Tommy Stern, inventor of the Reflux Guard, shares the personal journey that led him to create a foundational incline solution for reflux. He explains how sleeping on an incline can naturally reduce symptoms of GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, and sleep apnea without needing to change sleep position or rely on medication alone. His hands-on experience with thousands of customers offers a practical and empathetic approach to lasting relief.
Introduction to Reflux Guard and How It Works
Josef Kreitmayer
Welcome to another amazing session here at the Reflux Summit. I’m here with Tommy Stern, the inventor of the Reflux Guard.
A lot of people are aware that we should sleep on our left side and on an incline, and Tommy invented a support system for that. Molly Pelletier, one of our amazing speakers, introduced us. We had a call earlier today and decided to record right away because our conversation was so interesting.
Hello, Tommy.
Tommy Stern
Hi Josef, it’s nice to meet you. We’ve only known each other for about an hour, but we have already become good friends.
I want to clarify that while Reflux Guard may seem like a pillow, it’s not really a pillow. It’s a foundational support that goes under the mattress to create an incline. Comfort and the ability to sleep in any position were critical in the design.
Some clients use it on top, but we recommend placing it underneath. That’s how we’re able to give it a 10-year guarantee.
Josef Kreitmayer
You give a 10-year guarantee? That’s amazing. And because it’s under the mattress, not in contact with the skin, the chance of wear and tear is low.
Tommy Stern
Exactly. When it’s under the mattress, the weight gets diffused, so there’s little concern.
Customers love that they can use it for 10 years without having to think about it. Once it’s under your mattress, you’re 100% compliant. There’s nothing to remember—just go to bed like usual.
Design Philosophy and Full-Body Support
Josef Kreitmayer
What I really like about your system is that many incline pillows are too steep or too short. You slide down during the night, or only your upper torso is elevated.
With your system, it looks like it supports the entire upper body in a more natural position. I imagine a lot of testing went into that.
Tommy Stern
Absolutely. A big problem with pillows is that gravity pulls you down during the night.
Reflux Guard supports the entire upper body so your spine stays straight and your body doesn’t fight the incline. That’s why people can stay in place all night and still sleep comfortably.
The Personal Story Behind Reflux Guard
Tommy Stern
I had a very similar story to yours. I used to wake up at night with a burning chest and had no idea what was happening.
My youngest brother was in medical school overseas. When he came back during residency, he told me to see a gastroenterologist. That’s when I was diagnosed.
I followed all the standard advice—diet changes, no late meals, weight loss—and it worked for a while. But the symptoms came back.
Tommy Stern
Eventually, I discovered I also had sleep apnea. There’s a strong connection between sleep apnea and reflux.
I spent two years suffering and searching. When I finally came up with the idea for Reflux Guard and tried it, my life completely changed.
Gravity, Pressure, and the Incline Principle
Tommy Stern
Gravity works against us when we sleep flat.
Imagine a bottle standing upright—that’s you standing. Lay it flat, and if there’s reflux, it leaks. Raise it slightly, and a barrier forms.
The more incline you create, the stronger the barrier becomes.
Reflux is about internal pressure overcoming the valve. Reflux Guard uses gravity to reduce that pressure without forcing extreme lifestyle changes.
Eating Before Bed and Individual Tolerance
Josef Kreitmayer
How long before bed should people stop eating?
Tommy Stern
Ideally, the stomach should be empty before sleep.
Personally, I sometimes eat before bed despite having Barrett’s Esophagus, but because I sleep on an incline, it works for me.
Everyone is different. The goal is minimizing pressure. Some people need four inches of incline, others six or more. We help customize that.
Custom Solutions and Customer Support
Tommy Stern
We get a lot of creative questions. One common one is whether you can incline just one side of the bed—you can’t, or your partner would roll off.
We offer custom solutions for unusual mattresses, truck drivers, nursing beds, and electric beds.
Over a year and a half, we had only a 2% return rate. Now instead of returns, I personally call customers to help them adjust. Almost everyone ends up happy.
Travel, Accessories, and Future Vision
Tommy Stern
We’ve developed slipcovers, travel straps, and accessories to make Reflux Guard easier to live with.
It’s bulky for flying but perfect for car travel. I even brought one to Israel once—my son carried it easily.
We surveyed customers, and 86% said they would choose a hotel that offered Reflux Guard. That’s our next goal.
Why Foam, Not Inflatable or Plastic
Tommy Stern
We explored inflatable designs, but leaks, noise, and complexity were problems.
Foam is quiet, reliable, and long-lasting. We also patented slip guards to prevent mattress movement, but we keep things simple for customers.
Reflux Guard Beyond Reflux
Tommy Stern
Incline sleeping helps with snoring, sinus drainage, breathing, spinal decompression, and even heart health.
Many people come for reflux and discover unexpected benefits. Sleep impacts everything—hormones, weight, mood, energy.
The Emotional Toll of Reflux and Barrett’s Esophagus
Josef Kreitmayer
For many people, reflux creates fear—around food, sleep, and health.
Tommy Stern
Absolutely. I know people who developed esophageal cancer. Reflux can reach the lungs and cause infections.
When I was suffering, I was terrified to sleep. Reflux Guard prevents most of those nighttime episodes.
Living with Barrett’s Esophagus
Tommy Stern
Being diagnosed with Barrett’s was scary. It means the esophageal cells have changed.
Over time, studies showed it progresses more slowly than once thought. My last endoscopy even showed some regression.
I combine medication with incline sleeping and lifestyle changes. Everyone must work with their doctor—don’t go it alone.
Medication Risks and Nutrient Absorption
Josef Kreitmayer
PPIs can interfere with nutrient absorption and increase risks long term.
Tommy Stern
Exactly. That’s why my wife got off them. She supplements B12 and monitors bone density.
PPIs also increase infection risk and cause rebound acid. Some people need them long-term, but many can taper with guidance.
Purpose, Research, and Helping Others
Tommy Stern
I recently spoke to a woman whose husband has esophageal cancer. That motivates me deeply.
This isn’t about selling products—it’s about helping people sleep, heal, and live without fear.
Final Words of Encouragement
Tommy Stern
Sleep is a crucial part of healing. When you sleep on an incline, you support your body instead of fighting it.
I hope people find the right doctors, the right tools, and become active participants in their healing.
Josef Kreitmayer
Thank you, Tommy. For those watching, you’ll find more information below. May you all be well.
