Side-sleepers who enjoy listening to audio while drifting off have long been targeted by tech companies selling specialized sleepbuds. Devices like Anker's Soundcore Sleep A30 and Ozlo's sleepbuds promise a comfortable, flush-fit design that won't press into the ear during side sleeping. However, these miniature marvels come with a hefty price tag—often over $200—and rely on tiny batteries, Bluetooth connectivity, and proprietary software that may become obsolete within a few years. But there is a simpler, cheaper alternative that has been hiding in plain sight: the piercing pillow.

What is a piercing pillow?

Piercing pillows, also known as ear pillows or travel pillows for piercings, are designed with cutouts that suspend the ear while sleeping. Originally created for people with fresh ear piercings to avoid pressure and pain, these pillows allow the ear to rest in a hole, preventing irritation and discomfort. The concept is straightforward: instead of compressing the ear against a flat surface, the ear sits comfortably in a void. This design not only benefits pierced ears but also works remarkably well for anyone who wears earbuds to bed.

Why a piercing pillow beats sleepbuds

Sleepbuds are complex devices. They require charging, pairing, and firmware updates. Their small size means limited battery life—typically 6 to 10 hours—and their drivers are tiny, impacting sound quality. Moreover, side-sleepers often have to adjust their pillows just so to avoid muffling the audio or causing pressure points. In contrast, a piercing pillow is a passive, mechanical solution. It never runs out of battery, never loses connection, and does not need replacement after a few years. It simply provides a cushioned cutout for your ear, allowing you to use whatever earbuds you already own—AirPods, Galaxy Buds, Pixel Buds, or any other standard model.

The author of the original article, Thomas Ricker, a deputy editor and Verge co-founder, tested the Blissbury Ear Pillow ($55) and found it to be a superior alternative for his side-sleeping habits. He notes that sleepbuds often cost four times as much and are inherently limited by their miniature hardware. With a piercing pillow, you get the same comfort without the electronic overhead.

Design and features of the Blissbury Ear Pillow

Blissbury's Ear Pillow is a memory foam pillow measuring 26 inches long and 15 inches wide—slightly narrower than a standard US pillow. It features two ear cutouts positioned just below the centerline, so they align naturally with the ears when the pillow is placed against the shoulder. This makes it easy to find the holes during nighttime tossing and turning.

The pillow's thickness is adjustable between 4 and 5 inches using a removable 1-inch foam insert. The outer cover zips off for washing, and the pillow comes with foam fillers for the cutouts in case it is ever repurposed for guests. The memory foam is firm but not as hard as the IKEA Klubbsporre pillow the author previously used. However, the adjustable thickness allows users to fine-tune the loft to their preference.

The author tested two common side-sleeping positions: the "authoritarian cuddle" (with one arm under the pillow and the other hugging the opposite side) and the "unsprung fetal position." Both worked well with the Blissbury pillow, which provided consistent support and ear relief.

How does it compare to sleepbuds?

Ricker had been using Anker's A30 sleepbuds for nearly a year. Initially plagued by connectivity and software issues, the buds improved with firmware updates but still suffered from the inherent constraints of small batteries and drivers. He found that the Blissbury pillow allowed him to use his superior AirPods Pro for bedtime listening, offering better sound quality and no nightly charging hassle.

However, sleepbuds still have one advantage: active noise masking for snoring partners. The Soundcore Sleep A30's masking algorithms effectively cancel light to moderate snoring, which a pillow cannot do. But for those whose partners do not snore—or who prefer to sleep in silence—the piercing pillow is a clear winner.

The broader context: simplicity over tech

The makers of consumer electronics would love for us to believe that only they can smooth out the friction of modern life. Yet often the best solutions are the simplest. A piece of foam with a hole in the right place can outperform a $200 gadget that needs to be charged, updated, and replaced. This principle extends beyond sleep: from e-readers to headphones, sometimes the most effective tools are analog.

The piercing pillow is not a new invention—it has been used by people with ear piercings for decades. But its crossover utility for earbud users is a reminder that we should not overlook traditional solutions in our rush to buy the latest tech. Whether you are a side-sleeper with AirPods or someone recovering from a fresh cartilage piercing, this pillow might be the best investment you make.

All images in the original article were taken by Thomas Ricker, who also authored the piece. The Verge is a technology news outlet known for its consumer electronics coverage. This article originally appeared on July 25, 2026.

For side-sleepers who want to listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or white noise without disturbing their partner, the piercing pillow offers a lo-fi solution that is hard to beat. No charging, no pairing, no obsolescence—just a comfortable place to rest your ear while using the earbuds you already own. And at a fraction of the cost of sleepbuds, it may be the smarter buy.

Source: The Verge News