Best Wedge Pillows for Acid Reflux and GERD 2018
Are you looking for the best wedge pillows for acid reflux and GERD?
Acid Reflux also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is an undesirable chronic condition that can affect anyone irrespective of age.It causes are complex. Most people that experience this disease on regular basis are most likely suffering from anatomical abnormalities such as hiatal hernia,Lower esophageal sphincter(LES) abnormalities,Abnormal esophageal contractions and among others.Lifestyle factors do also contribute to occasional reflux.
Growing up in a large family with siblings,parents and other family members and being reflux patient, My parents used to think I was a lazy child.I didn’t even know myself that I was suffering from reflux, until I discovered later on.
Conditions were not good then as well. The kind of work we used to do were too much for people of our age.But eiiih! it is call survival.
I personally remember when I used to have frequent heartburn and the burning sensation was sometimes unbearable. there were moments when I would even refuse to eat some particular foods we cooked.
My reflux was always triggered by the physical work that I did or when I eat a little bit too much or fatty foods.
Acid reflux is very common in western countries. Diseases resulting from acid reflux is the most common complaints as seen by the US medical care departments.
Top Acid Reflux Products
Top Wedge Pillows and Bed Elevating Insects for Acid Reflux
The best gift anyone can ever give themselves is good health.Your body is the only thing you have,so take care of it. Sleeping comfortably and waking up in good health is a vital to kick start your day.
Most acid reflux patients struggle to sleep at night. Likely, there are wedge pillows and bed elevating inclined insects available to help elevate their upper body and legs. These wedge pillows and elevating inclined insects provide a comfortable, gradual slope and uses gravity to keep reflux down and airways open.
InteVision Foam Wedge Bed Pillow (25″ x 24″ x 12″) with High Quality, Removable Cover
This is the all time #1Best Amazon Seller in the Bed Wedges and Body Positioners. It is especially designed to help acid reflux patients, it reduces snoring, allergies or any other condition which breathing maybe impaired in supine position.
4/5 stars from 2,212 reviews on Amazon !
InteVision Foam Wedge Bed Pillow
It has two-layer design: 1″ memory foam top layer plus a firm base for better comfort. This design approach enables the wedge pillow to have the desired cushion while still providing gentle support to elevate the upper body or legs, or to use as a trunk stabilizer for side-lying position.
The InteVision Foam Wedge Bed Pillow (25″ x 24″ x 12″) with High Quality, Removable Cover is not only designed for upper body support, but can also be used for foot and legs elevation.This wedge pillow is designed to work with gravity. The gradual sloping helps keep the acid reflux down and keep your airways open.
It takes time to get used to the wedge pillow if you have being using a regular pillow all your life. It comes with machine-washable white cover.
Pros:
- Very good for people with acid reflux
- Great for people who snore
- Good for people with allergies
- Firm and comfortable
- Relatively cheap
Some users find the polyethylene packaging too strong for them. If you are a sensitive person like me,I recommend you wash the cover immediately it arrives and leave the wedge foam in the sun to air out. This will reduce the smell. This is one of my number one recommended wedge pillows for heartburns and gerd and thousands of other customers agrees with me.
Get the InteVision Foam Wedge Bed Pillow (25″ x 24″ x 12″) on Amazon
MedSlant Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow (32″x30″x7″) with Memory Foam Overlay and Removable Microfiber Cover
The Medslant wedge pillow for acid reflux is designed to help resolve your acid reflux symptoms and elevate your upper body. Because we all know that acid reflux occurs mostly due to the movement of acidic content from the stomach into the esophagus.
About one third of our life time is spent on a pillow. So quality matters. It is important to get enough sleep.This wedge pillow puts gravity to work by keeping acid down in your stomach and keeping your airways open.So the chances of getting a reflux while you sleep are significantly reduced. Helping you to easily breath and sleep better through the night.
With 4.5/5 from 801 reviews on Amazon is really very good rating. It is clear that most customers are happy with their wedge pillow. By far is one of the best pillows for heartburns and gerd.
Medslant Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow with Memory Foam Overlay and Removable Microfiber Cover
The MedSlant wedge pillow for acid reflux is 30″ wide. This gives you the room to spread yourself out without sliding off it.The removable, washable microfiber cover is designed such that it resists staining and holds it’s shape, so it fits perfectly, wash after wash, remaining soft against your skin.
The hypo-allergenic isofresh memory foam overlay increases your comfort by adjusting to your shape and reducing pressure points so you can sleep more soundly and wake refreshed.
Pros:
- Removable, washable microfiber cover resists staining and holds it’s shape
- Comfortable and doesn’t move around while you sleep
- Long lasting 5-7 years
- Reduces acid reflux
- Snoring relief
- Better sleep
NB: it might be a bit too steep for real short people.
