Sleep Experts Agree: These 8 Best Wedge Pillows Give the Boot to Snoring, Acid Reflux, and Congestion
In the market for a wedge pillow? You're in the right spot. Sometimes, a quality pillow is exactly what you need to enhance your quality of rest. Hot sleeper? A breathable pillow that vents hot air may be great for you. Experience neck pain? Invest in a memory foam pillow. The list goes on. However, if you're battling chronic issues like snoring, acid reflux, and nasal congestion—which can hamper your relationship with your bed and put a damper on your breathing—a regular pillow just won't do. For these conditions, sleep doctors actually recommend loading your bedroom with a wedge pillow to support sleep.
- Po-Chang Hsu, MD, MS
- Shelby Harris, MD, PsyD, clinical psychologist, sleep specialist, author of The Women’s Guide To Overcoming Insomnia, and Director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis
The best wedge pillows, at a glance:
- Best overall: Brentwood Home Zuma Foam Wedge Pillow, $54
- Best budget: Mainstay Foam Bed Wedge Pillow, $25
- Best for side sleepers: Kölbs Store Side Wedge Pillow, $37
- Best cooling: Helix Wedge Pillow, $79
- Best for acid reflux: Medslant Wedge Pillow, $98
- Best high-rise pillow: Intevision, Foam Bed Wedge Pillow, $66
- Best for pregnancy: Hiccapop, Pregnancy Wedge Pillow, $27
- Best for circulation: Cushy Form Wedge Pillows, $32
How do wedge pillows work
"Wedge pillows feature a gentle slope to create a slight incline, supporting and elevating your neck and head," says Shelby Harris, PsyD, the director of sleep health at Sleepopolis. By elevating the head and upper back, this "reduces pressure from the upper airways, preventing them from collapsing and alleviating snoring," explains Po-Chang Hsu, MD, MS, a medical content expert at Sleeping Ocean based in Boston, Massachusetts. This elevation also works wonders on acid reflux by keeping the sleeper elevated to prevent acid from getting into the esophagus, the main cause of acid reflux, Dr. Hsu adds. And for those with nasal congestion, Dr. Hsu says that "sleeping elevated will allow gravity to move the mucus down, preventing it from building up in one's nose."
What to look for in a wedge pillow
Just like a quality mattress, pillow, and bed sheets—choosing a wedge pillow is based on your personal preference. But experts want you to keep a few things in mind. One factor to consider is the incline of the pillow. According to Dr. Hsu, wedge pillows fall between 30 and 45 degrees. "A lower incline is best suited for people who want to use their wedge pillow under the knees and legs (for instance, to reduce pressure from the hips and lower back)," says Dr. Hsu. On the other hand, a higher incline is best suited for people with sleep apnea, acid reflux, or nasal congestion because it elevates the head and upper back to prevent pressure and mucus buildup.
Dr. Hsu also says that material is important. Common materials include memory foam; however, it tends to accumulate heat unless it's infused with gel particles. "Latex, albeit more expensive, can maintain a neutral temperature throughout the night" and are more durable, says Dr. Hsu. The last thing to check for: firmness. Dr. Hsu recommends a medium, medium-firm, or firm wedge pillow in order to have sturdy support throughout the night. He says that medium-firm models are best suited for side sleepers and those who want deeper pressure relieve and firm pillows are recommended for back sleepers.
Below, you'll find sleep doctor-approved wedge pillows of every height, budget, and material that will kick congestion, snoring, and acid reflux to the curb. Sleep dreams!
Available: 7-, 10-, and 12- inches
For a versatile wedge pillow that hits two birds with one stone, count on Brentwood Home’s Zuma Foam Wedge Pillow. “This model uses adaptive foam that molds to the body, making the pressure redistribute evenly without giving up on proper support,” says Dr. Hsu. Available in three different sizes, 7-, 10-, and 12- inches, this pillow is extremely versatile and can be used to alleviate snoring, acid reflux, poor circulation, and back or neck problems. Use it against your bed to sit up or lay it horizontally to get a good night’s snooze.
If you’re not vibing with the Zuma, you’ll get a 30-day trial and a full refund. What’s also great? It comes with a removable, machine-washable cover that makes cleaning up a breeze. The comfort it provides, versatility, and adaptive foam makes this pillow the best overall choice.
