Did you know that an incline pillow can help someone get into and out of bed? Bed wedges for elderly not only improve comfort while sleeping, but also assist with transfers.

Wedge pillow for elderly; why it helps

Getting in and out of bed involves a fair amount of strength and mobility to perform. Injury, surgery, or strength decline can make this task challenging. No one wants to feel like they can't get into and out of bed. Sometimes, all it takes is a little help from a positioning wedge!

A pillow wedge for bed is a tool that helps with bed transfers. Sleeping at a slight incline gives your muscles the positional advantage when you go to get out of bed in the morning. It is much easier to sit up when you are starting in a reclined position! 

Bed wedge for elderly; what to look for

A wedge pillow for elderly, or other loved one who needs assistance, should be at least 7 inches high. A 10 inch or 12 inch sleep wedge may be needed if your loved one has breathing difficulties while sleeping, is significantly overweight, or if you believe the additional height would help them with transfers.

It is also important that bed wedges for elderly are topped with memory foam. This offers the most comfort. The wedge pillow should also be made of a firm polyurethane base so it maintains its shape overtime.

How a knee wedge pillow can help

An additional wedge pillow you may consider for your loved one is a knee wedge pillow. Propping legs on a knee wedge pillow can decrease lower extremity swelling and improve circulation. Elevating the legs gives the heart a break by making it easier for blood to flow back to the heart.

A knee wedge pillow also decreases low back pain and stiffness. Propping legs on a wedge pillow eliminates the arch in your low back when lying flat. This arch often causes people to wake up stiff and sore.

When a triangle wedge pillow is used in combination with a knee wedge pillow, you can rest assured that your loved one will wake up in the morning refreshed and ready to start the day.

A pillow wedge for bed can be helpful for anyone, but especially for someone who you know is having difficulty getting in and out of their bed!

-Hillary Blare, Doctor of Physical Therapy

A reading wedge pillow will make you so comfortable, you won't be able to stop reading! Here is what to look for in a wedge pillow for reading in bed, and 2 books that will keep you up all night.

What to look for in a reading wedge pillow

The ideal height for a reading wedge pillow is 10 inches. This provides enough support for your back while giving you the right amount of recline for you to sit up in bed and read. Additionally, it is enough height that if you choose to read lying down on the wedge pillow, you can do so comfortably.

A wedge pillow for reading in bed should also have a memory foam topper. The memory foam topper gives you maximum comfort by supporting you where you need it. Make sure the base of your incline pillow contains firm, polyurethane foam. This gives you maximum support and shape retention.

Maximize comfort with a knee wedge pillow

Additionally, combining a knee wedge pillow with your reading wedge pillow offers you the ultimate relaxation experience. This ensemble takes the pressure off your low back, hips, and knees so you feel like you are floating. When you support every body part, it allows you to concentrate on what you do best, reading. 

Book recommendations 

Once you have your reading wedge pillow, here are a couple books that may just keep you up all night.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

As a genre, historical fiction weaves knowledge and fantasy together to teach and entertain.  Kristin Hannah is the queen of historical fiction, and The Nightingale is one of the best. The setting of The Nightingale is the World War II German occupation of France. It is the story of the struggle of two sisters to survive the war while healing from past wounds that have separated them. You will encounter immense bravery, unforeseen tragedies, hidden strength, and ultimate reconciliation. You will be moved, inspired, grateful, and in awe of the unforeseen heroes, both men and women, who fought during World War II.

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin

The Water Keeper delves into the world of human trafficking, giving readers insight into this horrific practice. The reader joins the complicated life of Murphy Shepherd, a man of mystery, modesty, introspection, and unbridled heroism. As you follow along his journey, you meet heartfelt friends, tragedy, and feel hope that heroes like Murph are successful at rescuing our fellow men and women who are trapped in the depths of horror. The sequel to The Water Keeper is The Letter Keeper and it promises to not disappoint!

A reading wedge pillow and a knee wedge pillow can be your new close companions, accompanying you on all your future reading journeys! 

-Hillary Blare, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Finally, a wedge support pillow that was designed with you in mind! Keep reading to learn how this lumbar wedge pillow can help you sleep without back pain.

