What is a Wedge Pillow and Who Should Get One?

What is a Wedge Pillow?

wedge pillow

As an Amazon Associate we earn commissions from qualifying purchases. These commissions do not effect the prices of the products you purchase.

A wedge pillow is a triangular-shaped pillow that comes in different sizes and has a variety of uses. Wedge pillows are most commonly used by people to lay or sleep on an incline with their heads elevated. Others may use these pillows for support as they sit up in bed. These pillows can also be used to elevate and support the user’s legs when they are laying down.

What is a Wedge Pillow Made Out Of?

Wedge pillows are typically made using foam or memory foam. Making wedge pillows out of foam or memory foam allows the pillow to maintain its triangular shape, which is the key to its usefulness. Some wedge pillows use other materials for fill but still have a triangular shape.

Wedge pillows come in different sizes. So each person should be able to find one to suit their specific needs.

What Are Wedge Pillows Used For? Who Should Get One?

Wedge pillows have a variety of uses.

Some people use larger wedge pillows to help them better sit upright in bed. Other people will use them to recline as they lie in bed watching television, reading, or sleep. Their foam or memory foam construction offers great support, which makes this type of pillow a great choice for many back sleepers.

As stated earlier, wedge pillows come in different sizes. For sleeping, some people will prefer a smaller pillow that has an incline that is not so steep.

Benefits of Wedge Pillows Include Help with Certain Medical Conditions

Since they elevate your head and upper body, wedge pillows can help to alleviate symptoms for a variety of medical conditions. Many people who suffer from the following conditions have used wedge pillows with good results:

  • acid reflux
  • hiatal hernia
  • gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – The Mayo Clinic reports that using a wedge pillow to elevate your body 6 to 9 inches from the waist up while sleeping can help reduce the frequency of heartburn.
  • glaucoma – A study was done showing that sleeping on a wedge pillow that raised a person’s head 20 degrees decreased nocturnal intraocular pressure (IOP) compared with lying flat in people with and without glaucoma. Having a reduced IOP might help control or reduce the risk of glaucoma.
  • sinus congestion – By elevating your head and upper body with a wedge pillow you can let gravity work for you by relieving pressure on your sinuses and allowing them to drain. This is true if you are battling cold or flu symptoms or any other sinus-related problem.
  • surgery recovery – If you or a loved one is recovering from a surgery that requires long periods of rest and lying down a wedge pillow is an excellent option.

There are even specialty wedge pillows that are used for leg support.

Can Side Sleepers Use Wedge Pillows?

What can you do if you are a side sleeper and need to sleep with your head elevated? Can you use a wedge pillow? If you look at most wedge pillows you might not think that that it is possible to use a wedge pillow without contorting and hurting your back. While that is a valid point, you should know that they make wedge pillows that are specifically for side sleepers.

These pillows are usually longer and many will also be contoured to specifically be more comfortable for side sleepers.

Here is a great example of a highly rated wedge pillow that is made specifically for side sleepers.

Sale
Avana Contoured Bed Wedge 24" Support Pillow with Gel-Infused Memory Foam and Cooling Tencel Cover
  • Designed For Side Sleepers - Contoured and ergonomically designed bed wedge pillow with Tencel Lyocell topped cover for relief of acid reflux, heart burn, GERD and snoring
  • Cooling Tencel Cover And Foam - Stunningly soft and smooth Tencel Lyocell is a sustainable fiber derived from eucalyptus and birch. Known to be 70% more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk, and cooler than linen, Lyocell is ideal for sensitive skin and temperature-sensitive sleepers
  • Comfort With Gel-INFUSED COOLING MEMORY FOAM - Base of polyurethane foam with high density gel-infused cooling memory foam on top provides the perfect combination of comfort and support
  • Machine washable - Breathable Tencel Lyocell topped cover is both removable and Machine washable. Machine wash on cold, tumble dry on low/delicate. Flip cover inside out then flip back over the foam to help re-dress the product
  • Manufacturer guarantee - Made in the USA with domestic and imported sewn textiles. DIMENSIONS: 35L x 24W x 8H

Last update on 2025-12-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Finally, here are some of the top-selling wedge pillows on Amazon:

