Best Wedge Pillow for Different Medical Conditions

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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There are endless reasons why you'd need to consider getting a wedge pillow. Conditions such as sinus pressure, acid reflux, sleep apnea, and others can cause pain and discomfort interrupting a good night’s sleep. For these, a wedge pillow is often recommendable. The best wedge pillow elevates your upper or lower body to improve blood flow, relieve pressure on sensitive areas and reduce snoring.

Normally, the wedge pillow is made from memory foam or polyfoam and comes in a slanted triangular shape. The shape helps it stay in place much better compared to the standard pillow. The wedge pillow's slant angle varies depending on the pillow height, and different heights work differently to relieve different specific conditions.

Expectant mothers can also use the wedge pillow throughout their pregnancy period. They can also be used to prop you up and help provide comfort and support as you sit up while you work, read, or watch TV on the couch or in bed.

The wedges position and gradual slope help support your head and neck in an inclination that helps deal with nighttime heartburn or snoring. The wedge pillow inclination helps prevents the tongue and lower jaw from falling back into the air passage while you sleep on your back. This, in turn, helps reduce the negative pressure that contributes to acid reflux.

The wedge pillows also help ease the congestion caused by a cold, allergies, or sinus complications. The elevation the wedge pillow provides keeps your head and neck propped up to help the sinuses drain out mucus, allowing you to breathe easier. The elevation also takes the pressure off the spine and helps reduce neck and back pain. All the more reason to get a wedge pillow to help you sleep comfortably during your pregnancy.

While shopping for a wedge pillow, you should carefully consider what elevation you need, your preferred sleeping positions, and what symptoms you're hoping to alleviate sleeping positions.

While covering top picks for the best wedge pillows in the market, we’ll outline who the specific pillows are best suited for, how best to choose a wedge pillow, and other vital considerations you should keep in mind.

Generally, smaller wedge angles are mostly recommended for back issues. In comparison, larger wedge angles work best for apnea, reflux or can be placed under the knees for Oedema. However, it is best that you ask your doctor to prescribe what is best for your specific condition.

The Best Wedge Pillow

1. Brentwood Home Zuma Therapeutic Wedge Pillow

Brentwood Home Zuma Therapeutic Wedge Pillow, Helps...
  • Provides a healthy more comfortable nights sleep, perfect for...
  • Comfortable, gradual slope helps ease respiratory problems while...
  • Helps with acid reflux, snoring, allergies, problem breathing,...
  • The design can help with digestion by posturing the torso...
  • Has a super soft stretch knit bamboo cover that is removable and...

The Brentwood Home Zuma foam wedge pillow comes in three height options so you can select the best angle that suits your needs. It has an affordable price tag that makes it a great option for value-minded shoppers, as well.

The Brentwood foam pillow is made of CertiPUR-US. A certified therapeutic support memory foam that makes the pillow great for support and more durable. The CertiPUR-US foam makes the Brentwood foam wedge pillow firm and ideal for back sleepers.

The wedge pillow is 24 inches wide and 24 inches long and is available in; 7 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches incline. Generally, the lowest wedge inclination is most beneficial to sleepers who need to raise their knees and legs to relieve pressure on their lower back.

People who suffer from acid reflux, upper body pain, sleep apnea, or have complications in their breathing may benefit from the 10-inch inclined pillow, while the 12-inch incline wedge pillow is most comfortable if you sit a lot while working or while reading or watching something in bed.

Some people might find the memory foam used a little too firm, which might be a plus for others, especially if you mean to use it frequently while it may be a downside for others. It comes down to your preference.

It comes in a 4-way stretch removable cover, made of rayon derived from sustainable bamboo fibre, that reflects heat off your body to help keep sleepers comfortable through the night. The cover is washable as well.

Brentwood Home offers buyers a 30-day sleep trial and free returns. The Zuma foam wedge also comes with a 1-year warranty covering any material defects or while manufacturing.

Pros:

  • It comes in 3 different wedge inclines; 7-, 10-, or 12-inch inclinations to suit various needs.
  • The memory foam gives firm support that is well suited for back sleepers
  • The CertiPUR-US certified foam used is free from harmful chemicals
  • It comes at an affordable price bracket
  • The Bamboo-derived rayon cover reflects off the heat for a comfortable night's sleep.
  • The cover can be removed and can be washed

Cons:

  • The foam can feel a little too firm for some.

