Leg cramps in seniors and the elderly can be a frustrating experience. Discover the best leg pillows for night relief to alleviate discomfort of leg cramps.
In general, leg cramps may be caused by excess or a lack of exercise, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, blood circulation problems, dehydration or other medical conditions.
Some people without these indications however still experience unexplained muscle cramps especially in the middle of the night while sleeping. Leg cramps and seniors sleep disruptions seem to go hand-in-hand, and these cramps tend to increase in frequency with aging.
This article explores the benefits of leg pillows and reviews select types.
Table of Contents
Why Leg Elevation Pillows May be Beneficial For Leg Cramps in Seniors and the Elderly
What is the cause of leg cramps in seniors? Check out our previous post for more detailed information – Leg Cramps in Seniors – A Seriously Painful Experience and Leg Cramp Causes – 6 Medical Conditions That are Hidden Culprits.
Virtually anyone can benefit from using a leg elevation pillow, but it is generally a good idea to discuss with your doctor about them, and conduct some research on them – as you are doing reading this article before making a purchase.
There are several reasons why elevating your legs is beneficial.
The heart constantly works against gravity to pull oxygen-depleted blood from the veins in the legs for replenishment. Raising the legs helps this process to occur much more efficiently to deliver much-needed oxygen to every cell and tissue in the body.
Raising your legs relieves pressure off the lower extremities and helps blood to circulate more efficiently thereby reducing the strain on the hard-working heart.
This raised position helps reduce inflammation in the joints which cause swelling and prevents pain and blood clots
In addition, tired and aching legs experience tense muscles and usually have poor circulation. A leg elevation pillow provides relief by helping blood circulation, relaxation of the extremities and beneficial in preventing leg cramps in seniors.
A note of caution, if you are a side sleeper or suffer from restless leg syndrome, getting a good night’s sleep with the legs raised may not be an ideal position.
Choosing The Best Leg Elevation Pillow for You
Choice of a leg elevation is a personal thing, but you should check the following criteria before making your decision.
The Fit of the Leg Pillow
The fit of the elevation pillow is important. This will depend upon the shape of your legs and your height. The pillow should be long enough to fully accommodate your calves.
Most options have a wide wedge design, but some are narrower or more ergonomic, so you should also consider the bed size. Do you sleep alone or do you share the bed with your spouse or partner?
To derive the maximum benefit from the leg elevation pillow, the most important feature to consider is its height because you will want your legs to rest above the height of your heart.
Pillow Density
Look for a leg elevation pillow with the right comfort to density ratio. A pillow that is too hard will be uncomfortable, while one that is too soft will not provide sufficient support.
Memory foam options have a higher density and are the best because they provide more support than regular foam, and they also last longer. Only designs constructed with memory foam are reviewed in this article
Quality – May be Helpful to Keep Leg Cramps in Seniors at Bay
Invest in a quality leg pillow. When looking for a long-lasting pillow, quality should be your watchword. It may cost a bit more, but you don’t want to fall into the “cheap pillow buying cycle” where you constantly have to replace cheap pillows you have bought in no short order.
The cheapest or the most expensive options are not necessarily the best options. Look for something mid-range that falls within your budget. Higher priced options may however be priced to reflect the additional specifications in their construction, so, also keep this in mind.
This round-up comparative review highlights differences between various options to help with your decision-making.
DMI Ortho Bed Supportive Foam Wedge Pillow for Elevating Legs
Supportive foam wedge pillow for elevating legs, improving circulation, reducing back pain, post surgery and Injury recovery. It provides relief for sufferers of back pain, knee pain, varicose veins, phlebitis or restless legs.
Can be used both underneath and above the bed covers. The removable cover has a zipper and is machine washable.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 0.68 kilograms
- Product Dimensions: Comes in 3 sizes – 10 x 20 x 32.5 inches, 6 x 20 x 24 inches and 8 x 20 x 24 inches.
