Best Wedge Pillows

To use a wedge pillow, place the flat side on your sleep surface and the inclined side facing upward. Lie down on the pillow so that your head, neck, and shoulders are elevated at an angle – you may need an extra pillow between you and the wedge to sleep comfortably. You can also use a wedge pillow as a bolster beneath your knees and legs, or as a back cushion when you’re sitting up in bed to read or watch TV.

Wedge pillows are widely available online and in stores. Price-points vary by seller, but most cost $50 to $100.

No, sleeping on a wedge pillow is not necessarily bad for your back. In fact, people with neck, shoulder, and back pain may find some relief sleeping on a wedge pillow because they’re designed to promote even spinal alignment. However, wedge pillows aren’t for everybody – stop using your wedge pillow if you notice new back pain, pressure points, or stiffness.

No, wedge pillows do not treat sleep apnea, but they can help reduce snoring – a major symptom of sleep apnea. Wedge pillows elevate your head at an angle and, by doing so, expand your breathing passages. Snoring occurs when these airways are narrow, so more airflow through the mouth and throat means you’re less likely to snore. If you have sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a wedge pillow in addition to primary treatments and lifestyle changes.

Yes, wedge pillows can help with snoring. Though there are other reasons, snoring often occurs when your breathing passages are restricted and airflow is limited. By elevating your head and neck, you can expand your airway and lower your risk of snoring. However, too much elevation can also lead to snoring – the trick is to find just the right angle for your body.

To avoid sliding down when sleeping on a wedge pillow, you can place a second pillow between your knees or snuggle with a body pillow. Make sure the case or cover you use with the pillow isn’t too smooth. Sleeping with a second pillow between your head and the wedge might also prevent you from sliding down.