Anyone who suffers from acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) undoubtedly experiences a bit of dread at the first onset of symptoms. These vary from person to person, but typically manifest in the form of heartburn, regurgitation, or general stomach discomfort. The symptoms usually signal beginnings of a sleepless night as you try to keep your stomach contents settled. That's not the most enjoyable way to spend an evening, which is why I recommend using an acid reflux wedge pillow instead of a standard bed pillow.
An acid reflux wedge is a long, hard pillow that keeps your torso elevated through the night. This elevation helps lessen the effects of GERD by keeping internal fluids out of your esophagus while you sleep. The result is often a much more restful night, which allows you to wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed in the morning. While an acid reflux wedge won't cure GERD, it can help ease some of the symptoms, so it's definitely worth checking out.
Experts recommend that an acid reflux wedge be at least thirty inches long and six inches high in order to work properly. The pillows should extend all the way down to your lower back, so it might be necessary to take some measurements before buying one. Moreover, since these wedges are generally harder than traditional bed pillows, most folks choose to lay their regular pillow on top of the acid reflux wedge to make things more comfortable. In other words, don't throw out your old pillow just yet!
If these special wedges don't help control nighttime GERD symptoms, other lifestyle changes may be in order. For example, try eating smaller, lighter meals in the evening instead of heavy dinners that will cause you problems throughout the night. Avoid foods that are known to exacerbate GERD symptoms, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, fried foods, caffeine, and chocolate. In addition, you might want to try adding an over-the-counter antacid to your daily routine to see if that helps. If nothing alleviates your pain, it's time to make an appointment with your physician.
But as I said, acid reflux wedge pillows have worked wonders for lots of people, so it can't hurt to try one for yourself. They're available in some department stores, but you'll definitely have a wider range of products and prices to choose from if you shop online. Just remember to verify all measurements and review the web retailer's return policy before submitting your order to avoid unpleasant surprises later on.
If persistent GERD symptoms are preventing you from getting any rest, an acid reflux wedge could be the answer you've been looking for. These pillows can cost anywhere from $40 to $100, which is a relatively small price to pay in exchange for sound sleep!