If you are a patient recovering from hip, feet injury or even surgery, elevating your legs is one of the best ways to help you recover faster. However, doctors do not recommend elevating your feet on a hard surface since doing so creates blood pools instead of allowing the blood to flow freely. So what is the solution? We are glad you asked. The solution is using a leg elevation pillow. However, there are very many leg elevation pillows in the market and it might be difficult to select the best.
Fret not, below is a comprehensive guide on the best leg elevation pillow but before that, let’s understand their benefits.
Advantages Associated With Leg Elevation Pillows
Below are some of the advantages of leg elevation pillows:
It Offers Relief: One of the benefits of elevating your feet is that you offer relief to the veins. As such, you allow the blood to circulate better in your legs.
Reduction in inflammation: Another great health benefit of elevating your feet is that it reduces inflammation to your feet. Thanks to the better flow of the blood in your feet, oxygen and other important nutrients are supplied to your feet which reduces inflammation.
Reduces pain on your back and legs: Another great advantage of leg alleviation is the reduction of back and leg pain. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, you will realize that your back or legs are in pain. When you alleviate your feet, you allow blood to flow well to your feet thus reducing or eliminating the pain altogether.
Releases pressure off your body: When a person sleeps, they put pressure on certain parts of their body which might lead to poor blood flow. Once you use a leg elevation pillow, your core will be positioned perfectly such that there will be no excessive pressure on any part of your body.
The 10 Best Leg Elevation Pillows
Since you now know the benefits of a leg elevation pillow. Let us look at the 10 top leg elevation pillows.
1. Hermell Zero Gravity Leg Elevation Pillow
The first elevation pillow on the review is the Hermell Zero Gravity Leg Elevation Pillow – Blue. The pillow’s design makes it very effective in offering the best elevation to your feet. It takes the pressure off your lower back and has a relaxing effect on your feet.
The alleviation pillow is made of polyurethane which means that it is very dense but not uncomfortable. The construction material also ensures that the pillow will not lose its shape even after prolonged usage.
The pillow has a wide surface area which means that it can accommodate both legs comfortably thus offering that perfect relaxing effect. When you use the pillow, you will be relieved of back pressure and hip discomfort especially if you have had a hip injury.
The outer covering of the elevation pillow is also washable which means that maintaining the cleanliness of the pillow is easy.
- It has perfect inclination to relieve pressure off your feet and back
- Made of sturdy material thus durable
- Has a washable outer covering
- Can accommodate both legs comfortably
- It is not as wide as other elevation pillows
2. DMI Ortho Bed Wedge Elevated Leg Pillow
The DMI Ortho Bed Wedge Elevated Leg Pillow is made from a high-quality material which means that it offers the elevation standard required. It inclines your feet at an angle of fifty degrees. The elevation pillow is perfect for relieving pressure from your feet thus helping the blood circulate better.
It offers great support since it is made from highly responsive high-density foam. This means that your feet will remain in place even when you doze off. It also has a wide base which makes it comfortable to use and place both feet. It is a perfect choice if you are recovering from knee or back surgery.
- It offers a perfect elevation of fifty feet
- It is made from high-density foam
- Offers perfect relief from pressure on your lower back
- Has a strong smell when you unpack the pillow
3. Milliard Foam Leg Elevator Cushion with Washable Cover
The Milliard Foam Leg Elevator Cushion with Washable Cover is one of the elevation pillows which offer great support since it has a contour where you can place your injured leg for quick recovery. The contour means that you will not have to put any more pressure on the foot trying to keep it in position for it is well held into place.
The unique design of the pillow reduces the turning and tossing off the foot thus ensuring faster healing. The elevation pillow is made from high-quality material which means that you will use it for a long time. Its outer covering is also removable and washable which means that it is possible to maintain high hygienic standards.
- It has a contour which minimizes the movement of the foot
- Having an elevation angle of 45 degrees which is perfect for blood flow
- It has a washable outer cover
- It is made from durable material
- Only fit one leg
4. Post-Surgery Elevating Leg Rest Pillow with Memory Foam
This leg elevation pillow weighs only 4.81 pounds which makes it easy to move around. It is made from high-quality memory form which is very comfortable and will not cause more strain when you place your feet on the elevation pillow. It is very effective in reducing pain in the legs or hips soreness.
The Post Surgery Elevating Leg Rest Pillow with Memory Foam Top measures 24 by 21 by 8 inches which means that it is large enough for both your feet to fit perfectly. It also has an outer cover which is not only breathable but also washable. This means that it is easy to maintain high sanitation standards. The cover also maintains your feet temperature which adds to the comfort of the elevation pillow offers.
