People often use wedge pillows to alleviate symptoms of common ailments. This ranges from Acid Reflux (Heartburn, GERD), Glaucoma, Sinus Issues, COPD, Sleep Apnea, Recovering from surgery, back issues and more.
Wedge pillows can range in size, price and quality. From inexpensive plastic wedges to durable high end wedges that cost more. Some wedges are designed just for home and some are designed to be portable so that if you need to sleep with your head raised you can travel with your own wedge.
Acid Reflux, GERD, Heartburn
If you suffer from Acid Reflux, GERD or even the occasional heartburn, you know how miserable sleeping on a flatbed can be. A pillow wedge (or wedge pillow) is a simple non pharmaceutical way to reduce the symptoms associated with Nighttime GERD, Reflux and Heartburn.
A wedge pillow uses gravity to help the acid in your stomach stay in your stomach instead of slipping past your lower esophageal sphincter and into your esophagus while laying on a flat bed.
Back Issues
Some people have back and spine issues that prevent them from getting and staying comfortable while laying on a flat bed. In this case a wedge pillow gently raises your torso, allowing someone who suffers from serious back issues to rest comfortably at night.
Pregnancy
Many new mothers complain of heartburn symptoms when pregnant. This is common as the baby is taking up room and pushing everything else out of the way. By raising your torso with a wedge pillow the expecting mother can get a good nights sleep. Some expecting mothers also use a pillow wedge under their feet to help with swollen legs, ankles and feet.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Just like with acid reflux, a wedge pillow uses gravity to help keep your airway open while sleeping. Your tongue and soft tissue in your mouth relax while you sleep. This can often lead to your tongue blocking your throat and narrowing your airway. When this happens your breathing can stop for short periods of time leaving you waking up gasping for air.
Glaucoma
Those who suffer from Glaucoma often use a wedge pillow to help ease eye pressure while sleeping. Glaucoma is a condition that damages your eye’s optic nerve and presents with a buildup of eye pressure which can be exaggerated while sleeping on a flat bed.
These are just a few of the conditions that a pillow wedge is used for. Some people get so used to sleeping with their head raised that they never go back to sleeping on a flat bed again.
What Is A Pillow Wedge Used For?
A Pillow Wedge or sometimes called a Wedge Pillow is a triangle shaped pillow that is designed to raise your torso for sleeping or resting. A pillow wedge can also be used as a backrest for reading in bed or under your feet.