okay; have read through several posts and have gathered A HUGE amount of great info; but nothing about advice from others that have had this TN for a while (me, 3 months) on the best kinds of pillows (or no pillows) to use at night. I can sleep for the most part okay; but starting to see that when I lay on my left side - the side affected - I am woke up, and my hubby says I am starting to 'groan during my sleep'...maybe a different pillow??? I'll try anything! thanks for suggestions!!
Good luck, with this one. I have tried every kind of pillow. From a pillow made for back , side sleepers as well as micro beads, thermapedic, chiropractic, nothing seemed to help as for as for the TN pain. I think it is actually the leaning of the head back ward and actually laying ones head down that maybe puts pressure in some way causing the blood vessels to touch the nerve. I noticed to when I would turn my head to the side it seemed to trigger the pain more to. Wish I could tell you of one that worked for me. My relief came only from a lot of medication then finally surgery.
ugg...with the TN at the beginning phase, is there ANY thing that has helped anyone? I am on Tegretol, for sure and do NOT want to even think of surgery at this time. I have break through flare ups almost daily with them being in episodes, not constant. The only relief I am able to get is to sleep, NOW that is in jeopardy! I value the information of 'veteran' TN'ers... thanks
Heres how ‘I’ do it since my trigger is on the back of my head. I load heavy on meds at night. Meaning my meds are distributed heavier in the evening. I talked to my doctor about that and he said it was ok. I also take Lunesta to assist in keeping me asleep. BUT, i also got a ‘SNOOZER’ pillow which seems to be the trick. It cradles my head, but also lets me wrap around this pillow to take the pressure off my head. I LOVE THIS PILLOW !!!.. This is a tricky one because everyone is soooooooo ddifferent. Thats my 2 cents 
I tried memory foam, did not like it, far too hard. I now use one, only one, feather pillow, the movement of the feathers, allows me to settle into it, i keep off my TN side. This and 20mgs of amitriptyline an hour before bed.
TMJ pillows. It's called a tri-core pillow, you can purchase on amazon for about 30 bucks. I was misdiagnosed for 2 years before they finally figured out I had TN. Before that they thought TMJ. Anyway, I believe this pillow is why I sleep at night without pain. It claims to relieve nerve pressure on the neck... which might help other nerve pressure, I don't know. I only know I swear by the thing.
When I am in pain though.... this is silly, but the backside of a pillow pet is the only thing I allow to touch my face. I found that seems from a pillow case, or the pillow itself just irritated things on my face. But a pillow pet doesn't have any seams and is super, super, super soft.
A good pillow case is important too. I'm not sure that I've found the perfect one yet though...
thanks so very much everyone! I will try anything; as I am waking up earlier (3 AM'ish) and then have to get up at 5'ish to work with 140 teenagers for 8 hours...love my job and don't want this to affect it; at least as little as possible, BUT need rest. - will put your suggestions to action! hope your evening is a good one!