Let Foam Wedges and Bolsters Help You Combat Acid Reflux

While many people, particularly those unaffected, consider acid reflux to be a preventable result of eating too much, too fast or the wrong types of food, it is technically classified as a disease, and its long-term effects can become major health issues. These problems, such as esophageal damage, bleeding, ulcers, scarring and reduced swallowing ability are much more serious than the discomfort after a meal that is often all the disease is associated with. For some, it may only occur occasionally or be directly tied to certain foods, but for individuals who endure acid reflux twice a week or more, it is classified as Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Thousands of dollars can be spent attempting to remedy the problem and surgery is sometimes necessary to correct the most serious cases. Luckily, for less problematic cases or as a supplemental measure to other steps being taken, lifestyle changes can have a significant effect on mitigating the impact acid reflux has on your life.

8 Inch Charcoal Foam Wedge

Besides the general discomfort it creates during the day, it can also impact your ability to get a full night’s sleep. Because of this, one of the simplest potential acid reflux remedies can be altering your sleeping posture.  With a product line of mattresses, bolster pillows, body wedges and other bedding products, The Foam Factory can provide the right materials to help you battle your acid reflux and reduce its impact on your life.

Boosting your upper body, even slightly, can help reduce acid reflux issues through simple gravity. Elevating the esophagus, head and throat makes it much more difficult for acid to climb and cause discomfort. Some sleeping postures may make it even easier for acid reflux to impact your rest than others. For example, a side sleeper on their right side has their stomach on a higher plane than their esophagus, essentially creating an easy path for acid to follow. With The Foam Factory’s various body wedge styles, sizes and material types, a gentle boost can elevate your body gently enough for you to sleep comfortably but makes it difficult for stomach acid to ascend the esophagus.

Available in multiple open-cell varieties, The Foam Factory’s wedges can be tailored individually to your specific needs. Their standard bed wedge pillow is constructed from charcoal foam, featuring an even balance of comfort and support to lift the body while staying soft and comfortable enough for a refreshing sleep. Greater quality medical foam is also offered, featuring a higher density, increased firmness and an antimicrobial formulation that resists mold, mildew and bacteria. If material sensitivities or personal preferences are an issue, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic Dunlop latex foam is also made into an acid reflux wedge, providing resilient sleep support, contour-molding and a cool, comfortable structure. For temperature sensitive comfort, a memory foam layer can be adhered to one of the sleeping wedge forms. Covers are also customizable, with a non-removable cotton/poly blend, or machine washable 100 percent cotton twill and 100 percent micro-fiber suede, featuring zippers for easy removal and laundering.

Foam custom mattresses are also able to be manufactured for long-term solutions for acid reflux treatment. If a boost from one of the body wedges is too great for comfortable sleep, mattresses with full-length wedge bolster layers can gently raise the upper body while maintaining the feel of a flat sleeping surface. These can provide boosts as gentle as 2 inches up to 10 inches for the largest inclines. These versatile mattress-sized foam pad wedges can be bonded to the top of a new foam mattress or placed under an existing one. For heavy mattresses, firm foam can be used for the wedge if it will be placed underneath. Covers are available for these full-length wedge bolsters as well. Oval bolsters are also available in poly or memory foam for a minor boost or isolating an area, whether it is placed under a mattress, under the pillow or under the body. The oval shape of these forms means they won’t roll away like cylinders and can increase height by 3, 5 or 6 inches.

Supportive Poly Foam Body Bolsters

Improved posture throughout the day has also been linked to reduced acid reflux impact. By slouching at a desk or constantly bending over, extra pressure is placed on the stomach, which can force acid upward through the esophagus. Correct, balanced posture minimizes pressure on the stomach.

In addition to their sleeping products and body wedges, The Foam Factory also offers posture-improving seating pads that can assist in the alleviation of aches and tension, in addition to their acid reflux relieving benefit. Orthopedic cushions, available in 3, 4 or 5 inch heights and medium and firm foam varieties promote proper spine alignment and lumbar support, with a tailbone cutout to prevent pressure issues. These are excellent options for people who spend a majority of their day seated, either in offices, driving or working at home.

Unfortunately, the only way to correct acid reflux for some is through extra-strength medication or  surgery. For luckier individuals, lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in combating GERD and acid reflux. Whether sleeping or relaxing, elevating the upper body while reclined can make it more difficult for acid to impact you. With their body wedges, mattresses, foam cushions and bolsters, The Foam Factory has products that can help make a difference in the life of an acid reflux sufferer.

Tags: Acid Reflux, Bolster, Comfort, Custom Cushion, Foam Wedge

Posted in Health and Fitness, Other Products