What are Uses for Bed Wedge Pillows?
- Elevated head and shoulders to help alleviate symptoms from acid reflux or GERD
- Elevated head to help sinuses drain freely when fighting nasal and sinus congestion due to flu or colds
- Support for reading and/or eating in bed to remain semi-reclined when on bed rest
- Elevated legs to reduce pressure on lower back while sleeping or during pregnancy
- Elevated legs and feet to help reduce painful swelling due to edema and/or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A bed wedge is a pillow used for sleeping that is made of moderately firm foam. The wedge pillow has a triangular shape with a tapered incline that helps the person using the pillow remain in a semi-upright position during sleep. The bed wedge pillow is multi-purpose, depending on which side of the pillow is against the bed determines how high of an incline the pillow will have. When placed on the bed with the longest part of the wedge against the wall and the short side of the wedge against the bed, you have a very upright wedge that can help people read in bed comfortably or provide a more comfortable way for the person using the pillow to sit up during the day while still remaining semi-reclined. When the wedge pillow is placed in the traditional manner, the incline is perfect for sleeping. 
HealthSmart bed wedge pillow is available in different heights so you can choose how high of an incline you prefer. Raising the head and shoulders help anyone suffering from acid reflux and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) sleep better because stomach acid has a harder time entering the esophagus since the head and shoulders are higher than the stomach so gravity naturally helps.
Another use for the bed wedge pillow is when you are suffering from clogged sinuses. With your head raised, you avoid your nose and sinuses getting flooded while you sleep since the wedge enables your sinuses to be able to drain easily while you rest. A bed wedge can make you more comfortable when you are sick since your sinuses are able to drain better so you won't wake up with that built up pressure which can make your other symptoms feel worse. Whether you have a cold or the flu, this method can bring relief.
The bed wedge can also be used under your legs which can relieve pressure on your lower back. The bed wedge can also be a great way to keep feet elevated when you are directed to do so by your doctor. There are many people who sleep with two wedge pillows, one under their shoulders and one placed under the legs. In this configuration, you would have both narrow tapered ends facing each other so the person is sleeping with their head and shoulders raised as well as having their feet elevated and their knees and lower back supported. For people who suffer from swollen legs, having their feet elevated during the night can make their mornings more comfortable. The best combination would be to use a bed wedge to keep your feet elevated and upon waking put on your Sigvaris compression stockings or socks before you get out of bed. This will be a great way to avoid painful swelling and to increase the effectiveness of edema treatment or treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). You can use a traditional bed wedge under your legs, but there are also bed wedges that are specially designed for under your legs. 
The design of Duro-Med Ortho Bed Wedge is intended for use only under your legs and for many people, it is more comfortable than the standard wedge. They look a little different and are a great addition to your sleep routine whether you are currently using compression stockings during the day.
The most important thing to remember is always to consult your doctor or primary caregiver before changing your current medical care. Your health team knows your individual needs better than anyone else. It is especially important to consult your doctor if you have or have had problems with blood clots. Bed wedges are comfortable and a great way to get a good night's rest, but it never hurts to check with your doctor to make sure they are right for you.
