It’s not uncommon to experience acid reflux or heartburn, especially after eating spicy foods or a large meal. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves up from your stomach to your esophagus, mouth, and throat.

If acid reflux occurs more than twice per week, you may be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

You can treat GERD with antacids, prescription medications (like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors), and surgery. But there are also simple things you can do at home, like using a GERD wedge pillow, to help find relief from your symptoms.

A quick look at the best wedge pillows for acid reflux/GERD

What is a wedge pillow?

A wedge pillow is a triangular pillow that elevates your head, upper torso, or legs. The diagonal position of the pillow may increase comfort and improve sleep.

Using a wedge pillow may help to reduce concerns, such as snoring, back pain, and acid reflux.

How it works

The way that wedge pillows work for acid reflux and GERD is simple.

Acid can move up out of your stomach and into the esophagus more easily when a person is sleeping on their back and using a standard pillow. A wedge pillow slightly elevates the head, shoulders, and torso to prevent this from happening.

When the upper body is elevated, gravity makes it less likely for the stomach acid to come back up into the esophagus. This can relieve nighttime acid reflux.

You can use a wedge pillow while sleeping on your side or on your back without causing any tension in your head or neck. Most pillows on the market are elevated between 30 and 45 degrees, or 6 to 8 inches at the top. 

Wedge pillows for acid reflux and GERD are sturdy and ergonomically designed. As time passes, however, they lose their shape and firmness. You’ll likely have to replace your wedge pillow with another one after several years.

Who should use a wedge pillow?

Wedge pillows are ideal for people who want to elevate their head, upper torso, or legs to increase comfort, alleviate pressure, or reduce symptoms of certain health conditions.

People may also enjoy using wedge pillows while reading, using a laptop, or watching television.

A wedge pillow may help ease symptoms, but it isn’t a substitute for seeing a doctor or for medical treatment.

Wedge pillows can be useful for: 

  • GERD
  • heartburn 
  • acid reflux 
  • snoring 
  • sleep apnea 
  • asthma 
  • congestion due to colds, flu, or allergies 
  • sinus infection or pressure
  • neck, shoulder, or back pain 
  • swelling or inflammation 
  • headache
  • pregnancy 
  • circulation 

Types of wedge pillows 

There are a few different types of wedge pillows available. 

Here are a few options: 

  • Flat. Wedge pillows with a flat top are ideal for back sleepers. They can also support your legs. 
  • Contoured. These pillows have a curved top that’s suitable for side sleepers. 
  • Adjustable. Adjustable wedge pillows offer a few options, so you can adjust the angle and position. Some designs are foldable. 

As far as material goes, memory foam wedge pillows contour to your body, making them ideal for side sleepers. Traditional polyurethane foam wedge pillows are firmer and more supportive.

How we chose the best wedge pillows

We based our recommendations on affordability as well as high customer satisfaction ratings.

Many of the pillows on this list have at least a 4-star review on Amazon from at least 3,000 reviewers.

None of the products below were endorsed by a medical reviewer. For more detail on our vetting process, please view our content integrity guidelines and brand vetting procedure.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $50
  • $$ = $50–$80
  • $$$ = over $80

Healthline’s picks for the best wedge pillows for acid reflux of 2022

Best for side sleepers

MedSlant Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow

  • Price: $$$
  • Size: 32 x 28 inches
  • Material: 100% hypoallergenic polyurethane

Medslant is a 32 by 28-inch pillow that elevates the torso by 7 inches. The incline allows people to sleep on either their side or back. This wedge pillow can be used with or without a standard pillow.

It’s made with 100 percent hypoallergenic polyurethane and comes with a washable travel cover. The Medslant may also be placed in a crib, making it possible for infants with acid reflux to use it (though you should check in with their pediatrician first).

Pros

  • soft, comfortable, and supportive
  • works for side or back sleepers
  • includes washable travel case

Cons

  • can be too low and narrow for some
  • some people slide off the pillow

Best for multiple health conditions

Relax Home Life Bed Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux

  • Price: $
  • Size: 26 x 25 x 7.5 inches
  • Material: Rayon

Measuring 26 by 25 by 7.5 inches, this wedge pillow has a 1.5-inch memory foam top layer and a breathable case to keep your body cooler throughout the night.

In addition to easing the discomfort of acid reflux and GERD, customers also use the pillow to ease coughing, breathing problems, poor circulation, and neck pain.

