Wedge pillow cover: getting the fit right and keeping it clean
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- Fitted zippered cover sized to your wedge. Best for: Everyday protection on a standard bed wedge. See options on Amazon
- Waterproof wedge pillow protector. Best for: CPAP users, spills, sweat or incontinence. See options on Amazon
- Allergen-blocking zippered encasement. Best for: Dust mite allergy. See options on Amazon
- Stretch-knit universal wedge cover. Best for: Wedges with no matching replacement cover. See options on Amazon
Why the cover matters more on a wedge
Foam wedges are hard to clean. The Company Store states that traditional memory foam pillows should not go in a washing machine or dryer and should be spot cleaned or gently hand washed, then air-dried completely. ViscoSoft's care page says the foam portion of its mattress toppers is not washable. That means the cover is the part you will actually wash, so it needs to come off easily and survive regular laundering.
Wedges also get more contact than a normal pillow. Depending on how you use them, they touch your back, legs, or feet, as on a leg wedge, and sometimes a CPAP hose or humidifier moisture.
How to measure your wedge
- Length: the flat bottom, from the tall end to the thin edge.
- Width: side to side across the wedge.
- Height: the tallest point at the back.
- Shape: note whether the back is a straight vertical edge, whether the top is flat or rounded, and whether the slope is one plane or has a curve or knee bend.
- Compare all three numbers with the cover listing. A cover that matches height but not length will bunch or ride up.
If you cannot find an exact match, the safest bet is often a replacement cover from the wedge's own maker. Stretch-knit covers forgive small differences but not a different angle.
Types of covers compared
| Cover type | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted cotton or bamboo-blend cover with zipper | Everyday use, breathable feel | Not waterproof |
| Stretch-knit universal cover | Wedges with slightly odd sizes | Can shift on steep slopes |
| Waterproof or water-resistant cover | Spills, sweat, humidifier moisture, incontinence | Can feel warmer or crinkly |
| Zippered allergen-blocking encasement | Dust mite allergy | Less breathable; often needs a soft cover over it |
| Cooling fabric cover | Hot sleepers on memory foam | Feel varies by fabric |
If you have dust mite allergies
Mayo Clinic advises keeping mattresses and pillows in dustproof or allergen-blocking covers and washing bedding weekly in hot water of at least 130 F (54.4 C). If an item cannot be washed hot, it suggests putting it in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 F. Mayo Clinic also recommends keeping indoor relative humidity below 50%.
For a wedge, that usually means an allergen-blocking zippered encasement on the foam plus a washable outer cover. Before washing hot, check that the cover's care label allows it, since some covers say otherwise.
Washing and care
- Read the label first. ViscoSoft, for example, says to wash its pillow covers in cold water on a gentle cycle with a non-chlorine bleach detergent and dry on low heat. Other makers differ.
- Close the zipper before washing to protect the fabric.
- Dry completely before refitting. A damp cover on foam can trap moisture.
- Air out new foam. ViscoSoft suggests letting a new pillow air out for 24 to 48 hours so the initial odor can fade.
- Spot clean the foam only if something soaks through, then let it air-dry fully, as The Company Store advises.
- Keep a spare cover so the wedge is never bare on wash day.
What to look for when you buy
Fitted zippered cover sized to your wedge
Best for: Everyday protection on a standard bed wedge
A matched cut stays smooth on the slope, and a zipper makes it easy to remove for washing, which matters since the foam itself usually cannot be machine washed.
Watch out: Must match length, width and height; check all three.
See options on AmazonWaterproof wedge pillow protector
Best for: CPAP users, spills, sweat or incontinence
Stops moisture from reaching foam that The Company Store says should only be spot cleaned and air-dried.
Watch out: Can sleep warmer; use a soft cover over it.
See options on AmazonAllergen-blocking zippered encasement
Best for: Dust mite allergy
Mayo Clinic recommends dustproof or allergen-blocking covers on pillows for dust mite allergy.
Watch out: Less breathable and often not designed to be the top layer.
See options on AmazonStretch-knit universal wedge cover
Best for: Wedges with no matching replacement cover
Stretch fabric adapts to small size differences so the cover stays reasonably snug.
Watch out: May slide on very steep wedges or odd shapes.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Can you wash a foam wedge pillow?
- Usually not in a machine. The Company Store advises spot cleaning or gentle hand washing memory foam, then air-drying completely; wash the cover instead.
- How do I know what size wedge pillow cover to buy?
- Measure length, width and tallest height, and note the slope shape. Match all three to the listing, or buy a replacement from the wedge's maker.
- How often should I wash a wedge pillow cover?
- Follow the care label. For dust mite allergies, Mayo Clinic suggests washing bedding weekly in hot water if the fabric allows.
- Why does my wedge pillow cover keep slipping?
- The cover is usually too long or cut for a different angle, so it slides down the slope. A cover matched to your wedge's exact length, height and shape, or a stretch-knit cover with a snug fit, tends to stay put better.
- Will a pillowcase work on a wedge?
- It can cover the top part, but it will not fit the slope or protect the sides. A fitted cover stays put and protects the whole wedge.
Sources
- Dust mite allergy: Diagnosis and treatment (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic
- How To Wash Memory Foam Pillows (thecompanystore.com), The Company Store (maker care page)
- Care (viscosoft.com), ViscoSoft (maker care page)