Foam bed wedge pillows are great for maintaining good alignment and positioning in bed, especially for older adults experiencing severe pains during movement. Sometimes a patient in bed may slip, move or turn after the caregiver has positioned them; correctly positioning a foam bed wedge helps ensure that the desired position is kept. The bed wedge is also useful in preventing pressure ulcers.

A triangular-shaped bed wedge provides a 30-degree angle of inclined position when placed behind the sleeper or patient, usually extending from the shoulders to the buttocks. This position helps distribute weight and pressure over a greater area. Once the bed wedge is in place, the caregiver can slightly pull it out every hour or so to achieve small shifts in position and relieve pressure on tissues. The slight movements possible with the bed wedge will be tolerable even to patients who experience pain on movement.

Bed wedge pillows are often made with durable foam or memory foam in the more expensive versions. There are also inflatable versions of bed wedge pillows. Regardless of material, it is important for the bed wedge to have the ability to retain the triangle shape and provide the support users need for sitting or sleeping in bed.