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Finding the right sleeping position and the right bedding can make a world of difference if you have a punctured eardrum. A ruptured or punctured eardrum is a small hole in the thin membrane separating your ear canal from your eardrum. Unfortunately, a ruptured eardrum leaves your ear vulnerable to infections, so you have to be extra careful when you lay your head down at night. But you might ask: What side should I sleep on with a ruptured eardrum? And which mattress and pillow combination works best? We have advice for the best sleeping positions and what kinds of mattresses will help you get a full night of restorative sleep.
Sleeping With a Punctured Eardrum
If you're sleeping with a punctured eardrum, don't put any pressure on your injured ear. For one, sleep on the unaffected side or sleep on your back as this will prevent any fluid that discharges from your ear from pooling. Remember that gravity will help with drainage and can keep the ear canal clear.
You may also want to browse our memory foam pillows. When you have a punctured eardrum, keeping your head slightly elevated is important as it helps prevent fluid buildup and swelling. A slight elevation also helps improve the circulation in your ear, reducing congestion. A memory foam pillow gives you the solid, dense lift you'll need.
If you'd like a little more elevation, consider one of our adjustable beds. An adjustable bed allows you to raise your head slightly while you sleep, preventing swelling and fluid buildup. It can also help promote healing. In addition, try to keep your pillow area dry while you sleep. A moisture-wicking pillow case can help wick away sweat or discharge that accumulates on your pillow, preventing bacteria from building up. If you experience any pain, discharge or dizziness when you sleep, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may have tailored recommendations to help improve how you sleep.
Plush Versus Firm Mattress: Does It Matter?
Whether you choose a plush vs. firm mattress isn't important. What's more important is your comfort and keeping pressure off the affected area. If you think you're going to sink into your mattress while lying on your back, you may want to prioritize a firm mattress over a plush one. On the other hand, if you're a side sleeper, plush vs. firm shouldn't make a huge difference.
Plush vs. firm mattresses are important if you're thinking about comfort, though. Plush mattresses offer a soft surface, and their extra cushioning can help if you have pain in your hips. However, plush mattresses may lack the support you need to keep your spine aligned. Firm mattresses offer great support, especially for back sleepers. If you're a side sleeper, though, the firm surface may put too much pressure on your hips.
The Best Kinds of Mattresses for Those With Punctured Eardrums
While a high-quality mattress may not directly affect your punctured eardrum, it will help you get a good night's sleep. The main feature you should focus on is a mattress that allows for good airflow. When you have a punctured eardrum, you may end up restless. A moisture-wicking mattress — memory foam or latex — can help prevent moisture buildup. This feature can help regulate your body's temperature.
Whether you select a king, queen or twin bed mattress size, choose a memory foam, latex or latex hybrid mattress. Besides providing optimal comfort, they are hypoallergenic, too. You should prevent allergens, like dust mites or mold spores, from entering your eardrum. When you invest in a hypoallergenic mattress from City Mattress, you're protecting not only your ear but the air around your ear as well.
The Safest Way to Heal
If you have a ruptured eardrum, prioritizing how you sleep and what bedding you sleep on will significantly speed up your healing process. By creating the perfect sleep environment, you'll also get the restorative sleep your body needs to recover.