Abstract: The present invention comprises a pillow specifically designed to avoid pressure on the ears, lobes and cartilage and to evenly distribute pressure on the other surfaces of the face. Its top surface is contoured such that the curvature of the head and neck is accommodated. The ears are protected by the presence of recesses in the top surface of the pillow which are shaped similarly to the ear with one generally arcuate side and one generally flat side and positioned somewhat closer to the front edge of the pillow. The recesses are of sufficient size and depth so that as a person lies his head on one side with one ear positioned in a recess, there is no pressure on the ear, its lobe, or cartilage. The pillow is especially effective for reducing the pain of recovery from lobe or cartilage piercings.