- Very comfortable to use
- It comes with a great price tag
- Made from durable material
- Has a washable cover
- Not suitable for tall individuals
5. Medical Quality Memory Foam Bed Wedge Leg Pillow for Back Pain
The elevation pillow is very effective in reducing back pain which might be caused by muscle spasms, bulging disks, sciatica, and other similar ailments. Due to its unique shape, the elevation pillow offers excellent support to the spine, thus relieving pressure from this very important body part.
The outer covering uses proprietary technology known as “Be Cool”. The technology makes the elevation pillow very comfortable since it absorbs excess heat and maintains the room temperature. This means that your feet will not get all sweaty.
You can use the elevation pillow for back support while sleeping or reclining. You can also use it as a knee or leg wedge pillow. It also has a removable outer covering which is machine washable. This means that it is easy to maintain the right hygienic standards. It also comes with a five-year warranty.
- Offers great spine support
- Made from durable material
- Has a washable outer covering
- Uses “Be Cool” technology which maintains optimum temperature
- Its dimensions might be uncomfortable to some people
6. Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow – Ankle and Knee Support – Leg Elevation
The Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow is made from high-quality memory foam and it is also very versatile thanks to its semicircular shape. Thanks to this shape, the elevation pillow offers great support for your back and legs.
The elevation pillow has a sweet lemon scent which adds to its soothing effect. It allows for unconstrained blood flow which is very helpful, especially if you are suffering from sciatica or recovering from knee or hip surgery. Unlike other elevation pillows, the Half Moon Bolster Semi-Roll Pillow is compact, which makes it a great travel companion.
It also has a washable outer cover, which means that it is easy to maintain hygienic standards.
- It has a unique shape which makes it very versatile
- Made from durable and very comfortable memory foam
- It is compact therefore a great travel companion
- Has a washable outer covering
- The pillow does not fit perfectly inside the cover
7. Leg Elevation Pillow with Memory Foam
The Leg Elevation Pillow with Memory Foam Top is made from high-quality memory foam which makes it very ideal in offering the required leg support. It conforms to the contours of the body while at the same time alleviating pressure from the legs, knees, and hips.
The elevation pillow is very effective in preventing varicose veins since it allows the blood to flow freely to your feet. Thanks to the inclination angle, the alleviation pillow is very effective in offering the right alleviation angle to help you sleep better at night. It has a very soft cushion which makes sure that your feet feel as comfortable as possible. It also comes with a breathable outer covering which is machine washable.
- Made from high-quality memory foam
- Conforms to the contours of your body
- It is very comfortable
- Has a washable outer covering
- It can have a strong chemical smell
8. Xtra-Comfort Leg Elevation Pillow – Wedge Elevator Support Cushion for Sleeping, Swelling
The Xtra-Comfort Leg Elevation Pillow is wide enough to offer substantial support to both feet with little of a fuss. It offers great elevation to ensure that the pressure is off your legs since it ensures the free circulation of blood. It offers significant support not only for the legs but also to the knees, lower back, and hips.
The elevation pillow offers the perfect 45 degrees elevation incline which ensures that the blood circulates unhindered to the feet, thus offering relief to swollen and aching feet. To ensure that it is very comfortable, the Xtra-Comfort Leg Elevation Pillow is made of two layers of memory foam. The inner layer is firm, so the pillows will not lose its shape even after prolonged use. The outer layer is soft and malleable, which offers that extra comfort.
It comes with a non – slip cover which is not only washable but also removable for easier cleaning. The elevation pillow has a 60-day guarantee.
- Has two layers of memory foam
- It is wide thus elevates both feet with ease
- Has a washable outer cover
- Have a 60days guarantee
- It might be too high for some users
9. InteVision Ortho Bed Wedge Pillow with a High Quality, Removable Cover
The elevated pillow is made from very firm and yet comfortable memory foam and an outer covering of Egyptian cotton which adds to its comfort. It offers forty- five degrees of inclination which helps blood to flow freely in the veins. Due to the free flow of blood, the feet recover faster from tiredness¸ any pains or swelling. It also offers great support to the knees and lowers back enabling you to enjoy great sleep.
In addition, it conforms to your body’s contour, relieving your spinal cord from excess pressure. Therefore, this elevation pillow is a great option if you are recovering from hip or knee surgery. It has a washable outer cover which means that it is very easy to maintain hygienic standards.
