Sleep wedges - how not to slide down

[roamingzebra]

My mother derives some benefit from sleeping with a wedge pillow under her head/torso. The one she has is 24" x 24" with a height of 7 inches. The wedge provides a gentle incline.

She positions her head at the top of the wedge before going to bed. During the night, her head slips down to the bottom, so she loses the benefit of the wedge. How can she stay positioned near the top of the wedge?

What she's tried:

* Putting a pillow on top of wedge
* Putting a towel (for friction) on top of wedge

Haven't tried yet:

* Putting pillow beneath knees (as an anchor)

Non-starter:

* Raising head of bed using risers under the bed's feet (bed is too heavy, etc.)
* Putting wedge beneath mattress (mattress is heavy and would squish wedge, eliminating the incline)

The above suggestions were ideas gleaned from the web. As always, I turn to Bogleheads as a last resort, having already done my due diligence. Any ingenious solutions for this weird problem?

[ResearchMed]

My mother derives some benefit from sleeping with a wedge pillow under her head/torso. The one she has is 24" x 24" with a height of 7 inches. The wedge provides a gentle incline.

She positions her head at the top of the wedge before going to bed. During the night, her head slips down to the bottom, so she loses the benefit of the wedge. How can she stay positioned near the top of the wedge?

What she's tried:

* Putting a pillow on top of wedge
* Putting a towel (for friction) on top of wedge

Haven't tried yet:

* Putting pillow beneath knees (as an anchor)

Non-starter:

* Raising head of bed using risers under the bed's feet (bed is too heavy, etc.)
* Putting wedge beneath mattress (mattress is heavy and would squish wedge, eliminating the incline)

The above suggestions were ideas gleaned from the web. As always, I turn to Bogleheads as a last resort, having already done my due diligence. Any ingenious solutions for this weird problem?

Can you find something that is longer than 24 inches, so the rise over run is a bit more gradual? I have no idea if that will make enough difference.
What is the fabric of her sheeting? Would something less "slick" help, such as flannel instead of plain cotton? If it is the full length of her body, that might help more than just at the top.

And does she always sleep on her back? If so, then something under her knees might help

How serious is this? Is this for comfort or because of medical advice?
Especially if the latter (now or later), then perhaps paying someone to help prop up the head of the bed (two legs of the bed at the head?) might we worthwhile? Or even a hospital bed? They can be rented. Because of her situation, a non-electic model should work, and that would be less expensive.

RM

[EagertoLearnMore]

Does the wedge have a "smooth" side and the reverse side is "textured"? I have one that is different on each side and it is easier to stay upright with the textured side. Perhaps you could wrap a foam mattress topper around it by using part of a foam mattress topper for a twin bed.

[ResearchMed]

Does the wedge have a "smooth" side and the reverse side is "textured"? I have one that is different on each side and it is easier to stay upright with the textured side. Perhaps you could wrap a foam mattress topper around it by using part of a foam mattress topper for a twin bed.

Hmmm.... if you got a thin foam topper for the entire length, that might provide the extra needed friction, in part because she'd sink in ever so slightly.

RM

[lthenderson]

Put the wedge between the mattress and the fitted bottom sheet.

[roamingzebra]

Can you find something that is longer than 24 inches, so the rise over run is a bit more gradual?

I haven't seen any longer than 24 or 25 inches. That seems to be standard. As for the rise itself, these products typically come with heights of 7", 10" or 12", so she's actually using the gentlest rise.

What is the fabric of her sheeting? Would something less "slick" help, such as flannel instead of plain cotton?

Sheets are cotton. The wedge cover (of unknown material) is slightly textured.

I suppose she could try flannel on top of the wedge. That would provide more friction than the bath towel she experimentally put on it.

And does she always sleep on her back? If so, then something under her knees might help

Yes, she sleeps on her back. One of the next action items will be to put a pillow under her knees.

How serious is this? Is this for comfort or because of medical advice?

It's not a medical issue, so no need for a hospital bed or similar. But it's an issue she'd like to resolve.

[roamingzebra]

Does the wedge have a "smooth" side and the reverse side is "textured"? I have one that is different on each side and it is easier to stay upright with the textured side. Perhaps you could wrap a foam mattress topper around it by using part of a foam mattress topper for a twin bed.

