The Best Acid Reflux Pillow of 2021 – Drug-Free Remedy

When you lay down and rest for the night, do you find it difficult to do so because of acid reflux? Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD for short), occurs when the stomach acid travels back up the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat with the stomach).  When you lay down flat, it’s easier for this stomach acid to make its way back up the esophagus. Unfortunately, this can make sleeping difficult. 

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

• Heartburn (burning within your chest)
• Regurgitation (sensation of stomach liquid or contents coming up into the chest and mouth
• Chest pain (not heart-related) 
• Sore throat
• Breathing difficulties
• Cough 

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases agency suspects that approximately 20 percent of Americans suffer from acid reflux.  While the condition reflux in both men and women, it’s men who tend to offer severe complications from the disease. 

Pregnant women are also susceptible even if they’ve never had acid reflux problems before.  Why is that? Pregnancy hormones such as estrogen can relax the sphincter, located at the bottom of the esophagus. The sphincter is a natural barrier to acid reflux. On top of that, the baby will push on the stomach, which increases pressure on it and can reflux. 

Acid reflux is generally seen in people who eat big meals or drink copious amounts of coffee of alcohol, but the problem can persist into bedtime and ruin one’s ability to get to sleep.  Gravity is the biggest reason the esophagus cannot keep things from coming back up. This is especially true if you have a weak or loose core. 

People are advised not to eat two to three hours before bed, giving the stomach a chance to empty itself out. 

Another reason you may suffer from acid reflux is that the body doesn’t produce a lot of saliva while you sleep. Saliva is what helps to clear and neutralize the acid in the esophagus, reducing the chance of reflux symptoms. If you wear tight clothing or are overweight, reflux symptoms can worsen during the overnight hours. 

How can you alleviate your chances of suffering from GERD? Besides avoiding eating big meals, losing weight and others, you can purchase a gerd pillow – a wedge-shaped acid reflux pillow – that will keep your head propped up at night to ensure your stomach can drain out instead of coming back up your esophagus and into your throat. 

With a wedge pillow for acid reflux, you can sleep in the position you feel most comfortable in and stay elevated at the same time. The best way to sleep with these types of pillows that help to alleviate acid reflux is to sleep on the left side, so the stomach is put in a good position to continue its emptying. 

When you’re in the market for a wedge pillow for acid reflux, you want one that is about six to eight inches thick with enough angle when you use it. While the material is in the inconsequential part of the pillow aspect, you still want something comfortable. Most acid reflux pillows are comprised of memory foam with a cooling feature for your added comfort. 

As changes in your habit take time, it will take time to use a wedge pillow, but there are a few acid reflux pillows that are better than others. What are some worthwhile wedge pillows for acid reflux that you should consider trying?

The Best Acid Reflux Pillows 

MedCline Wedge and Body Pillow System Review

MedCline carried out research to find if left side sleeping actually helped with acid reflux symptoms. With the information, they got together with Amenity Health (a medical device company) to develop a system that could help people stay on their left side during the night and keep their head elevated. This system contains a wedge pillow as well as a body pillow.

If you don’t naturally sleep on your side, the MedCline Wedge and Body Pillow System offers the patented arm pocket that won’t let you slide down, while no undue pressure is put on your arms and shoulders. The body pillow stops you from rolling on to your back, and your knees can still be tucked with no pressure on the lower back. A full-length memory foam body pillow comes in three different sizes and features a plush and easy-to-wash cotton-poly pillowcase.

The patented dual-component system will allow people to sleep elevated on their side and get relief from GERD, as well as sleep apnea symptoms and snoring. The MedCline Wedge and Body Pillow System takes up half a queen-sized mattress so you can still sleep close to your bed partner and comfortably turn over.

FitPlus Premium Wedge Pillow Review

If you want a doctor-recommended acid reflux pillow as well as snoring, sleep apnea, and CPAP devices, then the FitPlus Premium Wedge Pillow is what you need. The pillow is made with an underlying polyurethane foam base and two inches of memory foam at the top. Memory foam is well-known for its comfortable support and therapeutic qualities, as it molds to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders to ensure a restful sleep all night long.

The FitPlus was created to keep your torso elevated and supported during sleep to reduce the chances of any acid reflux symptoms. Its ergonomically-designed shape can improve the user’s sleeping posture, which helps to avoid any orthopedic health issues with the spine. The pillow’s gentle elevation of 7.5 inches ensures proper cervical alignment and torso support.

Besides relief from GERD, sleep apnea, and others, the FitPlus Premium Wedge Pillow can be used while reading, watching TV, or working in bed. It can also be used for elevating your legs or inclining any other body part. This easy-to-care-for product was created for back and side sleepers in mind with a memory foam layer on top that offers the additional cushioning. The pillow has a soft, breathable cover that is washable and easy to maintain.

