Clinical Ergonomist & Sleep Health Specialist
“Sleep shouldn’t hurt. My mission is to bridge the gap between clinical orthopaedic advice and the products you bring into your bedroom.”
Who Is Dr. Nick Morgan?
Dr. Nick Morgan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and a Certified Sleep Science Coach (CSSC) with over 15 years of clinical experience specializing in cervical spine pathology, craniofacial pain, and sleep ergonomics.
Unlike general product reviewers, Dr. Morgan approaches sleep gear from a medical and biomechanical perspective. His career began in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation, where he noticed a recurring pattern: patients treated for neck pain, TMJ, and CNH (Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis) would often undo their progress every night due to improper sleep surfaces.
Frustrated by the lack of medically sound advice in the consumer market, Dr. Morgan transitioned into sleep product analysis, founding his independent testing lab to verify manufacturer claims against anatomical realities.
Credentials & Expertise
Dr. Morgan’s authority is built on a foundation of rigorous education and continuous clinical practice.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): University of Michigan, School of Kinesiology. Specialization in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.
Certified Sleep Science Coach (CSSC): Spencer Institute. Focus on sleep hygiene, circadian rhythm optimization, and sleep environment design.
Active Member: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – Orthopaedic Section.
Continuing Education: Advanced certification in Craniofacial and Cervical Therapeutics (2018), specializing in how head positioning affects jaw and ear pain.
Medical Focus Areas:
CNH & Pressure Ulcers: Expertise in off-loading pressure for sensitive cartilage.
Cervical Lordosis: restoring the natural curve of the neck during rest.
TMJ/TMD: Reducing jaw strain through pillow ergonomics.
Why Dr. Nick Morgan Started Talking About Pillows?
Why does Dr. Morgan write about pillows?“I saw hundreds of patients with ear pain or neck stiffness who were buying expensive pillows based on marketing fluff, only to wake up in more pain. I realized that prescription advice needs prescription-grade products. I write these reviews to save you from the trial-and-error cycle that hurts your wallet and your health.”
Dr. Morgan does not accept payments to alter review scores. His recommendations are based solely on whether a product meets the physiological needs of the human body.
Our Rigorous Testing Methodology
Dr. Morgan does not rely on spec sheets. Every ear pillow featured on this site undergoes a standardized 4-Stage Clinical Assessment:
The Pressure Mapping Test:
We use pressure-sensitive sensors to visually map “hot spots” on the ear cartilage. A true ear-pain pillow must show zero PSI (pounds per square inch) on the helix of the ear.
The Alignment Check:
Using a goniometer (angle measurement tool), Dr. Morgan measures the cervical spine angle of side sleepers. The goal is a neutral spine (0 degrees of deviation) from the C1 to C7 vertebrae.
Thermal Retention Analysis:
Using thermal imaging cameras, we measure heat buildup over a 4-hour period to ensure materials like memory foam do not exacerbate inflammation or infection risks for piercing healing.
The “Wash-Down” Durability Test:
Hygiene is critical for ear health. We wash covers and pillow cores (where applicable) 10 times to ensure they do not degrade or become breeding grounds for bacteria.
Selected Publications & Media
Dr. Morgan’s insights have been cited in leading health and ergonomics journals (representative examples):
“The Impact of Cranial Loading on CNH Recovery Rates” – Journal of Clinical Sleep Ergonomics (2022).
“Materials Science in Orthopedics: Why Memory Foam Density Matters for Neck Pain” – Physical Therapy Today (Guest Columnist, 2024).
“The Side Sleeper’s Dilemma: Balancing Ear Pressure and Spinal Alignment” – Sleep Wellness Quarterly.
Medical Disclaimer
While Dr. Nick Morgan is a licensed healthcare professional, the content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Connect with Dr. Nick
Have a specific question about your sleep setup?
Email: [email protected]