I'm on Medicare, so they paid for a hospital bed. (It's not nearly as sturdy as the real thing, but it's functional.) I sleep with my head around 35 degrees and my knees elevated just enough to keep from sliding down. I found that raising your knees too far led to pressure sores. I paid a little extra for mechanical raising and lowering of the entire bed. Medicare will pay only for a mechanical crank for that function. I bought an inexpensive inclinometer which clamps to the frame magnetically to get the head elevation right. I also take Nexium mornings and famotidine in the evening. I have not had the surgery. Even for those not on Medicare yet, the beds are not terrifically expensive. I find the bed much more comfortable than recliners for all-night sleep...