2. MedCline Shoulder Relief Wedge and Body Pillow System

MedCline Shoulder Relief Wedge and Body Pillow System,...
  • PURCHASE WITH FSA FUNDS. MedCline products are an approved...
  • DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR SIDE-SLEEPING COMFORT. MedCline...
  • GRADUAL INCLINE: MedCline Shoulder Relief System props you up to...
  • MEDICAL-GRADE MATERIALS FOR QUALITY, SUPPORT, AND LONGEVITY....
  • READY FOR INSTANT RELIEF: Components are compressed for shipping....

MedCline shoulder relief wedge system includes a shoulder relief bed wedge, the memory foam body pillow, and a smaller insert pillow; all having removable, washable covers

This wedge pillow is designed with the side sleepers' comfort in mind and for people suffering from chronic shoulder pain, especially at night. It has also been known to alleviate tendonitis symptoms, rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, and chronic shoulder pain. The MedCline relief wedge and body pillow props you up just right to take the pressure off your arm and shoulder.

The MedCline shoulder relief bed wedge props your body to a 6-inch incline, while the patented arm pocket gives you a comfortable right or left side sleeping posture. This flexible relief wedge pillow should help you to find the most comfortable position for the shoulder or arm injury. Both the body pillow and insert pillow are filled with shredded memory foam stuffing that you can reduce to adjust the wedge pillow system.

For durable support, these relief bed wedges are made from quality medical-grade materials that you can trust. MedCline shoulder relief wedge construction includes four different medical-grade foams strategically layered and a memory foam layer to give you a quality product with durable support and extra comfort. The full wedge system measures 30 inches (Width) x 45 inches (Length) x 6 inches (Height).

Like all MedCline products, the MedCline shoulder relief wedge and body pillow system are approved as a medical expense under the health savings plans and can be purchased with FSA funds.

Pros:

  • It helps relieve general shoulder pain, rotator cuff injuries, arthritis/bursitis, pinched nerves, or chronic nerve root impingement and helps in post-surgical recovery
  • The gradual inclination props you up just right, high enough to relieve your shoulder and arm of the pressure
  • The wedge system can be used for lower back support where the body pillow can be put between the kneesWith the symmetrical design and flexible arm positions, you can sleep either on your right or left side
  • The pillow system is constructed using CertiPUR-US® polyurethane foamThe small insert pillow inclination can be adjusted since it's filled with shredded memory foam
  • For quality and durable support, it is made from medical-grade materials that are 100% latex-free and 100% hypoallergenic
  • It comes in a plush removable case that is machine washable

Cons:

  • The relatively pricey tag.

3. Xtreme Comforts 7-inch Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow

Sale
Xtreme Comforts Wedge Pillows - 7" Memory Foam Bed...
  • PORTABLE PILLOW: Whether you're in bed or on the couch, this...
  • POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS: This isn't just a great wedge pillow...
  • SUPER SOFT: The bamboo cover on our pillow wedge is soft,...
  • FIRM, NOT FLAT: Unlike most memory foam wedges, ours won't get...
  • COOLING: Sit back, relax, and stay cool! Our pillow wedge for...

This high-quality dual-layered deluxe body active memory foam bed wedge pillow comes at a 30° angle incline that never goes flat, and that is highly recommended for a good night's rest and relief. It is 7 inches high at the thickest point, plus the ergonomic design means you can use it anywhere; on your couch, bed, or working seat. It also comes in a super soft hypoallergenic bamboo cover that is removable, and that can easily be cleaned.

This bed wedge is highly recommendable for people who suffer from sciatica, back pain, acid reflux, GERD, heartburn, postnasal drip, snoring, digestion issues, acid reflux, hiatal hernia, allergies, coughing, respiratory difficulty, and more. It is also great for pregnant women.

It works by helping keep the torso elevated, properly aligning your spine, reducing pressure points while promoting blood circulation. It also works great as a leg support pillow, especially if you're recovering from surgery or simply to provide relief on tired legs.

When it’s time to clean it, remove its machine washable cover that can be tossed into the washing machine.

It comes in a soft quilted bamboo cover that is breathable, removable, and is machine washable for easy cleaning. Additionally, it comes with a 100% lifetime warranty.

