Did you know that an incline pillow can help someone get into and out of bed? Bed wedges for elderly not only improve comfort while sleeping, but also assist with transfers.
Wedge pillow for elderly; why it helps
Getting in and out of bed involves a fair amount of strength and mobility. Injury, surgery, or strength decline can make this task challenging. No one wants to feel like they can’t get into and out of bed. Sometimes, all it takes is a little help from a positioning wedge!
A pillow wedge for bed is a tool that helps with bed transfers. Sleeping at a slight incline gives your muscles the positional advantage when you go to get out of bed in the morning. It is much easier to sit up when you are starting in a reclined position!
Bed wedge for elderly; what to look for
A wedge pillow for elderly or for other loved ones who needs assistance should have the following characteristics:
- Height of at least 7’’ (A taller, 10’’ or 12’’ sleep wedge may be needed if your loved one has breathing difficulties while sleeping, is significantly overweight, or if you believe the additional height would help them with transfers.)
- Constructed with a firm polyurethane base to prevent shape loss overtime
- Have at least a 1” memory foam topper
How a knee wedge pillow can help
An additional wedge pillow you may consider for your loved one is a knee wedge pillow. Propping your legs on a knee wedge pillow can decrease lower extremity swelling and improve circulation. Elevating the legs gives the heart a break by making it easier for blood to flow back to the heart.
A knee wedge pillow also decreases low back pain and stiffness. Propping legs on a wedge pillow eliminates the arch in your low back when lying flat. This arch often causes people to wake up stiff and sore.
When a triangle wedge pillow is used in combination with a knee wedge pillow, you can rest assured that your loved one will wake up in the morning refreshed and ready to start the day.
A pillow wedge for bed can be helpful for anyone, but especially for someone who you know is having difficulty getting in and out of their bed!
-Hillary Blare, Doctor of Physical Therapy