Best Wedge Pillow for Sleeping Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder affecting millions of people globally with quite frustrating symptoms since it affects not only a good night’s sleep but can often be life-threatening.

This requires that you take an intervention immediately, you suspect a case of sleep apnea. Most of these conditions usually develop as a result of poor body posture during sleep.

And to eliminate this, the utilization of some of the best wedge pillows for sleep apnea would warrant the proper posture development, thus managing the sleep apnea symptoms.

There are, however, numerous models of wedge pillows for sleep apnea in the market, making the selection of the best a little challenging.

Thus, we have provided you with information regarding wedge pillows, sleep apnea, and how to choose the best wedge pillow for sleep apnea with some best sample pillows provided for consideration.

choose the best wedge pillow for sleeping apnea

In a Hurry? Look at our top picks of best wedge pillow to relieve your sleeping apnea!

Hot sale with affordable price, ergonomic design for better sleeping, soft filling to relieve the pressure, click to buy the Cushy Form Bed Wedge Pillow

Special design for back sleepers, bamboo cover for hypoallergenic function, click to buy the Relax Home Life 7.5 Inch Bed Wedge Pillow

Longlasting and sturdy pillow, can be used in many occasions, click to buy the Flexicomfort Memory Foam Wedge Pillow

Table of Contents

Do Wedge Pillows Help with Sleep Apnea?

Yes.

This is usually a recurrent question among many individuals planning on purchasing a wedge pillow.

The fact is that, with the inclined shape of the wedge pillow, the upper torso is usually a little elevated, thus preventing the constriction and blocking of the airways during sleep as a result of gravitational action.

This henceforth results in an open airway, which guarantees that the gruesome symptoms associated with sleep apnea, such as breathing difficulties, would not be experienced.

Nevertheless, the wedge pillow often only works on sleep apnea cases caused by poor body posture during sleeping; however, when caused by other factors/variables, then a wedge pillow might not be effective, and you would need to seek professional help.

 

How Do You Pick the Best Wedge Pillow for Sleep Apnea?

Shopping for the most suitable and fitting wedge pillow to manage your sleep apnea often requires that you adhere to certain guidelines through the consideration of certain vital features and factors.

These factors/features will guarantee that you acquire the best wedge pillow for your utilization and they include;

Sleeping Style

Individuals often have varying sleeping styles, with some profoundly being back sleepers, others, side sleepers, face sleepers, and multiple sleepers.

Every sleeping style is usually compatible with a certain type of wedge pillow. Thus, before shopping for a wedge pillow, you should always make sure that you know your sleeping style for a much convenient choice.

For instance, back sleepers often require a much firmer wedge pillow compared to side and face sleepers who need soft contouring wedge pillows. This henceforth might be different for you individually.

Material

The materials used in the manufacture of a wedge pillow are also vital when choosing a wedge pillow. This is because they often determine the durability, comfort, and hygiene of the wedge pillow.

The majority of wedge pillows are usually filled with either memory foam or polyurethane foam. Thus knowing the filling material used is usually vital in selecting the most appropriate wedge pillow for your needs.

For instance, these materials often determine the level of firmness a pillow has, and choosing wrongly would mean continued uncomfortable support.

Size

This usually reflects both the size of the wedge pillow and the size of the installation place. You should thus always check the size of your bed, whether twin, king, or queen-sized.

This will help you get a complimentary sized wedge pillow most fitting to your bed; thus, not too big or too small.

Considering the wedge pillow size should also be determined by your individual body size.

Thus, you should always choose the wedge pillows with the corresponding surface size or much bigger since too small wedge pillow will be severely limiting and uncomfortable without turning/tossing space or the capability to accommodate all the upper torso body parts.

Height

Acquiring a wedge pillow with an appropriate height will determine its capability to manage the sleep apnea symptoms while being comfortable.

Thus, the standard height for most wedge pillows is usually between 6 to 8 inches. Any. Any pillow raised to this height is usually comfortable and rightly elevated for many individuals with sleep apnea.

However, depending on an individual’s body size and comfort preferences, the wedge pillow heights often vary with some slightly below the above range and others going above up to even 15 inches height.

Therefore, you should select a height more compatible with your body size that will guarantee a good inclination angle while also being comfortable. If you lack any preferences, you can always stick to the standard range.

Inclination

Wedge pillows also often come with varying angles of inclination. This is because different individuals often find comfort in varying inclination angles.

Nevertheless, the standard inclination usually ranges between 30 to 45 degrees with an allowance for a little lower or further higher inclination angles depending on the needs of an individual.