Pros:

  • The plush bamboo wedge cover is breathable, removable, machine washable, and durable to last consistent use
  • The bamboo casing is hypoallergenic
  • The pillow construction makes it never go flat however much you use it wash it in the washing machine
  • The memory foam is breathable
  • The high-quality memory foam moulds to your contouring

Cons:

  • The relatively pricey tag

4. InteVision Foam Bed Wedge Pillow and Headrest Pillow

Sale
InteVision Foam Bed Wedge Pillow (25 x 24 x 12 inches)...
  • Two Layer Design plus an adjustable Cooling Gel memory foam...
  • Designed to help patients with acid reflux, snoring, allergies,...
  • It can also be used when you are recommeded by a health...
  • Comes with a machine-washable, high quality cover (Size: 25" x...
  • Every product comes with the trademark InteVision on its...

The dual-layered wedge pillow and adjustable memory foam headrest set construction are made up of a 2-inch memory foam overlay layered on top of a firm foam base that adds to its height-adjustable memory foam headrest.

This wedge design is best suited for people with acid reflux, allergies, snoring, or any other breathing-impaired conditions that may arise as you sleep on your back. It should also improve circulation and help alleviate back pain and is recommended by health professionals after surgery.

The set comes in a high-quality, eco-friendly bamboo-derived rayon cover that is machine-washable.

Pros:

  • It is a wedge pillow design that is most ideal for back sleepers
  • It provides the necessary support that it should
  • The inclination helps reduce snoring and improve blood circulation for less pain
  • It works great as a leg elevator
  • The bamboo-derived cover is hypoallergenic and machine-washable

Cons:

  • Due to the polythene packaging, it comes with an unusual smell that may fade away with time.

5. Avana Kind Bed Orthopedic Support Pillow System

Sale
Avana Kind Bed Orthopedic Support Wedge Pillow Comfort...
  • REST IN HARMONY - The Kind Bed System offers four pieces that...
  • PROPER ALIGNMENT - Curved back wedge pillow follows natural...
  • LEG SUPPORT - Leg wedge provides adjustable support and elevation...
  • PREMIUM MEMORY FOAM - Constructed from supportive medium density...

Avana Kind bed orthopaedic support pillow system comes with a 4-piece set that gives you more options of ideal sleep positions for you.

It comes in a cradle arch, rear support cradle, support bar, and knee rest. The pieces have multiple configurations that range from a slight elevation to high elevation, for instance, sitting up in bed.

The back support cradle is the equivalent of the conventional wedge pillow. However, it comes with some unique innovations that include the fact that the pillow is curved for a more natural curvature to the spine, which helps promote proper alignment.

Each piece in the set comes in a soft, breathable, removable, machine-washable cover for ease of cleaning for cooler sleeping.

Pros:

  • The 4-piece system offers more options for different kinds of sleepers.
  • The curved back wedge pillow is best aligned for a more natural spinal alignment.
  • The set's cover is removable, breathable, and machine-washable for ease of cleaning

Cons:

  • The relatively pricey tag

Buying Guide for the Best Wedge Pillows

A. Intended Use

The intended use of the pillow will then direct the kind of pillow construction you pick. For instance, if you need to be using a wedge pillow that elevates your upper body, then don't go for a pillow that is constructed best to elevate your knees.

B. Material

The wedge pillow material and construction will then determine how comfortable it is.

C. Washable Cover

Having a wedge pillow cover that is breathable, removable, and washable gives you the freedom to regularly clean your wedge.

D. Ergonomic Design

It best works if your wedge pillow is easy to move around with, whether you're travelling or simply need to sleep elsewhere. Some pillows can even be folded to make them easy to store or take when you travel.

E. Height and Needs

 Different heights and physical needs will need different inclinations.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Wedge Pillows

1. What conditions do wedge pillows help with?

Wedge pillows help with a variety of conditions at different angles.

a. Wedge pillows give you more sleeping position flexibility while the added inclination helps provide relief and give you a more restful night’s sleep. Conditions include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Snoring
  • Poor blood circulation
  • Discomfort and pain of the neck, shoulder, and back
  • Heartburn
  • Lung congestion
  • Head congestion
  • Swollen feet
  • Varicose veins or tired legs

2. How high should I raise my bed wedge for GERD?

People who suffer from GERD conditions should use wedge pillows. Alternatively, you can use an adjustable bed with a 35 to 45° angle. This elevation then ensures that your stomach acid doesn't come up your throat.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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