Hmmm.... if you got a thin foam topper for the entire length, that might provide the extra needed friction, in part because she'd sink in ever so slightly.

RM

Thanks for the idea. I've never heard of a foam topper. That's something I'll have to research.

[roamingzebra]

Put the wedge between the mattress and the fitted bottom sheet.

Interesting. It would entail buying a larger fitted bottom sheet, since the one she has is already too small, but yeah, that's thinking outside the box.

[ResearchMed]

Does the wedge have a "smooth" side and the reverse side is "textured"? I have one that is different on each side and it is easier to stay upright with the textured side. Perhaps you could wrap a foam mattress topper around it by using part of a foam mattress topper for a twin bed.

Hmmm.... if you got a thin foam topper for the entire length, that might provide the extra needed friction, in part because she'd sink in ever so slightly.

RM

Thanks for the idea. I've never heard of a foam topper. That's something I'll have to research.

Do look into this, then.
There are so many choices, and many are really not at all expensive (meaning quite cheap).
Try to note whether there are complaints about odors, especially for those who mention letting them air out for several days first.

They are made in many thicknesses, so you'll see many in the 1,2,3, and 4 inch thickness. I don't remember seeing anything less than 1 inch, but I never looked. Most people want extra "cushioning".
But 1 inch might be fine, too; there may be no need to get something thinner. She'd "settle in" more with that, which is the point, of course.

RM

[enad]

Another possibility is a device which elevates the mattress. It works with most mattresses except the ones that have interconnecting springs

[roamingzebra]

Happy to say not only are all of you providing great ideas, but also providing new search terms which is expanding the range of products.

For example, not only are there "foam toppers", there are foam toppers that are wedge shaped. I.e., wedges that run the entire length/width of the bed.

Searching on "mattress elevator" brought up (among other things) portable metal wedges that could be placed under the mattress...the metal meaning they wouldn't compress.

Basically, searching beyond wedge "pillow" gives a variety of different sizes and materials.

I'll have my mother try the cheaper options first, including those where the materials are already on hand. Then, she could try the other options as needed.

Any and all additional ideas are welcome, but I already have gotten a boatload of ideas. So I thank you all in advance.

[hudson]

A Sleep Number bed would likely work. https://www.sleepnumber.com/
They are expensive.

[Sandtrap]

to OP:

Warning. . "technical terminology". . .

DW and I have vertigo, other issues, so we both have wedgie pillow, sleep wedges, etc.
We've tried everything down through the years.

yes. . if you slide down you end up with a neck ache. .

what works:

butt pillow, roundy tube pillow.. try foamy ones, bean types, try everything. . but. . butt pillow under upper thighs works, it also helps take stress off the lower back, tilts the p-elvis per the professional MD folks.

but, too firm a butt pillow and the thighs go numb or if it is too roundy or too spindly also doesn't work. . so find what is just right, like goldylocks.

also, regarding the sleep wedges, try other things like various pillows of various types, maybe 3-4 of them instead of the sleep wedge to get the right shape and fit.

Add in neck "U" shaped pillows like used on airline travel, but in different ways, also helps with neck cervic--al issues, but the point here is to try all sorts of pillows and shapes and what they are filled with.

The idea of all this, including having a favorite "gushy pillow", or "teddy bear", etc, is to have a versatile "setup" that can be changed thru the night. Sleep wedges are lousy for turning on one's side to sleep, and so forth. So, make it versatile for moving around and finding the right and best "comfy spot" at various times of the night for a good night's sleep.

j

[StrangePenguin]

For example, not only are there "foam toppers", there are foam toppers that are wedge shaped. I.e., wedges that run the entire length/width of the bed.

Searching on "mattress elevator" brought up (among other things) portable metal wedges that could be placed under the mattress...the metal meaning they wouldn't compress.

I bought the Avana Mattress Elevator, a wedge-shaped piece of foam that goes under the mattress, when I started suffering from acid reflux. It is a couple hundred dollars from amazon. It took a little bit of getting used to but now I barely notice.

Honestly I don't know how much it is helping my condition versus other changes I made, but it can't hurt.

