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The Spruce / Amelia Manley
A wedge-shaped pillow can prop you up at a comfortable angle while reading or watching TV and potentially alleviate various sleep woes like snoring, sinus pressure, and acid reflux. We caught up with a sleep product expert and researched today's top options, narrowing down our picks based on material, design, and overall value.
Scroll down for the best wedge pillows currently on the market.
Best Overall
Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Yoga Wedge Pillow
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Contours to your body
Made with CertiPUR-US certified foam
Soft yet supportive
Removable and washable cover
Pricey
Not adjustable
If we had to pick just one wedge pillow, we'd have to go with the Crystal Cove Wedge Pillow from Brentwood Home. It's made of a soft yet supportive memory foam that meets CertiPUR-US certification standards for product safety and chemical emissions. The foam filling is infused with cooling-activated charcoal, which can be especially helpful if you tend to overheat at night. The cover zips off for easy washing, and this is definitely a plus considering not all wedge pillows have removable covers.
Measuring 24 x 24 x 10 inches, the Crystal Cove Wedge Pillow is comfortably large without taking up too much space on your bed. Though this wedge pillow isn't adjustable, the size should suit a wide range of users. You can use it for gentle elevation while sleeping or flip it to an upright position when you want to sit up and read or watch TV. It also works as a handy laptop stand or lower-body support when you want to elevate your legs or feet.
Price at time of publish: $69
Cover Material: Not listed | Fill Material: Memory foam | Firmness Level: Medium | Adjustable: No
Best Budget
DMI Foam Wedge Bed Pillow
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Affordable
Washable cover
Three sizes available
Not CertiPUR-US certified
Potentially too firm for some
Looking for something a bit more wallet-friendly? Check out the DMI Wedge Pillow. It measures 24 x 24 inches and comes in your choice of 7, 10, or 12 inches in height.
This pillow is made of extra-firm foam. Though it's not CertiPUR-US certified and may be too stiff for some people, the high-density material is designed to conform to the curves of your body and resist flattening over time. We also like that the zippered microfiber cover is removable and machine-washable.
Price at time of publish: $35
Cover Material: Microfiber | Fill Material: Foam | Firmness Level: Extra-firm | Adjustable: No
Best Splurge
Lunix LX13 6pcs Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set
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Amazon
Head pillow included
OEKO-TEX certified
Highly adjustable
Pricey
Full set is too bulky to travel with
If you’re planning on getting a lot of use out of your wedge pillow, you’ll definitely want to check out the Lunix LX13 6pcs Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set. While it might come at a steeper price point than the other options on this list, the fully adjustable set comes with six separate pieces for a fully adjustable setup that can support multiple positions and body types. The six pieces can be configured in multiple ways for both elevated back and under-the-knee support.
The rounded pillows are made out of memory foam that provides medium/firm support, and the removable cover is constructed from breathable and washable organic bamboo fabric. We also love that it's OEKO-TEX certified, meaning you can rest easy knowing it’s been tested for harmful substances. Whether you’re sitting, lounging, or sleeping, this wedge pillow set can provide the best alignment and comfort for just about any position you’re in.
Price at time of publish: $200
Cover Material: Bamboo | Fill Material: Memory foam | Firmness Level: Medium/Firm | Adjustable: Yes
Best Adjustable
AllSett Health Adjustable Bed Wedge Pillow
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Seven-in-one design
Foldable memory foam
Washable cover
Not CertiPUR-US certified
For those interested in an adjustable option, we recommend the AllSett Wedge Pillow. Boasting a seven-in-one design, it can be folded into various configurations to support your head, back, legs, knees, or feet. While it's not CertiPUR-US certified, the pleasantly firm memory foam is supportive and easy to fold.
We also like that this wedge pillow has a removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning. At 22 inches wide and 12 inches high, it fits on any bed, no matter your preferred position. You can also fold it into a 9-inch height when you want a little less incline.
Price at time of publish: $90
Cover Material: Polyester | Fill Material: Memory foam | Firmness Level: Firm | Adjustable: Yes
Best Portable
Serta Wedge Pillow With Antimicrobial Cover
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Compact
Washable cover
Carrying handle
Synthetic fabric cover
Need something you can bring on your next trip? You can't go wrong with the Serta Wedge. Measuring 22 x 21 x 7 inches, it's smaller than most others in its category without sacrificing versatility or comfort.
This portable pillow is made of medium-firm, gel-infused memory foam to keep you cool while providing ample support in any position. The super-stretchy ribbed cover zips off and can be tossed in the washer for easy cleaning. Though it may not be as breathable as cotton and other natural textiles, the fabric is treated with antimicrobial protection to keep sweat-causing odors at bay. There's also a handle on the side for effortless transport.
