A wedge pillow is a triangle of foam that raises your head and upper body, or your legs, to an angle. People use one in bed for reading, for sleeping on an incline, or for resting the legs.
This guide covers what the NHS says about acid reflux, snoring, back pain and swollen legs, what to look for in a wedge pillow, and ten wedge pillows to compare.
General information, not medical advice; see a doctor if heartburn, snoring, back pain or leg swelling does not improve.
Wedge pillow basics
- For heartburn and acid reflux, the NHS suggests raising the head of your bed by around 10 to 20 cm so your chest and head are above your waist. It says not to use extra pillows to do this, because they can increase pressure on your belly.[1]
- The NHS names sleeping on your side among the changes that can reduce snoring, and suggests a special pillow or bed wedge to keep you on your side.[2]
- The NHS suggests raising swollen legs on a chair or pillows when you can, which is what a leg wedge does.[4]
- For back pain, the NHS says to stay active and not stay in bed for long periods.[3]
- Pick the angle and size by what you need. A tall wedge such as the Abco Tech or DMI is for sitting up, and a low one is for raising the legs.
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Fill / material | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kölbs Wedge Pillow | Memory foam wedge pillow | Memory foam | 24 x 24 x 7 in | Machine washable |
| 2 | Abco Tech Bed Wedge | Memory foam pillow | Memory foam | 25 x 24 x 12 in | Removable cover |
| 3 | Bedluxe Wedge Pillow | Memory foam wedge pillow | Memory foam | – | Removable cover, machine washable |
| 4 | Hermell Products Zero Gravity | Wedge pillow | Foam | 26 x 20 x 8 in | Removable cover, machine washable |
| 5 | Ruqmuis Wedge Pillow | Wedge pillow | Foam | – | Machine washable |
| 6 | Travelwedge Self-Inflating Compressible | Wedge pillow | – | 27 x 22 in | – |
| 7 | MedCline Reflux System | Wedge pillow | – | 50 x 30 x 8 in | Removable cover |
| 8 | Vekkia Extra-Long Classic | Memory foam wedge pillow | Memory foam | – | Removable cover |
| 9 | Yojoker Wedge Pillow | Memory foam wedge pillow | Memory foam | 27.6 x 23.7 x 7.1 in | – |
| 10 | DMI Triangle Classic | Wedge pillow | Foam | 24 x 24 x 12 in | Machine washable |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
Causes of Back-Related Pain
The NHS says a common cause of back pain is an injury such as a pulled muscle (strain). Medical conditions such as a slipped disc or sciatica can also cause it, and very rarely it is a sign of a serious problem.[3] Back pain usually improves within a few weeks, and the NHS suggests staying active, using ice or heat packs wrapped in a tea towel, and trying exercises and stretches.[3]
A wedge does not fix the cause. It changes your position, which some people with back pain find more comfortable when they lie or sit in bed. See a GP if the pain does not improve after a few weeks, stops you doing your day-to-day activities or is worse at night.[3]
What Wedge Pillows Are Used For
Acid reflux – The NHS says that raising the head of your bed by around 10 to 20 cm may help relieve symptoms, and says not to stack extra pillows because they can increase pressure on your belly and make symptoms worse.[1] A long wedge that lifts your chest and head together, such as the MedCline, raises your whole upper body, which follows the same idea. Speak to a pharmacist if you keep getting heartburn, and see a GP if lifestyle changes are not helping or you have heartburn most days.[1]
Snoring – The NHS says sleeping on your side can help reduce snoring, and suggests a special pillow or bed wedge to help keep you on your side.[2]
Swollen legs – The NHS suggests raising swollen ankles, feet or legs on a chair or pillows when you can.[4] A wedge under the knees or calves does the same job.
Sitting up in bed – A steep wedge such as the Abco Tech or DMI props you up to read or watch TV.
Features of a Good Wedge Pillow
- Angle and Height – A steeper wedge lifts you more. Choose by what you need it for, such as sitting up or raising your legs.
- Length – A long wedge supports your back as well as your head. A short one only lifts your head and shoulders.
- Foam – Firm memory foam keeps its shape. A soft pillow can collapse under your weight.
- Cover – A removable, machine-washable cover is easy to keep clean, and a breathable one is cooler.
- Setup – Some wedges ship compressed, so give them some hours to expand.
- Adjustability – A few wedges have inserts you can add or remove to change the height.
How We Chose These Pillows
These picks come from desk research. We compared the makers’ public product information, the The web product pages and buyer feedback. We did not test the pillows ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Angle – The stated incline or height.
- Size – Stated dimensions and length.
- Foam and Cover – Memory foam type, breathability and washable cover.
- Use – What the product is sold for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wedge Pillows
- Does a wedge pillow help acid reflux?
The NHS suggests raising the head of your bed by around 10 to 20 cm and says not to use extra pillows, because they can increase pressure on your belly.[1] A wedge that lifts your whole upper body follows the same idea, but ask a pharmacist or GP if you keep getting heartburn. - Can a wedge pillow stop snoring?
The NHS names sleeping on your side among the changes that can help reduce snoring, and suggests a special pillow or bed wedge to help keep you on your side.[2] - How high should a wedge pillow be?
It depends on what you need it for. For raising your legs, a low wedge is enough. For sitting up in bed or raising your upper body, you need a taller wedge, and the stated height is on each product below. - Can I use a wedge pillow under my knees?
