A wedge pillow is a triangular-shaped orthopedic pillow that is usually made out of moderately firm foam. Some may have an upper layer of a softer gel foam or memory foam to enhance their comfort. They are designed to provide a healthier and more comfortable sleep for people suffering from a range of medical issues. Wedge pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all feature a slope of some kind. You can find models with a gradual incline and ones with very steep inclines. Some may have a curve on one of the sides and others may fold in half for easier storage when not in use. The right one for you will depend on the type of health problem you are trying to address. Most wedge pillows are multi-purpose and can be used in different ways depending on which side of the pillow is against the bed. When the short side of the wedge is placed against the bed, it creates a very upright cushion that is ideal for watching TV or reading a book, while still allowing you to relax in a comfortable reclined position.
Alternately, you can place the long side of the wedge against the bed to create a more gradual incline that is designed for sleeping. Since wedge pillows have a nontraditional shape, they will often come with a cover that can be removed and machine washed. It is usually best to purchase one of these models otherwise you may have trouble finding a cover that fits your model, which will make caring for it and maintaining it in a sanitary way difficult. Wedge pillows are used to address a wide range of health issues. Gravity is the main factor working against you when sleeping, especially when lying on your back. It can collapse the lungs and upper airways, which can lead to interruptions in breathing. People with sleep apnea often find that using a wedge pillow can significantly improve their breathing and reduce their reliance on CPAP machines. Another issue many people have when lying completely flat is stomach acid moving up into their esophagus. This can lead to minor heartburn, esophagitis, or a more serious condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
If left untreated, GERD can cause damage to the esophageal lining and cause esophageal ulcers. Since a wedge pillow slightly elevates your head, it puts you in a position that allows gravity to help keep the contents of your stomach from raising into the esophagus. People with back pain often find that the cervical spine and lumbar support offered by a wedge pillow results in greatly reduced back pain upon waking. The same goes for pregnant women who may need additional support as they get used to new and unfamiliar sleeping positions. Those who suffer from swollen legs can place a wedge pillow below their legs when sleeping to keep them slightly elevated and help prevent the pooling of liquids. They even sell specially design wedge pillows for under-the-leg use. Another less common use for a wedge pillow is to reduce nasal blockage, whether from allergies or a cold or flu. A slightly elevated position enables sinuses to drain more easily and allows a person to sleep more peacefully without less restricted breathing.
The different kinds of wedge pillows each have different therapeutic uses. If you are trying to relieve the symptoms of sinus congestion, sleep apnea, acid reflux, or heartburn, a standard wedge pillow will most likely be the best choice. A larger wedge pillow with a steeper incline is best for addressing back pain issues and avoiding spinal misalignment. For leg use, they have specially designed options that typically have a slight curve or flat area in the middle to rest your calf without affecting circulation. Pregnant women may find that all they need is a slight incline and one with a gradual slope may serve them best. Another consideration when picking out the right wedge pillow for you is the size. Getting the correct size for your bed can be beneficial for both comfort and aesthetic reasons. If you have a small bed, larger wedge pillows may not fit. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you have a large king size bed and move around a lot when sleeping, you may prefer a wide wedge pillow that allows you to toss and turn without worry of rolling off.
Take note of the material and firmness when choosing a wedge pillow as well. They are often made from polyurethane foam or memory foam, but there are plastic inflatable models designed for travel and ones stuffed with polyester fill available too. If you prefer a firmer pillow, go with one made from polyurethane, but for those who prefer a softer option, one with a gel foam upper layer may be more comfortable. You may also want to consider if it comes with a machine-washable cover and if it is made with hypoallergenic materials.Cover Your Box Spring...Without Using a Bed Skirt This one didn't take a genius, but the results are genius, and we plan on covering the box spring in our guest room today thanks to this tip. Benita at Chez Larsson offered a great how-to for a streamlined bed skirt, and the following idea from Martha Stewart is an even more basic solution: From Martha Stewart online: If you want to dress up your bed but find dust ruffles a bit fussy, consider slipping a fitted sheet over your box spring for a streamlined look.
Even a mismatched fitted sheet could work -- spicing up the color or pattern combos on the bed. Anyone been using this trick for a while now, liking or disliking the results/effect? Stephen Cardino, the home fashion director at Macy’s and a 25-year veteran of the bedding industry, weighs in on what you need to know. Is Thread Count That Important?Thread count is often used as the barometer of a sheet’s smoothness and durability. However, this measurement—which should refer to the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric—isn’t always reliable. High thread count is a factor, but the type of cotton can be more significant. RELATED: How to Fold a Fitted Sheet What’s The Best-Quality Cotton? Top-of-the-line is 100 percent Egyptian cotton. Second best is 100 percent pima cotton, also known by the trademarked name Supima. If a label says simply, “100 percent cotton,” assume that it’s American upland cotton, a rougher, less expensive variety.