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Best Wedge Pillows

Updated November 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Avana King Bed Comfort System
Avana
King Bed Comfort System
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Total Comfort
Bottom Line

A set of four pieces to create the ultimate relaxing position in bed.

Pros

Includes lumbar support, head rest and knee rest. Pieces are encased in memory foam for added comfort. Microsuede sides have a soft touch. Covers can be removed and laundered.

Cons

It's pricey, and some people find it too firm. Has a bit of a learning curve.

Best Bang for the Buck
Kӧlbs Bed Wedge Pillow with Memory Foam Top
Kӧlbs
Bed Wedge Pillow with Memory Foam Top
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This upper body wedge can be flipped a number of ways to support the upper and lower body.

Pros

Has a memory foam top layer for added support. Users say the wedge has the ideal level of firmness. Extra-wide design helps support the arms. Available in five sizes.

Cons

Arrives vacuum packed, so it may be permanently squished in some areas.

Ebung Leg Elevation Wedge Pillow
Ebung
Leg Elevation Wedge Pillow
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Ideal Knee Support
Bottom Line

Geared toward lower-body use, this wedge pillow is contoured to fit well beneath calves.

Pros

Features an outer shell of memory foam and a PU foam core. Has a breathable, washable cover. Wedge is extra-long to support calves.

Cons

There are a few reports that the pillow gets lumpy or indented after a few months of heavy use.

Drive Medical Folding Bed Wedge
Drive Medical
Folding Bed Wedge
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Easy to Store
Bottom Line

Convenient folding design allows multiple configurations and is easy to store when not in use.

Pros

Covered in no-slip pillowcase that is machine washable. Folds into a square and has handles. At 10 inches tall, it may be the ideal angle to alleviate GERD and upper body tension.

Cons

A few users said it's better for daytime support since it's not very comfortable for sleeping.

Healthex Bed Wedge Cooling Gel Top
Healthex
Bed Wedge Cooling Gel Top
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Most Comfortable
Bottom Line

Many users swear by the comfort of this wedge pillow, stating it's better for sleeping than other options.

Pros

Ultra-soft jacquard cover. Upper layer is 1.5-inch cooling memory gel foam while core is high-density foam. Offers a comfortable 30-degree incline. Ideal for hot sleepers.

Cons

Rather firm and some users said they didn't experience much of a cooling effect.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

32
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Considered
174
Consumers
Consulted
8
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Researched
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Buying guide for best wedge pillows

When you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, the right pillow can make all the difference. For example, if you suffer from health issues like acid reflux that keep you awake at night, a wedge pillow can bring relief – and help you catch more zzzs – by altering your sleeping posture.

The unique shape of a wedge pillow slightly elevates your head, neck, and upper torso. The elevation can address a variety of health concerns, but if you’re not familiar with wedge pillows, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Many styles exist, and it’s helpful to know what material, size, and other features would meet your particular needs.

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A wedge pillow can help individuals with sleep apnea by preventing the upper airway from collapsing during sleep. A wedge pillow also works extremely well for elevating the knee after knee-replacement surgery. Suffering from vertigo? A wedge pillow can help relieve symptoms by elevating your head so fluid doesn’t collect in your inner ear.

The benefits of using a wedge pillow

A wedge pillow is exactly what it sounds like: a wedge-shaped pillow with a gently tapered incline. The slope elevates the upper portion of the body, providing additional support for your head and neck while you’re sleeping. Here are some of the benefits of sleeping with a wedge pillow.

  • Avoid stiffness: The incline of a wedge pillow can minimize your chance of waking with a stiff neck and/or sore shoulders and back.

  • Quell heartburn: By elevating your torso slightly, a wedge pillow can help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

  • Reduce congestion: A wedge pillow can help reduce sinus congestion upon waking in the morning.

  • Improve circulation: A wedge pillow can be used to prop up the middle of your legs at night, improving circulation and reducing varicose veins. A wedge pillow under the legs can also help relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

  • Healing: If you’re suffering from a sprained knee, ankle, or broken ankle, you can use a wedge pillow to elevate it.

  • Comfort: If you like to sit up to read or watch TV in bed, placing a wedge pillow behind your back can help keep your spine aligned for greater comfort.

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Expert Tip
Do you like to use your laptop or tablet in bed? Place a wedge pillow in your lap to keep the device at a comfortable angle so your wrists stay relaxed.
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Important wedge pillow features

Material

Wedge pillows are typically made of polyurethane foam or memory foam.