Yes. The NHS suggests raising swollen legs on a chair or pillows when you can, and a wedge does the same job.[4] - Is a wedge pillow good for back pain?
It can make lying or sitting in bed more comfortable. The NHS says back pain usually improves within a few weeks, and suggests staying active.[3]
Our Picks: Wedge Pillows
Here are ten wedge pillows to compare. We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Kölbs® Wedge Pillow Washable Plush Memory Foam Wedge Pillow
The Kölbs Wedge Pillow is a plush memory foam wedge that measures 24 x 24 x 7 inches.
- The memory foam molds slowly to your body.
- The cover is machine washable.
2
Abco Tech® Bed Wedge Pregnancy Breathable Memory Foam Pillow
The Abco Tech Bed Wedge is a breathable memory foam wedge sold for pregnancy and back problems, and it measures 25 x 24 x 12 inches.
- The steep, near 45-degree incline is made for sitting up in bed to read, watch TV or rest.
- It can also go under the knees to raise your legs, and the cover is removable.
3
Bedluxe® Wedge Pillow Adjustable Washable Memory Foam Wedge Pillow
The Bedluxe Wedge Pillow is an adjustable memory foam wedge with a removable, machine-washable cover.
- The loft is adjustable, because fill or inserts can be added or taken out.
- The breathable materials keep it cooler than plain foam.
4
Hermell Products® Zero Gravity Washable Natural Durable Wedge Pillow
The Hermell Zero Gravity is a foam wedge that measures 26 x 20 x 8 inches, with a removable poly-cotton cover.
- It can go under the knees or ankles to raise your legs, or behind your back to prop you up.
- The cover wipes clean with a damp cloth and is machine washable.
5
Ruqmuis® Wedge Pillow Contoured Washable Soft Durable Wedge Pillow
The Ruqmuis Wedge Pillow is a contoured, soft foam wedge with a machine-washable cover.
- The contoured shape is made to fit the body for steadier support.
6
Travelwedge® Self-Inflating Compressible Everyday Classic Lightweight Wedge Pillow
The Travelwedge Self-Inflating is a lightweight, compressible wedge that measures 27 x 22 inches.
- It ships compressed, so give it some hours to expand before you judge the loft.
- It packs down small, so it suits travel.
7
MedCline® Reflux System Classic Adjustable Long Wedge Pillow
The MedCline Reflux System is an adjustable long wedge that measures 50 x 30 x 8 inches, sold for acid reflux.
- The slight incline raises your upper body, and an arm pocket keeps you from sliding down.
- A non-sliding arm pocket gives your arm a place to rest, and the wedge gives shoulder support.
- The cover is removable.
8
Vekkia® Extra-Long Classic Firm Breathable Memory Foam Wedge Pillow
The Vekkia Extra-Long is a firm, breathable memory foam wedge with a removable cover.
- It is an extra-long wedge, so it runs further along your body than a short bed wedge.
- The memory foam is firm and the materials are breathable.
9
Yojoker® Wedge Pillow Adjustable Plush Memory Foam Wedge Pillow
The Yojoker Wedge Pillow is an adjustable, plush memory foam wedge that measures 27.6 x 23.7 x 7.1 inches.
- The loft is adjustable, because fill or inserts can be added or taken out.
- The product page shows a set of 4, so check the pack size before you buy.
10
DMI® Triangle Classic Contoured Washable Firm Zippered Wedge Pillow
The DMI Triangle Classic is a firm foam wedge with a 30-degree angle that measures 24 x 24 x 12 inches.
- It raises the head, or the legs and feet when you lie on it the other way.
- The foam is high-density memory foam, and the zippered poly-cotton cover is removable and machine washable.
Summary Table: Top Rated Wedge Pillows
Sources
- National Health Service (NHS). Heartburn and acid reflux. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Snoring. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Back pain. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Swollen ankles, feet and legs (oedema). Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around NHS advice on acid reflux, snoring, back pain and swollen legs, removed the unsourced alignment, circulation, breathing, ‘reduce symptoms of acid reflux’ and ‘endorsed by doctors’ claims, rewrote all ten product notes and corrected their Key Specs, and added a disclaimer line, a takeaways box, How We Chose and an FAQ
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Brentwood Home Zuma Pillow with Kölbs Kolbs Classic Pillow; InteVision Elevation Wedge Pillow with Bedluxe Classic Everyday Pillow; Naruekrit Liberator Jaz Pillow with Ruqmuis Classic Everyday Pillow; MedSlant Theraputic Wedge Pillow with Travelwedge Self-Inflating Compressible Pillow; FitPlus Bed Wedge Pillow with Vekkia Extra-Long Classic Pillow; Relax Home Life Bed Wedge Pillow with Yojoker Classic Everyday Pillow
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
- Feb 2022: Added Abco Tech Wedge Elevation Pillow, Hermell Products Zero Gravity Pillow, Brentwood Home Zuma Pillow and InteVision Elevation Wedge Pillow
- Jan 2022: Added Kölbs Kolbs Classic Pillow
- Mar 2020: Added DMI Triangle Classic Pillow, FitPlus Bed Wedge Pillow and Relax Home Life Bed Wedge Pillow
- Aug 2019: Added MedCline Reflux System Pillow
- Oct 2016: Published