Price at time of publish: $80
Cover Material: Polyester | Fill Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Firmness Level: Firm | Adjustable: No
Best for Pregnancy
Boppy Pregnancy Support Wedge Pillow
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Affordable
Compact
Subtle incline
Somewhat stiff
Keith Cushner, a product expert at SleepFoundation.org, explains that wedges are often used during pregnancy to alleviate pressure and support the weight of the growing belly. When it comes to maternity and postpartum pillows, Boppy is a household name, so it's no surprise the brand makes the best option in its category.
This conveniently compact pillow is 14 x 12 x 4 inches and features a firm foam core with a unique curved edge. Though it might be too stiff for some, the shape, density, and subtle incline are thoughtfully designed to provide just the right amount of support while fitting comfortably under your belly. We also appreciate that the soft jersey-knit cover is removable and machine-washable.
Price at time of publish: $20
Cover Material: Jersey-knit poly blend | Fill Material: Foam | Firmness Level: Firm | Adjustable: No
Best for Snoring
Malouf Z Wedge Pillow with Gel Dough
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Generous size
Cooling
Removable cover
Pricey
Spot-clean recommended
"Wedge pillows can help reduce snoring," says Cushner—and to keep the log-sawing noise to a minimum and clear your airways, the Z Wedge might be your best bet. It measures 29 x 29 x 10 inches, offering a generous capacity and a perfect incline for back and side sleepers.
Featuring a firm foam base with a layer of gel-infused memory foam, this pillow promises ample support while keeping you at a comfy temperature as you doze. The velour cover is a soft blend of bamboo-derived rayon and polyester. Though the maker recommends spot cleaning, the cover is removable, so you might be able to wash it on a delicate cycle.
Price at time of publish: $180
Cover Material: Poly-rayon blend velour | Fill Material: Gel-infused memory foam, polyurethane foam | Firmness Level: Firm | Adjustable: No
Best for Reading
Koolaburra by UGG Danby Reading Wedge
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Exceptionally plush
Nice medium size
Spot-clean only
For those looking for a supportive back cushion for reading, we recommend the Koolaburra Danby Wedge. This ultra-soft and exceptionally plush pillow has a fuzzy sherpa-style cover. Spot-cleaning is recommended.
Measuring 26 x 18 x 12 inches, the Danby is not too big but definitely not too small. You can place it behind your back while enjoying a page-turner or watching TV. Like other wedge pillows, it's also great for propping up your legs, knees, and feet.
Price at time of publish: $80
Cover Material: Sherpa | Fill Material: Not listed | Firmness Level: Plush | Adjustable: No
Best for Side Sleepers
Kӧlbs Side Wedge Pillow for Sleeping
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Amazon
Shorter height to support side sleepers
Soft yet firm foam
Removable and washable cover
May be too small for some
Not adjustable
If you prefer to sleep on your side, consider the Kӧlbs Side Wedge Pillow for Sleeping, which is specially designed to properly support side sleepers. This wedge pillow offers a 30-degree incline and measures in at just 12 x 10 x 6.25 inches, which may be smaller than other options but offers optimal alignment and support for side sleepers. Weighing in at just over one pound, this option is compact enough to take with you when traveling. Plus, the bamboo cover is removable and washable for easy care.
The high-density foam offers a great balance between softness and firmness that offers both support and comfort and can relieve pressure from the body. In addition to side sleepers, the wedge pillow is also suitable for pregnant people and those recovering from surgery.
Price at time of publish: $37
Cover Material: Bamboo | Fill Material: Foam | Firmness Level: Medium | Adjustable: No
Best Memory Foam
Helix Wedge Pillow
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Relieves pressure
Washable cover
Pricey
If you're partial to memory foam, you'll love the Helix Wedge Pillow. The material is infused with gel to prevent it from trapping heat and keep you climate-controlled through the night. Boasting a medium density, it's the perfect balance of plush and supportive while promising to alleviate pressure.
This pillow measures 24 x 24 x 10 inches. According to the maker, the 10-inch height offers versatility and helps with various sleep issues, like snoring and heartburn. The machine-washable cover is an incredibly soft and stretchy rayon-poly blend. In the end, our only complaint about the Helix Wedge is that it's kinda pricey.
Price at time of publish: $99
Cover Material: Rayon-poly blend | Fill Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Firmness Level: Medium | Adjustable: No
Best Down
The Company Store Company Essentials Feather and Down Reading Wedge Pillow Insert
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Two sizes available
Machine-washable
RDS-certified
Pricey
No removable cover
We're also big fans of this wedge insert from The Company Store. It's filled with a blend of feathers and natural down fibers to deliver a uniquely lofty, plush feel and gentle support. We appreciate that it's certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), ensuring the materials were sourced from humanely treated animals.
