Best Wedge Pillow for Tummy Tuck

A wedge pillow can help you sleep better, and it’s especially helpful after a tummy tuck. The pillow will keep your spine straight while you’re sleeping, so you don’t wake up with back pain. A wedge pillow is also great for pregnant women who want to sleep on their side. For post-abdominoplasty sleep, opt for pillows that offer adjustable support, such as those filled with memory foam or microbeads. These materials allow you to customise the shape and firmness of the pillow to suit your needs, ensuring optimal support for your head, neck, and knees.

After a surgery, comfort and relief are crucial for the body to fully recover. Invasive plastic surgeries like Abdominoplasty, or tummy tucks, require a longer period of restorative healing than lesser invasive day-surgeries. The patient’s physician typically recommends slow, easy movements or immobility for proper healing. The initial recovery phase typically lasts several weeks, with discomfort in the abdomen. Patients should take about two weeks off work, gradually easing back into their normal routine, and limit strenuous activities for at least six weeks. The recovery period is typically longest for those undergoing traditional tummy tucks or those combining a tummy tuck with other procedures. Most patients find the full results visible within about six months. In some cases, post-operative hospital care may be required for major complications, so ensuring comfort at all times means investing in proper padding, elevation, and rest space.

The most important factors for choosing a wedge pillow are?

1. Made with premium materials.
2. Comfortably contours to body shape.
3. Stays cool throughout the night.
4. Wedge isn’t too high or steep.
5. Breathable, washable cover.
6. Provides good lower back support.
7. Combines firmness and comfort.
8. Also works well as a backrest.

When Can You Lay Flat After Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks are a safe and effective procedure for achieving a tighter, slimmer abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles. However, like all major surgeries, tummy tucks require a recovery period to allow the body to heal properly. Post-op, everyday aspects such as standing, sitting, and sleep play significant roles in ensuring a safe and speedy recovery.

Sleeping after a tummy tuck is crucial for a safe recovery. Sleeping in certain positions can compromise results and heighten the risk of discomfort. Two recommended ways to sleep post-op are modifying your bed with pillows or using a recliner. However, sleeping on a bed increases the likelihood of changing positions at night and may compromise the optimum healing position.

The Maryland Institute of Plastic Surgery offers custom-built tummy tucks, with each patient’s recovery looking different. The time you need to sleep with your head elevated depends on the type of tummy tuck performed. Miniature tummy tucks typically take between one and three weeks, while full tummy tucks generally take around four weeks, with exercise and strenuous activities limited for six weeks.

Practicing sleeping on your back for a few weeks before your tummy tuck can help your body adjust gradually to sleeping in a new way and ensure proper rest post-op. The better rested you are, the quicker you will be fully recovered.

A wedge pillow is a triangle-shaped pillow with a gently tapered incline that helps elevate the upper portion of the body, supporting the head and neck during sleep. It can also be used to elevate the lower limbs for increasing circulation and reducing pain/inflammation. Pregnant women may find a triangle pillow helpful as their belly grows, side sleepers may use them to alleviate pressure between the knees, and stomach sleepers can use them to re-train themselves to sleep in a different position.

Many people with medical conditions may benefit from sleeping with a wedge pillow, as it can improve snoring, sleep apnea, congestion, vertigo, and more. The unique shape of wedge pillows allows them to be used in an upright position for watching TV, reading, or other activities while awake.

Best Wedge Pillow Reviews

The MedSlant is a large, odor-free body positioning device that provides ample space for any sleeping position. It is made in the USA with a 1-inch thick hypo-allergenic ISOFresh memory foam overlay, ensuring it adjusts to your body shape and reduces pressure points. The top layer is high-quality poly-foam, providing all-night support. The MedSlant is certified CertiPUR-US, ensuring safe levels of certain chemicals. Its removable, washable microfiber cover ensures a perfect fit every time.

The InteVision Ortho Bed Wedge is designed to elevate the lower extremities, helping to reduce pain and inflammation post-surgery. It creates “zero gravity” spinal alignment, reducing back, hip, and knee pain. The two-layer design features a highly resistant polyurethane foam base layer for support and a memory foam layer on top for comfort. The machine washable cover is removable for easy cleaning.

The InteVision weighs only 3.2 lbs and measures 8″ x 21″ x 24″. An optional 400 thread count, 100% Egyptian cotton pillowcase is available for purchase separately on Amazon. The Xtra-Comfort 4-in-1 foldable wedge is versatile and can be used under the head, back, or legs. It features a supportive, high-density memory foam that retains its original shape for long-term use. The wedge can be used on its own or with regular pillows for optimal support.

