Wedge pillows are designed for a variety of functions, are available in different sizes and are made from a variety of materials..
Wedge Pillow Uses
Wedge pillows designed for therapeutic purposes are commonly used to help people with a number of chronic conditions from head to toe.
Health Conditions
Pillow wedges are often recommended to keep the feet elevated to reduce swelling; however, that's just one of the many common uses. Pillow wedges have been shown to help reduce symptoms for the following health conditions:
- Acid indigestion
- Hiatal hernia
- Aid in breathing
- Back pain or pressure
- Poor blood circulation
Acid Reflux Pillow Wedge
Acid reflux pillow wedges are available at bedding stores. The wedge shape of acid reflux pillows raises the body to a 45-degree angle so you can sleep comfortably without troublesome GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) symptoms keeping you awake. These symptoms include things like:
- Breathing problems caused by heartburn or acid reflux
- Burning in the esophagus
- Coughing
- Regurgitation
- Snoring
The key to choosing the right acid reflux pillow wedge is to find one that fits you. To be effective, it needs to raise your body at a 45-degree angle while you sleep. Some pillows adjust to prop you higher for watching TV or reading.
Stay Younger Looking
Pillow wedges are used for reasons other than health, too. Their use is also recommended for people concerned about getting facial wrinkles. Sleeping on a standard pillow puts pressure on the face and causes wrinkling over the long term.
Leg Wedges
Leg wedges come in different styles for different purposes. As mentioned earlier, they are commonly used in elevating the legs to improve circulation. However, leg wedges are also used as a spacer between the legs while sleeping on your side. This helps the pelvis stay aligned and offers a number of benefits including:
- Improves circulation
- Relieves discomfort of varicose veins
- Relieves pressure on hips
- Relieves pressure on knees
- Relieves pressure on ankles
- Relieves pressure on joints
- Reduces or eliminates morning back pain
- Reduces leg muscle cramps
- Reduces stress on lower back
Wedge Pillow to Enhance Sex
A number of manufacturers also offer a pillow wedge designed to be used during sex. The purpose of this wedge is to offer support and maintain the right position to enhance a woman's sexual experience.
Where to Position a Pillow Wedge
Where you position a pillow wedge will depend on the purpose for which you bought it. Some people will purchase a pillow wedge for reading in bed. Such wedges fit the torso and support the head and neck. Knee and leg wedges are smaller and are used to elevate the legs to improve circulation in legs, thighs, calves, and feet.
Advantage to Using Pillow Wedges
Standard pillows and body pillows move out of position as you sleep. When using standard pillows to try to support yourself or elevate your legs or torso, often the pillows shift and slip out of place. The advantage to using a wedge pillow is that they are designed to elevate your body and offer sturdy support throughout the night without shifting. This also eliminates the need to rearrange your pillows throughout the night.
Where to Buy Pillow Wedges
You can see that not all wedge pillows are the same. What they are used for will depend on the function for which they were designed. The thing they all have in common is that they come in the shape of a wedge. They can be purchased in bedding stores, department stores like Wal-Mart, distributors of therapeutic items, and in some stores that carry athletic supplies since wedges can be used for exercise and yoga stretching activities.
