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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
