Best Leg Wedge Pillow

Wedge pillows are used for supporting the head, shoulders, and torso while sleeping. They can help alleviate various medical conditions. Wedge pillows are great for supporting the neck and spine. They can also help relieve pressure points around certain areas of the body. While people think of wedge pillows mostly for upper body support, they are quite commonly used for the legs. Today, we’re going to focus on wedge pillows as a whole and take a look at some of the best leg wedge pillows on the market.

Best Leg Wedge Pillows

How to Choose a Wedge Pillow

Naturally, just like standard pillows, not all wedge pillows are created alike, which means that you have to know the differences between them before spending money on one. In this chapter, we’re going to focus on the main features for this particular type of product so that you know exactly what to pay attention to when shopping:

• The most common shape for wedge pillows is a triangle, due to their inclination. The surface of the pillow may be flat or curved, but this varies from one model to another. Furthermore, some wedge pillows are made up of a single piece, while others are made up of many components.
• Wedge pillows come in a variety of sizes, including height, width, and length. Most are at least 20 x 20 inches, providing ample cushioning for the upper back, shoulders, neck, and head. When placed at the foot portion of the bed, wedge pillows will provide support for the knees, calves, and feet. You can find smaller wedge pillows which are a more suitable purchase if you have a small bed.
• Most models have an incline of at least seven inches, with some versions having an incline of ten to twelve inches. Pillows with more gentle slopes are better for sleeping, but you’re best off with something with a higher incline if you want to sit in bed and read or watch TV.
• In most cases, wedge pillows are made from medium or high-density memory foam. The majority of them feature synthetic fabric covers that are made from a variety of materials, ranging from polyester to bamboo rayon.
• Wedge pillows can be made up of a single piece or numerous layers of foam. The layout usually has it so that lighter foam pieces are placed on top of the firmer ones (much like in the case of a foam mattress).
• Because people use wedge pillows at different frequencies, the durability of a wedge cushion is generally determined by how often it’s being used and how qualitative the foam is.

• Wedge pillows can range in weight from two to four pounds to as much as ten to twelve pounds. If you tend to move a lot at night, a heavier pillow might be better because its weight prevents it from shifting around that easily. While lighter pillows may not be ideal for people who often switch from one sleeping position to another, most adults will find them easy to move and manage.
• Although certain versions are plushier, most wedge pillows are labeled as medium-firm or film. Wedge pillows may have various firmness settings on either side, allowing sleepers to modify the feel by rotating the pillow.
• Wedge pillows are popular among travelers, with some models that can be folded or disassembled to make them fit in more compact spaces, such as suitcases.
• Whenever possible, look for a wedge pillow that features removable and machine-washable covers. Because moisture is one of memory foam’s enemies and can cause it to disintegrate, you should never wash the insert. If you want to clean your memory foam, turn to light spot cleaning.

Types of Wedge Pillows

While foam is the most common and most recommended material for wedge pillows, it’s not the only one used to make these products. Wedge pillows are mostly classified based on the materials used to make them, and the categories include:

— Memory Foam

Memory foam has excellent properties, and it makes total sense that most manufacturers turn to this material to make wedge pillows. Memory foam was created by NASA and is now the most popular and commonly utilized filler for plenty of pillows and mattresses currently available on the market. It is a material with high levels of viscosity and density, which takes heat away from the body and molds to your shape while yet offering adequate support.

Most memory foam pillows have off-gassing, which is a specific chemical-like odor that you notice when first unboxing the product. This odor is a harmless gas that will go away in 72 hours. Memory foam’s disadvantages include its heavy weight and ability to retain heat, which might make you feel overheated when resting on it in hot weather. These pillows often come with cooling measures (be it a breathable cover or a gel-infused top layer), which is a great approach to combat the heat associated with this type of material.

— Latex

Latex pillows will contain one of two different types of latex: natural (derived from tree sap) and synthetic (man-made latex). Many pillows contain a variety of latex kinds. Latex pillows provide a great deal of support and firmness for the entire body. They’re great for people with allergies and, even if they cost more than other pillows, they are also more durable. Although latex isn’t commonly used in wedge pillows without being combined with other materials, you may get wedge pillows that blend latex with memory foam for extra comfort and support.

— Polyester

Polyester, commonly known as fiberfill, has been used in pillows for decades on end, being a cost-effective option that makes it appealing to a lot of buyers. It’s a synthetic fabric that can be cleaned in your home washing machine without you having to worry about ruining it. Polyester is also odorless and lightweight. It does not breathe well and can trap heat, especially in hot weather. Polyester pillows can also develop lumpy over time. Finally, while polyester comes in a variety of firmness options, it rarely provides a decent amount of support, which is why you won’t find many wedge pillows filled with polyester.

— Feathers/down

Even if there are still people who think that down and feathers are the same thing, they are actually two different types of materials. Ducks and geese have down underneath their feathers, acting as an insulating barrier to keep them warm. All types of pillows contain down or feathers, which are popular because they are lightweight, can be cleaned in the washing machine, and keep you cool in hot weather. You won’t really find down or feathers in the construction of a wedge pillow, as these materials lack the hardness required to support your weight. You’d sink into a wedge pillow filled with feathers or down and feel cozy, but you wouldn’t get the support you needed.

Conclusion

According to Healthline, some of the best wedge pillows measure at least seven inches in height, have the certification showing they don’t have a strong chemical odor (Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US are what you’re looking for), and are made with latex or foam filler. Remember that a wedge pillow can be useful in a variety of different situations.