After five years of reviewing bed pillows at Wirecutter and testing dozens upon dozens of them, our pillow expert has found a favorite that they can’t live without: a 2-by-2-foot wedge pillow made of solid foam.
Wedge pillows, typically made of polyurethane foam with a layer of memory foam on top, are loved for their ability to elevate the entire upper body. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with sleep apnea, acid reflux, and other conditions that require the head to be elevated for easier breathing. Our expert personally treats the wedge pillow as an extension of the mattress, placing a regular pillow on top of it for added comfort. Although they personally prefer the InteVision wedge, they acknowledge that individual preferences may vary based on anatomy and sleep position.
This large, triangular memory-foam wedge pillow elevates both your torso and head for a more upright sleeping position. It also comes with a small, flat headrest pillow.
During pregnancy, our expert’s pillow needs radically changed. To alleviate the aches and pains associated with pregnancy, they accumulated a variety of pillows, culminating in the use of a large U-shaped setup. Even after pregnancy, the need for extra support persisted, and they found comfort in using a wedge pillow.
While our expert initially used a wedge to aid breathing, it turns out that sleeping on a wedge can also benefit the neck and back, especially for side-sleepers or back-sleepers. Dr. Akhil Chhatre, a physiatrist and director of spine rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, highlighted the advantages of using a wedge, noting that it can be beneficial for anyone, unless they have specific spinal conditions. Using a regular pillow on top of the wedge for added support is completely acceptable, according to Dr. Chhatre.
Wedge pillows come in various heights, and our expert recommends starting with a 7.5-inch wedge, as individual anatomy and curvature play a significant role in determining the ideal height. The only downside they’ve found is the challenge of finding a suitable cover for most wedge pillows, as the included covers tend to pill easily and are difficult to replace. However, the InteVision wedge stood out for its coordinating cotton pillowcase, adding extra protection and a neater appearance on the bed.
Despite the comedic aspect of sleeping a foot higher than their partner, our expert is content with their choice of the InteVision wedge pillow, which has greatly improved their sleep quality.
This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Christine Ryan.
Sources
1. Akhil Chhatre, MD, Physiatrist, Director of Spine Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, email interview, January 10, 2023