- Color: White
- Cover Material: Polyester/cotton sky blue fabric
- Weight Rating: Supports all weights (manufacturers claim)
- Construction: Each memory foam pillow is rated “firm support”
- Cover: Removable, zippered, polyester/cotton cover is machine washable
- Warranty: Not stated
PROS
- 3 sizes to choose from
- Wedge is perfectly angled with just enough height to elevate and reduce pain and swelling without being uncomfortable
CONS
- Some users may find the firmness of the foam too hard for them,
LENORA Elevating Leg Rest Pillow
Ergonomically designed angled leg elevator reduces pressure over the back and hips and is therefore suited for back sleepers. It helps reduce swelling, inflammation, knee pain, muscle aches, alleviate conditions caused by surgery and pregnancy, promote healing and improve sleep.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 1.65 kilograms
- Product Dimensions:23.6 x 16.5 x 8 inches and it is medium-firm,
- Colour: White
- Cover Material: Polyester
- Weight Rating: Supports all weights (manufacturers claim)
- Construction: Each memory foam pillow features a double-layer of comfort, including 1.5 inches of high-density memory foam on top and a high resilient firm foam base to provide good support and comfort.
- Cover: Removable zippered pillow cover made from soft 100% high-quality polyester soft fabric that is machine washable,
- Warranty: Can be returned if it does not meet the expectation.
PROS
- Wedge is perfectly angled with just enough height to elevate and reduce pain and swelling without being uncomfortable
- Comfortable and soft
CONS
- The cover may slightly shrink and be difficult to put back on after washing
- Slightly smaller in size than other leg elevation brands
AllSett Health Leg Elevation Pillow – Cooling Gel Memory Foam Top
This leg elevation pillow has versatile uses – Relieves and aids recovery of foot and ankle injury, leg, hip and knee pain, improves varicose veins, edema, poor blood circulation and reduces swelling.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 1.81 kilograms
- Product Dimensions :size: 24″ x 21″ x 8″
- Color: White
- Construction: Made with the best quality high-density Cooling Gel memory foam, which prevents the body from overheating after many hours of use.
- Cover. The non-sweat removable and washable cover is super soft and comfortable. Small holes in the surface of the pillow cover provide excellent air circulation and permeability, so it will not make you feel hot.
PROS
- Smoothly rising slope prevents any pressure points on muscles which could make the leg or feet numb or hurt circulation
- Firm enough to fully support legs, yet soft enough for comfort
- Responsive customer support
- The material does not slip so the wedge stays where you position it
CONS
- A few complaints about foam not fulling expanding when delivered
Ebung Leg Elevation Pillow
Relieves swelling, reduces edema, aligns the spine & coccyx, improves blood circulation, and supports ligaments and muscles while you sleep. Has versatile uses such as a foot prop while watching TV, as a post-surgery support pillow or a pre-or post-pregnancy pillow.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 2.06 kilograms
- Product Dimensions : 24 x 21 x 8 inches
- Color: White
- Construction: Ergonomic leg pillow constructed from a quality, firm, high-density foam with a memory foam top. There are two types – one with a memory foam top, and the other with memory foam and cooling top. Sturdy enough to retain its shape and embraces the natural contours of the legs.
- Weight Rating: Supports all weights (manufacturers claim)
- Cover: Washable hypoallergenic cover which is dust-proof and breathable.
- 2 year limited warranty
PROS
- Firm enough without being too hard
- Softcover
- Cooling gel top option sold separately
CONS
- Feet of taller people may hang off the end
Restorology Leg Pillow
The Restorology leg rest pillow is wide enough to allow the elevation of both legs for comfortable support while resting and is designed to retain its shape.
It relieves discomfort in the knees, hips, leg, lower back pain, restless leg syndrome, varicose veins, and phlebitis. By promoting increased circulation, it relieves swollen, aching and tired feet.
Has versatile uses -recovering from surgery, sleeping, or as a supportive pillow for reading.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 1.86 kilograms
- Product Dimensions : 23.6 x 16.5 x 8 inches
- Color: – White
- Materials: Memory Foam
- Construction: The dense luxury foam prevents flattening and is designed to keep its shape, providing comfort and relief
- Cover Fabric: Zippered, removable microfiber cover. Machine wash in cool water with a mild detergent and tumble dry low
- Care of product: Spot clean Foam Core. Do not wash
PROS
- Wide construction to accommodate both legs comfortably
- No lingering chemical or plastic smell
- Very high customer rating online
CONS
- A few complaints about the firmness of the pillow
Zen Bamboo Leg Elevation Pillow
The Zen Bamboo Elevating Leg Rest Pillow is designed at the perfect height to relieve discomfort from leg and back pain, restless leg syndrome, varicose veins, and phlebitis.