  • Traditional polyurethane foam wedge pillows provide firmer support. They’re ideal for individuals who sleep on their back.

  • Memory foam wedge pillows easily conform to body shape. They work well for individuals who sleep on their side.

Some wedge pillows contain a polyester fill that makes them feel soft, much like a traditional pillow. They’re not as good for addressing health issues like acid reflux and sleep apnea as foam wedge pillows are, but you can easily fold them to help ease back pain.

"Pregnant women often find a wedge pillow with polyester fill helpful in relieving strain on the back and abdomen while they sleep."
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Wedge pillow size

Wedge pillows are available in a variety of sizes. Some correspond to bed size; you can find them in twin, queen, and king sizes. Others are simply designated as small, medium, large, or extra-large. Check to make sure the dimensions of the pillow you want to purchase would fit your bed.

Removable cover

Because of their unusual shape, you can’t use a regular pillowcase on a wedge pillow. Like any pillow, however, a wedge pillow can easily get dirty. Choose one that comes with a removable cover so you can wash it and keep it sanitary.

"A removable wedge pillow cover made of microfiber can help keep you comfortable in warm weather. Microfiber is extremely breathable, soft, and easy to clean."
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Wedge pillow height

Wedge pillow height is an important dimension to consider, especially if you want to use the pillow for a medical condition like acid reflux.

  • Low wedge pillows

The lowest wedge pillows are typically six to eight inches in height. This height works well for aiding acid reflux, sleep apnea, and other health issues.

  • Mid-height pillows

The mid-range height for wedge pillows is 10 to 12 inches. This height isn’t the best option for treating medical issues, but it’s a good choice if you want a higher sleeping position to help prevent sore muscles, aches, and pains in the morning.

  • Tall wedge pillows

The tallest wedge pillows stand about 15 inches high. These pillows are generally not considered effective for treating acid reflux or other medical conditions. We recommend this type of pillow if you want to prop yourself up in bed to read or watch television.

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For your safety
If you experience circulation problems in your legs, consider elevating them with a wedge pillow to keep the blood flowing properly.
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Wedge pillow prices

Wedge pillows vary in price based on material and size. Most cost in the $25 to $100 range.

  • Inexpensive

For a small wedge pillow made of foam or a small to medium pillow that contains polyester fill, you’ll usually pay between $25 and $40.

  • Mid-range

For a medium-size wedge pillow made of foam or a medium to large wedge pillow containing polyester fill, you’ll usually pay between $40 and $70.

  • Expensive

For a large wedge pillow made of foam, you’ll usually pay between $70 and $100.

Tips

  • Talk to your doctor before you buy a wedge pillow. This is especially important if you plan to use it to ease the symptoms of a medical condition like sleep apnea or acid reflux. Your doctor can recommend the best pillow size for your particular medical issue.

  • Experiment with your pillow configuration. We recommend removing all traditional pillows from your bed and testing out the wedge pillow alone. In some cases, the wedge pillow may be all you need.

  • Press the tall end of your wedge pillow up against the headboard or wall. This will help prevent it from shifting through the night.

  • Want to use your wedge pillow as a prop while reading or watching TV? Set it against the headboard or wall with the flat, wide end against the mattress.

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Tired of your partner or spouse keeping you up at night with their snoring? By elevating the head and chest, a wedge pillow can help reduce snoring. Individuals with chronic sinus congestion often find that a wedge pillow helps promote mucus drainage at night.

FAQ

Q. Is there an adjustment period when you switch to a wedge pillow?

A. For most people who are used to sleeping on traditional flat pillows, a wedge pillow can take some getting used to because it changes your sleeping position. However, it usually doesn’t take more than one or two nights to become comfortable with a wedge pillow. If you’re nervous about making the switch, you might want to start using the wedge for naps until you’re used to the new shape.

Q. Can you travel with a wedge pillow?

A. Even if you don’t have any significant health conditions, hotel pillows often don’t provide enough support to be very comfortable. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring your wedge pillow with you on the road. Large wedge pillows are usually difficult to pack, however, so you may want to invest in a small wedge pillow to use as your travel pillow. It’s also a good idea to have a plastic travel bag for the pillow to protect it from dirt and stains.

Q. What should a person with allergies look for in a wedge pillow?

A. Many wedge pillows are made of hypoallergenic foam, which works best for people with allergies. It’s also a good idea to make sure the pillow doesn’t contain phthalates or formaldehyde, which can trigger reactions in individuals with allergies or sensitive skin.