Wedge pillows may not be as soft and cuddly as traditional bed pillows, but if body pain keeps you from sinking into a deep slumber, they may help you achieve a much better night's sleep.
People who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux, or those who are heavy snorers may benefit from elevating the upper body with a wedge pillow. Alternatively, if an injury or restless leg syndrome requires you to keep your legs lifted while you sleep, some wedge-shaped models are designed for lower body relief as well.
Similar to adjustable bed frames, wedge-shaped pillows can be used to prop up your upper or lower body independently or together. These pillows are useful because their dense foam build eliminates the need to stack your bed with pillows that may be unsupportive or harmful to your body's alignment.
But they're not just for people in pain. They can also provide a more stable foundation for propping yourself up in bed to read or work. There are even wedge pillows out there designed specifically to use during sex!
Here are two important considerations to keep in mind during your search for the best wedge pillow:
Pillow size: Always check the measurements of a wedge pillow before you buy it. Wedge pillows are generally quite wide — some can provide over 2 feet of width to get comfortable on, and this might be an issue if you share your bed. Some are also available in varying heights or are adjustable for multiple positions.
Pillow shape: Most wedge pillows have a similar shape, but some may be more curved or contoured than others. Some may also have attachments that can be used to prop up your head or bolster your low back. Again, make sure you're buying a wedge pillow that suits your needs. If you have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider about which shape would be best for your needs.
Almost all wedge pillows available now are made of foam and have a removable cover for washing, so you shouldn't need to worry about buying a separate cover or comparing different types of fill materials, as you would when shopping for a regular pillow.
No matter what type of relief you need, these eight reviewer-favorite wedge pillows could be the missing link to more restful nights and happier mornings.
This wedge pillow is helpful for those who suffer from GERD and acid reflux, as it's designed to elevate the upper body up to 7.5 inches at its highest point.
Its surface is padded with 1.5 inches of memory foam atop a high-density foam base. Weighing under 7 pounds, it won't feel like lugging around a cement block if you want to reposition it. Many reviewers with acid reflex say that this pillow offers the perfect angle to alleviate painful symptoms, and it's soft enough for side sleepers to comfortably use, too.
When you need to chill out in time for bed, the only thing better than sleeping with a wedge pillow is a cooling wedge pillow. This one has a 1.5-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam that's meant to disperse body heat for a cooler night's sleep.
This pillow is another favorite among GERD sufferers or simply those with allergies who need some extra height to drain their sinuses. Use it with the right set of sheets, and you'll have one cool bed.
If you've used wedge pillows before and none of them have ever been quite right, this set of five mix-and-match wedges is exactly what you need. They're made of high-density foam with cool, washable bamboo covers.
All five of these pillows work together to elevate the head and legs, or you can simply use different combinations of pillows at certain angles. It comprises a base support, a slope pillow that nestles right on top of it, a contoured head pillow for extra elevation, lumbar support for your back, and a leg pillow. Users love that this set feels perfectly supportive, even when recovering from surgery.
This wedge pillow has an 8-inch-high plateau for resting weary feet and legs at night. Its dense foam build stays put, and won't warp or sink, preventing tossing and turning.
Reviewers tout the removable microfiber cover’s “anti-skid surface” that helps you stay in one comfortable position all night long.
This wedge pillow is slightly contoured for a more cradled feeling. The bump in the middle works as a built-in neck pillow — it helps sleepers from sliding down the pillow during the night, and you can rest either your head or neck there, depending on the type of relief you need.
The top layer of memory foam in this pillow is meant to help the whole thing sleep cool, and it's also covered with a smooth Tencel cover for added comfort.
If acid reflux or leg pain is an issue for you, this convertible memory-foam wedge pillow is great for providing some relief. Just keep in mind that its 12-inch wedge height is the tallest one on this list.
It has two attached sections that fold into seven different shapes, so you can find the elevation level that works best for you at any time of day. The washable cover is slightly fuzzier and cozier than most other wedge pillows, too.
This may be a wedge pillow you break out before bedtime, though you probably won't be sleeping on it! The 7-inch-high Liberator wedge pillow is made entirely of high-density foam, so it won't sink as much as other pillows on this list. It's also not as bulky, either.
The elevation it provides can be helpful for those who experience joint or body aches during sex. Its microfiber cover is soft, smooth, and machine-washable! It comes in a smaller and also slightly larger combo size, too.
Yes, wedge pillows come in an inflatable form, too! This model has a 7-inch incline for keeping your shoulders or legs elevated while you sit up or snooze in a guest room or hotel bed. It also packs down flat for keeping your carry-on luggage light.
We do recommend packing an extra-large pillowcase to cover this wedge pillow since, unfortunately, it's not machine-washable.
Melanie YatesSenior Home Decor EditorMelanie is the senior home decor editor of Best Products, where she's been researching and testing out home and bedding products since 2015 — her work can also be found on House Beautiful and Women's Health.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