Bestseller No. 1
Kolbs Bed Wedge Pillow for Sleep Apnea, Acid Reflux, and Back Pain Relief, with Chic Jacquard Cover - Headboard Gerd Pillow Wedges for Sleeping (Standard Width 7.5" Height)
  • Experience unparalleled comfort with our sleep apnea pillow, designed to elevate your upper body and improve breathing, making it an essential addition to your sleep apnea devices collection. Kolbs wedge pillow for acid reflux relief.
  • Perfect headboard wedge pillow for sitting up in bed. Use it as a supportive headboard wedge while reading, watching TV, or working on your laptop in bed. The firm yet comfortable incline helps you sit upright without straining your neck or back.
  • Luxurious and stylish jacquard pillow case Hey it’s your bedroom, not a hospital room, give it some style. The Kolbs Wedge features a classic yet contemporary design. The removable jacquard pillow case protects the incline pillow from stains while promoting a comfortable night’s sleep. Cover is machine washable and can be removed from the wedge cushion core.
  • The upper layer of the triangle pillow bed wedge features plush memory foam for a comfortable and relaxing night's sleep. A high density core layer supports the memory foam top to ensure just the right firmness and proper support.
  • A good day starts with a great night’s sleep. Back pain, knee pain, restless leg syndrome, post surgery, and other medical conditions can often rob you of the sleep your body needs. The Kolbs wedge pillow offers optimal positioning for a comfortable and relaxing slumber. Use this triangle wedge to build your Kolbs wedge pillow set for after surgery.
Bestseller No. 2
Bedluxe Wedge Pillow, 10 inch Bed Wedge Pillow for Headboard, Pillow Wedge for Acid Reflux Relief, Sleeping, Back Pain Relief, Snoring, Triangle Pillow Wedge - Cooling Memory Foam Top, White/Grey
  • Versatile wedge pillow design provides superior comfort and support for sleeping, reading, sitting up in bed
  • Features cooling gel-infused memory foam top layer and high-density premium foam base for comfort and support
  • Breathable, removable and machine washable cover allows airflow and easy cleaning
  • Built-in pockets to store items; Portable handle for easy transport
  • Upgraded foam meets CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex standards for durability and safety
Bestseller No. 3
Cozymaker 7.5" Bed Wedge Pillow for Sleeping After Surgery, Back Support, Leg Elevation, Gerd Acid Reflux, Neck Pain, Snoring, Cooling Memory Foam Triangle Incline Wedge, Removable Washable Cover
  • 【CERTIFIED BY AUTHORITIES】: Cozymaker Wedge Pillow is certified by CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex Standard 100, proving the quality of the product is guaranteed. Very comfortable bed wedge pillow for you and your family to get a good night's sleep!
  • 【UPGRADED ERGONOMIC DESIGN】: Cozymaker wedge pillow combined with upgraded ergonomic design, using 1.2-inch aviation-grade memory foam top and 6.3-inch high-density grade foam core made of the pillow's overall softness and height are very moderate, can relieve pressure on the whole body, can ensure better comfort and suitable support, so that you and your family in the use of it long sleep Not tired.
  • 【APPLICABLE PEOPLE & MULTI-PURPOSE】:Cozymaker Sleep Wedge Pillow is perfect for head/back/knee/leg/foot elevation! Ideal for snoring, after-surgery, GERD, heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, migraines, congestion, swollen legs or neck & back pain, and other, the Cozymaker Wedge Pillow helps these once and for all. Flip the sleep wedge pillow vertically to read, listen to music, watch videos, play games in a comfortable seated position on the bed, couch or floor, or even take these cushions outside to relax. So it is also suitable for many scenarios in which you can make your life more comfortable and better.
  • 【SOFT & SKIN-FRIENDLY COVER】:Cozymaker wedge pillow surface is made of soft and skin-friendly fabric, which can quickly absorb body heat and immediately reduce skin temperature by 2 to 5°C. The 3D breathable mesh fabric on the side of allows heat to escape and fresh air to circulate in. So you can enjoy a cool, dry and comfortable sleep without feeling sweaty; it also features 2 special pockets on each side with different opening directions to easily fit items such as glasses, remote controls or cell phones. The bottom and back feature non-slip spots to make you sleep more comfortably and securely. Its cover is removable and washable, its insert (memory foam + foam) is not washable.