- It is made from high-density memory foam
- It is firm yet comfortable
- Enables the blood to flow to your feet unhindered
- Has a breathable and washable outer cover
- Comes with a rather strong smell
10. LightEase Memory Foam Leg, Knee, Ankle Support and Elevation Leg Pillow for Surgery
The LightEase Memory Foam Leg, Knee, Ankle Support is a perfect choice for a person who is recovering from surgery. The elevation is perfect for post-hip, knee, or ankle surgery. It is coming with a contour which is wide enough for your foot to fit even with a plaster.
Thanks to its elevation angle, this elevation pillow speeds up the recovery time by allowing the blood to flow freely to the affected leg supplying it with the required nutrients for faster healing. It is also made from a firm yet very comfortable memory foam. To add to its comfort, the elevation pillow has posh outer silk covering.
The outer covering is also washable, which makes it easy to maintain the cleanliness of the pillow.
- Has a wide contour which is perfect for a leg with a plaster
- Very soft and comfy
- Offers great elevation angle
- Has a washable outer covering
- Offers elevation for only one leg
Key Consideration before Buying the Best Leg Elevating Pillow
Comfort
One of the greatest factors to consider when buying an elevation pillow is comfort. It is essential that you choose an elevation pillow, which is as comfortable as possible to ease the pain. If you choose an uncomfortable elevation pillow, then you might make the situation worse. The material from which the elevation pillow is made from will determine the comfort of the pillow.
Material Made For the Cushion
Closely related to the comfort of the elevation pillow offers is the material used in making the pillow. Different materials offer different comfort levels. Some of the materials are firm but uncomfortable. Others are very comfortable but soft, which might not offer the required support. It is therefore important to choose an elevation pillow which is made from a material that offers both comfort and firmness. One of the best materials is memory foam.
Removable Cover
Hygiene is very important when it comes to every sphere of life. The case is similar to elevation pillows. It is a fact that the pillow will get dirty even if you are very careful about preventing dirt from getting to the elevation pillow. As such, it is essential to choose an elevation pillow with a removable cover. The advantage of a removable cover is that it is easy to clean.
Easy To Use
Another very important factor to consider while selecting an elevation pillow is its ease of use. Although elevation pillows are not technological gadgets that you might fumble with, the shape and design of the pillow can make them difficult to use. The purpose of an elevation pillow is to provide optimum elevation. Therefore, when selecting an elevation pillow, go for one which has a design that makes it easy to use and offers the required alleviation.
Brand
There are many brands of elevation pillows in the market today and it might get confusing to choose the best brand. One sure way of knowing the best brand is by doing thorough research. There are a lot of reviews especially on the internet on different brands. Although it is impossible for any brand to have 100% positive reviews, the best brands usually have very high customer reviews. Additionally, there are brands that have been in the market for a long time. The continued existence of such brands means that the company is doing something right. Therefore, if you are not sure of the brand to choose, you can make a choice based on how long the brand has been in the market.
Price
The final factor that you should consider while buying an elevated pillow is the price. Often times, the prices of a product are an indication of the quality. However, this is not always the case. At times, a low-quality product might be highly-priced. Consequently, a high-quality item might be averagely priced. You should do thorough comparisons on the price of different brands. As you do so, you will get an idea on the right price range of a particular leg elevation pillow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should the Legs be Elevated Following Surgery?
The consistency of foot elevation after operation depends mainly on the operation procedure and might differ from patient to patient. However, for most operations, one should elevate their feet for long hours for the first couple of days after the surgery. As the wound heals, then one can reduce the times they elevate the foot.
How Long Following Surgery Should Patients Use a Leg Elevation Pillow?
A patient should use a leg elevation pillow immediately after surgery. Elevating the foot allows the blood to flow better which facilitates faster healing.
Is it bad to elevate your legs?
No, it is very therapeutic to elevate your legs especially after a long day at work or if you are recovering from a surgery or if you are suffering from a painful condition. When you elevate your legs, blood flows better and the recovery process is faster. Therefore it is great to elevate your legs.
Is it bad to sleep with your legs bent?
Sleeping with your legs bent is not bad. However, it is better to use an elevation pillow to offer the best support for your bent legs. The elevation pillows offer the best support for bent legs.
Recap
Painful feet can cause you sleepless nights. The pain might be a result of standing all day or as a result of an injury. The good news though is that you can use a leg elevation pillow to help in the free flow of blood to the legs. When the blood flows well, the recovery process is faster. Elevation pillows also offer perfect support not only to your legs but also to your knees, hips, and spinal cord. However, you should do thorough research before settling for an elevation pillow so that you are not short-changed. We believe that the above guide will help you make the best purchasing decision.