Medslant Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow Review

A big complaint people have about wedge-shaped pillows is their size – too small, too narrow, and not enough room to move around on. The majority of wedges are about the same size as a standard pillow, which is meant for just the neck and head. However, they are designed to support and elevate the torso – something not possible if the pillow is too small. Even when a small wedge gives the sleepers enough support and incline, they can still slide off during the night due to the lack of room to move about.

The MedSlant Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow addresses this issue with its 28-inch wide base (about half the size of a Queen bed). While the wedge can incline the torso up to 7 inches, the gradual slope ensures it’s not too steep. Regardless of how you sleep – on your side or back or a combination of both – the pillow helps those who move around at night.

The MedSlant, which is made in the U.S., comprises of high-quality CertiPUR-US poly foam for amazing support with one-inch of hypoallergenic ISOFresh memory foam overlay. This soft foam layer increases the chance of a comfortable night’s sleep and alleviates the pressure put on the pressure points, so you feel rested and ready to face the next day.

Thanks to the zippered microfiber cover, you can remove it and wash it in the machine to ensure it stays fresh and free of allergens. The MedSlant Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow will ensure your sleeping position is better, making it ideal for anybody no matter what kind of sleeper they are.

Xtra-Comfort Bed Wedge Pillow Review

Xtra-Comfort understands how important a pillow size is to customers, which is why they came up with the 12-inch elevation pillow that you can adjust up that way. With 12 inches loft, you can get the support you need for a number of different purposes. Want to read in bed, watch TV or work on the computer? You can do it with the Xtra-Comfort Bed Wedge Pillow. Besides inclining the torso, you can also elevate your legs – ideal if you sprained or broken your foot, ankle, or pillow.

This acid reflux pillow is made of high-density memory foam and has a firmer feel than other models on our list. Thanks to its four-in-one design, it gives the user more control. The pillow’s unique construction makes it great for the entire body – not just for the back. The foam will retain its original shape, increasing its usability.

You can also use this wedge with the rest of your pillows. Its therapeutic slope can help alleviate all kinds of health problems that hinder you from getting a good night’s sleep… not just acid reflux.

The Xtra-Comfort Bed Wedge Pillow comes in a micro plush beige color cover that you can remove and wash, with the zipper ensures it stays secure on the pillow. You can also use the handle to carry and store it when you need to. Since this is a large pillow, the handle comes in handy. However, for some users, it’s a bit too firm and may take a little time to get used to.

Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow Review

With the Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow, you get two solid wedges that make sleeping soft and comfortable, especially for back and side sleepers. It lets both the neck and head to sink into the surface for great spinal alignment and ultimate support. However, the body stays inclined at a 30-degree angle (7’’ incline). By doing this, you alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux, sleep apnea, snoring, allergies, and other health problems.

You can use the Xtreme Comforts as you watch TV or read in bed to keep your torso elevated and provide support to the spinal column. If you have issues with your legs, you can also use it to prop them up and reduce swelling.

A plush hypoallergenic bamboo cover ensures great airflow and maintains a cool temperature as you sleep. The Xtreme Comforts Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow gives you the best comfort possible, supporting your back, legs, knees, and more. However, keep in mind that while the product is ideal for side and back sleepers, some people complain about off-gassing and the pillow being too firm.

Drive Medical Folding Bed Wedge Pillow Review

The Drive Medical Folding Bed Wedge Pillow can be found in an array of sizes and provides up to 12 inches of additional height that can meet your body type and needs. It was created with back sleepers in mind, as the polyfoam is firm to give them the utmost support and keep the back aligned with the rest of the body. It’s great not just for acid reflux but also other problems such as poor circulation, neck or back pain, heartburn, and respiratory issues.

The Drive Medical Folding Bed Wedge Pillow is 23-inches wide, giving you plenty of room to toss and turn without falling off. If you move around throughout the night, this is the wedge you need to keep you from suffering from acid reflux symptoms. It’s very portable thanks to its easy-to-fold wedge and easy carrying handle. What' more, its soft cotton casing is removable and easy to wash and comes with a durable zipper. 

How To Help You Purchase The Right Acid Reflux Pillow For You

Acid reflux can leave you feeling uncomfortable whenever it strikes, which is often without warning and when you least expect it. While in most cases, you can control the symptoms and avoid the worst of it, the reality is that it typically occurs at night and when you’re trying to settle in at night. 

Lying flat on a surface is why acid reflux happens in the first place. If you suffer from acid reflux, lying flat is the worst thing you can do for the problem.  Needless to say, getting any rest can be difficult when you’re suffering from the disease.  However, there are things you can do to improve your chances of a good night’s rest. Besides taking over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs, you can also use a wedge pillow for acid reflux (as noted above). 

