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The Best Wedge Pillow

OnlyTree Black
This article was written by Staying Alive Crew Published at 06:41 pm
Wedge Pillows

Wedge pillows have a triangular shape, with a gradual incline. The slope of a wedge pillow enables the upper body to be inclined, supporting the head, neck, shoulders, by propping it on a mattress.  

A wedge pillow can also be used to elevate the lower part of the body, increase poor circulation, and help ease heartburn symptoms. 

We’ve reviewed the brand of top wedge pillows, so you can get a good night’s rest and improve your health!

Table of Contents

10 Best Wedge Pillows in 2024

Wedge Pillows Buying Guide

It can get quite overwhelming to know which wedge pillow brand is right for you. 

We’ve reviewed the selection criteria you may want to consider, making your wedge pillow purchase easier. 

Allowing you to sleep like a baby!

Wedge Pillows

Wedge pillows are fantastic for people who have to sleep on their backs in an inclined position. They can help to reduce the pressure in sensitive areas, which cause health problems such as heartburn or acid reflux.

There are many different types of wedges available to purchase and they have the added benefit of being portable, so your head is supported no matter where you sleep!

Health Benefits of Wedge Pillows

Wedge pillows are the genius incline sleep positioners designed for your maximum comfort and health.

A wedge pillow inclines your head at a 10 to 30-degree incline so you can sleep in a natural incline position. 

Wedge pillows can serve many purposes. One of the most popular is to elevate the head and chest for those who suffer from sleep apnea, acid reflux, or other respiratory ailments that cause discomfort while lying flat. 

These shapes also work well for reading and watching television in bed, and they offer support and elevation when recovering from injuries like hip replacements.

Wedge pillows are a good choice for anyone who spends a significant part of the day sitting in a chair with poor posture

They also work well when recovering from back injuries or hip replacement surgeries.

Wedge pillows are relatively inexpensive when compared to other specialty pillows and at the same time offer a multitude of health benefits.

Features of Best Wedge Pillows

Material

Wedge pillows are predominantly made of high or medium-density memory foam. 

Some wedge pillows consist of multiple layers of foam or a single layer. It’s important to look into the different materials and select the right one based on the type of sleeper you are, the type of mattress you have, and the type of health problem you suffer from.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyfoam that becomes soft and when it comes into contact with body heat it contours and has high density. 

This gives sleepers pressure relief for the neck, head, and shoulders. Memory foam can have heat retention properties, so look for pillows that infuse memory foam with gel or look for shredded foam that allows significant ventilation. 

Feather

Down and feathers are two different types of materials. Down pillows are made from the soft wing, chest, and back feathers of geese or ducks. If more fill consists of clusters the pillow is warmer, soft, feather-light, and fluffy, and expensive. 

Other feathers from ducks and geese can be used that are not down. Down and other feathers are not commonly used in wedge pillows as they do not offer the firmness or support a wedge pillow design requires.  

Polyester

Pillows made from this material have reasonable cooling properties and are an attractive option for a customer on a budget.

Pillows made from polyester can be machine washed which is an advantage. On the flip side, polyester does not have the best airflow circulation and hence, does not breathe well.

Latex

There are two types of natural latex, one which is made from the sap of rubber trees and the other is synthetic latex, which is a man-made chemical product. If a pillow is made of latex, it is usually constructed from both natural and synthetic latex.

Covers

The lion’s share of wedge pillows have covers that are made from synthetic fabrics, such as bamboo, polyester, or rayon. 

Size

What size pillow are you looking for? A typical wedge pillow measures 20 to 24 inches in both length and width. The height of wedge pillows can vary.

This size is sufficient to provide cushioning to the head, neck, and shoulders, and to support the lower body if you want to elevate your legs, feet.

How big is your mattress If you have a smaller mattress, opt for a smaller pillow. Larger wedge pillows are a good option for a Queen or King size mattress.

Shape

Wedge pillows have a triangular shape, with a gradual slope from the lowest point to the highest part of the pillow. 

Some models have a flat pillow surface and other models have a contoured surface.

Incline

You can determine the incline of a wedge pillow in degrees or inches. An average wedge pillow height will be anything from 6 to 12 inches or 30 to 45 degrees. 

