9 Best Acid Reflux Wedge Pillows Of 2023, According To Doctors
<p>Typical symptoms <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19962521/heartburn-esophageal-cancer/” target=”_blank”>include heartburn</a> (that burning sensation at the back of your chest) and regurgitation, or the sensation that stomach contents or liquid are coming up into your chest and mouth; and chest pain not related to the heart, says Leila Kia, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of gastroenterology and hematology at Northwestern Medicine. <br></p><p>Luckily, there are ways to help minimize your symptoms, like investing in an acid reflux pillow. Sure, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to help (more on that in a moment), but these pillows can be a serious game-changer for mitigating discomfort. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What is an acid reflux pillow?</h2><p>An acid reflux pillow is a wedge-shaped pillow that can put your body at a 30-degree angle. </p><p>It holds up your head and torso, so you <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g39284222/best-sleep-aids/” target=”_blank”>are sleeping</a> at an elevation, says Dr. Irene Sonu, MD, a clinical associate professor of medicine in gastroenterology and hepatology at Stanford Medicine. When laying flat, it is easier for acid to go back up since gravity is no longer keeping it down in your stomach, especially if your core is loose or weak. </p><p>“Sleeping at an elevation with the help of a wedge pillow will allow gravity to work in your favor so that less acid from your stomach can reflux up into your esophagus,” says Dr. Sonu. </p><p class=”body-tip”><strong>Meet the experts:</strong> <a href=”https://www.nm.org/doctors/1609009406/leila-kia-md” target=”_blank”>Leila Kia</a>, MD, is an associate professor of medicine in gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, with a special focus on esophageal disorders and clinical gastroenterology. <a href=”https://profiles.stanford.edu/irene-sonu” target=”_blank”><br><br>Irene Sonu</a>, MD, is a clinical associate professor of medicine in gastroenterology & hepatology at Stanford Medicine. She specializes in complex motility disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.<br><a href=”https://www.integratedgic.com/blog/supriya-rao” target=”_blank”><br>Supriya Rao</a>, MD, is a quadruple board-certified physician in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. She has a focus in digestive disorders, gut health, and obesity medicine.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Best Acid Reflux Pillows</h3>” />
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Best Acid Reflux Pillow For Side Sleepers
NOVA Medical Products Bed Wedge for Back & Side Sleepers
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Best Acid Reflux Pillow For Side Sleepers
NOVA Medical Products Bed Wedge for Back & Side Sleepers
Pros
Reduces back and shoulder tension
Washable cover
Cons
May feel too stiff for some
Arm cut out may be too shallow for some
This pillow is a good solution for side sleepers, as its arm cut out allows you to use the wedge while laying on your side. Removing this cut-out makes it work for back sleepers by turning it into two pillows. It also has a half-roll pillow insert at the top, in case the standard wedge pillow isn’t comfortable to rest your head on.
Avana Contoured Bed Wedge Support Pillow with Bamboo Cover
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Best Contoured Acid Reflux Pillow
Avana Contoured Bed Wedge Support Pillow with Bamboo Cover
Pros
Great for hot sleepers
Machine-washable
Cons
May be uncomfortable for back sleepers
Contours may not align with some users
This is another ideal option for side sleepers, as it comes with a contoured design for additional support. It also comes with an easy-to-clean bamboo cover and gel-infused foam for a cooling feel too.
Incline
24 inches
Material
Polyurethane Foam
Dimensions
35.04″ x 24.02″ x 7.87″
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Best Splurge Acid Reflux Pillow
Acid Reflux and GERD Relief Bed Wedge
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Best Splurge Acid Reflux Pillow
Acid Reflux and GERD Relief Bed Wedge
Pros
Relieves shoulder pain
Hypoallergenic
Cons
Incline may feel steep for some
Takes up a lot of space
With over 500 positive ratings on Amazon, the MedCline acid reflux pillow is for sure a fan favorite. Why? It has an arm pocket to alleviate pressure on your side, as well as an edge-hugging memory foam pillow that lines the side to ensure you don’t slip down when you fall asleep. (Just a quick PSA though: It’s on the pricey side!)
Incline
15-20 degrees
Material
Memory Foam, Polyester
Dimensions
28.7″ x 19.57″ x 9.57″
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Best Acid Reflux Pillow For Multiple Uses
AllSett Health Bed Wedge Pillow
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Best Acid Reflux Pillow For Multiple Uses
AllSett Health Bed Wedge Pillow
Now 47% Off
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
Removable cover
Can be used in seven different ways
Cons
May feel too firm for some
Incline may feel too steep for some
This multi-purpose, foldable, memory foam wedge pillow can be used to support the head, back, or even your legs and is comfortable for both sitting or sleeping.
Incline
9-12 inches
Material
Polyester, Foam, Memory Foam
Dimensions
9″ x 22″ x 30″
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Best Acid Reflux Pillow With A Lux Feel
Back Wedge with Bamboo Cover
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Best Acid Reflux Pillow With A Lux Feel
Back Wedge with Bamboo Cover
Pros
Moisture-absorbent
Machine-washable.