Pros

  • firm and comfortable 
  • memory foam top layer 
  • case is easy to wash 

Cons

  • strong, unpleasant odor
  • can be too soft

Best adjustable

AllSett Health Bed Wedge Pillow

  • Price: $$
  • Size: 26 x 25 x 7.5 inches
  • Material: Polyester

Measuring 26 by 25 by 7.5 inches, this wedge pillow has a 1.5-inch memory foam top layer and a breathable case to keep your body cooler throughout the night.

In addition to easing the discomfort of acid reflux and GERD, customers also used the pillow to ease coughing, breathing problems, poor circulation, and neck pain.

Pros

  • firm and supportive
  • versatile, adjustable design
  • comfortable and relaxing

Cons

  • can be too stiff for some
  • not great for side sleepers

Best for comfort

Healthex Memory Foam Gel Wedge Pillow

  • Price: $
  • Size: 24 x 24; incline of 8 or 10 inches
  • Material: Memory foam

The Healthex Memory Foam pillow enhances your sleep posture by providing a 10-inch incline of 30 degrees.

To avoid flat-pillow syndrome, the wedge offers 1.5 inches of breathable high density memory foam that bounces back into shape after each use. The wedge can also be used for increased leg comfort.

Pros

  • sturdy and supportive
  • excellent customer service
  • reduces snoring

Cons

  • cooling technology is ineffective
  • might not take the correct shape

Best overall

Brentwood Home Zuma Foam Wedge Pillow

  • Price: $–$$
  • Size: 24 x 24 inch; incline of 7, 10, or 12 inches
  • Material: BioFoam

This pillow is a 24 by 24-inch memory foam pillow with an incline of 7, 10, or 12 inches. It has a washable and removable cover made from bamboo.

The pillow can be used by anyone who prefers to sleep on their side or back. It’s also made entirely in the United States.

Pros

  • soft, comfortable, and breathable 
  • excellent quality for the price 
  • fantastic customer service 

Cons

  • can be too firm for some people 
  • has an odor 

Wedge pillow head-to-head comparison

PriceSize (inches)MaterialBest for
MedSlant Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow$$$32 x 38100% hypoallergenic polyurethaneside sleepers
Relax Home Life Bed Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux$26 x 25 x 7.5rayonmultiple health conditions
AllSett Health Bed Wedge Pillow$$26 x 25 x 7.5polyesteradjustability
Healthex Memory Foam Gel Wedge Pillow$24 x 24; incline of 8 or 10 inchesmemory foamcomfort
Brentwood Home Zuma Foam Wedge Pillow$-$$24 x 24; incline of 7, 10, or 12 inchesBioFoama variety of sleepers

What the experts say about dealing with reflux/GERD

Elevating your head during sleep can be an effective lifestyle change for GERD.

You can also insert a wedge between your mattress and box spring to elevate your body from the waist up if it isn’t possible to elevate the head off your bed. But just using additional ordinary pillows isn’t effective.

Other lifestyle remedies for acid reflux and GERD include:

  • eating smaller meals
  • avoiding foods that trigger heartburn and other symptoms
  • not lying down for at least 3 hours after eating
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • limiting alcohol consumption
  • quitting smoking

Speak with your doctor on how you can further relieve your GERD symptoms. 

Risks and side effects of using wedge pillows

Unlike other treatments for acid reflux and GERD, including medications, there are no risks or side effects associated with wedge pillows.

You may decide to try another type of wedge pillow or stop using one completely if you don’t like it.

When to talk with your doctor about GERD

Acid reflux is common in adults; it’s thought to occur in about 20 percent of the U.S. population. Treatments for GERD and acid reflux can be found over the counter in some cases, however, if your symptoms become more frequent or start to hurt you more, you should discuss other treatment options with your doctor.

The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders created a list of questions you can ask your doctor, so you’re prepared for your visit. If you’re going because your symptoms have worsened, note the times and dates of their frequencies so you have a good timeline to discuss.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best size of wedge pillow for GERD or acid reflux? 

Look for a low wedge pillow that’s at least 6 to 8 inches high at the top. You may want to find a pillow with a longer length to elevate more of your torso.

If you plan to use it during the day while reading or watching television, choose an adjustable design. 

Are wedge pillows suitable for all sleeping positions? 

You can use a wedge pillow to sleep on your back or side. Some experts say that sleeping on your left side is the most optimal position to relieve symptoms of GERD and acid reflux.

However, wedge pillows are not suitable for stomach sleepers.

The takeaway

Wedge pillows can help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD, especially at night.

By slightly elevating your head, shoulders, and torso during sleep, wedge pillows can prevent acid from leaking out of your stomach and into your esophagus.