Measurements: 24″ x 24″ x 7″ inches
Pros:
- Made of adaptive foam
- Comes with machine-washable cover
- Ideal for neck and shoulder pain, acid reflux, snoring, and poor circulation
- 30-day trial
Cons:
- Expensive
Available: one size
For the price, Mainstay’s Foam Bed Wedge Pillow gets the job done. Made of a blend of polyester and thick foam, this wedge pillow is ergonomically shaped and lifts your neck and back, providing snoring, acid reflux, and congestion relief. Even Dr. Hsu agrees: “This is one of the most affordable wedge pillows on the market that doesn’t sacrifice quality for an attractive price tag.”
The pillow comes with a zippered and soft cover that’s machine-washable and easy to clean. Use it as an incline while you sleep or to align or neck and bag during sleepy time.
Measurements: 24.5″ x 22″ x 8″ inches
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comes with machine-washable cover
- Made of foam
Cons:
- No warranty
Available: one size
The 30-degree incline of Kölbs’ Side Wedge Pillow is contoured to support side sleepers. While smaller than most of the pillows of this list, the medical-grade memory foam pillow slightly slants the body to an ergonomic position to prevent back and side pain. “This model is ideal for side sleepers thanks to its gentle and medium-firm feel,” says Dr. Hsu. “It works especially well when placed behind the hips for extra support when lying on one side.” Another notable feature is the machine washable cover, making cleaning easy breezy.
Measurements: 12.17″ x 6.1″ x 5.63″ inches
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comes with machine-washable cover
- 30-degree incline
- Made of medical-grade memory foam
Cons:
- Expensive
Available: one size
Hot and sweaty sleepers will appreciate Helix’s Wedge Pillow. The cooling gel memory foam not only contours to the curves, but vents hot air (bye bye, night sweats). The wedge pillows are elevated and are best suited for side or back sleepers with breathing issues, pain, and other sleep-related issues. Try it out for 100 nights and for any issues, you’ll have a one-year warranty.
Measurements: 24″ x 24″ x 10″ inches
Pros:
- Made of cooling memory foam
- 100-night trial
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
Available: one size
“This wedge pillow was created specifically for those who experience acid reflux,” says Dr. Harris. Featuring a 7″ rise, it prevents acid from reaching the esophagus and relieving snoring and back pain. What’s nice about the pillow is that it is made of hypo-allergenic foam, so it’s unlikely to irritate skin and comes with a removable cover to keep things clean. Included is a carrying case, and the pillow case can be easily folded so traveling with it isn’t a problem.
Measurements: 32″ x 24″ x 7″ inches
Pros:
- Comes with a carrying case
- Hypoallergenic foam
- Ideal for acid reflux
- Removable case
Cons:
- Expensive
Available: one size
If you need a wedge pillow with a little more height, Intevision’s Foam Bed Wedge Pillow is a great option. “This 12-inch wedge pillow has a soft side and a firm side, and a perforated lining to allow maximum breathability,” which is ideal for people experiencing acid reflux or snoring, explains Dr. Harris. Even more, it’s embedded with cooling gel memory foam to offer relief to the sweatiest of sleepers. Featuring a machine-washable cover, this cover is easy to clean and comes with a silky bamboo cover that’s comfy to sleep on. Sleeping on the Intevision brings only sweet dreams.
Measurements: 25″ x 24″ x 12″ inches
Pros:
- Comes with machine-washable cover
- Made of cooling memory foam
- High-rise pillow
Cons:
- Expensive
Available: one size
This pillow comes recommended by Dr. Harris, and is ideal for pregnant people because of its easily portable wedge. It “has a soft and a firm side, and a perforated lining to allow maximum breathability,” she adds. The 2-sided design can accommodate people during all phases of pregnancy and has purported benefits of reducing swelling, relieving nerve pain, and relieving back pain. Plus, it’s compact, making it a travel-friendly companion.
Measurements: 15″ x 13.25″ x 4.5″ inches
Pros:
- Affordable
- Suited for all trimesters
- Portable
Cons:
- May not be cushioned enough for some
Available: one size
If you’re battling poor circulation, look no further than Cushy’s Foam Wedge Pillow. “This wedge pillow is the perfect choice to elevate legs and feet,” says Dr. Harris. Engineered with soft memory foam, the pillow is gentle on the legs while simultaneously offering a helping ledge to promote circulation. What’s more, it comes with a washable cover that’s both breathable and soft. Sweaty legs are no longer a thing.
Measurements: 24″ x 21″ x 8″ inches
Pros:
- Made of soft memory foam
- Comes with machine-washable cover
- Elevates legs for circulation
Cons:
- May be too big for some
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