Cons
Not ideal for back sleepers
Material may cause slipping
This supportive cooling memory foam back wedge pillow comes with a bamboo cover to give it a more lux feel and make for easy cleaning. You can also adjust the elevation to relieve nighttime acid reflux symptoms, as well as to comfortably sit up, read, or watch TV in bed.
Incline
1-8 inches
Material
Memory Foam
Dimensions
24.02″ x 24.02″ x 11.81″
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Best Acid Reflux Pillow For Pregnancy
Hygge Hush Triangle Bed Wedge Pillow
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Best Acid Reflux Pillow For Pregnancy
Hygge Hush Triangle Bed Wedge Pillow
Pros
Has portable pockets
Has portable handle
Cons
May feel too soft for some
May not retain shape over time
This wedge pillow comes with a one-inch top layer of gel-infused memory foam to help you stay cool and dry, which can be key during the hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy and menopause. The cover also removes for wash days with ease.
Incline
10 inches
Material
Memory Foam, Cotton
Dimensions
23.98″ x 24″ x 10″
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Best Adjustable Acid Reflux Pillow
Foam Bed Wedge Pillow Set
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Best Adjustable Acid Reflux Pillow
Foam Bed Wedge Pillow Set
Now 30% Off
Credit: Courtesy
Pros
Multipurpose
Provides neck and back relief
Cons
May feel too low for some
Blocks may be too wide
This set comes with two smaller pillows (and washable plush covers), allowing you to adjust to your own comfort level when reading or sleeping. If you find that one is enough to help with upper-body support while experiencing acid reflux, you can use the other one to elevate your legs.
Incline
12 inches
Material
Memory Foam
Dimensions
23.6” x 23.6” x 12”
8
Best Acid Reflux Pillow For Traveling
Lemon Hero Large Inflatable Bed Wedge Pillow
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Best Acid Reflux Pillow For Traveling
Lemon Hero Large Inflatable Bed Wedge Pillow
Pros
Can be easily stored away
Easy to clean
Cons
Blow-up
Material may be uncomfortable for some
If you suffer from acid reflux and travel frequently, this is your golden ticket. Instead of having to pack a bulky pillow, this lightweight option inflates fast, no pump required, right when you need it. Once you’re done, it folds up neatly and compactly into your suitcase.
Incline
N/A
Material
Plastic, Down
Dimensions
24″ x 24″ x 8″
9
Best Budget-Friendly Acid Reflux Pillow
Relax HOME LIFE Bed Wedge Pillow For Acid Reflux
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Best Budget-Friendly Acid Reflux Pillow
Relax HOME LIFE Bed Wedge Pillow For Acid Reflux
Pros
Keeps users cool
Washable
Cons
May feel too stiff for some
May have an unpleasant smell
This pillow sits lower in price point than many options out there, making it great for folks who need a more budget-friendly buy. The top layer molds to match with your sleeping style. Meanwhile, the bottom layer is made of a firmer foam that will leave you feeling supported all night long.
Incline
7.5 inches
Material
Bamboo-Derived Rayon
Dimensions
25″ x 26″ x 7.5″
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What To Look For In An Acid Reflux Pillow
Choose an acid reflux pillow that is at least six to eight inches thick to get enough of an angle when using it, says Dr. Kia.
Additionally, memory foam is going to be the most comfortable material, and it’s more likely to keep its shape over time, says Supriya Rao, MD, a board-certified physician in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine.
Most options also have a cooling panel for added comfort. You can sleep in whatever position is most comfortable for you, but sleeping on your left side puts your stomach in a good position to minimize symptoms.
How Our Team Chose The Best Acid Reflux Pillows
For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including freelance writer and editor Emilia Benton, contributor Ashley Martens, and our editorial assistant tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated acid reflux pillows. Our team consulted one board-certified physician and two associate professors of medicine in gastroenterology & hepatology and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best items for a wide range of needs and preferences.
Do acid reflux pillows really work?
In short, yes, acid reflux pillows actually work. “Studies have shown that raising the head from the bed at least 30 degrees with regular pillows or acid reflux pillows can help with acid reflux,” says Dr. Rao. “It’s a mechanical issue, so you’re preventing that acid in the stomach from coming up.”
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What lifestyle changes can help acid reflux?
Other lifestyle changes that may help include avoiding late meals and eating two to three hours before bed so that your stomach has a chance to empty out before you snooze.
Also, try eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding trigger foods such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and other acidic food can also help prevent symptoms from worsening, adds Dr. Rao.
When To See A Doctor
If you have a chronic cough, chest burn, heart burn, a sour taste in your mouth, or discomfort after eating a few times a week, you should consider reaching out to your doctor.
Ideally, you shouldn’t feel the need to use it an acid reflux pillow every night. “If you’re having symptoms to the point where you require using the acid reflux pillow all the time, you should talk to your physician so they know what your baseline is or if you need further testing,” explains Dr. Rao.
She adds that if left untreated, it could result in Barrett’s esophagus (when the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged by stomach acid, per Mayo Clinic). And while it is rare, it can alo lead to to esophageal cancer.
Writer
Ashley Martens is a Wellness Writer based in Chicago, Illinois. With a digital marketing background and her knowledge of general nutrition and a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley covers topics that can help people live happier and healthier lives.
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.