[Cruise]

OP: Ms Cruise and I use wedges when traveling and have a Tempurpedic at home that has adjustable elevation. We have had this for over 20 years. During this time we have relearned a universal law: Gravity. Nothing will keep one from sinking down, save for some device that will apply uncomfortable opposing force to some other part of the body.

We just adjust ourselves in the middle of the night, at which point we start the inevitable slide once again.

[InMyDreams]

My doctor was keen on the idea of raising the head of my bed. Not something easily done with a platform bed. OK ordered a foam wedge for the entire length of the bed. Used it three nights, each worse than the night before, neck pain waking me in the night, numb arms/hands in the morning. Now I have to dispose of the wedge!

[sleepy06]

What about one of the electronic beds that can raise and lower with a remote?

[LilyFleur]

What about one of the electronic beds that can raise and lower with a remote?

I have one of these. I purchased it with an insurance settlement. They are expensive. I do enjoy mine, though. I can raise it to watch TV. I've recently been sick with the flu, and it's been easy to keep my head elevated for sleeping. There's a comfortable position, called "zero G" which slightly elevates the legs and head and is supposed to be really great for the lower back.

[roamingzebra]

to OP:

what works:

butt pillow, roundy tube pillow.. try foamy ones, bean types, try everything. . but. . butt pillow under upper thighs works, it also helps take stress off the lower back, tilts the pelvis per the professional MD folks.

Interesting. I had seen a recommendation on the web for placing a pillow under the upper thighs but had dismissed it since under-knee strategies seemed to be the most publicized. This calls for a reconsideration. Thanks.

And I do believe my mother has an assortmhent of pillows that can be tried for mix and match, as per your other recommendation to create a variety of shapes.

[Sandtrap]

to OP:

what works:

butt pillow, roundy tube pillow.. try foamy ones, bean types, try everything. . but. . butt pillow under upper thighs works, it also helps take stress off the lower back, tilts the pelvis per the professional MD folks.

Interesting. I had seen a recommendation on the web for placing a pillow under the upper thighs but had dismissed it since under-knee strategies seemed to be the most publicized. This calls for a reconsideration. Thanks.

And I do believe my mother has an assortmhent of pillows that can be tried for mix and match, as per your other recommendation to create a variety of shapes.

Also various sizes and fuzziness Teddy Bears
Also feather pillows of various sizes

j

[Dottie57]

Does the wedge have a "smooth" side and the reverse side is "textured"? I have one that is different on each side and it is easier to stay upright with the textured side. Perhaps you could wrap a foam mattress topper around it by using part of a foam mattress topper for a twin bed.

Hmmm.... if you got a thin foam topper for the entire length, that might provide the extra needed friction, in part because she'd sink in ever so slightly.

RM

Thanks for the idea. I've never heard of a foam topper. That's something I'll have to research.

Do look into this, then.
There are so many choices, and many are really not at all expensive (meaning quite cheap).
Try to note whether there are complaints about odors, especially for those who mention letting them air out for several days first.

They are made in many thicknesses, so you'll see many in the 1,2,3, and 4 inch thickness. I don't remember seeing anything less than 1 inch, but I never looked. Most people want extra "cushioning".
But 1 inch might be fine, too; there may be no need to get something thinner. She'd "settle in" more with that, which is the point, of course.

RM

A topper is wonderful and has helped me with aches and pains.

Also I have a sleep number bed where the head and feet can be raised via remote control. I still slip down a bit. Gravity works!

[biscuit5]

During the night, her head slips down to the bottom, so she loses the benefit of the wedge.

so the wedge slides out from underneath of her towards the headboard area as she stays stationary? or she slides downward and the wedge stays stationary? the post isn't quite clear. thanks.

[roamingzebra]

During the night, her head slips down to the bottom, so she loses the benefit of the wedge.

so the wedge slides out from underneath of her towards the headboard area as she stays stationary? or she slides downward and the wedge stays stationary? the post isn't quite clear. thanks.

Good eye.

Yes, the actual situation is that the wedge stays stationary while my mother slides down it due to gravity.

I haven't clarified that since all the responses have been useful and may be relevant at some point. But the actual issue is gravity causing a sliding down on the slope. That's why friction on the surface created by a rough bath towel or felt would be one way of addressing it. As would creating anchors out of pillows or other fluffy things further down the length of the bed.

