What most of you are describing is a real ailment called Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis or "CNH". It's a dermatological problem and should be seen by a certificed dermatologist. I suffer from it too, but luckily I'm a nurse and knew how to dig up information. There are websites that talk about this specifically but you have to know what it's called to get good results. By the time I got to the dermatologist I had already figured out how to lessen the problem but wanted to make sure I was doing all the correct things. Basically when I finally got to see the doctor he told me I had already diagnosed myself and I didn't really need to see him. However, by the time I got to see him my ears were looking pristine compared to what they were before I figured it out and I wanted to make sure I was correct. He spent most of my appointment time asking me how I was coping and what specifically I was doing because he sees lots of patients at the VA and he wanted to see how I had been able to get some relief. Having said that, I've never completely gotten rid of it but here's how I handle it.
Basically it's a "pressure sore" on your external ear, mainly on the part called the "HELIX". You can Google that. So since we are dealing with a "PRESSURE" sore you need to address the pressure your ear is receiving from the weight of your head. I've tried so many ways to do this but the only one that actually allows me some relief is to get a piece of foam, lie down in bed, mark where your ear hits the foam and then cut that section out. Start small, then slowly continuing the process until your ear fits neatly into the hole. Do NOT put a pillow case on it because just the thin pillow case across the hole will cause pressure on the sore place. After you've perfected the height of the pillow by adding additional sheets of foam, if necessary, and cutting holes in them also, you have to figure out how to protect your newly designed pillow from face cream, body oil, or general stuff that gets on a pillow. I did this by getting an inexpensive pillow case, fitting it on the pillow, cutting a hole out of the pillow case exactly over the hole and then I stabilize the whole thing by using a needle and thread to stabilize all 4 corners so nothing will shift while your trying to sleep. You'll have to try, try, try until you find what works for you. And yes, you may have to switch pillows around during the night as you change positions.
Now let's address the wound or sore on your ear. This is where the dermatologist comes in. According to some of the sites, it may be more than simple pressure on your ear and needs to be addressed by someone who knows how to assess your particular sore. For good basic info I found a site to start with.
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I'm so glad to see that other people have ear pain from sleeping on it. It started when I was in my early 40's and this year, almost 10 years later, it actually scabbed and left a little scar at the top side of left ear.
Sounds like I ma have to get an ear hole device lol. At least I'm not crazy!
Just checked out cnh like the nurse said. It looks like she or he has it right. We have cnh. Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be a cure. There is a doctor who developed a pillow though. Google cnh pillow and it will come up. Basically foam with a hole in it. it has a nice hypo-allergenic cover though.