Yes, a bed wedge can be a good choice for people with acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Lying down flat can worsen acid reflux symptoms, as it allows stomach acid to flow more easily into the esophagus. Elevating the head and upper body can help to reduce acid reflux symptoms by preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
A bed wedge is a triangular-shaped pillow that can be placed under the upper body to elevate it. Bed wedges are designed to raise the head and upper body by several inches, which can help to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Bed wedges are available in different sizes and degrees of elevation, so it is important to choose one that is comfortable for you.
(Bed wedges are an economical choice to alleviate acid reflux, many sufferers choose to buy an adjustable bed that can elevate your upper torso from 1-60 degrees)
In addition to using a bed wedge, there are other lifestyle modifications that can help to reduce acid reflux symptoms. These include:
- Eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux, such as fatty and spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
- Avoiding eating within 2-3 hours of bedtime
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding tight-fitting clothing
If your acid reflux symptoms persist despite these lifestyle modifications, you should definitely talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options, such as medication or surgery.