My mother's latest experiment was to put a rolled-up bath towel under her knees but it didn't work out as planned. It apparently caused her to manually raise her knees up higher which pulled her down the slope. Maybe a soft pillow would have been better than the rolled-up towel.

It is interesting though. My mother has always had an "engineer's" brain, despite not being an engineer. So she enjoys trying out different things in an effort to make things work.

[simplextableau]

Rachet strap (available cheaply from Harbor Freight). Goes under the chin and around the headboard.

[roamingzebra]

Rachet strap (available cheaply from Harbor Freight). Goes under the chin and around the headboard.

I appreciate the humor.

But it actually sent me down a rabbit hole researching cushions and straps. It uncovered a few products for infants of all people. It showed that sliding down wedges is a thing.



Now if they only offered something similar for adults, like maybe a couple of vertical straps that arms could go through with hands folded on stomach...

[tm3]

In trying to elevate I tried various tricks and suggestions, including a foam wedge (which was an abject failure). Here is what worked for me.

Good: Pieces of 2x4s placed between the box springs and frame that the box springs sit on. Required a little ingenuity but the final result was much more stable than "lifts" placed under the feet of the bed.

Ideal: Adjustable bed. Cost about $1000 at one of the mattress chain stores (I evaluated many and did www research before picking). Allows one to get the angle/height just right which is important for comfort and sleep. An added benefit was that my wife found that when elevating the foot part slightly on her side, her chronic hip pain went away. People spend a lot of time analyzing and discussing mattresses (which I also have bought relatively recently) and IMO the adjustable bed makes a much, much bigger difference in comfort than mattress choice. One of those things that is pricey, but well worth it.

[Dottie57]

A Sleep Number bed would likely work. https://www.sleepnumber.com/
They are expensive.

But very worthwhile. I usea foam topper on it which makes ieven better. No sore back anymore.

[biscuit5]

My mother derives some benefit from sleeping with a wedge pillow under her head/torso...During the night, her head slips down to the bottom, so she loses the benefit of the wedge.

did you ever solve this problem?

[spectec]

The best solution I've found so far is the MedCline system I've been using it for about 3 months now and I really like the concept. It does take a couple of weeks to adapt to sleeping with it and finding the best configuration. Cost is about $250, but well worth it IMO.

https://medcline.com

[Sandi_k]

The best solution I've found so far is the MedCline system I've been using it for about 3 months now and I really like the concept. It does take a couple of weeks to adapt to sleeping with it and finding the best configuration. Cost is about $250, but well worth it IMO.

https://medcline.com

I bought one using my money-about-to-be-reclaimed in my FSA account.

I still have the "sliding down" problem, so have removed the "wedge" and use the body pillow with other pillows to elevate me head and neck, instead of compressing my shoulder.

[roamingzebra]

My mother derives some benefit from sleeping with a wedge pillow under her head/torso...During the night, her head slips down to the bottom, so she loses the benefit of the wedge.

did you ever solve this problem?

Yes, actually. Turns out that using a wedge with a gentle incline was the wrong approach. She is now using a very steep wedge and when she does slip down, she remains at an appropriate angle. Not very intuitive, but it works for her.

[spectec]

The best solution I've found so far is the MedCline system I've been using it for about 3 months now and I really like the concept. It does take a couple of weeks to adapt to sleeping with it and finding the best configuration. Cost is about $250, but well worth it IMO.

https://medcline.com

I bought one using my money-about-to-be-reclaimed in my FSA account.

I still have the "sliding down" problem, so have removed the "wedge" and use the body pillow with other pillows to elevate me head and neck, instead of compressing my shoulder.

I had a similar problem with my first wedge. MedCline sent me the next size down to try at no additional charge, and it works much better for me. You have to get set up very high on the wedge initially, and to slide the arm through the side cutout. It's also very helpful to "lock the body pillow between the legs. It helps significantly in staying up high on the wedge.

[Kaizen Soze]

Non-starter:

* Putting wedge beneath mattress (mattress is heavy and would squish wedge, eliminating the incline)

We use a mattress size foam wedge designed to be placed beneath the mattress. Our mattress is heavy and there's no squish. This could be a cost effective solution.

They look like this: