It's generally better to sleep on the side opposite your clogged ear, with your head elevated, to use gravity for drainage and reduce pressure, but if it's due to water, lying on the clogged side on a towel might help it drain out. Sleeping on the clogged side can increase pressure and congestion, but for water, gravity helps it exit. Always try to keep the affected ear facing upward or elevated to promote healing and comfort.
If you sleep on your side, make sure to sleep on the side of your uninfected ear. This will allow your infected ear to stay elevated and drain and heal, rather than trapping it against your pillow under the weight of your head. Airflow on your ear can help it stay dry, allowing faster healing.
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut.
For kid's ear pain relief, use child-safe paracetamol or ibuprofen, apply a warm compress, help them stay upright (especially when sleeping) to ease pressure, and ensure they drink water, but always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and prescribed drops, avoiding anything in the ear (like oil or cotton) unless advised. Avoid aspirin for kids and cotton swabs in the ear canal.
The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:
Did you know that rest and sleep strengthens your immune system and helps your body fight off infections? However, it's best not to sleep on your infected ear. So, sleep on your back with a few extra pillows tucked under your head – or on your other side with your head elevated so the infection can drain.
Babies with ear infections often cry more than usual, especially when lying down. The pressure in the ear can cause discomfort, and lying flat may worsen the pain. If your baby seems unusually fussy and inconsolable, an ear infection could be the cause.
To relieve ear pain or discomfort, you can take steps to open the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure, such as:
Clinicians have observed that people who sleep predominantly on one side may find that ear clogging or discomfort often worsens on that side. For instance, a patient with seasonal allergies might feel more ear pressure and muffled hearing on the pillow-side ear after a night's sleep.
This can be due to stress causing your body to produce more mucus, leading to clogged sinuses. Additionally, stress can exacerbate ear problems, such as a ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or a feeling of fullness, which may result from increased pressure or fluid retention in the ear.
See a nurse at your GP surgery if:
Do not try to remove earwax with cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects. This can make the blockage worse and damage the eardrum. If your doctor recommends that you try to remove earwax at home: Soften and loosen the earwax with warm mineral oil.
Sleeping flat can promote fluid pooling and increase the risk of ear congestion and Eustachian tube dysfunction, especially if you are prone to sinus issues or allergies. Elevating your head reduces these risks.
Specially designed with a 12 cm cutout that accommodates your ear, the TheraMed Holey Pillow, alleviates the pressure on the ear, allowing you to sleep soundly without exacerbating your ear-related pain or discomfort.
Symptoms
Long-term consequences of recurring ear infections
"Fluid in the ear or recurrent ear infections can affect your hearing and therefore your ability to learn anything, including reading, language development or socialization with your peers," says Dr. Hubbell.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Your Eustachian tubes help regulate pressure and drain fluid from your middle ear. If they become clogged (often due to allergies, sinus infections, or colds), you might feel pressure, hear crackling or popping sounds, or feel like your ear is underwater.
Tilting your head to the side, gently pulling on your earlobe, or chewing can help drain trapped water. Why do my ears clog up during flights? Rapid changes in air pressure during air travel can affect your middle ear, especially during takeoff and landing.
Other safe techniques include yawning or chewing gum, applying a warm compress against the ear and making gentle jaw movements. These methods can help relieve pressure and promote the natural clearing of the ears.
In cases where fluid accumulates in the ears, for example, inhaling hot steam can clear it up instantly. This can be accomplished either by taking a hot shower or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water.
Sleeping on the Unaffected Ear
Many healthcare professionals recommend sleeping on the side opposite to the clogged ear, significantly when only one ear is affected. This approach can: Promote drainage: Keeping the affected ear elevated may encourage fluid to drain naturally.
Ear infection symptoms can worsen at night because the pressure is greater. Lying down can back up the drainage in the middle ear, causing pressure and pain. “This makes sense due to gravity and lying down,” Dr. Johnson explains.