How can I keep myself upright while sleeping?

We all tend to slide down at night... to get more flat... and to roll to one side or another. Although I can comfortably do this now (I no longer sleep elevated), this certainly was not true my first 12 to 18 months post-op.
But friction helps! Use a flannel fitted sheet and wear flannel or textured pajama bottoms... this will prevent you from sliding anywhere... it's like wearing velcro!
And lock yourself in with long side pillows wedged against you.

Also... if you're having nasty reflux... maybe try the opposite of our normal bedtime prep rules. Go ahead and still take a swig of Gaviscon Advance at bedtime... but after that... go ahead and eat a bagel or something voluminous... right at bedtime! This will top off your stomach and keep it busy... the acid (or bile) won't so easily escape and come up at 3 am. Anyway... worth a shot.

Gary,
Southern California

@mrgvw I had esophageal cancer but I am now cured. I have fought aspirations for a long time and have them under control now. Few suggestions..
DO NOT EAT ANYTHING AFTER DINNER. In fact, eat 2 hours BEFORE going to bed. Take 2 Gaviscon right after eating dinner. Take 1 more when you go to bed. I use a wedge pillow. Your stomach takes 2 hours to empty so don't eat anything. Don't eat anything with spices! Chocolate is ok but in small portions early in the day. You will eventually learn what not to eat.

I was diagnosed with stage four S. Gale cancer in 2019. I recently had my six your CAT scan and I am still showing no sign of reoccurrence. The thing that was a game changer for me and staying elevated at night was purchasing 4 inch memory foam mattress, topper, in addition to my wedge and extra pillows. I just sit on my bed for about a minute before I lay back, and I have had no problem sliding down. I did find myself still rolling off during the night, and I have stopped that by making sure I’m always hugging a pillow. I truly hope that this will work for you.

Hi
I’ve commented a couple times on this site about the “Super Slant full length bed wedge” Amazon $189.
They come in 1/2 a queen or king.
I tried 3 different 3 foot short wedges. They created more problems than they solved. Always sliding down (injured my neck once) you can only lay on your back, uncomfortable at the hips.
I also have a recliner and an adjustable bed, but prefer this for sleeping. I sleep through the night on my side.
It’s very comfortable. Best thing I’ve found. There are a couple other items on Amazon that can be used along with this if you need for more height. Full length wedge is the way to go.

@lleigh
Hi!
Thanks for your message.
Do you place your wedge pillow underneath the memory foam mattress topper?
Thanks,
CJ

@brianpj12
Hi, Brian,
The full length bed wedge sounds good. Thanks for giving the exact name to look for on Amazon. I will check it out.
CJ