The Best Type of Bed and Pillows for Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, even when you deal with it occasionally, can be a real pain — literally! Not only can it cause a sour taste in the back of your throat and a burning sensation in your chest (which is commonly known as heartburn), you may even taste a little bit of the food you previously swallowed, which is one way to ruin even the most delicious meal.
While avoiding typical heartburn triggers like fried foods, chocolate, peppermint, and alcohol is an easy way to sidestep symptoms, sometimes acid reflux just sneaks up on you. When it happens during the day, TUMS Chewy Bites Cooling Sensation are here for you, providing fast relief in every tasty, chewy bite. But what about when acid reflux flares up at night, right when you’re ready to fall asleep? Are there any pillows or bed modifications that can ease the symptoms?
What to Do With Your Bed and Pillows If You Get Acid Reflux at Night
According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the main ways to ease acid reflux at night is to raise the head of your bed, but if you’re thinking that means just stacking a bunch of pillows on top of each other, think again. Because they only elevate your head and neck, multiple pillows may actually increase pressure on the stomach and make acid reflux worse. You want to elevate both your head and your torso to allow gravity to help clear the reflux.
If you don’t have the time or money to go out and purchase an adjustable bed that electronically elevates, there are two simple, lo-fi ways to do it! First, you can use cement or wooden blocks under the legs at the head of your bed — just make sure the elevation is about six to nine inches high. If you don’t have any random wooden blocks hanging around, you can also put a foam wedge between your mattress and box spring to help prop the upper half of your body.
A Key Reason For Acid Reflux at Night
One important thing to remember when it comes to avoiding acid reflux at night is to time your meals so there are a few hours between when you eat and when you go to bed. Lying down right after eating is a heartburn trigger.
If you find yourself dealing with nighttime acid reflux more than just occasionally, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor, as it could mean you’re dealing with a more complicated digestive issue.