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For some lucky people, these pillows can eliminate the need for medications or surgery
If you experience acid reflux at night, you may get relief in an unexpected way: By sleeping on a specially designed pillow. For some lucky people, using wedge pillows regularly can eliminate the need for acid-reducing medications or surgery.
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We talked to gastroenterologist Scott Gabbard, MD, about the role sleep position plays in acid reflux and what to look for in a wedge pillow.
Acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD are three different things.
Acid reflux happens when acid (and sometimes food) escapes from your stomach and makes its way up your esophagus and into your throat.
The discomfort acid reflux causes is called heartburn.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic and severe form of acid reflux. People with GERD experience heartburn and a host of other symptoms, including trouble swallowing, hoarseness, a feeling of tightness or food being stuck in your throat, a dry cough and not-so-fresh breath.
Whether you have standard-issue acid reflux or GERD, one thing’s for sure: Sleeping can be tough. Dr. Gabbard says there are a couple of different reasons for that:
Regular pillows only elevate your head, which, Dr. Gabbard explains, isn’t enough to prevent acid reflux. Wedge pillows are an effective way to manage reflux because they elevate your entire torso, making it harder for the acid to travel out of your stomach to begin with.
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Wedge pillows are especially helpful for people with GERD, but Dr. Gabbard says that anybody who tends to get heartburn or acid reflux could potentially see their symptoms improve.
But wedge pillows aren’t just helpful for people with frequent acid reflux. You may also benefit from sleeping with an acid reflux pillow if you:
People with GERD may want to use a wedge pillow specifically designed to help with acid reflux, but it’s worth mentioning that there’s a wide range of supportive pillows on the market to address an equally wide range of sleep-disturbing health issues. For example, you can purchase wedge pillows that elevate your knees or legs — they’re especially helpful for people with circulation issues, varicose veins or people who recently had surgery. There are even specialty wedge pillows designed to support a pregnant person’s stomach.
There are a few questions you need to ask yourself when you’re looking for an acid reflux pillow:
Congratulations. You have a wedge pillow! Now what?
Now, place the broad end on your bed with the flat side against the wall or headboard. When you lie down, the thinnest part of the wedge should hit somewhere between your hips and mid back. Your head and shoulders should be elevated and completely supported by the wedge. If your head is hanging off the end or your arms slide off the wedge, you’re going to need a longer/wider pillow.
Dr. Gabbard notes that it can take time to adjust to sleeping with a wedge pillow. You may have to try different brands, materials or inclines to figure out what’s most comfortable for you. Some people never get used to them, but if acid reflux is interrupting your precious sleep, it’s worth trying a few different brands before giving up.
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