No matter what kind of acid reflux sufferer you are – sporadic, occasional or chronic – these pillows can ease the symptoms, making it easier for you to get the rest you need. 

A Look At Acid Reflux

When you feel burning down in the lower part of your chest, acid reflux is often the cause. Most people call it heartburn because of its location, but it’s also known as pyrosis and indigestion. The feeling occurs more after eating when the stomach acid comes back up the esophagus. The burning feeling you get is caused the acid irritating the esophagus lining. The esophagus does not have protection like the stomach from hydrochloric acid.

The gastroesophageal sphincter is a ring of muscles that are supposed to keep acid from coming back into the esophagus. When it’s weak or loose, acid reflux can come back up, which is when you feel its effects. 

6 Reasons Acid Reflux Can Happen

It’s not just food that causes acid reflux, despite what people may think. Acid reflux can happen for an array of reasons, and the heartburn felt can be slightly uncomfortable or extremely painful. No matter what the case or reason, watching what you eat and how you eat can help reduce your chances of acid reflux problems. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you’re suffering from acid reflux often.  

What are some of the other reasons you may have acid reflux?

Hiatal Hernia

This condition happens when the upper section of the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter move above the diaphragm. By being in close proximity, stomach acid can move easily into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia often needs surgery to correct the problem and alleviate the acid reflux. 

Pregnancy 

Pregnant women often experience acid reflux because of the rising hormone levels and the baby’s growth in the womb, putting more pressure on the internal organs. The only surefire way to alleviate this problem is to give birth. 

Smoking

Smoking can lead to an array of health problems that can also increase one’s chance of suffering from acid reflux. A rise in acid secretin and decrease in salivation to neutralize it, and the damage to the mucus membranes and throat muscles can lead to acid reflux problems. 

Diet 

There are some foods that will cause acid reflux more so than others, especially if you eat them soon after lying down or eating a big meal. Some of the biggest culprits are spicy foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, citrus, fatty foods and mints. 

Obesity 

When you are overweight, the excess weight places more pressure on the organs, causing them to become slightly displaced and push up against your stomach. This can lead to higher cases of acid reflux, which will decrease when you lose weight.

Medicines

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications are also culprits of acid reflux and heartburn. If you believe your heartburn is due to a medication, talk with your doctor to see if there is an alternative available.  

What Can You Do To Alleviate Your Indigestion?

When you want to reduce your chances of suffering from acid reflux, there are things you can do to help yourself – changes in your lifestyle and diet and the way you sleep. You can also use over-the-counter drugs or prescriptions from a doctor that can work to lessen the occurrences of acid reflux.

A doctor will consider you to have gastroesophageal reflux disease is you have acid reflux two or more times a week. GERD sufferers will need to make changes to their diet and lifestyle and talk with their doctor to come up with a plan that relieves the discomfort.  

How Can You Sleep With Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is the most common reason why people are not sleeping as well as they should. It can happen at any point in the day but is well-known for being problematic at night.  It usually coincides with eating too much before bed or eating right before lying down. If you drink or smoke, it also increases your risk of suffering from acid reflux. 

Some people are naturally going to suffer from acid reflux – no matter what they do with the problem exacerbating more at night when they’re trying to get to sleep. While medications may help, it’s not always the case, and surgery is often needed to address the issue. 

Since acid reflux can cause heartburn and pain at night, consecutive days of suffering can lead to excessive sleepiness and tiredness, leaving you feeling lethargic and unable to concentrate the next day. For those who go through with it every night with no end in sight, surgery is often the best choice.  However, it could be as simple as changing your sleeping position to manage your GERD’s problem.

According to various studies, the best way to stop GERD is to elevate your body, which can be done with the use of wedge pillow for acid reflux. The key is to stop stomach acid from traveling back up the esophagus and causing the reflux. With an elevated stomach the acids remain in the stomach. 

When the acid hits the larynx or back of the throat, it can cause coughing and choking, which can wake you up from a deep sleep. You could also wake up due to the regurgitate coming back into your mouth. None of this is nice to fall asleep or wake up to.

Acid reflux is a known factor of sleep apnea, which is a respiratory condition in which a person constantly stops and starts breathing all during the night while they sleep. It’s thought that the acid causes the voice box to spasm, which will keep air from moving into the lungs. 

How you sleep – on your side or back – can increase your chances of acid reflux. When sitting upright, standing or sitting, gravity ensures the stomach acids stay where they are supposed to. When laying down, the stomach acid can make its way back up the body.

As a person sleeps, they don’t swallow as often. For that reason, the contractions that occur in the esophagus slow down. On top of that, the mouth doesn’t generate as much saliva, which affects the role the saliva plays in reducing acid reflux. 