Therefore, you should always choose the wedge pillow with the most suitable inclination since too low inclination might not produce the desired results. In contrast, too steep inclinations might also be uncomfortable for sleeping at night.

Firmness and Comfort

The firmness of a wedge pillow is usually largely dependent on the manufacturing materials, such as the fillings inside and maybe a cover.

Most wedge pillows are usually moderately firm; however, some individuals prefer softer models, mostly the face sleepers. Similarly, others also find hard pillows more comfortable.

Thus, choosing your wedge pillow requires that you decide on the firmness you need for maximum comfort or just resort to the popular moderate firmness. Poorly choosing wedge pillow’s firmness might result in gruesome discomfort and wastage of resources.

Safety and Sensitivity

This is usually largely dependent on the pillow covers packaged/acquire with the wedge pillow. Thus, you should look for a wedge pillow with a cover fabric that would ensure your safety while also keeping your sensitivities on check.

These covers should, therefore, removable and machine washable. This will keep the hygiene of the pillows in check, thus improving the user’s health by keeping them safe from microbes and disease-causing germs that might linger on the pillows after some period of use.

Similarly, these cover fabrics should also be hypo-allergenic, which will ensure that you are safe from any allergic attacks. As a result, keeping your sensitivities on check as you sleep.

These will guarantee maximal comfort during your sleep while also safely elevating your torso against sleep apnea symptoms.

 

Top 6 Best Wedge Pillow for Sleep Apnea Reviews

Top Rated – Cushy Form Bed Wedge Pillow

 

 

multipurpose wedge pillow for sleeping apnea

Pros

  • Long-lasting design
  • Multipurpose and adjustable
  • Uniquely comfortable
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • The pillow is a little too high for some
  • Too hard for some individuals

This is currently the top most rated wedge pillow in the market. Thus, these pillows are usually designed by incorporating numerous unique features to give you the best possible rest and the best night sleep free from any distractions and health risks.

Some of the features include the 12 inches elevation height, which is often within the comfortable range for many wedge pillow users.

Thus, proper utilization of these wedge pillows will guarantee relief from numerous health complications such as back, neck, and shoulder pains and even help you manage conditions such as acid reflux and sleep apnea.

Ergonomic Design – These pillows are often also made from high quality, high-density memory foam on the topmost layer of the pillow. This improves the ergonomics of the pillow by ensuring that it conforms to your body’s shape, thus maximizing comfort.

The pillow’s surface area also measures 25 by 24 inches, which implies that the wedge pillow is quite extensive and capable of accommodating the entire upper torso or the legs while allowing for room to turn around.

Soft Filling – This wedge pillow model is also properly filled, thus emulating a soft yet firm feeling which will not collapse under your body but provide you with abundant and sturdy support.

The pillows also come with removable covers for easy cleaning and maintenance. These pillow’s fabric is usually soft and breathable increasing comfort during use while maintaining a cool temperature throughout its utilization.

To further assure the customers of the high-quality nature of these wedge pillows, the manufacturers often offer a 100 % money-back guarantee for any faulty product received.

Buy on Amazon

 

Best for Side Sleeper – AERIS Wedge Pillow

 

Versatile wedge pillow for sleeping apnea

Pros

  • High-quality, sturdy and durable
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Versatile
  • Comfortable design

Cons

  • Quite pricey for the features
  • Has only one constant size thus inconvenient for some

This product from Aeris has often been praised regarding its features with individuals who have used it and experts claiming that it offers a premium level of relaxation despite being a regular brand.

Some of the features incorporated contributing to these praises include the perfect yet unique inclination.

The pillow usually rises at an elevation of about 8.5 inches, which is quite low to most wedge pillows, however very comfortable for many.

Thus, with the low lying inclinations, individuals can often use these pillows comfortably without sliding off now and then.

Therapeutic – This perfect slope on the pillow further guarantees multiple applications in the management of a variety of health conditions such as sleep apnea, snoring, breathing problems, vertigo, heartburn, acid reflux, among others.

The pillow’s small elevation is also a great contributor for maximal comfort for side sleepers who are often most comfortable with this level of inclination.

The pillow can also be repositioned while setting up to create a sloping backrest for reading or watching TV.

Soft Foam – Furthermore, these pillows are filled with memory foam, guaranteeing soft relaxation while also enabling a medium firmness to allow for sturdiness and handling of body pressure.

