the sound would bother me but it's really not that bad and was very quick to get used to. I also use a small skinny rectangular bolster pillow that I press up tight between my boobs whilst on my side. It helps stop the shoulder from collapsing inward. I cannot sleep comfortably without it

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Me too ☺️

[@aspiemummy]

The V pillow is perfect for me. I can rest my upper arm on the pillow so that my shoulder doesn't fall into my neck and throat. I can also put my lower arm underneath the pillow so that shoulder doesn't fold under my head. I also rotate pillows because what works one night might not work the next. My second favourite is a feather pillow which is malleable enough for me to shape as needed.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Sounds perfect 👍

[@K_F_fox]

I purchased a Sobakawa in the late 20th century and have been using buckwheat pillows ever since.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

👍 they are 🤩

[@ZebraJenn]

I'll have to look into it. Balance the neck, shoulder and hips when sleeping is always a struggle.

[@SylvieZ]

same. got it at bed bath and beyond in Akron OH lol

[@SylvieZ]

I've been using a buckwheat pillow since the late 90s. It's the absolute best imho

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Awesome! I’m new to the buckwheat club 🥳

[@parsleypud]

I use a lovely M &S pillow that is hybrid . It has soft but firm foam roll with a normal pillow so combination of support and softness. I think they have just changed it so it’s more supportive but haven’t had chance to check it out in store since shops reopened. I’m not hyper mobile but am a Physio that Jeannie knows well and have always struggled with pillows . I like the shape of memory foam for support but the are often too firm . You can see my pillow on my short video on my Esher Physio KZbin page. So interesting reading people’s comments. I just not sure I could cope with the noise of the buckwheat?!

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Thank you Suzi. You get used to the noise. 😃

[@marnie9063]

I've slept with a knee pillow since I developed sacroiliitis in my very early twenties, can't recommend it enough for back, knee or hip pain! I'll definitely have to try the buckwheat pillow, I was eyeing up the memory foam one but think I might try the buckwheat instead!

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

I love my buckwheat pillow

[@jessicalabella6601]

Hi Jeannie, i came across your channel b/c i'm 38 and just now recognizing some different symptoms that seem to point to either EDS or marfan & i've been very worried about it. your channel gives me hope. I made a cardiologist appt & have upcoming tests & am also scheduling a rheumatologist appointment. been on beta blockers for years, dr's can hardly ever find a good vein for bloodwork/iv's, have had unstable ankles for a long time & wondering this has been the problem all along. i have always been made fun of for my arm length & flexibility & now people are starting to feel bad for making fun of me lol.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Thank you. So glad to provide info that’s useful.

[@sea_hous]

Ty! Bought one.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Hope you like it

[@ZebraJenn]

I need pillows I can mold around for my current and ever changing needs. I have all sorts of soft and firm pillows and body pillows that help keep other parts of my body stable. Lately I've been trying to figure out a comfortable way to keep my ankle from falling out during sleep. I've found compression sleeves to be pretty comfortable and SB SOX brand has been most comfortable graduated compression socks, and compression braces that stay put, but for bedtime, I am not sure about wearing compression sleeves or socks. There's KT tape if I can get it on properly. Hubby just got a TON of KT tape on clearance. Precut 10 inch strips for 4 or 7 dollars US a roll when normally about $20. Fantastic! I don't care that they're electric blue. 😁

[@priscillaanderson1088]

Maybe this (or one like it) would help with stopping your ankle falling out?

[@ZebraJenn]

Maybe, if I don't flop around in my sleep. I'm always shifting. KT tape is helping the most right now to keep ankles in place enough during sleep. We're an interesting bunch of people. 😁

[@ClementineShmementine]

Omg- i switch between bed and couch. Hot hot showers a d heating pads are my fav.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Yes lots of tools needed.

[@priscillaanderson1088]

Thanks Jeannie! This was really helpful to me! Great to know I'm not the only one who has to have several pillows of different kinds, and positioned just so!! Lol. You I used to have a buckwheat pillow, and I loved it! Thanks for reminding me of it; I think I'm going to get another!

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Great 👍

[@EB64915]

I have a lot of these 😢 been dealing with pain at least last 3 years, now finally looking to see if there’s something else, like hEDS

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

🙏🏻

[@HouseKatArmy]

I have so many pillows...I actually do like the foam ones, she was laying on it turned backwards...it might have been more comfortable turned the other direction. I recently got a Dosaze pillow that I really like a lot, its softer memory foam, and not quite as sculpted as some of the others. I love my buckwheat pillow BUT my ear cartilage starts to hurt after about an hour laying on it (side sleeper).

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Thank you - sounds great

[@jacindagiesbrecht8317]

I have issues with pillows causing significant ear pain. I need to keep my hand placed around my ear to protect it from compressing into the pillow. Anyone else experience this?

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Yes me too on occasion.