Triangle Pillow Buying Considerations

The following wedge pillows are available for various purposes:

1. The Brentwood Home Zuma Therapeutic is designed to provide comfortable support for individuals suffering from difficulty breathing, acid reflux, hiatal hernias, poor circulation, and back or neck pain. It can be used to elevate the lower body, upper body, or stabilize the trunk for lying on your side. The gradual slope helps maintain open airways and reduce pain or inflammation. The extra soft and stretchy cover features a breathable knit material that is removable for washing.
2. The FitPlus Premium Bed Wedge is an economical option with 2-inches of memory foam over a premium-grade polyurethane foam base. Memory foam is known for its therapeutic ability to mold to the contours of the head, neck, and shoulders, providing comforting support and promoting a healthy sleep position. This product can also be used for watching TV, reading in bed, or under the legs and feet to increase circulation.
3. The Helix Wedge Pillow is great for hot sleepers, as it has gel memory foam that releases heat through hot nights, letting sleepers rest comfortably. The pillow is specifically created at 10 inches high to accommodate the neck, back, or legs, lending its capabilities to a variety of needs. The design was created with spine alignment and comfort in mind to minimize pressure on the lower back, helping to gain more rejuvenating sleep.
4. The Drive Medical Folding Bed Wedge is available in three spacious sizes, including 7, 10, and 12 inches in height. This product is designed to elevate and support the neck, back, or legs for relief from discomfort related to poor circulation, acid reflux, respiratory problems, and pregnancy. The gentle incline promotes deep, restful sleep, improves snoring and sleep apnea, and reduces pain and swelling when used under the legs or feet.

The unique folding design makes storage easy with a carry handle for travel. The cushion can also be used against the bed to support the back in a sitting position. A dark navy blue cover is included for protection and is removable for easy cleaning.

The Z Wedge pillow by Malouf is a hypoallergenic and lightweight option that offers a stylish design that complements any bedroom décor. Its triangle shape elevates the lower or upper body, providing relief for various medical issues such as stomach acids, sinus pressure, and heartburn. The polyurethane foam used in the Z is naturally hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant, making it durable enough to support reading or watching TV in bed. A super-soft bamboo cover is included for breathable airflow and can be removed for laundering.

The Boppy Maternity Wedge is a firm and versatile cushion designed to provide comfort and support during pregnancy. It can be placed underneath the back or baby bump to provide gentle pressure relief. The lightweight design saves space in the bed and is small enough for comfort anywhere, including away from home. The Boppy can also be used between the knees while side-sleeping or under the feet and ankles to help reduce swelling.

Size and height are important factors when choosing a wedge pillow for medical conditions like acid reflux or sinus congestion. Wedge pillows come in various shapes and dimensions, with some manufacturers offering multiple heights to choose from. Low heights are ideal for sleep apnea, acid reflux, and other medical issues, while mid-range sizes are 10 to 12 inches for muscle aches and pains, and tall heights are about 15 inches for comfortable relaxing or positioning.

Wedges come in various shapes and sizes, with most featuring a slope and some models featuring a gradual incline or steep inclines. Some options are foldable for easy storage. The type of material used can also affect the pillow’s firmness. Traditional polyurethane foam provides firmer support for back sleepers, while memory foam contours to the body for side sleepers. Polyester-filled wedges have a similar pillow feel but are generally not useful for addressing health issues.

Sleeping positions also play a role in the choice of a wedge pillow. Front and back sleepers prefer soft and thin wedge pillows, while side sleepers may prefer firm and thick options. Some people also use wedges between the knees or elevate their legs.

Wedges provide support for different therapeutic uses depending on their shape and size. Pillows with a gradual incline are generally the best option for pregnant women, while larger pillows may be best for easing back pain and preventing spinal misalignment.

best wedge pillow for back pain

Wedge pillows are orthopedic pillows designed to help alleviate severe body pains and promote a good night’s sleep. These triangle-shaped pillows are built with a slope that allows the body to lie down in a comfortable position, providing pressure-relieving support for those with backache, leg pain, acid reflux, or respiratory issues.

The 15 best wedge pillows include the Forias Bed Wedge Pillow, which is designed to relieve symptoms associated with migraine, snoring, post-surgery pain, sleep apnea, acid reflux, congestion, and muscle pain. It features a versatile design that can be used for leg, back, head, or knee elevation. The removable wedge cover is made of high-quality air-layer fabric that is soft and breathable. The pillow features an anti-slip bottom for better grip and two special pockets to hold glasses, remote controls, or phones.

The Brentwood Home Zuma Therapeutic Wedge Pillow provides comfort by elevating your upper body and legs, and can also be used as a trunk stabilizer for lying by the side. It is specifically designed for people with acid reflux, poor circulation, hiatal hernias, and back or neck problems. The gradual slope helps in easing respiratory problems and may also help with digestion by posturing the torso the right way.

The Abco Tech Bed Wedge Pillow for Sleeping can be raised or reclined depending on your needs, and it comprises high-density memory foam to maximize comfort and conform to the curves of your body for better sleep at night. This pillow helps you sleep at an inclined angle, lessening snoring, and improving back and neck discomfort, allergies, breathing problems, and acid reflux. The pillow has a soft stretch knit bamboo cover that is removable and washable.

The Drive Medical Folding Bed Wedge elevates and supports the neck, helping to relieve discomfort associated with respiratory problems, poor circulation, and back or neck pain. It also helps in alleviating discomfort from pregnancy. The pillow comes with a compact folding design that allows for easy storage and is easy to carry around during travel.