The covers are also removable, machine washing friendly with a breathable fabric for the most comfortable nights.

The pillow has a cloth handle on the side for adjustment on the bed to an appropriate and desired position while also making portability very straightforward and simple.

Buy on Amazon

 

Best for Back Sleeper – Relax Home Life 7.5 Inch Bed Wedge Pillow

hypoallergenic wedge pillow for sleeping apnea

Pros

  • Safe for allergic individuals
  • Fairly priced
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Usually comes with a chemical smell.

This is yet another wedge pillow used mainly by back sleepers to try and achieve the best sleep and relaxation without the next-day consequences such as pain, exhaustion, and conditions like sleep apnea.

Therefore the features incorporated in these pillows will guarantee comfort whenever you are trying to take a nap or during the nap.

The wedge pillow model is also filled with foam with the top layer running a smooth memory foam, which contours to the body shape allowing for increased comfort.

Weight Support – The remaining area of the base of the pillow is usually stuffed harder to provide strength and sturdiness by being firm, thus able to support immense weights.

Similarly, the area dimensions are often 25 by 26 inches, which allows the user ample space for turning and tossing around while relaxing/sleeping.

Bamboo Cover – Incorporated in the packaging is a bamboo viscose cover. These fabric are usually hypoallergenic with soft, breathable surfaces for maximal comfort throughout the night by offsetting any heat development over the night.

These fabric covers are also removable and washing machine friendly thus easily cleaned in a washing machine. They are further dust mite resistance, making them durable yet easy to maintain.

These pillows will give you the best night of your life, with experience being on another level. The company, manufacturing these pillows also provide a 100% lifetime warranty to assure the user of the durability and high-quality nature of the wedge pillows.

Buy on Amazon

 

Therapeutic – Brentwood Home Zuma Therapeutic Wedge Pillow

therapeutic wedge pillow for sleeping apnea

Pros

  • Super comfortable
  • Flexible sizing
  • Multifunctional

Cons

  • Too firm and hard for some individuals

These pillows are also among the best in the market as they provide ample support as you use them while also managing certain sleep disorder symptoms like those of sleep apnea effectively.

Thus some of its features include the fact that it is super comfortable due to the soft manufacturing memory foam used to fill these pillows up.

Various Size – They also come in a variety of sizes of 7, 10, and 12 inches, all of which allows for user flexibility depending on the type of sleeper you are and what angle you are most comfortable with.

The foam material is usually ergonomic to body weight and structures, facilitating comfort to the maximum.

Therapeutic – Apart from this, the inclination further assists in the management of several certain health problems such as sleep apnea, allergies, poor blood circulation, acid reflux, snoring, among others.

It also comes with a fine soft bamboo cover, perfectly knit for aesthetics, and also removable and washable in a washing machine. The covers are also made with breathable fabric.

All these guarantees for easy maintenance of the pillows while keeping general hygiene. The inclining surface is usually 24 inches by 24 inches, which is also largely accommodating to an individual’s entire torso while also leaving some free turning space for maximal comfort.

Buy on Amazon

 

Memory Foam – Bed Back Wedge Pillow

 

back support wedge pillow for sleeping apnea

Pros

  • Easy cleaning and maintenance
  • Aesthetic design
  • Lightweight for easy movement

Cons

  • Too firm for some users

This is another great wedge pillow ranked among the best with features that will make your night seem like a trip to wonderland.

Some of the features that make this a high-quality product best recommended for sleep apnea include the removable ultra-luxurious 300 thread count Egyptian cotton washable cover.

Special Design – Theses covers are usually soft and stylish with long service life and easy to maintain hygiene. These wedge pillows are usually designed with an elevation height of 12 inches and an inclination angle at 30 degrees, making them super comfortable to lie in without sliding down the edge.

Double Layer – Furthermore, incorporated in the designs are the two-layer fillings of clinical therapeutic grade foam on the top for comfortable elevation due to the body contouring feature.

The bottom layer made from dense, supportive foam is usually for support and maintaining the wedge pillow’s dense structure so that it does not deform despite lifting heavy body weights for time.

These pillows can also be applied in various settings, thus not only for sleeping and eliminating sleep disorder symptoms but also for reading or watching TV

Buy on Amazon

 

Foldable Design – Flexicomfort Memory Foam Wedge Pillow

head support pillow for sleeping apnea

Pros

  • Comes with adjustable head pillow
  • Long-lasting and sturdy

Cons

  • A little too heavy for some users

Flexicomfort is a popular brand manufacturer known for its innovative products with unique features. Thus, these wedge pillows will give you exemplary service guaranteeing an eventless night at maximum comfort.

