These foam enclosed stereo speakers are shown on the photo halfway under the pillow for illustration purposes.  To use correctly, the foam pod is completely placed under the pillow, in the center and towards your neck, so that when on your back, one can feel the full stereo effect, almost with a surround-sound sensation.

Pillow speakers are pillows with speakers built into them. Alternatively, they can also be separate speakers that are placed either underneath or on top of pillows. They can be connected to many types of devices, for activities such as listening to music. People often prefer to use them instead of headphones for convenience and privacy. Many health professionals and sleep experts have recommended them as suitable for use by nearly anyone.

People can use a pillow speaker for various activities that would otherwise require regular speakers or headphones. For instance, they can listen to the radio or watch TV shows or movies without headphones and cords. Many people also like to listen to audio books and podcasts while relaxing in bed. Still others might meditate or even attempt to learn another language while sleeping or resting.

There are several different types of pillow speakers available to suit individual preferences. Some are standard-sized soft or memory foam pillows with built-in speakers. There are also smaller neck pillows that can be used when traveling. Other options include padded foam speakers that are placed under any pillow. Yet another type of speaker can be placed right on top of a pillow without bothering the user or anyone around him or her. The latest pillow speaker in the market involves gel-enhanced sound wave technology (GESWAVE), housing very shallow, quality stereo speakers in a gel enclosure for sound quality improvement and better volume delivery. The new pillow speaker can also be used as a cold-pack to help alleviate headaches and migraines while administering the soothing sounds of the user's choice.

Pillow speakers can be directly connected to televisions, music players, and even to computers and alarm clocks. Some people listen to white noise or use aromatherapy machines while they sleep. The speakers can be useful for these purposes, as well, as long as they can be readily plugged in to the source. Most models come with either fixed or detachable audio cables and adapters.

Discretion and security are two potential benefits of using a pillow speaker. One such advantage is that a person can listen to something privately, without disturbing someone next to him or her. At the same time, he or she can remain aware of any external noises that might otherwise be blocked out by wearing headphones or ear buds.

Some people use pillow speakers to mask tinnitus, also known as a ringing in the ears. Tinnitus can be a symptom of other health problems, such as an ear infection or allergies. More serious hearing impairment can be caused by long-term exposure to loud noises or music at a high volume. All of these conditions can potentially cause ringing in the ears and interfere with sleep.

Another reason many people use pillow speakers is for relaxation. Some experts claim that people can fall asleep faster by listening to music or nature sounds. Using a pillow speaker can be a convenient option for someone who would rather not to be bothered with headphones or worrying about cords becoming tangled while he or she sleeps.

Most of these items can be purchased in retail stores and from online merchants. It is possible to learn how to make one’s own, as well. An Internet search can often lead to several instructional websites, containing do-it-yourself tips for constructing pillow speakers.