Choosing the Right Bed Wedge for Comfort and Positioning

A bed wedge is one of the simplest ways to change how a person lies in bed. Raise the upper body and you may ease night-time reflux. Raise the legs and you may help reduce swelling. Place a wedge behind the back and you can hold someone safely on their side. Pelican’s bed positioning support range includes a wide choice of wedges and positioning pillows, designed and made in Western Australia since 1987.

This guide explains the main types of wedge, what each is used for, and how to choose one for home, hospital or aged care.

What is a bed wedge?

A bed wedge, often called a wedge pillow, is a triangular block of foam that supports part of the body at an angle. Wedges are used to raise the head and chest, lift the legs, support a side-lying position or stop someone sliding down the bed. Good bed positioning matters for comfort, sleep and skin care, especially for people who spend long periods in bed.

Reflux wedge pillows

The Pelican Reflux Wedge keeps the upper part of the body raised at a 15° angle. This is designed to help stop stomach acid backing up into the oesophagus, the cause of gastric reflux, often called heartburn.

Our reflux wedge pillow is made from firm foam with a soft, cooling memory foam top layer. The cover is washable, breathable and moisture-wicking. It comes in two pieces, which saves storage space and reduces freight. A spare cover and a carry bag are available.

Two tips from our customers:

A normal pillow can push the head too far forward on a wedge. The Adjustable Trisection Pillow lets you change the filling for comfort.
Some people slip down the wedge during the night. The Non-Slide Bed Pad is designed to help prevent this.

Leg elevation pillows

Raising the legs is often recommended to help reduce swelling. The Leg Elevation Rest raises the legs and feet using firm convoluted foam, which helps air circulate and reduces heat build-up, with a layer of soft memory foam on top. It is designed so you can sleep on your back or side, and it also works on a couch.

For clinical settings, the James Leg Elevator is a 100% heat-sealed leg pillow in high and low versions. Both versions can also be hired for a few weeks, which suits short recovery periods.

General-purpose and specialty bed wedges

Our general bed wedges come in many shapes and lengths, including small, large, extra large, angled, half length, three-quarter length, extra long and side-lying versions. The Bed Wedge (Large) is a good example. It is a triangular foam wedge with a 4-way stretch, breathable, waterproof cover that can be wiped clean and slipped into a pillowcase for comfort.

Other options include:

A heat-sealed bariatric wedge for larger people.
A convoluted non-slip wedge.
Body Positioning Wedges, which help keep a person symmetrical in bed.
Clinical wedges such as the Pregnancy Pelvic Tilt Wedge and wedges for specific procedures.

Positioning pillows and cushions

Not every positioning task needs a firm wedge. Our soft positioning pillows cover many everyday needs:

The Knee Cushion sits between the legs when someone lies on their side.
The Soft Side-Sleeping Leg Cushion is designed to make side sleeping more comfortable.
The Soft Heel Cushion raises the heels using a wide, flat wedge shape.
Hugging cushions and the Bed Comforter offer full body support.
Arm supports such as the Arm Elevation Sleep Cushion, used after an arm or shoulder operation.

If heel pressure is a concern, our pressure care range includes dedicated heel elevators and supports.

Bed positioning in hospitals and aged care

In clinical settings, positioning is often about more than comfort. Residents who spend long periods in bed may need regular repositioning, support to stay on their side, or help keeping their legs apart or their heels free. Products such as the Soft Leg Abduction Cushion, the Soft Knee Separator and the Sleep System Positioning Sheet, which holds wedges and brackets in place, are designed for these needs. Many have heat-sealed or wipeable covers that suit infection control routines. Our team includes ex-carers, so we understand how these products are used on a busy shift.

How to choose a bed wedge

Start with the goal. Reflux, swelling, side-lying support, keeping someone symmetrical and stopping sliding each need a different shape.
Check the angle and size. A wedge that is too steep or too short can be uncomfortable or let the person slip. Product pages list the sizes.
Think about the cover. Wipeable, heat-sealed covers suit hospitals and aged care. Washable, breathable covers suit home use.
Consider add-ons. A non-slide pad or adjustable pillow can make a wedge far more comfortable.
Ask a professional. For people with complex needs, pressure injury risk or after surgery, positioning should follow advice from a nurse, OT or physio.

Common questions about wedges

What angle is the Pelican Reflux Wedge?

It raises the upper body at a 15° angle.

Is a wedge pillow better than extra pillows?

Stacked pillows tend to move and flatten. A foam wedge gives a steady angle along the length of the body, rather than just bending the neck.

Can I hire a leg elevator?

Yes. The James Leg Elevator (high and low) can be hired for a few weeks.

Can you make a custom wedge?

Yes. We regularly make custom wedges and blocks to a customer’s specification. See Custom Made Wedges and Blocks.

Find the right bed wedge with Pelican

Pelican is a registered NDIS provider and ships Australia-wide, with next-working-day delivery in Perth. Browse our full bed wedges and positioning supports, read about ordering through the NDIS, or contact our team on FreeCall 1800 641 577 if you need help choosing or want something made to suit.