Why side sleepers should use a wedge support pillow

Why is sleeping without a back support wedge so uncomfortable? It's because you are leaving the spinal region that lies between the bottom of your ribcage and the top of your hip bone completely unsupported. This causes your spine to bend all night and is not comfortable or good for your back.

Additionally, when lying  your side without supporting your leg and hip, you place even more tension on your back. The gradual slope from the outside of your hip down to your feet places strain on your back and hips. 

How a back support wedge works

This newly designed, newly released, wedge pillow for lower back pain contours to you. The outside of your hip will rest on 1” of plush memory foam. The lumbar wedge gradually slopes upward, filling in the curvature of your waist. It levels out on top where you need the most support, and then slopes downward to match the contour of your ribcage.

This unique back support wedge ensures your spine is straight all night. Once it is supporting your spine, you will feel immediate relief in your back. This will lead to waking up with significantly less stiffness and soreness in your back. The long-term benefits of sleeping with your spine supported correctly are immeasurable. 

An additional back support wedge for side sleepers

A key component for a wedge pillow for back support is a leg separator pillow . A well-designed and carefully crafted leg separator pillow supports the weight of your hip, leg, and foot, so your back does not have to. It corrects the unwanted pull on your back and hips caused by the weight of your legs.

Supporting your leg with a leg separator pillow and supporting your spine with a side sleeper wedge ensures your back is completely at rest. You will sleep better when your back is completely relaxed.

Wedge for lower back pain for back sleepers

If you are a back sleeper looking for a wedge support pillow to relieve back pain, look for a knee wedge pillow to prop your legs on while you sleep. The knee wedge should be at least 8’’ high and topped with memory foam. 

Placing a knee wedge pillow under your legs removes the arch in your spine that often occurs when lying flat. Lying flat with an arch in your lower back can lead to stiffness and pain in the morning. 

Using a back support wedge for your spine allows you to sleep peacefully and wake up refreshed each the morning!

Whether you are looking for an inclined, acid reflux side sleeper pillow, or a wedge pillow that positions you correctly while lying flat and on your side, you are in the right place. In this article, I will break down key features to look for in any side sleeper wedge pillow.

Acid reflux wedge pillow for side sleepers

If you are looking for an acid reflux pillow for side sleepers, you will want to look for one that has an incline height of at least 7 inches. This is the most common physician recommended height for a wedge pillow to combat acid reflux or GERD.

An acid reflux side sleeper pillow with contours will support your back, shoulder, and hips. When you lie on your side without supporting your natural curves, it can lead to shoulder pain, back pain, or hip pain. A GERD pillow for side sleepers will support your body so this does not happen.

A leg elevation pillow for side sleepers is important to use in conjunction with an acid reflux incline pillow. Another name for this pillow is a leg separator pillow. An ergonomically correct leg separator pillow should offer your top leg enough support so your hip, knee, and ankle are the same height. Your top leg should be parallel with the bed. Sleeping with both pillows ensures your knee, hips, and low back are fully relaxed.

Characteristics to look for in an acid reflux side sleeper pillow

When you are looking for the best wedge pillow for sidesleepers, look for one made with CertiPUR-US® certified foams. These are high quality foams that meet rigorous health and safety standards. You can feel safe bringing these foams into your home.

Also, look for an incline pillow that is made with a firm polyurethane base. Polyurethane foam is a durable foam that will maintain its shape and offer your body the best support. For maximal comfort, the polyurethane foam base should be topped with at least 1 inches of memory foam. Your body will love how it feels to have the memory foam topper slowly conform to your curves, giving you the support you need.

Non-inclined wedge pillow for side sleepers

If you are not looking for an incline pillow, but are looking for a way to sleep more comfortably on your side, you might be looking for a side sleeper wedge. This small wedge is critical for side sleeping comfort. By supporting the contour of your waist, it prevents your spine from resting all night unsupported. Sleeping on your side without support can lead to pain, stiffness, and muscle soreness in the morning.

Both a side sleeper wedge and a leg separator pillow are necessary for side sleepers who do not need an incline. After using these, you will wake up more refreshed, rejuvenated, and feel younger and ready to move.

With everything you have learned about finding the best wedge pillow for side sleepers, you have all the tools you need to transform your side sleeping experience!

-Hillary Blare, Doctor of Physical Therapy