It is the ideal height for sleeping comfortably while recovering from surgery without having to readjust. The dense luxury foam will not flatten and is designed to keep its shape over time.
This pillow reduces swelling by improving circulation and lymphatic flow. Has versatile uses – laying upright, as a head pillow whilst reading, elevate legs, or as a light and portable lap desk.
It is designed with a 45° incline, which relieves pregnancy discomfort, swelling, and post-surgery pain.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 1.51 kilograms
- Product Dimensions : 23.6 x 16.5 x 8 inches
- Color: White
- Construction: Made from breathable contoured memory foam. Design holds shape and bounces right back from any indentation.
- Weight Rating: Supports all weights (manufacturers claim)
- Cover Fabric: 40% Rayon derived from bamboo; 60% brushed microfiber. The cover is removable for washing.
- Warranty: Not stated
PROS
- Cool to the touch, soft underfoot with non-slip grip
CONS
- Not suitable for people over 6 feet in height
ABCO TECH Leg Elevation Pillow
Helps the optimal alignment of the spine and coccyx. Relieves excess pressure off your legs, hip and knees eliminates leg cramps experienced when you wake up.
It adds ease to your video gaming or TV time; ensures comfort for mothers while feeding newborns, and helps get relief from restless leg syndrome, varicose veins and phlebitis.
This foot pillow may also be used as a bolster pillow to elevate a mattress or pillow. Reduces back and leg pain, and puts insomnia to rest.
Product details – Unique Features
- Item Weight: 2.04 kilograms
- Product Dimensions : 24 x 21 x 8 inches
- Color: White
- Construction: Made with a high-density premium foam material, this orthopedic leg pillow offers contouring support to your legs and does not collapse under your body weight. This firm and breathable elevating leg rest pillow stays cool. There are two types – one with a memory foam top, and the other with memory foam and cooling top.
- Weight Rating: Supports all weights (manufacturers claim)
- Cover Fabric: Breathable and washable leg rest pillow cover
- Warranty: Not stated
PROS
- Cool to the touch, soft underfoot with non-slip grip
- Wider and sturdier than other designs
- Cooling gel top version
CONS
- In one instance, it was found to be slightly shorter than the advertised height of 8 inches.
Conclusion – Leg Cramps in Seniors: The Best Leg Pillows for Night Relief
Leg cramps in seniors and the elderly, or anyone is painful. Because they often occur in seniors in the middle of the night while they are asleep, elevating the legs with wedge elevation pillows can be helpful to ensure there is good circulation in the legs.
Leave a comment below if you find the article informative or if you have a question.
Related Articles
- Leg Cramps in Seniors – A Seriously Painful Experience
- Arthritis and Insomnia. – A Sure Recipe for Senior Falls
- Leg Cramp Causes – 6 Medical Conditions That are Hidden Culprits
- Causes of Leg Cramps at Night – How to Stop Them
- What Supplements Help Leg Cramps – The Best Ones
- Leg Cramps and Seniors – The Best Knee Pillows for Night Relief
- Different Forms of Magnesium Supplements – Which Is Best To Take?
- Magnesium Supplement Benefits – How to Know the Use
- How to Boost the Immune System Quickly – Role of Diet and Sleep
- Reasons for Leg Cramps – Natural Remedies That Work
References
Sleep Authorities (2020) The Best Leg Elevation Pillow for Supporting Your Body https://sleepauthorities.com/the-best-elevation-pillow
How Does Leg Elevation Pillow Improve Varicose Veins? (2019 )https://www.comfycentre.com/leg-elevation-pillow-for-your-varicose-veins/
AnklePainInfo (2018) 6 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Leg Wedge Pillows While Sleeping
https://youtu.be/mAmGXwKyMtk
Hi Ceci,
I have really bad restless legs at night and I know it’s from not drinking enough water. Even though I have a massive jug I keep by my side all day, it’s still not enough to my height/weight. I have countless nights of fighting to get to sleep because of my knee pain and restlessness. The Zen Bamboo pillow seems like it would be a good fit for me! I get really hot at night so the fact that it stay cool to touch is important, especially since my feet get hot specifically. It says it’s out of stock right now but I’ll keep checking back to see when it’s available!
Hello Haley,
The Zen Bamboo pillow is pretty popular but fortunately, it is usaually re-stocked within one week. Good luck!
Ceci