  • 【 CUSTOMER SERVICE & IMPORTANT NOTE】: We offer 30 days return/exchange service for 100% satisfaction, contact our customer service through Amazon when needed. If you encounter a small probability event and receive a defective wedge pillow, contact us promptly, we are willing to send you a new one for free without sending the old one back. Note: We use in the product packaging in line with international standards compression ratio of it compression, open the box in the air exposure for 48 hours the product can be restored intact, there will not be a long time still can not be restored, if you unpacked feel the product did not recover, be sure to wait for it 48 hours, it will surprise you.
Bestseller No. 4
Bed Wedge Pillow | Unique Curved Design for Multi Position Use | Memory Foam Wedge Pillow for Sleeping | Works for Back Support, Leg, Knee | Includes Cover Plus Extra Sheet (White)
  • ✔FOUR COLOR CHOICES! Choose a light/dark grey, white, or navy cover. Enjoy cool night’s sleep with our super breathable, sweat free covers. Made of 60% polyester, 40% Viscose Derived From Bamboo with a specially quilted design that’s been proven for better airflow and soft to the touch. Easily washable due to the zippered, removable cover!
  • ✔THE PERFECT DIMENSIONS: 24 x 24 x 7.5 inches elevates your body & head appropriately, bringing relief to back or neck pain, acid reflux, GERD, heartburn, snoring & vertigo. Elevates your legs fostering proper blood circulation, relieving leg, hip & knee muscle tension. Most appreciated gift for post-surgery recovery & pregnancy!
  • ✔EXCLUSIVE CURVE DESIGN! We’ve perfected comfort with our curved wedge pillow. Curved edges instead of the standard sharp corners, creates a multi-purpose pillow that’s placed comfortably beneath your knees for support & elevation, or underneath your head & upper back while sitting, eating and pain free sleeping!
  • ✔ PROPRIETARY MEMORY FOAM! Made of a dual layer of visco-elastic premium memory foam that’s denser and more durable than anything else. Consists of temperature sensitive white foam that molds your shape based on body heat. Our wedge pillow is firm and comfy! Easily change positions and maintain the same level of support due to its superior construction.
  • ✔ RISK-FREE PURCHASE? ABSOLUTELY! Either fall in love with your wedge pillow or receive a Full Refund- No Questions Asked! Your positive experience with our pillow wedge matters most to us, which is why we eagerly await to hear your feedback. Please reach out to our team with any questions, concerns, or comments.
Bestseller No. 5
Bedluxe Wedge Pillow Headboard, 3PCS Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillows Set for After Surgery, Adjustable Pillow Wedge for Acid Reflux&Back Pain Relief, Sleeping, Back Pillow for Bed Sitting Up, White/Grey
  • Adjustable 10-in-1 Design: Bedluxe's bed wedge pillow set offers a dynamic 10-in-1 adjustable design. Its ergonomic design supports various uses – from elevated back support for sleeping, reading or working, to a gentle slope for sleep, easing snoring, post-surgery discomfort, acid reflux, and improving blood circulation as a leg elevation pillow.
  • Enhanced Health Support: Designed for improved blood flow, breathing, and reduced snoring, the ergonomic wedge pillow system aid recovery post-surgery, alleviate knee, back and leg pain.
  • Premium Memory Foam: Our dual-layer design combines breathable memory foam atop a supportive base, ensuring a customized, pressure-relieving sleep that outperforms other wedges. The post-surgery wedge pillows conform to your body's curves, providing superior comfort and pressure relief, while maintaining its shape and support over time.
  • Easy Care and Portability: Benefit from a foldable design (including connected cushions that flip compactly) for hassle-free storage and travel, along with a machine-washable cover that maintains its softness and aesthetics.
  • Multi-Functional Design: Elevate sleep with a 3-piece system: Independent head/neck bolster + Connected base cushions (2 triangle support cushions). The innovative linked design allows seamless flipping between shapes—use the triangle pad for lumbar/knee support or flip it into a half-moon bolster for ankle/elevation—enabling customized setups without shifting.
Bestseller No. 6
Ruqmuis Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux, Bed Wedge Pillow for Headboard 10", Pillow Wedge for Back Pain Relief, Post Surgery, Elevated Pillows for Sleeping, Snoring, Triangle Pillow with Cover, White
  • Elevated Support for Various Uses: Whether for head, foot, or leg elevation, our wedge pillow offers versatile support. Perfect for snoring, acid reflux, and general sleeping comfort, it's a multipurpose solution to enhance your sleep quality
  • SUPPORTIVE FOAM: Made of high-density foam that is soft yet supportive, the bed wedge conforms to the contours of your body for a good night's sleep. Whether you're reading, sleeping, or lounging, the wedge pillow provides optimal support. The high rebound properties allow the wedge to maintain its original shape, making it comfortable and durable
