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Wedge Pillows Australia - Buying Guide

One shape, many uses. A wedge pillow holds a firm, angled position through the night - so your upper body, legs or back stay elevated without the pillow collapsing underneath you. Related reading: our backrest pillow guide.

A wedge pillow is a triangular foam pillow that provides angled elevation for the upper body, legs or back. Unlike a standard pillow, an angle pillow for sleeping holds its shape - the foam stays rigid so the angle doesn't collapse overnight. Wedge pillows are used for acid reflux, snoring, leg circulation, post-surgery recovery, pregnancy support, and reading in bed. The right wedge depends on what you're using it for: leg elevation needs a lower angle, reflux needs a medium angle, and sitting upright needs a steep angle.

At a Glance

  • Upper body elevation for reflux and snoring: 20-25 cm medium wedge
  • Leg elevation for circulation: 15-17 cm low wedge, thick end at the foot
  • Reading or post-surgery sitting upright: 25-30 cm high wedge
  • Memory foam conforms to the body, firm foam stays more rigid under weight
  • Many households keep two wedges - one for the head, one for the legs

Six Ways to Use a Wedge Pillow

One wedge pillow can serve multiple purposes depending on which end is up and where you place it on the bed.

Head of bed Head of bedHead of bed
Reflux & Snoring

Upper body elevation for reflux and snoring

Place the wedge at the head of the bed with the thick end against the headboard. Lie with your torso on the slope. Gravity keeps stomach acid down and helps keep the airway open for snoring relief.

  • Uses gravity to reduce nocturnal reflux
  • Opens the airway for mild positional snoring
  • Eases breathing for colds and sinus congestion
  • Best height: 20-25 cm medium wedge
Under the knees Under the knees
Lower Back Pain

Under the knees for lumbar relief

Back sleepers place a low-angle wedge under both knees. This gently lifts the legs, lets the pelvis settle, and reduces pressure on the lumbar spine. A simple fix for chronic lower back tension.

  • Reduces pressure on the lumbar spine
  • Lets the pelvis settle into a neutral position
  • Helps after long days of standing or desk work
  • Best height: 15-17 cm low wedge
Foot of bed Foot of bed
Swelling & Circulation

Leg elevation for swelling and circulation

Flip the wedge so the thicker end is at the foot of the bed. Rest your legs along the slope with feet higher than knees. Helps reduce swelling, varicose vein discomfort, and tired legs after long days.

  • Encourages blood flow away from the lower legs
  • Reduces swelling and varicose vein discomfort
  • Useful for post-flight recovery and tired legs
  • Best height: 15-17 cm low wedge
Upright Upright
Reading & Relaxing

Sitting upright for reading and TV

Stand the wedge vertically with the flat side against the headboard and the thin edge pointing up. Lean back into the slope for reading, watching TV, or working on a laptop without a stiff neck.

  • Supports the back for long periods sitting up
  • Takes strain off the neck and shoulders
  • Great for breakfast in bed and laptop work
  • Best height: 25-30 cm high wedge
Belly support Belly support
Pregnancy

Pregnancy belly and back support

A small wedge tucked under the belly while side sleeping relieves pressure on the lower back and keeps the spine aligned. Can also be placed behind the back to stop rolling onto the stomach.

  • Relieves pressure on the lower back and pelvis
  • Keeps the spine in a more neutral side-sleeping line
  • Behind the back, stops rolling onto the stomach
  • Best height: 10-15 cm small, gentle wedge
Two wedges Two wedges
Surgery Recovery

Post-surgery recovery position

A wedge under the upper body plus a second wedge under the knees supports recovery from shoulder, abdominal, cardiac, sinus or back surgery. Reduces movement during sleep and makes getting in and out of bed easier.

  • Reduces swelling in the upper body
  • Makes getting in and out of bed easier
  • Minimises overnight rolling and position changes
  • Follow your surgeon's recommended angle

New to wedge pillows?

Start with a lower angle than you think you need - steeper wedges can take a week or two to adjust to. Your body, neck and shoulders need time to settle into the new sleep position.

Choose the Right Height for Your Use Case

Quick reference for matching wedge height to what you need it for.

Height Angle Best For
15-17 cm (low) ~20° Leg elevation under knees, gentle back support
20-25 cm (medium) 30-40° Acid reflux, snoring, breathing comfort, side sleeping
25-30 cm (high) 40-45° Sitting upright, reading in bed, post-surgery recovery

Who Uses a Wedge Pillow?

Wedge pillows help a wider range of sleepers than most realise - and many households keep more than one.