In essence, change your sleeping position to stop the flow of acid reflux back into your esophagus. You have to lay down to go to sleep, but elevating your stomach can help mitigate the chances of those acids coming back up into your throat, causing you to gag and even throw up. With the right GERD pillow, you can sleep better and feel ready for the next day.

Are Wedge Pillows Really Useful For Acid Reflux?

There are a number of treatments available to combat acid reflux – with the more popular methods being over-the-counter and prescription medications. Surgery is often seen as the last-ditch effort to stop GERD. Of course, most of these don’t give immediate improvement and can come with an array of side effects. 

The best way to address your acid reflux problem is to use a wedge pillow that can prop you up and keep the stomach acid where it belongs – in the stomach. Of course, elevating your body when lying down can be problematic for some. However, it is the quickest answer to address your acid reflux problem. According to various studies, elevating your head or your upper body can immediately alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux. 

If you don’t have a wedge pillow for acid reflux just yet, you can take several pillows, stacking them on top of each other to elevate your head. Be aware that doing this can also strain your neck and back and put additional pressure on the stomach, which can, sometimes, increase the symptoms of acid reflux.  This is often the way people will elevate their head, but it doesn’t always do the trick.

A wedge pillow is the better option since it is specifically designed to keep a person’s head upright and still support the body. Wedge pillows have all kinds of uses to them, but they are more used for elevation of the head, shoulders, legs and back.  As the name suggests, the pillow is shaped like a wedge and area bit firmer than a regular pillow, giving the user more support. 

Wedge pillows are ideal for anybody who suffers from snoring or sleep apnea, as well as acid reflux. Women who are pregnant are also encouraged to use these pillows. 

They are great for side and back sleepers and can be used with or without other pillows. 

Best of all, it’s a low-cost answer to your acid reflux problems. It’s not going to alleviate the problems entirely, but it will make it easier to go to sleep and stay that way. There are no pills you have to take, and you don’t have to go through surgery. You can buy them in-store or online any time. 

Are There Any Side Effects With Using Acid Reflux Pillows?

When you use wedge pillows for acid reflux, you alleviate your chances of suffering from side effects – common with medications and surgery. If you’re still suffering from GERD after using one pillow, you may need to consider another pillow to help you out. 

What To Be Mindful Of When Buying A GERD Pillow

While elevation is pertinent to reducing acid reflux, there are several things you can do to help you out:

• Be sure your whole body is supported while you sleep. If your spine, shoulders and neck are not properly aligned, your posture will suffer, and you will be in pain when you wake up. This can be just as painful as acid reflux. 

• When in the market for a wedge pillow for acid reflux, you want to buy a pillow that includes your stomach at least six to eight inches to keep your stomach acid from coming back up into your esophagus. The higher the angle, the better results you will have. Be mindful of your comfort level though when choosing the GERD pillow.  While it would be great to sleep upright all the time, it’s not always comfortable. 

• Be aware that back sleepers are also at risk for GERD. Back sleepers put pressure on the stomach that causes the acids to travel back into the esophagus. If you’ve ever laid down and noticed how uncomfortable it makes you, realize that back sleeping may not be best for you. 

• Your weight can also play a huge role in acid reflux. The heavier you are, the greater the chance for suffering from the disease. Reduce your chances of losing weight.

• Sleeping on your right side can also lead to acid reflux problems. Why is that? The right side causes the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to relax (it’s supposed to stay tightened to keep acid reflux from traveling back up the esophagus. Sleeping on your right can also keep you from getting a good night’s rest. Even if you don’t have acid reflux, try sleeping on your left for a better night’s rest. 

What studies have shown about left side sleeping versus others is that left side sleeping allows for a better quality of sleep. No matter the reason you have for getting bad sleep, left-side sleeping may change things for the better and reduce your chances of sleep disruptions thanks to GERD, sleep apnea and more. 

Side Sleepers… What You Need To Remember:

Wedge pillows for acid reflux are ideal for you and back sleepers. However, if you suffer from hip or back problems, you may or may not be able to use this. Side sleepers may have a really hard time with wedge pillows. If you have any back or hip problem – lumbar damage, fused vertebrae, scoliosis, spinal cord compression, arthritic hips, etc.  – be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about what you should use. It could be that an under-mattress wedge or adjustable bed are better choices for your acid reflux problems. 

What To Keep In Mind…

Although acid reflux is common, it doesn’t mean you have to live with it and its symptoms. The condition can be managed simply by making lifestyle changes and using a wedge pillow for acid reflux – a pillow that will prop your stomach home and allow you to get a good night’s rest today, tomorrow and in the future.