  • Versatile Design with Two Pockets: The wedge pillow for sleeping is designed with two special pockets and a handle for easy portability. The pockets are perfect for storing glasses, remote controls, or mobile phones, adding convenience to your sleep setup
  • Luxurious Jacquard Pillowcase: Featuring a classic yet stylish jacquard design, the removable pillowcase protects against stains and is machine washable, enhancing the overall cleanliness of your sleep environment
  • Multiple Size Options: Choose from our bed wedge pillows with heights of 7.5 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches, catering to diverse preferences and sleep needs
Bestseller No. 7
Welzona 12inch Wedge Pillow for Sleep, Updated Bed Wedge, Acid Reflux, Heartburn, GERD, Neck Pain, Cooling Memory Foam Top, Removable Washable Cover Incline Wedge Pillow for Improved Sleep
  • CERTIFICATED BY AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE SAFETY: Welzona wedge pillow has obtained CertiPUR-US certification and Oeko-Tex 100 standard certification. Our production strictly follows these standards to ensure the quality of the wedge pillow, making it a trustworthy choice for you and your family. We offer 3 different pillow heights, 12''/10''/7.5'', to meet the different sleep needs. As for how to choose the most suitable pillow height, we recommend you take into account your sleeping habits, body size, and mattress as consideration, and if you have any special health concerns, we suggest you consult your doctor before purchasing to ensure that the wedge pillow is suitable for your condition.
  • BALANCE OF SOFTNESS AND SUPPORT FOR A NEW SLEEPING EXPERIENCE: The Welzona 12'' Wedge Shaped Sleep Pillow features a 10.5'' high-density foam core for reliable support and ensures a sturdy surface for optimal comfort. The 1.5'' gel-infused memory foam top adds extra comfort, allowing you to easily fall asleep even on hot summer nights and wake up refreshed. Let Welzona take care of your deep sleep, making your bedtime, deep sleep, and waking-up routine more comfortable, relaxing, and pleasant.
  • MACHINE WASHABLE KNIT PILLOWCASE: Our triangle bed wedge pillow comes with a hotel-grade air-layered knit fabric pillowcase that is not only soft and breathable but also easy to remove and machine washable. With a convenient side zipper design, maintaining cleanliness and freshness is a breeze. The non-slip PVC particles on the bottom ensure that the foam wedge pillow stays in place, providing unparalleled comfort.
  • ONE WEDGE PILLOW FOR MANY PURPOSES: It is not only a gentle support for your sweet dreams but also a flexible and versatile multi-faceted player: Whether you use it as a head or back pillow, it provides just the right amount of support to help you relax your body. When reading, watching TV, or working, it is a back pillow for bed sitting up, allowing your back to get a good rest. Place it on your lap when working, effectively insulate your computer from heat, and keep you cool and comfortable. Snoring, post-operative discomfort, acid reflux, leg swelling, etc, it helps to relieve your discomfort and improve your sleep quality.
  • INTIMATE DETAIL DESIGN: The bed wedge pillow for sleeping features double side handles for easy transportation between rooms or adjusting the angle of the backrest. Simply grab the handles to move them effortlessly. Additionally, there is a storage pocket next to the handles, perfect for keeping small items such as glasses, remote controls, lip balm, or cell phones within reach.
Bestseller No. 8
COLDHUNTER Wedge Pillow for Sleeping, 7.5" Bed Wedge After Surgery, Back Pain Relief, Memory Foam Pillow Triangle Incline Wedge for Back Support, Leg Elevation
  • Targeted Support for Nighttime Comfort: Our wedge pillow is expertly engineered to elevate your upper body at the optimal angle. This innovative design promotes perfect alignment for your head, neck and back while using gravity to help minimize nighttime discomfort. The gentle elevation simultaneously opens airways for improved breathing
  • Perfect Bed Backrest for Ultimate Comfort: Ideal for reading, watching TV, working on your laptop, meditation, leg elevation, or pregnancy support! This versatile wedge pillow helps you sit upright comfortably without straining your neck or back. Enjoy your favorite activities in complete relaxation
  • Next-Level Comfort Support: Wake up feeling truly refreshed. Crafted with 1.2" breathable memory foam and medical-grade high-density base, this pillow delivers firm yet contouring support that maintains its shape all night
  • Enhanced Breathability: Removable cover with ultra-soft fabric and mesh side panels prevents overheating. Non-slip base prevents sliding all night. Machine-washable for easy care – just unzip and toss in the laundry