[@ericarichardson2983]

Anyone else experience a sense of falling with soft/foam pillows. I find myself tensing my muscles more when I use those. Right now I have a flat pillow that’s I ❤

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Glad you found something that works for you.

[@lucyw6436]

I have a neck support pillow, one with the square dip in the middle for back sleeping. Before my recent illness I'd sleep on my back, head in the dip, with 2 mini pillows either side to stop me from rotating my neck in my sleep. Also had 4 pillows under my knees and lower legs to support my hips. Now having to sleep on my right side only due to bursitis in left hip and pain from my now freshly operated on anal fissure. May treat myself to this pillow, its so tiring just trying to get some sleep. Thank u Jenny.

[@missMediaChick]

I feel like I'm on an endless search for the right pillow. It's so frustrating. I might give a buckwheat pillow a try. Honestly, what I keep looking at are those pregnancy pillows that are U shaped and hug your body. Maybe I could fill one with buckwheat...😂

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

That would be a great idea to try 😀

[@marie-francelevac5712]

I have tried a buckwheat pillow a few years from now. Didn’t liked it. My neck was ok at the time, but my “cuir chevelu” was hurting...

[@malinichandra6953]

Cervical pillow is really good

[@slowdeath7463]

Do you sleep on your back?

[@Mel-oe3dw]

Are you a side sleeper?

[@emmarockswoo]

Thanks for this! Do you think someone with sensory issues could handle the sound of a buckwheat pillow? Does it make small sounds even when you're still?

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

It is quite noisy when you move. Not really when still. I need total silence when I sleep and it doesn’t annoy me.

[@steengymnast]

Hi Jeannie! Thank you so much for your helpful content. I was just diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder but I am in the process of determining if I have EDS with my healthcare providers. I am definitely interested in the buckwheat pillow for my neck pain. I have also seen that a lot of people with back pain have found relief in floor sleeping/embracing a firm and thin Japanese shikibuton system, but I can't determine if this would be good for hypermobile people or people with EDS. Do you have any thoughts of futons/shikibutons? What qualities do you look for in a mattress?

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Thank you - glad it’s useful. I’ve not heard of those I’m afraid. The Zebra Club has discussions about sleep and mattresses.

[@steengymnast]

@@JeannieDiBonHypermobility Thanks for the tip, Jeannie. I’ll be sure to check that out!

[@noa1bo]

which brand is the buckwheat pillow you have? there are so many options online and I'm confused. thank you so much!!

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

I got mine from Amazon and it was a pre filled one. Some come without filling inside.

[@hazeljoy9319]

I have just come across this video and would like to try a buckwheat pillow and an orthopedic v pillow. Can anyone recommend a particular brand for both please, as there are lots on line to choose from and I don't no where to start. Thanks. I wake up every morning with dreadful neckache, headaches, and I often also have migraines. My neck is very hypermobile and I also have calcific tendonitus in my shoulder, so I don't sleep comfortably at all. I also have osteoarthritis in my lower spine and a very loose S I joint, so I think the v pillow would also really help with that. My current pillow selections are no longer working for me having tried various options before. Memory foam ones don't work for me at all. Thanks for anyone's input.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Glad the video is helpful. I use my buckwheat still - it’s really helped with my neck pain upon waking. Can’t remember brand but get one ready filled.

[@hazeljoy9319]

@@JeannieDiBonHypermobility Thanks.

[@alik767]

Any opinions on the "water pillow" that has a water pouch inside? Thanks!

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

I’ve not used one. Sounds interesting.

[@jus-tinkin]

Do you recommend a bed or type of bed for hyper mobile people?

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

There are many choices - I know there have been discussions on The Zebra Club about beds and people giving their opinions on the best beds.

[@laurenann8859]

Memory foam does not work for me in part because the temperature in my house fluctuates. I prefer that my bedroom is cold so in the winter the pillow is rock hard when I come to bed. I don't have AC so in the summer time the pillow melts and offers zero support. I spent a fortune on the darn thing and then donated it to my Reuse center. Might work better if my house had climate control and I liked a warm bedroom.

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Oh no. I prefer my buckwheat pillow.

[@wendyfilice7101]

Do you have a link or brand of the buckwheat pillow?

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

I got mine from Amazon. There are a few. I got one that came ready filled. Some are separate case and buckwheat.

[@wendyfilice7101]

@@JeannieDiBonHypermobility do you think one brand is better? Or they are all the same? I was looking before and some have zippers, some are smaller then standard size. TIA 😊

[@bee1411]

Y’all, pregnancy pillows are a godsend. XD

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Yes those too

[@ashruz_3095]

At 2:48 you have it upside down, don’t you?

[@JeannieDiBonHypermobility]

Oh really? I’ll look again 🥺

[@ashruz_3095]

@@JeannieDiBonHypermobility I could be wrong! Just seemed upside down to me. I thought your arm was supposed to wrap around it when on your side.