The MedSlant Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow (32″x30″x7″) is getting real positive customers reviews on Amazon. Investing in your own health is the best you can ever do for yourself. After all, you all you have.
Get The MedSlant Wedge Pillow (32″x30″x7″) on Amazon
AERIS Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux Review
This wedge pillow has received over 60 reviews and 4.3/5 stars. Indicating that majority of the customers are happy with their product. It is a great wedge pillow for people with might be suffering for acid reflux, gerd or heartburn. the AERIS is suitable for snoring,poor blood circulation, conditions related to breathing problems and back pain.
It is made of 100% cotton which makes it comfortable and a great support wedge pillow. The wedge pillow cover is made of machine-washable removable cover.its memory foam base has an internal cover hence you dont need replacement covers.
For a newly manufactured pillow it is advisable to air for the scent to dissipate. This wedge is unique and stands out among its peers in the sense that it is made of good quality, it is great for sleep or watching TV and it contoured shape make it comfortable and effective. if you are looking for the top wedge pillows for GERD then this pillows is will come in handy.
Read Full Review Here.
MedCline Acid Reflux System
According to a customer review on Amazon The product really represents the pinnacle of innovation, the finest materials, and design . This specially formulated wedge pillow at the time of writing this review has received over 50 verified customer reviews and rated 4.5/5 Stars on Amazon. This indicates that almost all the customers are happy with their purchase.
The MedCline Acid Reflux Systemis an advance engineered acid reflux system whichis superior to the normal acid reflux wedge pillows. It is great for people suffering from sleep apnea, acid reflux, heartburn or GERD.
Studies have shown that the MedCline acid Reflux system is proven to be 87% more effective than the normal wedge pillow and 5 Clinical Studies show 87% less acid measured in the esophagus vs a traditional bed wedge. 93% of users reported a reduction in nighttime heartburn. 95% of users reported a better nights sleep. which is pretty good results.
Check out Full Review Here.
Avana Bed Wedge Memory Foam GERD Pillow
theX-Large Avana Bed Wedge Memory Foam GERD Pillow,Which has an ultra plush bamboo-rayon cover with microsuedes sides, comfortable extra long bed wedge with higher incline is a safe and natural solution for controlling night time acid reflux.
Its 9 rise puts gravity to work for you while you sleep by giving you the best elevation you need for a comfortable nights sleep. This product is extremely well made. Upon opening and taking it out of its case, where it is compressed for shipping, one needs to wait a couple hours for it to expand.
It has helped a lot people suffering from acid reflux, snoring or GERD. Because of its long length, it is gradually inclined and does not give you back pains like the shorter wedges. This makes it stands out among the lots. It is very comfortable – one can even sleep on my side without issue. It is very wide, which is fine for king beds.
Check out Full Review Here
Z Wedge Pillow with Removable Rayon From Bamboo Velour Cover
This wedge pillow with removable cover by MALOUF is made breathable, plush rayon cover that resists dust, is easy to unzip and wash in the washing machine and it is extremely soft and comfortable to lay on.
This wedge pillow will gradually incline your upper body by about 7″ in order to stop stomach acid from travelling back up your esophagus.The foam was created using open-cell technology for a more durable, longer-lasting foam. This foam is naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. It is one of my recommended wedge pillows for gerd.
Pros
- Great to prop yourself up in bed
- 3-Year warranty
- Naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
- provides relief for acid reflux and gerd
- Nice cover and texture
This wedge pillow has received 4.0/5.0 star ratings from over 100 verified Amazon customers. About 60% rating it 5 stars. which is an indication that majority of the customers like their product.
Get this Wedge Pillow Now on Amazon.
Bed Wedge Pillow with Memory Foam Top by Cushy Form
This bed wedge pillow is one of the affordable and comfortable wedge pillows according to the customers reviews I have gathered from Amazon verified buyers. Been rated 4.4/5 stars with over 260 reviews indicates a lot of customers are happy with their purchase.
This12 Inch Wedge is best for sleeping, reading ,resting, etc. It is made with a breathable material and covered with a machine washable cover.
If you are in need of a pillow that will turn your bed into a comfortable incliner, then this pillow will come in handy.It improves your overall body posture to an inclined level while you sleep thereby relieving your back and neck of pains and helping in your breathing and snoring issues.
Checkout This Wedge Pillow on Amazon
Beds Up, Bed Elevating Inclined Frame Insert, All Beds Sizes.
With doctors now recommending wedge pillows and bed elevating inclined frame insects more than anything else to acid reflux patients. It is important to get the right insect that will safely rise your upper body without any complications.