The Healthex Bed Wedge Pillow is equipped with advanced cooling gel technology to help deal with troubled sleep, snoring, and puffy eyes. It has a 1.5-inch soft, breathable, high-density memory foam that helps the pillow spring back to its original shape after each use. The pillow is hard enough to offer the necessary inclination but soft enough to embrace the body shape.

The Cushy Form Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow is a multi-purpose wedge pillow that provides the right elevation and supports upper and lower back. It is made of 1.5” high-density memory foam that contours to the shape of your body and provides comfort and support. The bed wedge is foldable and can fit any bed and is travel-friendly due to its compact and folding design.

The AllSett Health Bed Wedge Pillow is a unique and comfortable wedge pillow designed to support the head, back, and leg. It is made of memory foam and can be reclined up to 30 degrees, making it suitable for people with various health issues. The back wedge pillow is 23.6″ wide and 12″ high, while the leg elevation pillow is 23.6″ wide and 6″ high. The leg wedge pillow helps in relieving neck and back pain, acid reflux, snoring, allergies, and other breathing issues.

The Xtreme Comforts Bed Wedge Pillow is perfect for beds and couches, offering an ergonomic design that ensures the pillow remains flat even after prolonged use. It is suitable for people with back pain, sciatica, acid reflux, heartburn, digestion issues, hiatal hernia, and allergies. The bed wedge also includes a hypoallergenic and super soft bamboo cover that is removable and washable.

The Avana Wedge Pillow is ideal for those who are confined to bed for a long period, providing proper alignment and support to the upper body and back. The wedge pillow features a supportive medium-density foam core layered with one-inch visco memory foam. The covers are made from luxurious, soft, and breathable micro-velvet fabric, which are removable and washable.

The InteVision Foam Bed Wedge Pillow is designed to provide relief to people with acid reflux, breathing problems, snoring, poor blood circulation, and back or neck problems. It is made from high-quality materials and features a 2-inch memory foam layer on top of a highly resilient base foam. The thick-adjustable memory foam headrest provides additional support and comfort to the neck and head.

The MedSlant Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow is specifically made for people with acid reflux, supporting and elevating the upper body using gravity to keep the acid down and airways open. Made from CertiPUR-US foam with a hypoallergenic ISOFresh memory foam overlay, this pillow adjusts to the user’s body shape and reduces pressure points.

The Relax Home Life Wedge Pillow has a 1.5-inch memory foam top layer that molds and aligns to any sleeping style, while the bottom layer is a firm base foam that provides support when the torso is elevated. This pillow is great for acid reflux, GERD, heartburn, snoring, allergies, migraines, poor circulation, and neck and back pain.

The last wedge pillow on our list is a therapeutic pillow from Bekweim, designed for side and back sleepers. It helps in relieving pressure on the lower back and heels, making it suitable for people with back pain, neck pain, acid reflux, heartburn, snoring, and vertigo. The cover is hypoallergenic, breathable, and sweat-free, and is made from premium bamboo.

Recommendations for sleeping positions post tummy-tuck

After the initial surgery, elevating the lower body (as if you were sitting in a lawn chair) is a highly recommended position; prop a pillow underneath both your lower back and underneath your knees for major support. Elevating the sore area of the body will help to relax the muscles, relieving any intense pain and aide in quicker healing. Dr. Tavallali, a renowned plastic surgeon explains that “Early movement of the body and legs in particular is imperative after any surgery, but particularly after tummy tucks. Abdominoplasty tends to be one of the longer procedures that a cosmetic plastic surgeon performs. The longer operating time means there is more chance for clotting of blood in the veins of the legs and if that is combined with prolonged lying around the bed in the days after surgery, the risk of more clots forming and leading to pulmonary embolism is much greater. It is literally “deadly to lie around”, after abdominal surgery in particular. Source: www.thecosmeticplasticsurgeon.com.

This is why there is such an importance stressed upon comfort and rest post-surgery. Without proper healing, it is impossible for the body to fully recover, leaving the patient at risk for a plethora of infection or potentially serious complications. Contour Products, a specialty orthopedic bedding company scientifically crafted various products ideal for recovery from such surgeries as a tummy tuck. Products for tummy-tuck surgery recovery include wedge cushion sets and offer the patient optimal comfort and support during the recovery period while easing painful situations.

The BackMax Back and Body Wedge 3-piece multi-functional wedge pillow system provides complete back and body comfort. The ergonomically designed cushions allow you to arrange them in multiple configurations to suite your individual support needs. You have the option of placing your body in a zero gravity position, one of the most relaxed positions for your body, as you are angled at 120-degrees. The knee wedge elevates both the feet and legs.

See why the BackMax is so highly recommended after tummy tuck and breast enlargement surgery:

The benefits of this product are countless for post-invasive surgery healing, as it can be used in bed or on the floor and making it a perfect accessory for watching television, napping or reading. Multi-functional full body support system helps creates positions recommended for elevating all parts of the body, including upper body, legs and feet. However, Contour Living has highlighted the top eight most comfortable and supportive positions using the BackMax Back and Body wedge cushion. Comfort can be found in an upright seated position, reclined with elevated knee support, just elevating the head and neck, reclining with full leg and calf support, in an arched position, reclined supporting just the knees, or perhaps reclined supporting the calves.