For those who have a chronic condition that makes their lives less or more complicated, having enough rest during the night is extremely important. This is the time when you rejuvenate your body and prepare your mind to fight another day and make the most of it.
However, if you suffer from GERD, sleep apnea, sinusitis, acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and other similar conditions, staying in the horizontal position for more than an hour without experiencing discomfort and pain can seem like a mission impossible. This is why lifting the upper part of the body when sleeping is one of the first things to do to ensure yourself a good night’s sleep.
There are a couple of ways to do so, and in the following lines, we will present you with the crucial differences between them. Whichever your condition, we are sure that you could benefit from the first-hand information that we will provide and hopefully help you decide which option might be the best solution for you.
Why Sleeping at An Incline Makes a Difference?
When you elevate the head, it makes gravity work in your favor on multiple levels. If you suffer from GERD or acid reflux, it will prevent the backflow of stomach acids. In case you have sleep apnea, it will keep the airways open, or if you have a post-nasal drip, it will prevent the mucus from pooling in the back of your throat. Other general benefits include increasing blood flow to certain parts of the body and reducing pressure from certain areas.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you might find yourself unable to sleep properly without the given incline, especially if you are prone to vomiting during the night. Conditions like GERD and acid reflux are often related to this problem, so by doing something as simple as elevating your torso, you can avoid choking on vomiting while sleeping.
What Exactly Is a Prop Up Pillow?
As their name implies, prop up pillows come with a certain angle that will keep the head in an elevated position while lying. They usually have a triangular shape and are made of firm foam which is more or less comfortable depending on the manufacturer.
They serve as an independent asset that you put on top of the mattress, so it is often difficult to keep them in one place during the night as they can move and fall from the bed. Still, if you are pregnant or are experiencing a back problem, this pillow comes in handy as you can put it between the knees and reduce some pressure from the hips. You can also put a prop up pillow under the legs when lying on your back and improve your circulation to some extent.
What Is an Under Mattress Bed Wedge?
This unique bed wedge is made in various sizes so that it fits the regular mattress that you already have. It is put under the mattress as its name suggests, and once you put it there, it will remain in the same position until you decide to move it. It is also made from sturdy foam and can support both your and the weight of your regular mattress.
Lifting The Whole Body Naturally Vs. Lifting the Head Only
One of the major benefits of the under mattress bed wedge is that it provides a steady and natural incline for the whole body. On the other hand, prop up pillows lift only the head which might be uncomfortable for the spine and shoulders. Since the under mattress bed wedge covers the whole mattress area, you can change the positions during the night and remain on the given inline. The prop up pillows usually cover just a portion of the bed just like regular pillows do, so you can find yourself sleeping on a flat surface anytime.
Also, the natural and adjustable incline that comes with the Reflux Guard under mattress bed wedge (from 4 to 8 inches) makes it impossible for you to slide down from the inclined part just like that could be the case with the pillows.
Sleeping On The Foam Vs. Sleeping on Your Favorite Mattress
Most of us invest in the mattress greatly as this is the asset that will ensure you comfort and rest that you surely deserve and need. Now, when you decide to go for a prop up pillow, you are changing the material that you will sleep on which can cause some allergic reactions or at least, couldn’t satisfy your demands for comfortability and material quality.
On the other hand, the special under bed wedge is installed under the mattress so there isn’t direct contact with the new fabric as you will continue to sleep on your favorite mattress that you’ve carefully picked.
The Price Difference
Needless to say, the pillows can come at a lower price due to their modest sizes. However, if you decide to go for an under mattress wedge which is usually a costlier option depending on the manufacturer and the quality, you are ensuring yourself a long-lasting sleeping asset. On the other hand, pillows change their appearance and sturdiness over time, so you’ll need to buy them more frequently.
Our special Reflux Guard wedges come with a 10-year warranty and flat shipping cost and are ready for usage as soon as unpacked and decompressed. They also come with an easily washable and durable wedge cover.
Are Both Products Portable?
You might think that an under bed wedge mattress is difficult to carry around due to its size, yet we assure you that that’s quite easy. Our mattress comes with a special retention strap which you put around the rolled-up mattress and are ready to go. If packed properly, the size of the under mattress wedge and a prop up pillow come as close as it gets.
Important note:
This information is provided for informational purposes only. For diagnosis and treatment of your specific condition, always consult your doctor. Read the full disclaimer here.
