When to Use a 7 inch Wedge Pillow

A 7 inch wedge pillow helps you sleep slightly reclined. One of the most common reasons a 7 inch bed wedge is sought after is due to its ability to combat acid reflux.

A 7 inch wedge pillow for acid reflux

Most gastroenterologists will recommend that their acid reflux or GERD patients sleep slightly elevated on an incline pillow. When you sleep on a slight incline, it is much harder for stomach acid to flow back into your esophagus (which is the source of heartburn). Many people wonder what height wedge they should be looking for in order to combat reflux or GERD.

The answer is a 7 inch wedge pillow. Seven inches is the height that doctors recommend for combatting acid reflux or GERD. Studies show that this amount of incline reduces reflux symptoms, allowing you to sleep comfortably.

Is sleeping on a 7 inch bed wedge comfortable?

There are several things that go into whether or not sleeping on a 7 inch wedge pillow is comfortable:

First you should consider what material the wedge pillow is made of. Some wedge pillows are cheaply made. Wedge pillows made with cheap materials have a tendency to sag. Sleeping on a saggy pillow leads to stiffness, soreness, and pain in the morning. Because of this, it is important to find a 7 inch wedge pillow made with a firm foam base to give your torso the most amount of support.

Next, make sure your wedge pillow has a memory foam topper. Due to its ability to conform to your body, a memory foam topper offers you the most comfort. The combination of a firm foam base and a memory foam topper give you both support and comfort.

Third, use a knee wedge pillow for your legs. Some people find that they slide down their 7 inch wedge pillow during the night. The way to combat this is to prop your legs on a knee wedge pillow. Propping your legs on a knee wedge pillow keeps you from sliding down your wedge pillow overnight. It also relaxes your hips and lower back. Sleeping reclined with both a knee wedge and a 7 inch wedge is truly the crème de la crème of sleep positions.

Lastly, sleep with your regular neck pillow on top of the wedge. Just because you are sleeping on a 7 inch wedge pillow, don’t forget to place your regular neck pillow on top! You don’t want to lie with your head flat on the wedge. For maximum comfort, place your regular neck pillow on top of the wedge, just like you would if you were sleeping flat on your mattress.

Not all 7 inch wedge pillows are created equal. Once you find one that is supportive and comfortable, you’ll never want to sleep without it.

-Hillary Blare, Doctor of Physical Therapy