The Bottom Line
Pros
- Adjustable firmness makes it versatile and customizable for your needs.
- Provides good neck support whether water compartment is empty or full.
- Extremely comfortable.
- Fiber filling available for those allergic to feather pillows.
Cons
- Very heavy for a pillow.
- Makes a sloshing noise when moved vigorously.
- Plug in water compartment creates a hard spot on one side.
- Too large for standard pillowcases.
Description
- Fiber-filled pillow is fluffy and soft when the water compartment, along the back, is empty.
- Firms up as water is added and can be adjusted to your preferred firmness.
- Looks like a standard white pillow except for the plug in the back.
- Filling instructions can be overwhelming at first, but once you get started it's not difficult.
- Too large for standard pillow cases. Special ones are available (see the "Compare Prices" link). King-sized cases also fit.
- Fiber or feather versions available.
Guide Review - Mediflow Waterbase Pillow
Before trying the Mediflow Waterbase pillow, I switched between a memory foam contour-type pillow and a standard pillow, depending on my back and neck pain. I also used a body pillow.
After trying the Mediflow, my other pillows didn't feel comfortable anymore. I also found that I didn't need the body pillow.
My neck and shoulders feel somewhat better than they used to, but I've really been shocked by the improvement in my lower back, where I have several chronic problems. I often feel less stiff in the morning than I did when I went to bed, which is a small miracle for anyone with fibromyalgia.
Sometimes a very firm pillow puts too much pressure on my neck and jaw, where I have a lot of pain. The Mediflow is padded enough that even when it's fairly firm it doesn't get hard to the point of causing pain.
I'm also on a CPAP for sleep apnea, and once I boosted the pillow's firmness a little, it didn't interfere with the mask. As long as I sleep near the edge of the pillow (which is still plenty thick and firm), I don't have any problems using this pillow with CPAP.
The cons listed above are things to consider, but for me they didn't pose any real problems. The weight does take some getting used to, but I don't "lose" the pillow on nights when I toss and turn. The plug could be an issue for someone who flips a pillow frequently because of night sweats, but that could be offset by the fact that the water compartment stays cool.
With fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, TMJ, sleep apnea and insomnia, I'm a tough sell when it comes to a pillow, but I have to say I love this one.
More Information & Places to Buy
