The best post surgery leg rest

Top pick

Cushy Form Post-Surgery Elevating Leg Rest Pillow With Memory Foam Top

Memory foam goodness

This memory foam pillow from Cushy Form will feel as soft as a cloud while under your leg. This pillow is designed to improve sleep, body discomfort, and improve blood circulation.

Cushy Form’s leg rest pillow is made with a high-density memory foam that is plush, soothing, and truly effective for pain management.

The pillow is orthopedically designed to be as helpful for body pain as possible. The pillow is built to correct posture, increase the quality of your sleep, and also relieve pain and stress in the body through the power of elevation.

If you will be using your pillow frequently, you can remove the cover easily and throw it in the washing machine to maintain freshness.

Key Features

  • Removable and washable cover
  • Memory foam top layer
  • Polyurethane foam
Best for recovery

InteVision Ortho Bed Wedge Pillow

Realign your spine

This wedge pillow is not only wide enough to comfortably fit both legs but uses a special zero-gravity design to achieve perfect spinal alignment; a welcome feature for those undergoing recovery.

This leg rest pillow is unique because it has a two-layer design that marries function with comfort.

The base of the pillow is made of a dense polyurethane foam that is designed to retain shape. The top layer is memory foam that will put your legs at ease and create undeniable comfort.

The elevation from the pillow achieves zero gravity spinal alignment, which promotes good posture while also minimizing pain in the back, legs, and feet!

Key Features

  • Two-layer design: the top layer is memory foam and the bottom layer is made of polyurethane foam
  • Machine-washable soft bamboo cover
  • Achieves zero gravity spinal alignment
Best size options

DMI Ortho Supportive Elevated Leg Pillow

Multi-use leg rest

This leg rest also has plenty of other orthopedic uses as a body pillow, back support, and knee pillow. Its firm and ergonomic design brings relief to the entire body and is available in other sizes.

DMI’s orthopedic leg rest pillow is a great option because there are three available sizes. Each with a 20 in wide platform, the pillows increase in thickness, length, and the degree the angled end is sloped, meaning there is a perfectly sized pillow for almost everyone.

The high-density foam pillow delivers firm support that will keep its shape with repeated use. It's important to note that it might take a few days to get used to the firmness, but soon the body will adjust. The leg rest is complete with a poly-cotton cover in a pretty light blue color that’s machine-washable.

Key Features

  • 6, 8, and 10 in elevation options
  • Different inclines depending on the height of the leg rest
  • Bright blue, washable cover
Best wedge pillow

Hermell Zero-Gravity Leg Elevation Pillow

Light and portable with multiple sizes

This wedge pillow also utilizes zero-gravity alignment for back pain and can also be used as knee pillows for sleeping. We especially like its washable cover and variety of available sizes.

Similar to other designs, Hermell’s zero-gravity leg elevation pillow is constructed from a durable polyurethane foam that offers firm, shape-holding support. An easy to remove cotton blend pillow cover, available in white or blue, can simply be popped into a washing machine to quickly clean and refresh.

The affordable leg rest comes in three different various lengths, widths, and height combos for your personal purchasing needs.

In addition to back support, the pillow successfully elevates the legs above the heart, which aids in pain relief and reducing swelling. The pillow is known to decrease the pain of sciatica, which is a condition that can cause pain in the back, bottom, and legs.

Key Features

  • Three different sizes
  • Comes in white or blue
  • Cotton cover is removable and washable
Best cooling pillow

Ebung High-Density Leg Rest Elevating Foam Wedge

Rest easy with this versatile wedge

Thanks to its hypoallergenic and highly breathable design, this cooling pillow is a breeze to sleep with. Not to mention its memory foam construction will leave you lying firm but comfy.

Ebung’s leg rest features a two-layer foam pillow–a denser base that provides support and a memory foam top for extra comfort. The ergonomic design molds to the natural shape of the body while still ultimately retaining its shape.

The dust-proof cover is hypoallergenic, breathable, machine-washable. The woven fabric helps ensure the leg rest will stay cool during extended use.

Highly rated, Ebung’s elevating foam wedge is built to last and can assist with a host of issues, including edema, aligning the spine and coccyx, improving blood circulation, and supporting ligaments and muscles, all while reducing swelling.

Key Features

  • One in of memory foam top
  • Polyurethane foam based
  • Washable, hypoallergenic cover

While seemingly similar, there is a bit of variety from one leg rest to another. As long as you know what you’re looking for, you should be able to find the best leg rest for your specific needs with no problem. Let’s break down the main components:

Cover

Each wedge cover is a little different, but there are a few factors that will make a world of difference for the lifespan and comfort of your leg rest.

We recommend looking for a leg rest with a machine-washable cover. Without one, you’re basically allowing the wedge to become a breeding ground for bacteria.

The material of the cover is equally important. Most cases are made out of a cotton blend, similar to a normal pillow case. If the information is available, the thread count will dictate the softness and durability of the cover. A plush cover will be warm and soft, but won’t be as breathable as other fabrics, so if staying cool is a concern, but sure to keep that in mind.

Density

Some people might really enjoy a stiff leg rest, others might want one that forms to the shape of your leg. Both are readily available for purchase.

For the most part, you’ll find pillows that balance both comfort and firmness. In order for the leg to be elevated above the heart, the pillow does have to be firm enough to retain shape and prevent your leg from completely sinking.

Polyurethane is the most common material used for the base of the pillow. Polyurethane is a high-density foam that balances stiffness with subtle plushness. If you want a softer leg rest, check out pillows that have memory foam on the top layer that will offer a bit more cushion.

Size

The height of the leg rest determines its effectiveness in soothing pain. If you’re purchasing the leg rest because of intense swelling, make sure the pillow is tall enough to elevate your legs above your heart.

Most leg rests are about 7 or 8 in tall which is the perfect height for elevation and pain relief. Some models are taller which is a better choice for taller individuals.

Width and length are also an important consideration, especially if leg swelling is a concern. You want to ensure the pillow will be wide and long enough to comfortably accommodate you or your loved one’s legs

We recommend measuring the length of your or loved one’s legs from the base of the bottom to the knees, and again from the knees to feet to decide which height and length will be most appropriate. Measure once again across both legs to find the width needed.

Alaina Strollo

Alaina is a writer and editor for the TravelAwaits team. Between her love for delicious food, hidden gems and niche destinations, and binge-watching travel series on Netflix, Alaina loves writing most of all. She is a storyteller at heart with a passion for sharing stories with the world.