Legs Up, Leg Relaxer or Knee Relaxer?
Written by Nadim Assaf, registered pharmacist, Connect Mobility in Picton
Each of these raises your legs in a different way. Let's work out where you'll use it, and what it needs to do for you.
Where will you use it?
That's the first question, and it narrows things down fast. One of these is for the lounge. The other three go in bed.
Feet above the heart
If you're raising your legs for swelling, height matters. Healthdirect's advice for leg ulcers is to raise the leg above the level of your heart. Cleveland Clinic suggests doing it for at least 30 minutes, three times a day, for vein problems.
Here's the catch. When you sit up with your feet on a stool, your feet are still well below your heart. It feels good, and Healthdirect says putting your feet up helps varicose veins. But for real swelling, lying down with your legs raised works better.
When you lie flat, even a modest lift puts your feet above your heart. That's why the bed supports suit swelling so well.
The four side by side
Legs Up
This is a firm foam block that sits in front of your couch or armchair, like a footstool. It's 48 x 44 x 53 cm, and you can turn it six different ways to change the height.
It supports the whole lower leg, not just the heels, so there's no pressure point on your heels or knees. It's also on the DVA equipment schedule.
Pick it if you spend your afternoons in the lounge room and want your legs up in comfort. If you have a recliner or a lift chair that tips back, Legs Up gets your feet higher still.
Leg Relaxer
The Leg Relaxer is a long foam wedge that goes under your legs in bed. It lifts from the hips, rising to 18 cm at the feet. Take out the insert and it drops to 14 cm.
TheraMed designed it for varicose veins, swollen legs, cramps and pregnancy. Lying on it puts your feet above your heart without much effort. Some owners also say it eased their lower back.
Knee Relaxer
This one's about your back more than your legs. It's a curved support that sits under your knees when you lie on your back. Keeping your knees slightly bent takes strain off your lower back.
An NHS sleep posture guide suggests a small pillow under the knees when you lie on your back. The Knee Relaxer does the same job, and it won't slide away overnight. It also pairs well with a bed wedge, because it stops you sliding down.
Foot Reliever
The Foot Reliever supports your calf and leaves your heel floating in the air. A removable piece sets the heel at 17 cm or 13.5 cm.
It's made for recovery after foot, ankle or bunion surgery, and for sore heels. Heels are one of the first places pressure sores form in people who spend a lot of time in bed. Wound care guidelines say the heel should be kept completely off the mattress, with the weight spread along the leg. That's what this shape does.
When to stop
If only one leg is swollen and you don't know why, see a doctor straight away. It can be a blood clot. Call 000 if you also have chest pain or trouble breathing.
If your legs ache more when you raise them, don't. Pain that gets worse with your legs up can be a sign of poor blood flow in the arteries. Keep your legs level and see your GP.
If you have heart failure, check with your doctor or heart nurse before you start raising your legs for long periods.
Looking after them
All four are foam, so don't soak or machine wash them. Spot clean the foam with a damp cloth.
The quilted covers are hand wash only. The Leg Relaxer also comes with a green Steri-Plus cover that wipes clean, and an optional cotton overslip. The Legs Up comes in a grey fabric or a vinyl that wipes down.
Side by side
| Legs Up | Leg Relaxer | Knee Relaxer | Foot Reliever | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our price | $285 | $165 to $185 | $149 | $149 |
| Where | Couch or chair | Bed | Bed | Bed |
| Size | 48 x 44 x 53 cm | 68 x 43 cm | 61 x 47 x 15 cm | 55 x 42 x 15 cm |
| Height | Six positions | 14 or 18 cm | 15 cm | Heel at 13.5 or 17 cm |
| Main use | Feet up in comfort | Swelling, veins | Lower back | Heels, foot surgery |
| Covers | Fabric or vinyl | Quilted or Steri-Plus | Quilted | Quilted |
Specs are from TheraMed. All four are made in Australia and carry TheraMed's 12-month warranty against faults.
Questions we get
How long should I keep my legs up?
For vein problems, Cleveland Clinic suggests at least 30 minutes, three times a day. Your doctor may give you different advice, so follow theirs.
Can I sleep all night on the Leg Relaxer?
Many people do. Start with the lower 14 cm setting and see how your back and hips feel.
What if I'm in bed most of the day?
Then pressure care matters too. Our pressure mattress guide explains foam and air mattresses.
Ask before you buy
Tell Nadim why you want your legs up and where you'll use the support. He'll tell you which one suits, and when it's worth seeing your GP first. Call 1300 216 888.
Where our facts come from
- TheraMed product pages (sizes, heights, covers, care, warranty, uses, reviews)
- Healthdirect, varicose veins (put your feet up)
- Healthdirect, leg ulcers (raise the leg above the heart)
- Cleveland Clinic, chronic venous insufficiency (30 minutes, three times a day)
- Healthdirect, deep vein thrombosis (one swollen leg, when to call 000)
- MSD Manual, peripheral artery disease (pain worse when the leg is raised)
- Sussex Community NHS, sleep posture (pillow under the knees)
- Wound Practice and Research, preventing heel pressure injuries (offload the heel)
Checked September 2026.