Which height is best for you depends on the purpose you want to use the wedge pillow. If you want it for sleeping, you should opt for a lower height.

If you have acid reflux or suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, you may find a higher height more beneficial for you. 

Weight

The weight of a wedge pillow very much depends on the type of material fill and density it is constructed of.  

A wedge pillow needs to be denser to provide the right support at an inclined position. If a pillow is too light, it may move during the night if you toss and turn. 

Pick a wedge pillow that is heavier than a regular pillow with high density. Latex and memory foam pillows are on the heavier end of the spectrum, weighing about 10 to 12 pounds.

Firmness Level

Wedge pillows are commonly crafted with a solid block of foam, resulting in them being medium-firm to medium firmness. 

Wedge pillows need to be firmer than a regular pillow, to allow them to retain their shape and provide sufficient support to a sleeper while keeping them elevated.

Some wedge pillow models allow sleepers to rotate the pillow, allowing greater flexibility to adjust the firmness feel.

How firm your pillow should be is also impacted by the kind of sleeper you are. A medium-firm wedge pillow may be suitable for side sleepers, while back sleepers prefer a firm pillow. 

Pressure Relief

You want a pillow that provides support, spinal alignment, and offers pressure relief for your neck and shoulders and other areas of your body. Latex and memory foam are ideal picks to provide pressure and pain relief. 

Temperature Regulation

If you are a hot sleeper, you may also want a wedge pillow that helps to regulate temperature. 

Foam naturally tends to retain heat, so you may want to look for a wedge pillow that has gel-infused foam, which wicks away heat from the body. 

Or look for wedge pillow covers that are made from breathable material that promotes good airflow circulation. 

Sleeping Position

Give some thought to what position you typically sleep in. This impacts how much support you need and the firmness level of the pillow.

If you’re a back sleeper you may want a wedge pillow that keeps your head and neck supported so that your head doesn’t tilt too forward or back. 

If you’re a side sleeper you want to look for a pillow that provides medium support and pressure relief to your neck and shoulders. 

Maintenance

You’ll probably be using your wedge pillow every night, if not regularly, so it’s important to know how you can clean it. Always follow the care instructions. 

Look at whether they are machine washable or they can be hand-washed only? 

How easy is the pillow to store or travel with?

Lifespan

Ideally, you’re buying a wedge pillow made from quality material, that is durable over time, Does the wedge pillow come with a warranty?

On average wedge, pillows should have a warranty ranging from 1 to 3 years. 

Price

Expect to pay between $50 and $100 for a quality wedge pillow. If your budget allows, you’ll get your money’s worth. 

You can find wedge pillows below $50, but they are not likely to last longer and the likelihood of them sagging with consistent usage is high. 

Wedge Pillows FAQ

What is a wedge pillow?

A wedge pillow is an orthopedic pillow that can help sleepers suffering from a range of ailments. Wedge pillows have a triangular shape, with a gradual incline.

The slope of a wedge pillow enables the upper body to be inclined, supporting the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back during sleep.

A wedge pillow can also be used to elevate the lower part of the body, increase poor circulation, and reduce inflammation.

A wedge pillow can also be used for other activities where you want to maintain an upright position, such as reading, watching TV, and a range of other activities while you are awake.

Whilst wedge pillows can be made of a few different types of material, they are predominantly made of foam. This helps the pillow retain its shape, and support elevation without sagging over time.

Who should use a wedge pillow?

Wedge pillows are often used by sleepers suffering from snoring, sleep apnea, acid reflux, poor circulation, pregnant women, and sleepers with back, neck, or shoulder pain, to name a few.

Wedge pillows can also be used for people who like to sit up in bed and want to use the pillow as a head or backrest.

Are wedge pillows adjustable?

Some wedge pillow models come in different heights. If you want a wedge pillow for sleeping, opt for a height around 6 or 7 inches.

If you want a wedge pillow to sit upright in bed, you may prefer a higher height. Some wedge pillow models are adjustable.

Adjustable wedge pillows may have a design that allows them to be folded or they comprise different layers, allowing you to remove some of the layers to suit your incline preference.

Wedge Pillows Sources

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