According to the CDC, over 35{d56764903ad54b6f11e0c89c1d2a04e067e61f9cc39c7e236c654ee1b0efa179} of Americans get less than 7 hours of sleep every night. If you are one of the many that suffers insomnia due to discomfort from conditions like acid reflux, sinus pressure, sleep apnea, or poor sleeping position, investing in a wedge pillow may help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Whether you are training for a marathon or simply trying to make it through the work week, sleep is integral to health and recovery—especially as we enter quickly into cold and flu season. To help find the wedge pillow that is right for you, we have gathered up some of our favorites. Check out our buying guide below as well as in depth product reviews of our picks.
How to Choose a Wedge Pillow
Most wedge pillows are pretty similar in form and function. They are most often made of a combination of memory foam and polyurethane foam which makes it both soft and comfortable, and able to hold its shape. The real identifying feature between wedge pillows is how many wedges there are, and whether or not they are adjustable.
Sometimes wedge pillows will come in a set that is designed to support not only your upper body, but to be placed under the lower legs as well. This can help to keep you in a more ergonomic position that is both more comfortable, and better for your body. Both these sets and standalone pillows can be adjustable with movable parts that allow you to find your most comfortable angle. If you aren’t ready to give up your standard pillow, perhaps try a bed wedge that will elevate your head above your feet, but won’t force you to completely up-root your sleeping habits.
How We Choose
To find the best options among the many wedge pillows out there, we researched the most popular models available. We then took into account price, materials, adjustability, and function. Finally, we consulted more than 13,500 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon, to settle on these eight.
Key Specs:
- Fill: Memory foam and polyurethane foam
- Firmness: Medium
If you are looking for a memory-foam pillow, you won’t be disappointed with this one. It is 7 inches at its widest point and gives a 30{d56764903ad54b6f11e0c89c1d2a04e067e61f9cc39c7e236c654ee1b0efa179} incline. Despite memory foam being relatively soft, this pillow holds its shape, and won’t squish down even after repeated use. It also features a removable bamboo cover that helps keep you cool through the night and is great for sensitive skin.
Key Specs:
- Fill: Memory foam and polyurethane foam for wedge and shredded memory foam for body pillow
- Firmness: Medium soft
More than a wedge, this pillow is designed especially for side sleepers. The worm-like portion that wraps around cradles the neck and head, and extends down to become a leg pillow as well. This wedge also has a cutout that allows your arm to fall through, preventing any loss of circulation while sleeping. The body pillow is also disconnected, meaning that it can be used for both left and right side sleeping.
Key Specs:
- Fill: Memory foam and polyurethane foam
- Firmness: Medium
This set comes in a pair of two wedges—one for the head and neck and the other for the lower legs. This provides a supportive and comfortable design for sleeping on your back all night.
If you are trying to become a back sleeper, this may be a good option for you since it makes it more difficult to change from that position in the middle of the night. The upper pillow set is also adjustable, allowing you to get the perfect angle every time.
Key Specs:
- Fill: Memory foam and polyurethane foam
- Firmness: Medium soft
This is another great memory-foam option. It has a bottom layer of polyurethane foam covered in two inches of memory foam. This helps to keep it supportive and prevent it from flattening out while also giving it a comfortable, cushioned layer of foam. The removable cover is machine-washable and made from fabric designed to keep you cool.
Key Specs:
- Fill: Air
- Firmness: Medium
If you travel a lot, it isn’t really feasible to take a full-sized wedge pillow with you. This one inflates in a matter of minutes, and has a soft flocking material that is comfortable to sleep on. It comes in options of just a leg pillow, just a head pillow or a set of both. They also deflate in a matter of seconds, making it super easy to pack them up quickly and be on your way.
Key Specs:
- Fill: High-density memory foam
- Firmness: Medium soft
If you are worried that you won’t buy a pillow with the right angle for you, and adjustable pillow might be a better fit. This one is able to fold into three different positions, and can be used as both a head pillow or a leg pillow. It is made from high-density memory foam that won’t compress over time, and has a soft, washable cover.
Key Specs:
- Fill: Memory foam and polyurethane foam
- Firmness: Medium
Not sure if we can honestly classify this as a pillow, which is perhaps why they call it a wedge system. And like most systems, these pillows work together flawlessly to give you a supportive, comfortable, and ergonomic sleeping position.
It is made up of three separate wedges that can either be zipped together, or used separately. You can also get it with a water resistant travel bag which helps keep it clean if you plan on taking it on vacation.
Key Specs:
- Fill: Polyurethane foam
- Firmness: Firm
If you prefer to sleep with a traditional pillow, this may be a good option for you. It props the bed up to a 7-inch incline which is enough to feel the effects of the incline while still feeling like you are sleeping on your familiar bed. It is made from high-density foam which won’t compress over time, and even adds a layer of extra cushion.
