1. Does it take time to get adjusted to using a wedge pillow?

Most of the people who have the habit of using traditional flat pillows can take some time to get used to a wedge pillow as it can have an impact on your sleeping position. However, the adjustment period will be 1 or 2 nights to get comfortable with the pillow. If you are worried about the switch, then take naps using the wedge pillow until you get used to the inclination.

2. Are wedge pillows travel friendly?

Hotel pillows may not provide enough comfort while sleeping, even if you are not dealing with any health issues. That is why, it is important to pack your wedge pillow as well with you. As large wedge pillows are difficult to pack, it is better to go for a small one. It is also better to purchase a travel friendly bag for the pillow to protect it from stains and dirt. Some manufacturers provide a travel case for free along with the wedge pillow.

3. I am dealing with allergies; what factors should I check in a wedge pillow?

Most of the wedge pillow are made up of memory foam which is hypoallergenic. So, they work for all people, even they have allergy issues. However, we recommend to make sure the pillow you choose doesn’t have formaldehyde or phthalates – as they can trigger allergic reactions and cause sensitive skin.

4. Flat or Contoured – which wedge pillow is better?

Flat pillow provides even support to shoulders, neck and head. While countered pillows provide customized support according the user’s natural curves of shoulders, spine, neck and head. This makes them perfect for side sleepers as they require targeted support for those areas.

5. I toss and turn a lot during my sleep. Which wedge pillow is right for me?

Wedge pillows that are light in weight and have high inclinations, often slide away during night, especially for people who move a lot during their sleep. So, heavier pillows are perfect for such people.

6. Which wedge pillow is suitable for people with snoring or acid reflux issues?

Both these medications require a wedge pillow with high elevation degrees. The inclination will prevent any obstruction to the air ways and also prevents stomach acid from crawling into the throat.

7. Is wedge pillow beneficial for poor circulation?

People may experience most of the circulation issues in the lower body and rarely in the upper body. So, placing a pillow under the legs and knees or feet will improve the air circulation to those areas.

8. Which wedge pillow to use while watching TV or reading in bed?

Low inclination pillows don’t provide enough support to your upper body while doing these activities. We recommend going for higher inclination models.

9. What is the right wedge pillow positioning?

In most of the cases, wedge pillows can be placed in two positions. While sleeping or resting, the tallest part of the pillow should be at the back of your head and fit perfectly under the shoulders. However, if you have to sit upright in a chair or bed, place the widest part of the pillow at base with narrowest on the top. The straight part of the pillow should face against the headboard or wall. For lumbar area, we recommend adding an extra layer for good support.

10. How do I wash a wedge pillow as it has become dirty?

It is better to not wash a wedge pillow as washing will hinder the quality of the material. Usually, these wedge pillows come with a cover that protects the material. Also, if it has become too dirty, you can just wipe it with a wet cloth.

11. How long does it take to get used to a wedge pillow?

It depends on the quality of the material used but on average, it takes around 1-2 weeks of time.

12. Can I use a wedge pillow if I am a front sleeper?

Yes, you can but you will have to find the one which is thinner than the usual ones.

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How to Choose a Wedge Pillow

Updated by

Josna K

on Dec 21, 2020

What is a Wedge Pillow?

A person can alleviate most of their pain by resting or sleeping in a comfortable alignment. Using a wedge pillow is one of the best way to provide your body with enough comfort. The sloping or angled orthopedic pillows lets you relax shoulders, torso, head at a specific inclined angle.

This relaxing position can reduce discomforts and symptoms caused by some medical concerns like acid reflux, sleep apnea and poor blood circulation. By using these wedge pillows, you can remove the stress and strain on the pressure points present around your spine and neck.

They are available in different sizes and thickness to accommodate every kind of sleeper. And they are available in different price range as well.

How to Choose a Wedge Pillow?

With so many options, you can be a little bit confused which one to use. So, we have come up with the below buying guide for the best wedge pillows – which has all the required information for shoppers to choose the right one.

1.Size

As already mentioned, they are available in different sizes. Some manufacturers provide size details corresponding to bed size like twin, queen and king. Some manufacturers mention it as small, medium, large or extra-large. So, if you want you to choose the right one that fits your bed, we recommend to consider dimensions of the wedge pillow.

Standard – Usually, the dimensions of the size are 20 inches wide and 20 inches long. This size is good enough for accommodating head, shoulders, neck and upper back. If you want to use to for feet, then it can accommodate, calves, feet, and knees.
Small – These pillows are perfect for smaller mattresses like twin and full bed size.
Large – They are suitable for king and queen sized mattresses.

Finally, you should also consider your sleeping position and shoulder width to know how high and wide the pillow has to be.

2. Shape

Most of the wedge pillows come in a triangle shape. However, some of them are designed slightly different. Based on the shape, the pillow surface can be either flat or contoured.

Some wedge pillows are designed ergonomically to contour according to the curves of your neck, shoulder and spine. These are perfect for people who sleep on their sides. Some contoured pillows are specially designed for legs and knee elevation – so it suitable for people who rest on back.

Few special wedge pillows are available who are designed to perfectly fit between the legs, especially at the knees. They provide amazing support for side sleepers.

Some wedge pillows have a pillow system which has separate components that can be folded into designed shape for customized contoured support. If needed, you can also remove few pieces.

3. Height and Inclination

This is an important factor to consider, particularly for people who want to wedge pillow for medical conditions like acid reflux. To know which suits you perfectly, read the below information carefully…

Low Wedge Pillows – Their typical height is around 6 to 8 inches. It suits perfectly for people dealing with sleep apnea, acid reflux and others medical concerns.
Medium Wedge Pillows – Their average height is around 10 to 12 inches. This pillow is not suitable for relieving medical ailments. They are good for people who have to sleep at higher inclination to prevent sore muscles and pain in the morning.
Tall Wedge Pillows – They are 15 inches high which makes them unsuitable for medical conditions like acid reflux. You can use them while reading, watching television or as a prop in the bed.

When it comes to elevation angle or inclination, sleep position plays an important factor. For back sleepers, a firm wedge pillow is the right choice as it provides enough support to spine and shoulders. Firm and thin wedge pillows are suitable for side sleepers. If the inclination is too high, then it can cause pain during sleep. So, ideal inclination angle range is considered between 30 to 45 degrees.

4. Weight

Some foam wedge pillows weigh just 1 to 2 Kgs which makes them perfect for children and adults who want to keep them under their legs. But some of them may weight around 4 to 5 kgs which are perfect for combination sleepers or who turn a lot during sleep.

5. Materials

Most of the wedge pillows are made up of foam. Memory foam and polyurethane foam are the common types used.

Polyurethane Foam – Being a firm material, they provide adequate support and goof spine alignment. They also have some channels which helps in air circulation.
Memory foam – This material contours according to the user’s body curves to provide adequate comfort. They are perfect for people who sleep to their sides. And also for those who find firm pillows uncomfortable and painful.

Some memory foam pillows use polyester fiber fill material – either as an additional soft layer or standalone. They can be used as an extra layer to a firm pillow. Or else you can use it as standalone if looking for minimum support because of their travel-friendliness.

6. Firmness

Mostly, all the memory foam pillows in India are either medium firm or firm feel. The firmness may be different on different sides of the pillow, which makes it easy to turn, spin or rotate the pillow according to your comfort. If you don’t like a firm feel, then it is better go for a contoured pillow.

7. Removable Cover

Due to angled shape, it is difficult to use regular pillowcases to maintain proper hygiene of a wedge pillow. So, we recommend purchasing a wedg