5 Best Wedge Pillows to Try

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A quick look at 5 of the best wedge pillows

• Best for a body and wedge pillow pairing: MedCline Reflux Relief System
• Best for back sleepers: Mainstays Foam Bed Wedge Pillow
• Best for head and leg elevation: Lenora Adjustable Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set
• Best for a larger pillow: Kölbs Extra Wide Bed Wedge Pillow
• Best for cooling: Healthex Bed Wedge Pillow

Below are some wedge pillows that people could consider purchasing.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for a body and wedge pillow pairing:
MedCline Reflux Relief System

• List price: from around $270
• Size: small, medium, and large
• Fill: gel-infused foam
• Suitable for: side and stomach sleepers

MedCline’s Reflux Relief System pairs a wedge with a body pillow for customizable support in a semi-upright position.

This pillow is suitable for side sleepers due to its armholes. Stomach sleepers may also be able to use this pillow because the wedge is breathable and does not contain materials that tend to overheat.

Users can customize the system to suit their height. However, the manufacturers caution that people with back or hip injuries may find that the angle intensifies their pain.

Best for back sleepers:
Mainstays Foam Bed Wedge Pillow

• List price: around $25
• Size: 24.5 x 22 x 8 inches (in)
• Fill: polyester
• Suitable for: back sleepers

This pillow has an ergonomic shape to help support the spine when people lie in bed. It is most suitable for back sleepers, as people in other positions may find it uncomfortable to use.

People can also use the pillow to elevate their legs, or while they are reading or working.

This product comes with a machine-washable cover. It also benefits from a 3-year limited warranty.

Best for head and leg elevation:
Lenora Adjustable Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set

• List price: around $160
• Size: 26.8 x 14.2 x 12.5 in
• Fill: memory foam
• Suitable for: back sleepers

This product has five different wedge parts that elevate the legs, lower back, and head. This elevation makes it a suitable choice for those who experience acid reflux, leg swelling, congestion, and other common health conditions.

The pillows have a non-slip outer material, and a person can arrange them in multiple positions for maximum comfort.

The pillows have a high-density memory foam top and use firm foam in the lower levels. The bamboo fiber cover is removable and machine washable.

Best for a larger pillow:
Kölbs Extra Wide Bed Wedge Pillow

• List price: from around $80
• Size: 31 x 33 x 12 in or 31 x 33 x 7.5 in
• Fill: memory foam
• Suitable for: back sleepers

This oversized wedge pillow can elevate the head, neck, and legs. The company states it may help with a range of conditions that benefit from head elevation, such as GERD, snoring, and sleep apnea.

The cover is machine-washable. It has a 1.5-in plush memory foam layer and a high-density foam core.

This wedge pillow may be most suitable for back sleepers, as some reviewers state that it can be uncomfortable if a person sleeps on their side.

Best for cooling:
Healthex Bed Wedge Pillow

• List price: around $36
• Size: 24 x 24 x 10 in
• Fill: memory foam
• Suitable for: back sleepers

This wedge pillow contains 1.5 inches of plush memory foam and a dense memory foam core that may help the pillow keep its shape over time. The manufacturer states that this pillow is breathable and may be more suitable for hot sleepers.

In addition to supporting the neck and head, people can also use this pillow for leg elevation, knee support, and as a backrest.

The removable cover is machine washable.

The following table compares the wedge pillows in this article on size, fill, price, and more.

When choosing a wedge pillow, people should think about why they want to sleep on an incline.

They can also try reading reviews from people who share the same medical condition for guidance on what works and what does not. Some specific factors to look at include:

• Incline degree: A higher gradient means that the pillow elevates the neck and head more significantly. A higher incline may offer more relief from GERD and congestion but might cause low back or hip pain in some people.
• Level of support: Some pillows primarily elevate the head and neck, while others raise and support the torso. This extra support can make even a steep incline feel more comfortable.
• Materials: A person should consider pillows made from breathable materials if they tend to overheat while sleeping.
• Price: People trying a wedge pillow for the first time may wish to consider a more affordable option first so that they can assess whether elevated sleep works for them.
• Warranty and in-home trial: It is advisable to check the manufacturers’ warranty and determine whether they offer a risk-free in-home trial.
• Customer reviews: People can read online reviews to learn how well pillows last over time and whether the manufacturers have a history of honoring their warranty.

A wedge pillow is a triangle-shaped pillow that elevates the head and, sometimes, part of the torso while a person sleeps. This body position may reduce snoring, back pain, and acid reflux, potentially helping a person get a better night’s sleep.