Some of the uniquely added features include an adjustable head support pillow design, which can be attached at any sport on the main wedge pillow using the Velcro system and two buttons for a variety of sleeping positions.

This will not only maximize comfort but also ensure that you do not fall off the pillow in the night.

These wedge pillows are usually foldable allowing for numerous, at least, seven different positions for the many uses.

Adjustable Size – The pillows’ average inclined surface area usually measures 24 by 12.5 inches. This is quite wide to accommodate a variety of body sizes.

It is also moderately heavy weighing about 7.73 pounds to ensure that it is easy to transport while also remaining still while you sleep and not move as you shift body weight while turning.

Buy on Amazon

 

What Is the Best Sleeping Position for Sleep Apnea?

The best sleeping position for sleep apnea is usually by the side while maintaining a good posture through the elevation by a wedge pillow. This position is most comfortable and will further guarantee zero obstruction to your airways as you sleep.

However, since other individuals often have most preferential sleeping positions, sleeping on the back would also yield similar positive outcomes when dealing with sleep apnea.

However, sleeping face down is discouraged since this may result in the blocking of your nose and mouth, contributing to increased chances for the development of sleep apnea.

 

How to Use a Wedge Pillow for Sleep Apnea?

Much like other regular wedge pillows, these wedge pillows’ functionality is often largely dependent on their positioning and proper use. Thus;

  • First, you will need to ensure that your wedge pillow is of the appropriate height/inclination within the range for sleep apnea symptoms management.
  • Next, you will need to properly situate it on the bed with the inclination to start on the bed and rise towards the edge/top of the bed. You may also place it under the mattress for a similar experience.
  • The third step is to lie on the bed and the pillow on your side or back while ensuring that your upper torso is elevated from the lower back position towards the head properly.

Following these steps will ensure that gravity does not obstruct your airways, thus protecting you against sleep apnea.

 

What Other Ways Help Reduce Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

In as much as wedge pillows can often help in preventing and managing the symptoms of sleep apnea, their effects are usually limited to specific causative factors and minimal severity of the case.

However, when caused by other factors such as failed brain signal transmissions or when the sleep apnea case is very severe, then you need to consider other treatment and management options.

Thus, you should consult with your physician to determine the best other way of reducing sleep apnea. Some of the most recommended ways include;

Getting a CPAP device

Getting an oral appliance like;

1.Mandibular Advancement Device
2.Tongue retaining device
3.Boil and bite device


  • Adjust your sleeping position
  • Getting and Using a humidifier
  • Getting nerve stimulation device implantations
  • Tissue removal surgeries

Some of these ways can often be used in conjunction with the wedge pillows, thus improving the overall results.

 

What is the Best Wedge Pillow Height for Sleep Apnea?

Usually, wedge pillows will measure about 20 to 24 inches in width and length. That means the varying lengths are likely to result in different incline angles in the long run.

However, people with sleep apnea will prefer a height of between 6 and 12 inches. Therefore, the incline should be between 30 and 45 degrees, depending on your desired comfort level. Mild elevation of your body will be enough to give you the results you envision.

While at it, it will be best for you to aim at a relatively smaller wedge pillow. This size will ensure your airway remains open for a relatively long time, allowing you to breathe correctly. It will also ensure that your body is adequately elevated during this time.

 

Does Sleeping on an Incline Alleviate Apnea?

There is no denying that sleeping on an incline comes in handy in addressing sleep apnea. The idea of using a relatively high incline is to ensure that your body remains in pole position during sleep.

Usually, attaining the right position will ensure that your airway remains open for a significant part of the night. You could also use a recliner to raise your head a little during this time. This way, you will be sure of lesser apnea symptoms over time.

In conclusion, the best way to address sleep apnea would be by investing in a wedge pillow. The smaller and less inclined it is, the better it is for you. Usually, 30-degree inclinations will be enough for you. Do not shy away from getting one today!

 

Conclusion

Sleep apnea and the associated symptoms will derail good night sleep and, in the process, spoil the productivity of an individual the following day.

Thus, you should always have a wedge pillow on standby to use always as you sleep to help you deal with and manage these symptoms.

Acquiring the best wedge pillow for sleep apnea, however, warrants that you peruse through this article as it will give you pointers on the fastest way of shopping for the perfect wedge pillow.

Also included are some of the best wedge pillow models for you to consider purchasing for your sleep apnea.