If you’ve ever experienced acid reflux, you know there is a wide range of symptoms that come along with it. Some of these symptoms occur daily. These include heartburn, trouble swallowing, a painful throat, persistent coughing, and sleeping difficulties. All of them are bothersome, but some claim that the inability to sleep is the most bothersome of all.
Before we get into the specifics of improving your sleeping while living with acid reflux, it’s vital to understand the fundamentals. Acid reflux, or GERD as it is also known, stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. For simplicity’s sake, it is the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. According to a study conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, at least one-third of adults in the United States suffer from acid reflux weekly. However, it’s important to understand that GERD can affect people of all ages in all stages of life. Pregnant women, people who smoke frequently, and overweight people are all at risk of developing issues with acid reflux. Still, there doesn’t seem to be an underlying factor for some.
You might wonder why acid reflux keeps you up at night. When you sleep, you lay horizontally, allowing stomach acid to flow into the esophagus more easily. One suggestion from those diagnosed with GERD is to sleep sitting up or elevated. Years ago, this meant sleeping on a recliner rather than a bed or attempting to raise themselves up with pillows stacked on top of each other. Thankfully, there have been advancements that may work out better and get you back to bed. These days, the addition of wedge pillows to your routine might make sleep easier to come by. There is a variety to pick from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Below, we look at five possibilities and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each, along with pricing.
MedCline Acid Reflux Pillow
This is not your average wedge pillow. The MedCline wedge includes a body pillow and an arm pocket. Why an arm pocket, you might ask? The space allows you to slide your arm under the pillow for more support. This is essential when you are sleeping on your side, which is also a benefit of this wedge. The cushion is removable with a washable cover. The fact that this wedge pillow boasts clinically proven results, according to published MedCline studies, is yet another advantage.
The GERD Relief Bed Wedge is one of the more expensive alternatives, which might be the most significant disadvantage of this option. You may be able to pay for it with your HSA, although it is still difficult for most people to rationalize paying more than $200 on a pillow. The MedCline pillow comes in three sizes-small, medium and large. You also have the option to add extra pillowcases.
Adjustable Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set–Lenora Store
With five distinct pillows, the Lenora Wedge Pillow Set gives full-body support. The package is beneficial not just for GERD but also for snoring, back and leg discomfort, and other issues. Users appreciate the customization option and the non-skid bottom, which keeps the cushions in place. The wedge pillow set has removable and washable coverings. This set can be found for under $170, which is less expensive than the MedCline wedge.
It’s important to note that this set will take some getting used to if you are a side sleeper. Another negative might be that some reviews state this pillow is too narrow. If you are looking for a wider pillow, this one might not be the best option. The available incline is a perk for some buyers, though you can incline from 20 to 80 degrees. This pillow also boasts lumbar support.
Relax Home Life Bed Wedge Pillow
This cushion is supposed to be one of the most comfortable. However, some say it may be too soft for heavier people. It is constructed with memory foam and has a bamboo viscose cover that can be machine washed. According to the maker, the cover is permeable, allowing for a cooler night’s sleep.
In terms of cost, this is one of the more affordable options in this article, costing roughly $45. Some customers claim the cushion is not long enough for taller people. In contrast, others claim the pillow has too severe of an incline. Like the MedCline option, this wedge pillow offers three sizes ranging from 25” to 30.5” wide.
Extra Wide Wedge Pillow by Kolbs
The extra-wide bed wedge cushion from Kolbs gives you plenty of room to roll around, spread out, and enjoy everything the wedge offers. This could be the wedge for you if you move around while sleeping. It comes in various heights and has a memory foam top layer. It’s adaptable enough to support your back, knees, or feet, making it useful for more than simply acid reflux. The cover, like the rest of the wedges, is machine washable.
Users note this wedge is firm but, in some cases, too stiff. It’s also worth noting this wedge took longer to expand than most customers anticipated, with some claiming it never fully expanded. With a price of around $70, it is right between our other options. Unlike the Relax Home Life Pillow, this wedge pillow is 31” wide. Perhaps it’s one to consider if you like a firmer pillow and the room to move around.
LUCID L300 Ergonomic Adjustable Bed Base
Our final choice is an adjustable bed base rather than a wedge. This option inclines from 0 to 60 degrees at the head and 0 to 35 degrees at the feet. While this bed foundation offers the most space for GERD sufferers, it cannot be adjusted for multiple people. If you share the bed with someone, they will be on the same incline as you. This might be a deal-breaker for some.
This model has the advantage of allowing you to use your own mattress, depending on its flexibility. This is crucial if you’re attached to the one you’re currently using. As expected, this option is the most expensive one, ringing in at just under $700. That being said, if you’ve always wanted a fully adjustable bed, it is an enticing option. Buyers agree with the manufacturers that this bed is incredibly easy to put together, less than five minutes in most instances. The bed is also said to be incredibly comfortable. Other positives are the wireless remote, soft mechanism noise, and dual USB charging stations.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are quite a few options available if acid reflux is disturbing your sleep, and they are much more enticing than the living room recliner. Wedge pillows and diet changes, medications, and/or other healthy lifestyle choices offer a good one-two punch for decreasing your symptoms, allowing a better night’s sleep and a smoother day.