All wedge pillows provide support, but there are different types of wedge pillows that work in different ways.

Flat bottomed

These wedge pillows have a flat bottom and a sloped or contoured top. Triangular in shape, they may also have a cut-out along the bottom back edge for a person to place their arm. Individuals may use flat wedge pillows to support their backs or legs.

Contoured

A contoured wedge pillow often has a curved surface that might benefit side sleepers due to the spinal alignment provided.

A wedge pillow elevates the upper portion of the body, potentially helping a person sleep better and more comfortably. Some benefits of a wedge pillow include:

• Reducing acid reflux: People with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), heartburn during pregnancy, and other forms of reflux may find relief by sleeping with their heads elevated. Keeping the head above the esophagus, which is the tube that runs from the throat to the stomach, makes it more difficult for acid to travel back up from the stomach.
• Reducing snoring: Snoring, which can interrupt sleep, may be a symptom of sleep apnea, which is a risk factor for many health conditions. Slightly elevating the head may reduce snoring by positioning the head and neck to keep the airways open and improve breathing.
• Nighttime congestion: Nighttime congestion from colds, the flu, or allergies can make it difficult to breathe. Elevating the head can make it easier for the sinuses to drain.
• Better sleep comfort: Some people find that a wedge pillow helps with other types of pain, such as shoulder pressure or headaches.

Some potential health risks of a wedge pillow may include:

• Suffocation in babies: It is not safe to use sleep positioners for babies, even if they have reflux. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that these devices increase the risk of suffocation by making it more likely that a baby can fall into a position in which it is difficult to breathe.
• Discomfort: Wedge pillows can elevate a person into an awkward or uncomfortable position. Some people may be unable to sleep in an upright position, and others may find that these pillows cause pressure or pain in the hips or lower back.

Some alternatives to wedge pillows include:

• An adjustable bed: Adjustable beds and mattresses allow sleepers to elevate their head and, in some cases, their feet. Some people find that this is a more comfortable and adaptable long-term solution.
• Traditional pillows: A stack of several standard pillows can elevate the head and neck, offering affordable and adjustable support.
• Custom pillows: Several manufacturers now offer custom or customizable pillow options.

It is fine to use a wedge pillow for temporary health issues, such as pregnancy-related heartburn, congestion from a cold or the flu, or occasional nighttime snoring.

However, any chronic medical issue warrants speaking with a doctor. A person should seek medical guidance if:

• their sleep issues get worse or do not improve with a wedge pillow
• home management strategies or prescription drugs do not work or suddenly stop working
• symptoms regularly interfere with sleep or well-being
• they feel chronically tired during the day, regardless of how much sleep they get

Below, we answer some common questions about these products.

Do I need to use a regular pillow on top of my wedge pillow?

This is very much down to a person’s preference. Regular pillows can work with wedge pillows to provide additional elevation and support. However, individuals may notice the pillow or themselves slipping, so they could try different kinds of pillows to find the most stable, comfortable, and supportive option.

How can I use a wedge pillow?

A person can use their wedge pillows in many ways, including:

• as elevation for the legs
• as a recliner, with the thinnest part of the wedge at the bottom of the mattress and the pillow in an upright position
• as a laptop surface
• for sleeping, to help with specific health conditions, such as sleep apnea

Is there a one-size-fits-all wedge pillow?

Every person is different, and their needs vary. What works for one person may not work for another. Individuals should assess their natural sleep position, material preference, and any health conditions to establish what will work best for them.

What is a wedge pillow good for?

A wedge pillow is a triangle-shaped pillow that helps elevate the head, neck, and legs. It may be suitable for people with back and neck pain.

A recent study notes that an inclined sleeping position can also reduce snoring.

Is it OK to sleep on a wedge pillow?

Manufacturers claim that wedge pillows have an ergonomic design. Some customers who purchase wedge pillows find them comfortable to sleep on.

However, if a person experiences pain while sleeping with a wedge pillow, they should stop using the product immediately.

Is a wedge pillow good for your neck?

Wedge pillows elevate the neck which may help relieve GERD and congestion.

However, front sleepers may find wedge pillows uncomfortable due to the head elevation, which may place more pressure on their spine and neck.

A wedge pillow may help with a wide range of health issues that can affect sleep. It may reduce symptoms of acid reflux, obstructive sleep apnea, or chronic pain.

However, the pillow does not cure the underlying condition. People should speak with their doctor if they continue to experience pain or discomfort, and the pillow does not improve their sleep.