Leg elevation pillows can be used for many purposes. In particular, people buy these pillows to reduce swelling or pain in the legs during sleeping hours or to comfort them post-surgery.
Sleep Authorities has outlined some of the best leg elevation pillows below to best suit all your sleeping needs. Whether you’re recovering from a leg injury or surgery, are looking for something more than a bed pillow to rest your legs on or just want to find a comfortable pillow to add to your bed, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the best leg elevation pillow for any situation.
Why use a leg elevation pillow?
If you look around online and in customer product reviews, you’ll notice that most people buy a leg elevation pillow to alleviate pain and reduce pressure to the legs. These pillows are great companions to people who have just suffered a leg, foot or knee injury or have just gotten out of surgery. These elevation pillows also work hard to promote blood flow to the entire body, instead of just around the leg, which is important for sleepers with certain medical conditions.
6 Best Leg Elevation Pillows for Extra Support
Overall, a leg elevation pillow makes a nice, comfortable addition to bedding. Even if you aren’t experiencing leg pain, you can still benefit from an elevation pillow. To learn more about their uses and the best pillows for certain sleeper types, check out our in-depth review below.
Editor’s Choice
Elevating Leg Rest With Cooling Gel
Topping off our list is the Elevating Leg Rest With Cooling Gel from The Grommet. This surgeon-designed pillow helps get your legs in the perfect position to receive the proper circulation they need. This pillow also features a cooling gel that furthers your comfortability. The pillow reduces swelling, maximizes blood flow, and helps your feel refreshed, making it a great choice for those looking to purchase a leg elevation pillow.
Key Features
- 2” layer of Cooling Gel Memory Foam
- Designed by a Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon
- Made of High Resiliency Open Cell Foam
- Full Zipper Closure and Anti-Slip Grip Dot Bottom
- Includes One Elevating Leg Rest with Cooling Gel with Removable Cover
Specifications
- Made by The Grommet
- Made in the USA
- Weight 6 Pounds
- Dimension
- Small: 20.75″ x 18″ x 11″
- Medium: 23″ x 18″ x 11.75″
- Large: 24.75″ x 18″ x 12.5″
- Small Wide: 20.75″ x 24″ x 11″
- Medium Wide: 23″ x 24″ x 11.75″
- Large Wide: 24.75″ x 24″ x 12.5″
- Small: 20.75″ x 18″ x 11″
Easiest to Use
Kneezup Leg Wide
This next leg elevation pillow is the Kneezup Leg Wedge from Contour Living. This condiment under-the-knee cushion is specifically designed with support and comfort in mind. The wedge also works to raise your knees for comfort and circulation, and is great to use after injury or surgery.
Key Features
- Helps Reduce Pressure on the Lower Back
- Includes Machine-Washable Cover
- Designed for the Treatment of Varicose Veins and Phlebitis
- Elevates Knees to a 30 Degree Angle
Specifications
- Made by Contour Living
- Dimensions: 16.5″ x 10″ x 7.5″
- 1.50 Pounds in Weight
- 45-Day Return Policy
Best Adaptable Pillow
Sleepgram Contour Knee Pillow
Sleepgram’s leg elevation pillow comes with an adaptable construction that allows you to sleep with one or both legs elevated. Not only is this all-foam pillow perfect for comfortable sleeping, but it also works to alleviate severe aches and pains in the legs and feet. Perfect for year-round use, this pillow comes with a cooling gel fill and has a washer-friendly cover .
Key Features
- Removable, Washable Cover
- Keeps Shape Over Time
- Cooling Gel Filling
Specifications
- Made by Sleepgram
- Can be used for single or double leg support
Best Wedge
Restorology Elevating Leg Pillow
Retorology’s leg elevation pillow comes in an extra-wide size to allow one or both legs to rest elevated. Not only is this all-foam pillow perfect for comfortable sleeping, but it also works to alleviate severe aches and pains in the legs and feet. Perfect for year-round use, this pillow comes with a 100% polyester cover that can be removed and washed with ease. Sleepers wishing to use it for more than just their legs can rely on the pillow to support their backs and necks as needed.
Key Features
- Removable, Washable Cover
- Keeps Shape Over Time
- All Foam
Specifications
- Made by Restorology
- Available on Amazon
- 3.02 Pounds
- 17 x 7 x 7″
Best for Post-Surgery
LightEase Support Leg Pillow
Coming home after a serious surgery can be extremely scary and uncomfortable. For customers who recently had surgery on their leg, food or knee, this leg support pillow from LightEase serves as a great companion to those difficult, post-surgery days.
The LightEase leg pillow is constructed of firm foam and comes with a carved edge to fit the leg. At a 45° incline, this leg elevation pillow is specifically designed to reduce swelling and pain, two symptoms that often follow an injury or a surgery. Plus, the pillow is easy to keep clean and comes with a handle for easy travel.