Sleeping

The most common use. A 20-30 cm angle pillow for sleeping uses gravity to reduce nocturnal reflux - a simple non-medication approach backed by decades of clinical use. May provide relief for people experiencing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)

Snorers

Elevating the head and upper body opens the airway, which often reduces mild positional snoring. Helpful for both the snorer and their partner.

Pregnant Sleepers

Small wedges support the belly while side sleeping or prop the upper body up to ease third-trimester reflux. Many pregnant sleepers keep both.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Commonly recommended after shoulder, abdominal (including C-section), cardiac, sinus and knee or hip procedures. Reduces swelling and makes getting in and out of bed easier.

Circulation & Swelling

Leg elevation encourages blood flow back from the lower legs - useful for varicose vein discomfort, ankle swelling and post-flight recovery.

Lower Back Pain

A low wedge under the knees for back sleepers takes pressure off the lumbar spine. One of the most common suggestions from physios for chronic lower back tension.

Bedtime Readers

A tall wedge turned upright against the headboard gives proper back support for reading, watching TV or working on a laptop without a stiff neck.

Sinus & Cold Sufferers

A moderate upper body elevation eases breathing during colds, sinus congestion and hay fever flare-ups - often enough to get through a bad night's sleep.

NDIS Participants

Wedge pillows are regularly purchased under NDIS plans as positioning aids when recommended by an Occupational Therapist or physiotherapist.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Wedge Pillow

Five practical adjustments to make sure your wedge pillow is actually working.

1

Start lower than you think you need

If you're new to wedge pillows, a steep 45° angle can feel uncomfortable and strain the neck. Start with a medium angle and give your body a week or two to adjust before going higher.

2

Don't stack a tall pillow on top

A normal pillow on a wedge is fine, but stacking a thick pillow on top of the slope will bend the neck forward and strain the shoulders. Use a thinner pillow for the head, or none at all.

3

Place the wedge on top of the fitted sheet

A wedge pillow sits directly on your fitted sheet over any mattress or topper. Don't place a second pillow underneath the wedge - this makes the angle unstable and defeats the purpose.

4

Wash the cover, not the foam

Unzip the removable cover and machine wash on a cool cycle, then line dry. Never machine wash the foam core - spot clean it with a damp cloth if needed. Covers benefit from a wash every 2-4 weeks.

5

Replace when the wedge starts to sag

A quality firm-foam or memory foam wedge typically lasts 3-5 years with regular use. If the foam visibly sags or no longer holds its angle under your weight, it's time for a new one.

Need Help Choosing?

Our Australian-based sleep experts can help you find the right wedge pillow for your use case - whether you need one for reflux, post-surgery recovery, pregnancy, or sitting upright in bed.

Shop Wedge Pillows Pillow Buying Guide Speak to an Expert

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a wedge pillow used for?

Wedge pillows are used for acid reflux, snoring, post-surgery recovery, leg circulation, pregnancy support, lower back comfort, and sitting upright in bed to read or watch TV. The same wedge can serve multiple purposes depending on which end is up and where it's placed on the bed.

Is a wedge pillow good for acid reflux?

Yes - a wedge pillow of 20-30 cm elevation is one of the simplest non-medication approaches for nocturnal reflux. Keeping the upper body elevated uses gravity to stop stomach acid rising into the oesophagus. Speak with your GP if you have persistent reflux - the wedge is a sleep position aid, not a substitute for medical advice.

Will a wedge pillow help with snoring?

For mild positional snoring, yes. Elevating the head and upper body opens the airway, making it easier to breathe and reducing snoring. If you snore loudly or your partner notices gasping or pauses in breathing, see a doctor to rule out obstructive sleep apnoea before relying on a wedge pillow alone.

Can I use a wedge pillow during pregnancy?

Yes. Pregnant sleepers use wedges in several positions: under the belly while side sleeping for back and pelvic support, behind the back to stop rolling onto the stomach, and under the upper body for reflux relief (common during the third trimester). A small, gently angled wedge (10-15 cm) is usually more comfortable than a tall one during pregnancy.

Can I sleep on my side on a wedge pillow?

Yes, side sleeping is possible on a medium-angled wedge (20-25 cm). Make sure your head, neck and shoulders stay aligned - don't stack a tall pillow on top of the wedge as this strains the neck. A firmer memory foam wedge works best for side sleeping as it won't collapse under shoulder weight.

Is a wedge pillow good after surgery?

Wedge pillows are regularly recommended after shoulder surgery, abdominal surgery (including C-section), cardiac surgery, sinus or oral surgery, and knee or hip replacement. The upper body elevation reduces swelling and makes getting in and out of bed easier. Your surgeon or physiotherapist will recommend the appropriate angle.