  • Storage & Portability: Includes 2 side pockets for phones/glasses and a sturdy handle. Compact for travel yet sturdy enough for daily use in bed or on the couch
Bestseller No. 9
OAISZ Wedge Pillow, 10 Inch Bed Wedge Pillow for Headboard, Pillow Wedge for Acid Reflux Relief, After Surgery, Sleeping,Back Pain Relief, Memory Foam Top, LightGrey
  • Ergonomic Design with Optimal Angle:Experience superior comfort and health benefits with the OAISZ Memory Foam Wedge Pillow, featuring a scientifically engineered incline to promote better breathing, reduce pressure, and improve circulation.Use this versatile triangle pillow as a wedge pillow for after surgery, pillow for acid reflux relief, or sleep wedges for adults for healthier, more restorative rest.
  • Premium High-Density Memory Foam:Our Memory Foam Wedge Pillow is crafted with high-density, slow-rebound foam that contours to your body while maintaining firm, supportive structure. Whether you need a foam wedge for sleeping, a wedge pillow for sleep apnea, or an acid reflux pillow, this design helps align the spine, relieve back pain, and support post-surgery recovery.
  • Multi-Purpose Comfort for Every Lifestyle:This sleep wedge adapts to your needs—use it as a pillow wedges for sleeping, anti snore pillow, or leg elevation pillow to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Great for pregnancy, C-section recovery, or elderly assistance, it doubles as a wedge pillow headboard for lounging in bed. Whether you’re resting after surgery, enjoying a book, or seeking an acid reflux pillows for sleeping solution, it’s your all-in-one comfort upgrade.
  • Removable & Washable Cover for Easy Care:The breathable, skin-friendly cover of this reflux pillow is removable and machine-washable, keeping your sleep wedges for adults fresh and hygienic. Designed for daily use, it ensures you enjoy lasting cleanliness whether you use it as a pillow for acid reflux relief, a sleep wedge, or a backrest pillow. High-quality stitching and durable fabric maintain shape and performance even after repeated washes.
  • Supportive and Stylish Home Essential:Perfectly blending functionality and design, this wedge pillow fits seamlessly into any bedroom décor. From wedge pillow headboard comfort to bed wedge pillow for headboard relaxation, it supports couples, seniors, and anyone needing gentle elevation. Whether for recovery, reading, or lounging, the triangle pillow style adds both comfort and elegance to your rest space.
Bestseller No. 10
Foamalusion 3PCS Bed Wedge Pillow for Sleeping, 20-in-1 Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow Wedge for Back Leg Pain Relief, 23" Wide Wedge Pillow for After Surgery, Acid Reflux, Snoring, Back Pain
  • COMFORTABLE&SAFE MATERIAL: Our headrest features a soft 45D cooling gel memory foam that provides good support according to the curve of your neck. The back pillow and bottom pillow use 25D high-density high-quality foam material to provide enough support while ensuring comfort, perfectly fit the body curve, disperse body pressure and relieve body fatigue. In addition, our triangle wedge pillow is CertiPUR-US and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, ensuring product safety and health.
  • ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT DESIGN: The sides of our wedge pillow for sleeping is sewn with lengthened and widened magic tape, so you can adjust the pillow to a variety of heights (9'', 12'', or 26'') and angles (30°, 45°, or 60°) for the most comfortable sleep experience. Our pillow has been upgraded in width, and the 23.6 inch width makes sleeping on your side more comfortable and easier to roll over.
  • 20-IN-1 VERSATILE DESIGN: The bed wedge is available in 20 combinations and adjustable height options to meet individual requirements for different sleeping positions and needs, and can be used as a headboard, head support, back support or leg pillow. Bed pillow wedge promote spine health, relieve muscle tension, and ensure comfortable relaxation, and can be used not only for sleeping, but also for leisure activities such as watching TV or reading.
  • IMPROVE HEALTH: In addition to providing comfortable support during sleep, acid reflux pillow can be effective in relieving shoulder and neck pain, relieving acid reflux, resolving snoring and aiding recovery after surgery. The wedge pillow for back pain relief effectively supports and relieves pressure on the neck, spine, knees and legs, while promoting blood circulation and pampering all parts of the body.
  • WASHABLE COVER: Our wedge-shaped pillowcases are made of breathable and skin-friendly knitted air layer fabric with good air permeability and stay comfortable even after prolonged use. The pillowcase has a hidden zipper design for easy cleaning and can be washed by hand or machine and reused.

Last update on 2025-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API