Non-memory foam contour pillow?

[NewlyDiagnosed]

I have gradually improved my CPAP therapy and sleep with the guidance of some very generous people here.  Several products have solved problems and led to major improvements, including mouth taping, the SomnoSeal, a cervical collar and, most recently, a memory foam contour pillow.  I sleep on my back without moving, and the pillow that worked for me was one of those with raised areas along the long edges designed to go under the neck.  I don't know whether it is this profile or the memory foam itself that had helped me, but unfortunately I seem to be allergic to memory foam.  After the first few nights I was waking up with itching on the back of my head, and even developed a rash. I've tried two different pillows, same reaction.

I let both pillows air out for over a week (separating the parts/layers) and washed the covers before using.  I also used a cotton pillowcase and, with the second, a high-quality allergy casing.  I think that the casing is meant for dust mites and doesn't block the fumes which are probably the problem.

I've been looking for alternatives without much success.  Latex versions are available, but because latex is known to cause allergic reactions I don't think that would be a good option for me.  I don't use down pillows or bedding because I'm very allergic to down/feathers.  I have seen some wool-filled pillows but, guess what?  I'm allergic to wool, too.  I know it sounds like I walk around reacting to everything, but these are my only allergies, other than sulfa.

Cotton or polyester fiberfill would be perfect, but I haven't been able to find any contour pillows stuffed with these materials.  It's also possible that the benefits are coming from the memory foam properties, that is, the way it conforms to your head.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Deborah K.]

Have you tried putting a quite thick cotton covering of some sort over your pillow before putting on a zippered pillow cover and your pillowcase?  It seems that might remove the allergic part far enough from your skin that you would not react.

[NewlyDiagnosed]

Great suggestion - I'll try that.

[Rcgop]

I like the buckwheat pillow with a bamboo pillow case. The pillow is firm and is very moldable. The bamboo case is very soft. They are a bit expensive but I feel they are worth it. The Pinetales web site has a wealth of information on them.

[Deborah K.]

I used a buckwheat pillow because you could remove a lot of the buckwheat and make it pretty flat. However, it did not help with positional apnea. Then I bought a gel pillow made for children that had a raised front edge, and that solved the for me.