Troubled With Acid Reflux While Sleeping? Your Pillow Could Help

Sleeplessness is frequently caused by heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. We are often unaware of the fact that GERD is more likely in many sleeping postures. The act of reclining down, for example, raises the chance of acid reflux. Gravity assists in keeping gastric acid in the stomach when you are sitting or standing. When you lie flat, though, stomach acid is considerably more likely to back up into your esophagus.

Reflux episodes and oesophageal acid exposure are reduced when you sleep on your left side with your head elevated. Reflux can be exacerbated by sleeping in different positions, especially on your back.

Acid reflux sufferers should elevate their heads to a 35–45-degree angle. Wedge pillows with a mid-loft will rise 8 to 10 inches beyond the surface of the mattress. It will aid gravity in preventing acid reflux in your stomach. Wedge pillows can help with acid reflux and GERD symptoms, common at night. Wedge pillows prevent acid from spilling out of your stomach and into your esophagus by slightly lifting your head, shoulders, and chest while you sleep.

The Concept of a Wedge Pillow

A wedge pillow is a triangle-shaped orthopedic pillow with an inclination. The name “wedge pillow” comes from the shape’s resemblance to a wedge of cheese. These cushions raise the upper body to a comfortable 30 to 45-degree angle, allowing gravity to keep acid at bay and prevent regurgitation. Wedge pillows can also help those with obstructive sleep apnea open up their airways. They can also be used to raise the legs to enhance circulation and ease lumbar spine discomfort.

Although most wedge pillows serve a similar purpose, they can vary in terms of incline, size, weight, materials, shape, firmness level, temperature regulation, and price. Below, we outline the various types of wedge pillows available and why they may or may not be right for you.

Incline

Most wedge pillows have an angle of 30 to 45 degrees or roughly 6 to 12 inches. A wedge cushion with a mid-level slope of 35 to 40 degrees for those with acid reflux and sleep apnea may be ideal. A cushion with a lower slope, such as 30 to 32 degrees, is perfect for usage beneath the knees or legs, whereas a pillow with a higher incline, such as 43 to 45 degrees, is excellent for supporting the neck and back when sitting up in bed.

Size

Wedge pillows are typically 20 to 24 inches in length. The breadth is usually between 20 and 24 inches; however, the incline height might vary between 6 and 12 inches. Wedge pillows are typically larger than regular pillow sizes, so consider your personal preferences as well as the size of your mattress before making a purchase.

A huge wedge pillow may be preferred by people who toss and turn frequently or who have a larger bed, such as a queen or king size. A wedge cushion on the smaller side may be suitable for petite folks or those with a smaller bed, such as a twin or full size.

Weight

The weight of a wedge pillow is determined by the angle’s depth. The heavier the pillow is, the greater the incline. Wedge pillows with a steep inclination, such as those with a 43-45-degree slant, often weigh 10 to 12 points. Smaller variants, such as those designed for youngsters, typically weigh 2 to 4 pounds.

The Angle

Most wedge pillows have an angle of 30 to 45 degrees or roughly 6 to 12 inches. We recommend a wedge cushion with a mid-level slope of 35 to 40 degrees for those with acid reflux and sleep apnea.

A cushion with a lower slope, such as 30 to 32 degrees, is perfect for usage beneath the knees or legs, whereas a pillow with a higher incline, such as 43 to 45 degrees, is excellent for supporting the neck and back when sitting up in bed.

Contoured or Flat

The triangular-shaped wedge pillows have a moderate slope. Some, on the other hand, may have a contoured or curved surface to maintain the head, neck, and shoulders aligned and the spine neutral. Side sleepers and mixed sleepers benefit from contoured wedge pillows.

Materials

The majority of wedge pillows are comprised of memory foam, polyfoam, or a combination of both. For optimal support and pressure reduction, both foam kinds mold to the body. Furthermore, both forms come in a range of stiffness degrees, from ultra-soft to firm. Because of the adaptability of these materials, brands can create a soft yet sturdy wedge pillow that keeps sleepers in a comfortable raised position all night.

Firmness Level

Most wedge pillows are medium-firm to hard in order to preserve their robust and supporting structure. A medium-firm wedge pillow is generally preferred by side sleepers because it is soft enough to cradle and cushion the shoulder joints. Back sleepers, on the other hand, prefer a firm wedge pillow to avoid sinkage.

Price

A wedge pillow constructed of high-quality materials can set you back $50 to $100. The cost of the cushion will vary depending on its size and durability. Wedge pillows made of memory foam are more expensive than ones made of poly-foam, but memory foam is more resilient and lasts considerably longer.

How to Use?

If you have acid indigestion and frequently have heartburn, using a medium loft wedge pillow with an angle of 30 to 40 degrees may be ideal. The lowest portion of the inclination of an acid reflux pillow should stop in the middle of the back. The highest point of the inclination should be beneath the head, with 2 to 3 inches of room between the skull and the pillow’s end.

A Few Wedge Pillows for Your Shopping Guide

1. 1. MedCline Reflux Relief System: The Reflux Relief System from MedCline combines a wedge and a body pillow to provide customized support in a semi-upright position. Because of the armholes, this pillow is ideal for side sleepers. The system can be customized to fit the user’s height. The manufacturers warn, however, that persons who have back or hip ailments may discover that the angle makes their agony worse.
   2. MedSlant Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux: Medslant is a 32-inch by 24-inch pillow with a 7-inch torso elevation. People can sleep on their sides or back because of their inclination. You can use this wedge pillow with or without a standard pillow. It’s composed of hypoallergenic polyurethane and includes a machine-washable travel cover.
   3. Coisum Memory Foam Pillow: This Coisum pillow provides breathable support that may relieve shoulder pain and pressure, as well as heartburn and congestion, for sleepers who prefer a slightly lower angle with less elevation. The pillow has an armhole and is less expensive than many other wedge pillows, making it ideal for back and side sleepers.The breathable, washable surface may provide a cooling effect, making it an excellent solution for persons who sweat excessively while sleeping.
   4. Lenora Adjustable Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set: 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.
   5. Relax Home Life Bed Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux: Measuring 26 by 25 by 7.5 inches, this wedge pillow provides a 1.5-inch memory foam top layer and a breathable case to keep your body cooler throughout the night.
   6. Remedy Contour Pillow: This cushion is affordable. The contour pillow is a full-body pillow that may also provide some relief for hip and back pain. People can use the bottom portion of the body pillow to give them extra support between the knees. This wedge cushion from AllSett Health measures 22 inches by 12 inches and has a 30- or 60-degree angle that supports a moderate or steep slope for just the proper amount of pressure. It folds up and can be used to support the back or legs.
   7.  Brentwood Home Zuma Foam Wedge Pillow: This pillow is a memory foam pillow that is 24 inches by 24 inches and has an incline of 7, 10, or 12 inches. It has a bamboo cover that is washable and detachable.
   8. The Healthex Memory Foam Gel Wedge Pillow: It improves your sleeping position by giving a 10-inch slope of 30 degrees. The wedge has 1.5 inches of breathable high-density memory foam that bounces back into form after each usage, preventing flat-pillow syndrome.

   

A wedge pillow may be just what you need if acid reflux is keeping you awake at night and leading you to miss out on sleep. These pillows are adaptable, useful, and cost-effective. Additionally, raising the head when sleeping can help with a variety of other issues, such as spinal misalignment, nasal congestion, and snoring.