A bed wedge pillow can be a perfect solution if you have trouble sleeping at night and suffer from sleep apnea, back, neck, shoulders pain, or acid reflux symptoms.
Getting a bed wedge pillow from a premium brand like Polysleep can keep your head elevated, improving your sleep posture and allowing you to sleep comfortably throughout the night.
If the concept of a triangle pillow is new to you and you are curious about how to use a bed wedge pillow to get a good night’s sleep, here are some things you need to consider.
Five reasons to use a bed wedge pillow
Bed wedge pillows are triangular-shaped orthopedic pillows that get their name from their shape, which resembles a wedge of cheese. You can use it to lift your upper body to an angle of 30 to 45 degrees and provide an elevation of 6 to 12 inches.
The length and width of a typical wedge pillow can vary between 20 to 25 inches and come in different degrees of inclination.
Here are the five reasons you need to use a bed wedge pillow on your bed.
- Helps to resolve back pain issues. It can provide the correct inclination to align your hip and vertebrae giving support to your upper back while resolving back pain issues;
- Prevents snoring and sleep apnea. Sleeping horizontally on ordinary pillows can collapse your airways, causing sleep apnea or snoring problems. Bed wedge pillows use elevation to reposition your body and reduce those symptoms during sleep;
- Prevents nighttime asthma. Triangle pillows help elevate your upper body preventing the pooling of blood in your lungs that can trigger nighttime asthma.
- Helps with post-operative care. Using bed wedge pillows after surgery can reduce swelling and pain while improving blood circulation in your upper body;
- Helps with cough and nasal drip. Nasal drip occurs when mucus travels down the back of your throat, blocking the airways and causing sleep disruptions. An orthopedic wedge pillow can provide an elevation that can prevent nasal drips and cough symptoms, helping you sleep better.
How to use a bed wedge pillow?
If you are confused about how to use a wedge pillow, here are some ways you can consider:
- To recline in an upright position: If you like to read or watch TV in bed, you can sit comfortably by keeping the triangle pillow upright behind you, supporting your spine, neck, and head. To get the position right, you need to put the broader end of the pillow as a base on the bed and use the flat side to support your reclining body.
- For back sleepers: If you are a back sleeper, you can use it to gently incline your back, helping you sleep comfortably.
- For side sleepers: If you prefer to sleep on a side, the gentle incline of a bed wedge pillow will align your neck and shoulders, allowing your spine to rest in a neutral position.
- For leg elevation: You can place it under your knees with the wide edge facing you as your legs slope down the pillow. Elevating legs can improve circulation, resolving leg sores or swelling issues.
- On your lap: When placed on the lap, it can help support your laptop, improving the alignment of your neck and shoulders and preventing straining while working.
- Under the belly: Pregnant women sleeping on their side can place bed wedge pillows under their belly to support the stomach while sleeping.
How to use a bed wedge pillow for back pain?
Keeping a one under your knees can relieve pressure on your lower back and resolve back pain.
How to use a bed wedge pillow for hip pain?
Sleeping with an orthopedic wedge pillow supporting your back for back sleepers can support your hips, resolving hip pain issues.
How to sleep on a bed wedge pillow?
While bed wedge pillows are best for back sleepers, supporting your body while you sleep, they can also benefit side sleepers and pregnant women by aligning the spinal cord, neck, and shoulders, providing comfort while sleeping.
How to sleep on your side with a bed wedge pillow?
Side sleepers can use a foam wedge pillow with an elevation of 35 to 45 degrees to keep their spine aligned, preventing the buildup of pressure in the back muscles.
How not to slide down the bed wedge pillow?
A cotton pillow cover over your triangle pillow can keep it in position and prevent it from sliding off while you sleep.
How to use a bed wedge pillow after knee replacement?
After knee replacement surgery, you can use a foam wedge pillow under your knee to elevate your knee, providing support, reducing pain and swelling, and improving circulation in the area.
How to use a bed wedge pillow for lower back pain?
To help with your lower back pain, use one behind your knees to slope your legs downwards, relieving pressure off your lower back.
How to sleep with a bed wedge pillow when pregnant?
Pregnant women who sleep on the side can place an orthopedic wedge pillow under their belly to provide support while sleeping.
How to sleep on a bed wedge pillow for acid reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid rises to the esophagus. To prevent acid reflux, you need to use a larger foam wedge pillow that extends from your head to the hips, keeping your upper body inclined.
How to use a bed wedge pillow for neck pain?
If you suffer from neck pain, you can use one with a higher incline to relieve pressure on your neck. Using it can also keep your neck and head in perfect alignment with your spine, reducing pain and discomfort while sleeping.
How to use a bed wedge pillow for sciatica?
Sciatica pain typically travels down your lower back and the back of your legs, causing burning pain with muscle weakness. If you have sciatica pain, you can use this incline pillow under your knees and one under your legs to elevate your lower body.
Elevating your legs can resolve pain while improving circulation and relieving sciatica symptoms.
How to choose a bed wedge pillow?
Many factors come into play when choosing an incline pillow that fulfills your needs. Other than ensuring that it is from a well-known brand like Polysleep, here are some factors you need to consider to get the perfect pillow.
- Material: Most bed wedge pillows come in memory foam or polyfoam. If you are a hot sleeper, a latex one can be a great option as it does not hold heat. Avoid latex pillows if you are allergic to them.
- Level of Firmness: These incline pillows usually come with a firm and medium firm support. While side sleepers prefer medium firm ones that cradle the body, back sleepers go for firm pillows that provide the necessary support and alignment.
- Incline: Bed wedge pillows can provide elevation between 7 to 15 inches and can come in various height levels. A high riser measures 15 inches and provides a drastic angle; a mid-level riser comes between 10-12 inches, providing a comfortable elevation. A low-level rise or sweet spot measures 6-8 inches and is most popular with sleepers.
- Budget: Orthopedic wedge pillows are more expensive than standard pillows. You need to consider your budget before getting one.
- Warranty: Make sure to read details regarding the period and extent of the warranty before getting one.
- Trial period: Look out for companies that offer a trial period with free returns and shipping to try it out before purchasing.
Takeaway
If you suffer from neck, head, back, or shoulder pains or struggle with sinus problems or acid reflux symptoms that keep you awake at night, getting a bed wedge pillow can better align your body, allowing you to have a good night’s sleep.
