Mediflow / Chiroflo Water Pillow Reviews & Ratings -- Based on Data From Over 125 Actual Owners
Page last updated November 18, 2009.
What You Need To Know
81% of the over 125 actual Mediflow pillow owners included in our research are satisfied with their pillow.
Pros
Pain relieving ability; automatically contouring support; adjustable loft and firmness; no smell
Cons
Heavy when filled; possible noise problems; need to experiment to determine right water amount to suit individual preference; average durability
What Is a Water Pillow?
A water-based pillow is not simply a pillow that's filled with water. Rather, in addition to having a water pouch which is secured at the bottom, the pillow has a polyester fiber layer that floats over the top. In this sense, the pillow could more accurately be called a water / fiber hybrid pillow.
One of the most important things to know about water-based pillows is that they have been shown in several credible studies, including a published clinical study conducted at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, to reduce pain and improve quality of sleep.
About Our Research
Our research findings are based on at least 115 actual Mediflow water pillow owner reviews / comments collected from diverse sources. Click here for more information on our research methodology
More info based on owner data
Pillow ratings & reviews summary
Pillow comparison grid
Owner data on pillow brands
Ratings for Mediflow Water Pillow
Sample size: at least 115 owners
81% |
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Medium |
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Good |
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Fair |
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Poor-Fair |
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Good |
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Good |
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Yes |
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Good-Excellent |
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Good |
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Fair |
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Good-Excellent |
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No |
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Poor |
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Good |
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Fair |
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Fair-Good |
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Fair |
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Fair |
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Medium-High |
Firmness
Most owners describe the pillow as having medium firmness. A few say it is too firm. Even if the water pouch is fully filled, the poly-fiber fill will keep the pillow from being overly firm or hard for most people.
Support
Owners typically praise the pillow for the support it offers as well as how it maintains its support, as opposed to going flat. However, about 14% of owners mentioned that finding the proper fill level (amount of water in the pillow) to suit their particular support needs took some time and effort. In addition, the water in the pillow immediately adjusts to maintain correct head and neck support as you move. Other types of pillows, such as down and buckwheat, often require some amount of manual adjustment if you change positions. Also, the pillow's contouring properties are helped by the fact that the pillow is not likely to clump, shift, or develop hollow spots.
The ability to provide continuous support is likely one reason many owners claim that water pillows provide relief from neck and back pain, headaches, snoring, muscle tension, TMJ syndrome, and sleeplessness.
Also, since snoring is often caused by an unnatural alignment of the neck, a water pillow with its ability to maintain proper support can reduce or eliminate snoring, as a few owners included in our research mentioned.
Loft
A water pillow allows you to adjust the water level inside by adding or removing water. This allows you to adjust the height of the pillow to suit your personal preferences, although to a limited degree.
Water amount is adjusted by removing a small cap on the bottom of the pillow that screws into the water bladder. A water pillow often comes with a small funnel that screws into the opening and makes filling easier. The water bladder can hold up to five quarts of water.
As many owners indicated, you will likely have to do some experimenting with the water level to find just the right height and firmness for yourself. Interestingly, it is not uncommon for owners to report not needing more than just two quarts in it. The point is that you don’t necessarily need a lot of water in the bladder to get the unique benefits of a water pillow.
Pain issue
The pillow performs excellent regarding pain relief. 50% of owners included in our research say that they experience less pain, especially neck pain, since using the pillow. Pain relief professionals, such as chiropractors, often recommend this to their patients, according to many owners. About 4% of owners said that the pillow caused them pain for various reasons.
Sleep quality
About 12% of owners say that the pillow has allowed them to sleep better.
Durability / longevity
Owners report average-to-good durability. The polyfiber part of the pillow will compress over time, and there are occasional reports of leaking. Since a part of the pillow is water based, it won’t have the tendency to sag and compress as much as some other pillow types.
Sleeping positions
With its contoured support, a water pillow is often ideal for back sleepers according to many owners. Side sleeping with the pillow tends to get mixed results. As for stomach sleeping, a water pillow is not well suited because it has too much loft. (A flatter pillow is best for stomach sleepers.)
Noise
About 10% of owners mentioned that the pillow can be noisy if the air inside is not mostly removed. If too much air is left inside, you may hear sloshing sounds or even muffled whoopee cushion-like noises.
Air flow
On the plus side, owners found the pillow to be similar to other polyester fiber-filled pillows. Polyester does not breathe well, and consequently the pillow is a fairly good insulator and absorbs body heat resulting in a somewhat toasty and pleasant surface. Some owners, however, say that underneath where the water bladder resides is a different story. If a person runs their arm or hand under the pillow at night, the pillow and mattress temperature may feel cool from the water. This can be an advantage on a warm night if you want to find some coolness. However, if you are looking to find warmth under your pillow, you may be disappointed.
Weight
Even with a small amount of water in the bladder, the pillow is heavy. A pillow filled just half way can weigh eight pounds. Owners say that the heavy weight can be good in some ways and bad in others. It’s good in that the pillow will stay in place and not move around or fall off the bed during the night. It’s bad in that moving the pillow to, say, make the bed or put on a pillow case is more difficult. A person with back problems will likely need to be a little careful when handling the pillow.
Odor
Owners report no odor or off gassing which is a chemical smell that pillows can sometimes give off when they are new.
Allergies
Water pillows are hypoallergenic. However, dust mites (whose droppings are a major source of allergies) will find the polyester fiber part of the pillow very attractive. They cannot penetrate or live in the water bladder.
Maintenance
You can wash the pillow (once you’ve emptied the water out and replaced the cap) and let it air dry. Putting it in the dryer is not recommended. Unlike a waterbed, the water inside the pillow does not need a water conditioner, but should be changed at least once a year.
Price
It generally has a moderately high price.
Value
At least 20% of owners question the bang-for-the-buck that the Mediflow provides. The product is a good value, however, for those who find that it relieves their pain.