Mediflow Waterbase Pillow Review

A pillow that you fill with water? Really?

When I got the email about Mediflow Pillows I was really intrigued. I didn't want to review a gimmicky thing that was going to be rubbish. I went to look at the Amazon reviews - there are thousands. Not only are there thousands, but they pretty much all said things like "I was sceptical", "Amazing", "Excellent, best night's sleep I've ever had".

It's the best selling pillow on German Amazon, and more than 4 million Mediflow Waterbase Pillows have been sold to date.

Now I don't actually sleep well. I've never slept well. I wake with headaches and I only seem to sleep through if I go to bed shattered. It had to be tried.

On first impressions it looks just like any ordinary good quality pillow. Standard UK size, standard UK look - but the information on the packaging tells a different story.

I couldn't wait to get it out and find out what it felt like, and actually, it doesn't even feel that different. You really wouldn't have known the secret inside.

When you turn it over, you see the 'plug' - a funnel is supplied which also works as a key to turn the plug and open the pillow. You then decide how much water to fill it with. I opted for medium firmness - you can easily add more tap water or remove some if it's not quite right. It really did feel bizarre pouring water into a pillow.

An air pocket would leave you listening to moving water all night, so it's vital once the water is in to squeeze out the air pocket  before replacing the plug - firmly! It was incredibly simple and took only a couple of minutes. The UK tap water can stay in for up to 1 year before it needs replacing. I used a kitchen jug and I'm proud to say I only got 1 drip of water on my pillow. Really easy.

Then it's really weird because your pillow weighs much more than any other pillow, but looks the same. The section where the water is reminds me of a padded hot water bottle, but it's inside the base of the pillow and incredibly well padded. It doesn't feel cold at all. To touch it you can't tell even there's water in there until you move the pillow. 

The pillow is quite deep, but only a little more than a regular good quality pillow, and I did find I needed to add a little more water to feel happier, as I previously used 2 pillows on my bed.  It's brilliant to have that level of adjustment available to you.

As this pillow unfortunately can't be washed in a machine, I was also supplied with a really soft, high quality zip-fasten anti-allergen Mediflow pillow protector.

And does the Mediflow Waterbase Pillow work? - yes!

Since using it I genuinely haven't woken with a headache once - yet when I went to Britmums and stayed in a lovely hotel - I woke with a headache. I don't have a stiff neck, I fall asleep far more easily and quickly and it's incredibly comfortable. I honestly think it's as good as it's word, and once you get over the fear of putting water into you pillow and then lying on it, you realise that it's so much better than a solid pillow that just flattens when you lie on it, but keeps all the lumps and bumps in the wrong places.

I've bought cheap pillows in the past and after a few weeks they're flat and falling apart inside. I've used this for 2 weeks and it's still as plump as when I started, and I can't imagine it will ever feel flat as it's a padded layer around a water-filled bladder section which can't possibly flatten!

I would heartily recommend this pillow to anyone who has back or neck pain or stiffness, trouble sleeping or going to sleep, or who generally finds they just don't feel refreshed after a night in bed. It's excellent, and I really would not buy a standard pillow ever again unless I had no option. I don't want to go back.

Mediflow Pillows retail at around £50, and are currently available on Amazon for £36.32. Mediflow Anti-Allergen Pillow Protectors are currently available on Amazon for £14.68. Both items have free delivery.