One of the most recommended brands for bed elevating inclined frame insects is Beds Up. The Beds up insect safely and securely elevate the upper side of your mattress and box spring to approximately 2″, 4″ and 6″ giving you acid reflux free nights.
The Beds Up elevating inclined frame insects all received 4.5/5 stars from Amazon customers, which means most customers are having good experiences with them.
They are designed to fit into most headboard/footboard beds or Hollywood frames without adding stress. these bed elevating inclined frame insects are designed to relief you of GERD, heartburn, hiatal hernia, acid reflux,nocturnal cough, ulcers,asthma, Snoring, Sinus problems and Vertigo,etc.
The Beds Up Insert will fit into your complete bed (head and foot board bed ) or a metal bed frame and is available for twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, and calf king beds.
pros:
- These bed insect frames incline your bed to give you the healthy night sleep you need from GERD, Hiatal Hernia, Heart Burn, Acid Reflux, Asthma, Nocturnal Cough, Ulcers,etc.
- Made in the US
- Designed to fit into most headboard/footboard beds or Hollywood frames without adding stress.
- Safely and securely lifts the head of your bed 2″, 4″, or 6″.
- they are also great for people who are suffering from waist pain and cant sit up straight for a long time.
Initially, The problem most people have with these frames was the setup process. Likely, a more detailed instructions were done in this video below.
Get the Beds Up, Bed Elevating Inclined Frame Insert on Amazon for your bed Size
How does These Wedge Pillows Work?
These wedge pillows for acid reflux and gerd are ergonomically designed and they are easy to use. As we already know that acid reflux mostly occurs when acid from the stomach moves up the esophagus most especially when they person is sleeping.
These wedge pillows act as elevators for the head, shoulders and your torso to prevent this incident from occurring.When the upper body is elevated, gravity makes it less likely for stomach contents to come back up into the esophagus.
These pillows are also carefully designed to elevate you between the angles of 30 to 45 degrees. which is a comfortable inclination to sleep at.
One thing to note though is that because these pillows are designed to be sturdy and ergonomic, they will loose firmness and shape as time pass by. You can always choose one of the top rated wedge pillows to replace your old one once the old one is worn out.
Aright now, you may be asking yourself ,
Are there side Effects of Using These Acid Reflux/ GERD Wedge Pillows?
The answer is No. Unlike other acid reflux and Gerd treatment, there are no side effects on using these wedge pillows. You can simply replace it if you don’t like it anymore.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux which is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease is a health-related condition which is affecting many people around the world irrespective of age. Common symptoms are heartburn and chest pains.
According to UMHS GERD Guideline published by University of Michigan on September 2013, Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a common chronic relapsing condition that carries a risk of significant morbidity and potential mortality from resultant complications and it also states that
more than 60 million adult Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month and over 25 million experience heartburn daily.
Just before the stomach is a valve called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). The LOS is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus.
This valve closes immediately as food passes through it. This is done to prevent acid which is produce by the stomach from moving up the esophagus.
what is acid reflux
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The Relationshipbetween the Esophagus ,Sphincter, Stomach and The Acid Reflux disease
To answer the question; what is acid reflux? We first have to understand the relationship between the esophagus,sphincter,stomach and acid reflux. So keep reading
The esophagus(gullet) also known as the food pipe is the organ serving as the connection between the mouth and the stomach.when one swallow food, this food passes through the food pipe to the stomach to be digested.
The stomach wall produces different acids and other chemicals to digest this food.
The cells of the stomach also make mucus to protect them from potential damage from the acid.
The cells lining of the esophagus are different and have less protection against this stomach acid. Because of that, the must be some form of protection and this where the lower esophagus sphincter (LOS) comes in.
The sphincter relaxes to allow food into the stomach and tightens to prevent the food and stomach acid from coming up into the esophagus.
The lining of the esophagus can only cope with certain amount of acid as it is sensitive. So if the sphincter isnt functioning properly or does not tighten up quick enough, acid can come up into the esophagus.
If the acid is too much, the individual will develop symptoms of acid reflux. Such as heartburn and chest pains.
So now to answer the the question, what is acid reflux?. When a person experiences the symptoms of acid reflux for twice or more times a week, then such a person is deemed to have acid reflux.
Top Rated Wedge Pillows for Acid Reflux and Gerd
Top Acid Reflux Products
If you have comments about what is acid reflux, please feel free to leave your comment below and I will get back to you.
What Causes Acid Reflux; Is not always about What Food You Eat
Before we look at what causes acid reflux, I would like to say it is not always about what you eat that can result in reflux. the causes of acid reflux/ GERD are complex.
Most people think when you have reflux is due to your life style; You may be eating lots of spicy food, drinking hard stuff or you are cigar addict.