This pillow comes in two sizes, 20 x 15 x 8 inches or 36 x 18 x 12 inches, to accommodate different sleeping styles and uses. It doesn't have a removable cover, but the insert itself is machine-washable. And while the price is pretty steep, you can count on quality with this brand.
Price at time of publish: $78
Cover Material: Cotton twill | Fill Material: Feather-down blend | Firmness Level: Plush | Adjustable: No
Our top choice is the Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Wedge Pillow, a memory foam pillow designed to minimize back and shoulder strain while clearing your airways at a comfy angle. On a budget? The DMI Wedge Pillow has a similar design and comes at a more agreeable price.
What to Look for in a Wedge Pillow
Material
"Wedge pillows come in a variety of materials," says product expert Keith Cushner of SleepFoundation.org. "Memory foam may be the right choice if a person is looking for pressure relief since the material conforms to the body's shape." Some memory foam options are infused with gel to offer a cooling effect, and others are CertiPUR-US to ensure product safety and low chemical emissions.
You'll also find pillows made of regular polyurethane foam, as well as designs filled with down or down-alternative fibers. Consider the cover material, too. Breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo-derived rayon are ideal—even better if it's washable.
Firmness
"Shoppers considering a wedge pillow should keep in mind how much elevation they are looking for to determine how firm of a pillow they need," says Cushner. If you want a slightly steeper incline that doesn't flatten during the night, go with a thicker option made of a firmer material like polyurethane foam or high-density memory foam.
"For side sleepers, a contoured wedge pillow may be a better option because it can aid spine alignment," Cushner adds. And if you want something a bit more plush for reading or just snuggling up, opt for a down or down-alternative fill.
Adjustability
If you're not sure how much of an incline you want, an adjustable design might be your best bet. Some wedge pillows can be folded up and reconfigured into various shapes, elevations, and angles to accommodate different positions and needs.
Height
Depending on your specific needs, body type, and preferred sleeping position, you’ll want to consider the height and angle of the wedge pillow before purchasing. These factors will determine the right pillow size that will provide optimal support and alignment. Most wedge pillows will have a height of around six to 12 inches, and you’ll want to do some research about what height would work best for your needs. For example, a wedge pillow with a midrange incline may be best suited for back sleepers, while a wedge pillow that sits a bit higher can be more beneficial for those who intend to use it while working or reading. In contrast, a lower wedge pillow might be best for those who prefer to situate the product underneath the legs.
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What is the difference between a wedge pillow and a normal pillow?
"A wedge pillow is used to elevate the upper or lower body during sleep," explains Cushner. "These pillows can help alleviate the discomfort caused by acid reflux, sinus pressure, and sleep apnea while also improving circulation in the body."
They can also be used to prop yourself up while reading or watching TV in bed. Regular bed pillows, on the other hand, are used primarily for sleeping. And since they're rectangular and feature continuous thickness, they don't provide the same incline as a wedge-shaped cushion.
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What is the best size for a wedge pillow?
This depends on the size of your bed, what you plan to use it for, and your personal preferences. Most wedge pillows are anywhere from 20 x 20 inches to 30 x 30 inches, but more important than the area is the height. You'll want yours to be at least 7 inches thick to reap the benefits of an incline, though they can go as high as 12 inches.
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Are wedge pillows better for certain types of sleepers?
"Side sleepers and back sleepers can both benefit from a wedge pillow, as well as those who often sit up in bed to read or watch television," says Cushner. "Wedge pillows are also commonly used during pregnancy or by those who suffer back, neck, or shoulder pain because they can relieve pressure on sensitive areas."
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What is the proper way to sleep on a wedge pillow?
There are two main ways to properly use a wedge pillow. The first is to elevate your spine if you’re a side or back sleeper. You can place the wedge pillow underneath your upper body and place the thinnest part of the incline around the middle of your back. This can help align your spine, improve breathing, and prevent acid reflux.
The second way to use a wedge pillow is to position it underneath your knees, which can increase circulation as well as relieve back pain and pressure.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in home goods, textiles, and lifestyle within the commerce space. To find the best picks for this article, she spoke with Keith Cushner, a product expert at SleepFoundation.org, compiling his insights into the best materials and various uses for wedge pillows. Next, she researched today's top options, considering dozens of models from myriad brands and retailers. Ultimately, our final picks stand out in terms of versatility, maintenance requirements, and overall value.
Holland covers bedding, furniture, and cleaning products at The Spruce and has personally tested products from Brentwood Home, Boppy, Serta, and The Company Store.
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