Best way to sleep elevated

Hi robspect, I put my normal pillow at the top of the wedge.

Thanks for the input. I might need to get a smaller pillow if I want to use it on my wedge since mine's pretty big.

Erica, when you say sleep on my left side, do mean on my wedge or flat on my bed? I've tried sleeping on my side on the wedge but it's not that comfortable (I tore my right rotator cuff playing rugby in college). I also find myself sliding down it or i always end up on my back, which I find it's great for my reflux.

I'll try sleeping more on my left side. I'm usually on my right side so i can face/snuggle my wife. If left side works better maybe I'll have us switch sides (even though we've been on the same sides of the bed for almost 7 years).

I used a wedge. That I bought from Amazon & 2 pillows.

I have my bed elevated but I also have 3 pillows I prop up on. I have 2 pillows on the bottom and one on top. I haven't tried a wedge but this works for me most of the time. When that doesn't work, I sleep in the recliner.

Rob: It helps me as well, but I also use the wedge and sleep on my side. I sometimes flip to my back in my sleep but I try and stay on the left side. Sleeping with reflux is difficult. I also chew one tablet of Gaviscon Advance (from UK, bought from Amazon.com) before bed and that has helped.

Hi robspect,

I've used a wedge and an elevated head-of-bed, and for me it's no contest.  The elevated bed is much more comfortable and less hard on the back.  My husband got used to it, and it's no problem for him.  Since most people get occasional reflux, it doesn't hurt him to be elevated, too!

I still use my wedge when I travel.  I've had the Nissen surgery (3 years ago) but continue to sleep with an elevated bed at the wishes of my asthma doctor.  It doesn't take much reflux to cause lung effects, and some reflux is possible after surgery.  Actually, I've become so accustomed to an elevated head of bed or wedge that I feel oddly uncomfortable when sleeping flat!

Good luck with finding a comfortable sleep position!

Denise

 

I tried using the wedge pillow but found I'm more comfortable just using two pillows. I kind of sit up and slide the pillow down as far as I can almost to my butt (I found this supports my back good), then I take a smaller, really soft pillow to sink my head into - I sleep really good like this. As for sleeping on left side, I've heard that before and did try it, but it didn't work for me, I still woke up with reflux. I guess it might help some people though so it's worth trying. Good luck in finding a comfortable position to sleep elevated.

All,
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm going to try a few different positions and cushioning techniques and then let you know how it goes.

I have found that placing a memory foam topper - an extra mattress made from 2"thick memory foam - to be the best solution.

These can either be bought or you can have one made up by your nearest upholsterer to your specifications.

Place this topper on top of the wedge and underneath the sheet. Bliss.

Janiepain, I like the adjustable bed idea (except for the cost). I've helped move someone with one move and it was a total bear too. I really like to read in bed, so I could see the adjustable bed being great for that. As I write this I'm propped up it bed with my wedge against my head board. After a while I notice my butt starting to go numb. Does that happen with an adjustable bed too? Or only if you have the angle too high?

I use 5 pillows, different firmness and have them laid out to be in the shape of a wedge. Its much softer than a wedge and allows me to adjust them behind my back the way I like as well as under my head and neck the way I prefer. I have been sleeping like this for over 10 years. As for left or right side sleeping, I never found it to be very useful. Either way, I would develop stomach aches and the heartburn would become unbearable. My doctor confirmed this was probably related to the hiatal hernia she found when she did my wrap. I can now sleep fairly comfortable on my sides but have to admit that old habits die hard and I am still sleeping on my angle. I am 3 weeks out of surgery and still have some issues at night but I have been assured that they will get better as I heal.

I would agree its all about trial and error and finding what works best for you! Good Luck to you!

The wedge I have was about $40 but it way to hard and I feel like it's too short. I was looking on Amazon during lunch and found a wedge called Bedge, but it's $320! It has the extra length that would seem to be good and the top looks soft. I don't know if it comes with a cover though. That could get pretty nasty after a while. Has any body tried this product? what did you think of it? Is it really worth the extra cost?