Key Features
- Memory Foam Support
- Includes Handle
- Removable, Washable Cover
- Supports Post-Surgery Leg
Specifications
- Made by LightEase
- Available on Amazon
- 2.95 Pounds
- 32 x 13 x 9.5″
Best Memory Foam
InteVision Ortho Leg Wedge Pillow
Sleepers who prefer the soft support that memory foam provides will appreciate this leg pillow from InteVision. On the very outer layer, a removable bamboo cloth covers the pillow to create a breathable surface. Unlike the majority of leg pillows, this leg pillow’s top layer is made with contouring, supportive memory foam to make elevating your legs more comfortable. Underneath the memory foam is firmer foam to ensure total support and spinal alignment during elevation.
Using the pillow all night or just a couple of hours at a time is optional, but either way, this pillow is a cozy choice for sleepers who are looking for added comfort to their beds.
Key Features
- Memory Foam Top Layer
- Promotes Spinal Alignment
- Bamboo Cover
Specifications
- Made by InteVision
- Available on Amazon
- 3.2 Pounds
- 24 x 21 x 8 “
Cooling Capacity
LuxeLift Cooling Leg Pillow
Sometimes, sleeping with an extra pillow in the bed can create built-up heat. LuxeLift has created a cooling wedge pillow to combat such heat buildup. Even better, this pillow’s height can be adjusted to two different sizes.
Just underneath the quilted bamboo pillow cover is a cooling, gel-infused memory foam layer to promote temperature regulation. Perfect for sleepers who frequently wake up from an uncomfortable temperature, the cooling gel promotes constant temperature regulation.
Key Features
- Removable Bamboo Cover
- Cooling Memory Foam
- Customizable Size
- Reduces Snoring
- Comforts Legs
Specifications
- Made by LuxeLift
- Available on Amazon
- Adjusts to in 8″ or 12″
- 6 Pounds
Cozy Contour
Legacy Leg & Knee Support Pillow
If you’d like to give your leg or knee extra support but don’t want to resort to extreme elevation, this pillow can meet those needs. It comes in a small, travel-friendly size, so it won’t take up much space in your bed as other elevation pillows may. The best part? You can use it for one leg or both by securing it in between your knees.
Perhaps the best feature of this support pillow is its ventilated memory foam interior. Not only will this temperature-sensitive pillow support your legs and knees, but also your hips.
Key Features
- Soft, Removable Cover
- Ventilated Memory Foam
- Hypoallergenic
Specifications
- Made by Contour Legacy Pillow
- Available on Amazon
- 7 Ounces
- 10 x 6 x 9.5 “
Half Moon Shape
Half Moon Memory Foam Wedge Pillow
Most elevation pillows work to reduce and relieve pain in various body parts. This uniquely shaped leg elevation pillow comes in a convenient half moon shape. When you’re not using it to elevate your legs, place it underneath your knees or prop your back or neck up with it. The best part about a half moon pillow? It suits all sleeping positions.
Key Features
- Memory Foam Top Layer
- Silent Foam Bottom Layer
- Removable Cover
- All-Foam Design
Specifications
- Made by 5 Stars United
- Available on Amazon
- CertiPUR-US Certified Foam
- 1.25 Pounds
- 20.4 x 7.8 x 4.3 “
FAQ
Most frequent questions
What is the best leg elevation pillow?
Leg elevation pillows come in many shapes and sizes to suit sleepers of all kinds. The best leg pillow may be different from one person to another.
Sleep Authorities recommends using a slanted elevation pillow for back sleepers and a rounded or contour elevation pillow for side and stomach sleepers.
Is it healthy to sleep with legs elevated?
Look around online, and you will likely notice health websites recommending elevation pillows to promote healthy circulation in the legs. Further, elevation pillows can reduce pain and snoring and also keep your body in a healthy position during resting hours.
How do you elevate your legs with a pillow?
Leg elevation pillows make leg elevation easy. Depending on the shape of your new elevation pillow, place it snugly in a comfortable position that supports your body. For contour pillows, most manufacturers recommend placing the pillow between the legs for optimal comfort.
What can I use to elevate my legs?
Some people may choose to use a normal bed pillow to elevate their legs, but rarely does this type of pillow offer the best support possible. For enhanced elevation, especially after surgeries or injuries, use an elevated pillow to support your legs, knees, hips, and spinal alignment.
Our Verdict
If you’re convinced that buying a leg elevation pillow will do you some good, we’re happy you’re here. It’s important to remember though that not all leg elevation pillows are the same. If you’re still unsure about purchasing one, or if you aren’t sure which type is right for you, we’ve broken down a few points to consider.
We think you’d enjoy a leg elevation pillow if you:
- Just got out of surgery, as these pillows can keep your body in healthy positions during healing.
- Snore frequently or have sleep apnea. Elevation can reduce snoring.
- Want a sturdy support pillow for lounging or studying.
- Would like better, healthier blood circulation.
- Benefit from firm foam support.
A leg elevation pillow may not be the best for you if you:
- Sleep on your stomach.
- Toss and turn frequently through the night.
- Prefer soft pillows.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is for reference purposes only. It should not replace the advice of a licensed professional. Do not use this article to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Any and all health concerns should be directed to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