If that was the case then all Indians will have being GERD patients. Because no other race I know eat spicy food than Indians.LOL
In Fact, Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale University Said, lifestyle factors may account only for occasional heartburn sufferers. On foxnews.com
what causes acid reflux
image courtesy of david castillo dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is seen in people of all ages, sometimes for unknown reasons.
Most people that experience acid reflux on regular basis, may be due toanatomical abnormality. These abnormalities are what causes acid reflux:
- Hiatal Hernia
- Lower esophageal sphincter abnormalities
- Abnormal esophageal contractions
- Slow prolonged emptying of stomach(Gastroparesis)
- Bisphosphonates
Hiatal Hernia
When any internal organ pushes into an area it does not belong, it is termed hernia. Hiatus is the opening that goes through the diaphragm.
There are two types of hiatal hernia; the sliding hernia and the paraesophageal hernia.
It is not clear how hiatal hernia contribute to reflux. Most patients with GERD do also have Hiatal hernia, but some do not. In fact, there are people with hiatal hernia that do not have GERD. About 40% of Americans have hiatal hernia.
Normally, the lower esophageal spincter is located at the same level. where the esophagus passes from the chest through a small opening in the diaphragmand into the abdomen. (The diaphragm is a muscular, horizontal partition that separates the chest from the abdomen).
When a person develop the sliding hernia, the upper part of the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter move above the diaphragm and lie in the chest.This is the most common type of hernia.
Theparaesophageal hernia is not common but dangerous, because everything stays the same.The stomach squeezes up a bit through the hiatusand lay close to the esophagus.
Lower esophageal sphincter(LES) abnormalities
The lower esophageal sphincter(LES) plays very important role in preventing our food content from coming up into the esophagus.
The sphincter relaxes to allow food and saliva or anything that is ingested into the stomach and closes itself again.
It has being noticed that GERD patients usual develop some lower esophageal sphincter abnormalities which involve the function of the sphincter.
The first one is abnormal relaxations of the LES, called transient LES relaxations and the second is theabnormally weak contraction of the LES.
These abnormalities do not accompany the proper swallowing mechanisms. acid reflux patients commonly experience the transient LES relaxations when the stomach is distended with food.Here is a video that might help you on what causes acid reflux.
Abnormal esophageal contractions
Swallowing causes a ring-like wave of contraction of the esophageal muscles, which narrows the lumen (inner cavity) of the esophagus.
Perispalisis which is also referred to as contraction, starts from the upper esophagus from the moment you swallow food or saliva all the way to the stomach. This action, pushes the food into your stomach.
For some reason, this contraction does not happen properly or is defective.So refluxed acid is not pushed down the stomach.
the abnormalities of these contractions include:
- waves of contraction may not begin straight after swallow
- waves of contraction may die out before the stomach.
- These waves of contraction may not be effective enough to push acid back into the stomach
These abnormalities are usual found in people with severe acid reflux disease.. The effects of abnormal esophageal contractions would be expected to be worse at night when gravity is not helping to return refluxed acid to the stomach.
People with abnormal esophageal contractions are advice my doctors these days to use acid reflux pillow wedges .This helps rise their gravity at night orincline elevated bed insects on their beds. Both help keep the acid down while you sleep.
Gastroparesis
This condition occurs when it takes very long for the stomach content to be emptied. Most of us think what causes acid reflux only is when we are too full but sometimes, is not the case.
According to Dr Sheth ,Normally, the acid is produced and emptied into the small intestine, but if it sits in the stomach for longer, by sheer logic, it will come back up into the esophagus.
Bisphosphonates
These drugs which are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis, common with women could have side effects; one of which is acid reflux.
Dr Sheth said,They dont necessarily cause reflux, but they can cause esophageal irritation, which can feel like heartburn.
It is always worth it to check the long term side effects of a drug before using it.
Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation of food
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Nausea
There are many common and silent reflux symptoms one might experience when you have GERD.
Available Treatments of Acid Reflux
Due to the increase number of cases of acid reflux in western cultures, there are alot of treatments available; from over-the-counter medications to surgery to relief patients of the pain.
Even home remedies like; chewing sugar-free gum, drinking baking soda, aloe Vera juice, etc.
Some treatments include:
- Antiacids that neutralize the stomach acid: such as Gaviscon,Maalox, etc
- Medications to stop acid productions also know as H-2-receptor blockers.
- Medications that block acid production and heal the esophagus
- Medications to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter
- Using wedge pillows for acid reflux and gerd to suppress the pain
Only in extreme cases, where the medications don’t seem to work, doctors do recommend surgery.
In a nutshell, these are some of the best wedge pillows for acid reflux and GERD that can help cure your night time acid reflux symptoms.
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