I’m an avid reader and do a lot of my reading in bed at night. However, I struggle to find a comfortable position, usually trying to prop myself up with several pillows. It just never feels totally comfortable though, and after a while I find my back and neck aching.
If you’re a fellow reader who also suffers from this issue, I found the solution…a reading pillow!
Today, I’m going to share with you the top 13 best reading pillows, along with a guide to buying them.
Let’s get started!
A reading pillow was traditionally called a husband pillow, this is because of the large comfortable arms and supportive back rest.
13 Best Reading Pillows on Amazon
1. Best Reading Pillow w/Neck & Arm Support: Husband Pillow
If you like your backrest pillow to be big and comfortable, you should definitely give the Husband pillow a try. One of the things I like about this pillow is that it has a back and side pocket for storing your book, phone, remote, glasses, or magazine. It’s designed to support the upper body and is made of high quality, shredded memory foam, which adds both comfort and support. It has a micro plush cover that feels soft and is removable. You also have a zipper on the shell of the pillow so that you can add or remove foam to get it just right. The shredded foam reading pillow has armrests and a neck roll that can be adjusted.
Pros: customizable pillow, versatile, machine-washable microsuede cover, lots of color choices, good head and neck support, has built-in pockets, is portable, 100-day home trial with three-year warranty, long arms
Cons: pricey, you do need to adjust the filling to get the shape right
Buy the Husband Pillow on Amazon →
2. Best Largest Reading Pillow: Nestl
If you are looking for a reading pillow with good lumbar support, the Nestl reading pillow is the one for you. It has two detachable pillow rolls that can be used for lumbar support and neck support, as well as armrests to support the shoulders. You can adjust the pillow’s firmness by removing or adding to the memory foam in the pillow. The pillow comes in 13 colors and two sizes and has a removable washable cover. There is a large pocket on the back of the pillow for storage and it comes with a 3-year money-back guarantee.
Pros: offers a larger range of colors than other reading pillows, has a washable cover, the filling can be adjusted, there is a large pocket for storage, and is an ample size, 3 year warranty
Cons: when you first open the package there is slight offgassing , however, this goes away quickly
Buy the Nestl reading pillow on Amazon →
3. Best for Lumbar Support: Linenspa
If you are looking for a reading pillow that comes in sizes for kids and adults and with good armrest support, the Linenspa reading cushion is a good choice. The standard size is perfect for children and helps improve their posture when sitting and playing games or watching TV. The extra-large pillow is perfect for teens and adults. It’s also ideal if you have had surgery and need that added support for your back and shoulders. It’s made with shredded memory foam and a soft velour cover that is easy to spot clean. It comes compressed so all that you need to do is shake it well to get it to fluff up. Another great overall reading pillow if you’re looking for optimum back support while relaxing, gaming, reading, or watching TV.
Pros: comes in 2 sized for kids and adults with/without neck support, durable fabric, has a handle on top to conveniently carry, and offers good support while remaining comfortable, armrest support, 3 years warranty
Cons: takes 48 hours to fully decompress, could be taller
Buy the LinenSpa reading pillow on Amazon →
4. Best Bolster Backrest for Headboard: WOWMAX
If you want a corduroy reading pillow that can also act as a headboard, you will love the Wowmax Triangular pillow. The pillow is designed for supporting and improving your posture while you read. It comes in all bed sizes and supports the neck and back while reading, watching TV, and sleeping. It’s functional doubling as a reading and elevated sleeping pillow, it’s stylish and decorative and the cover is detachable and washable.
Pros: good neck support, improves posture, multiple sizes and colors, versatile, has a small side pocket for storing your phone, removable, machine-washable corduroy cover
Cons: some buyers felt the zippers were too fragile and didn’t like the rough feel of the fabric cover
Buy the WowMax Triangular reading pillow on Amazon→
5. Best Super Plush Reading Pillow: Brentwood Shagalisciuos Bedrest
The Brentwood Shagaliscious Bedrest is perfect if you want a quality support reading pillow for your college dorm, bedroom or sofa – with a fun splash of color. It’s designed to support your neck, back, and arms while sitting. It has a handle at the top of the pillow, making it easy to take with you. While the furry soft feeling cover isn’t removable, it can be cleaned with a damp cloth. It comes in 3 bright colors and has built-in armrests.
Pros: a super soft pillow that still gives great support for the back, highly comfortable, sturdy design and a handle for carrying with you.
Cons: fabric of the cover can shed a bit, colors are much brighter than expected
Buy the Brentwood Shagalisciuos bedrest on Amazon →
6. Best Hypoallergenic Reading Pillow: Malouf Z
The Malouf Z reading pillow is a good choice if you want a hypoallergenic backrest. The soft velour cover is made from a bamboo and rayon blend that is breathable and keeps you cool. It has a shredded memory foam filling, armrests, and the size is perfect for kids and adults alike. It was made to work as a full seat support pillow for the neck, arms, and back. It also has a handle on top for easily taking with you, and the cover can be easily spot cleaned.
Pros: 3 year warranty. stylish, very soft, lightweight and portable, keeps its shape with its memory foam filling, and can easily be washed.
Cons: takes up to 48 hours to decompress
Buy the Malouf X reading pillow on Amazon →
7. Best Customizable Reading Pillow: Milliard
You will love this pillow if you are a gamer! It’s designed as a full seat backrest cushion with armrests and used a shredded memory foam filling. It supports the back for better posture and it comes in 3 sizes; petite 14-inch, standard 18-inch, and extra-large 24-inch. The cover is soft and durable and can be removed and machine washed. It has a handle and is lightweight, making it easy to carry with you. The pillow is easily customizable, giving you the ability to add or remove filling to suit your needs.
Pros: affordable, multiple sizes, has a removable washable cover that is very soft, is easy to carry, and allows you to add or remove foam filler to adjust it to your needs
Cons: takes up to 48 hours to decompress
Buy the Milliard reading pillow on Amazon →
8. Best Multi-Functional: Bed Wedge By Vive
If you need a reading pillow that can be adjusted to fit under your legs, head, or back, the Xtra-comfort bed wedge pillow from Vive Health is perfect for you. The pillow uses breathable memory foam so it will keep its shape over time. It also has a smaller pillow wedge that can be flipped for inclining the legs or to sleep on. It gives support while still being comfortable and the soft cover is removable and can be washed. The pillow can be easily folded and has a soft handle for carrying with you.
Pros: removable washable cover, supportive memory foam, 4 in 1 versatile design, 60-day guarantee, affordable
Cons: may feel a bit heavy for some
Buy the Vive Xtra-Comfort bed wedge pillow on Amazon →
9. Best Firm-Support Reading Pillow: MittaGonG Backrest with Arms
If you end up with neck and back pain when you read, and need a pillow that is supportive and firm, the MittaGonG backrest reading pillow is for you. It’s designed to let you sit in ergonomic positions that support the lower back. The plush velour cover is removable and can be washed, and it has a handle that makes it easy to carry. While it is harder than some pillows, it still has a bit of springiness too it with its tightly packed shredded foam filling. You also have two armrests built-in for added comfort and support. The 21-inch high pillow is able to maintain its shape while supporting the upper and lower back.
Pros: washable removable cover, plush memory foam, armrests supports shoulders, ergonomically designed for back support
Cons: not a soft pillow, armrests can be a bit too short for some
Buy the mittaGonG TV reading pillow on Amazon →
10. Best Therapeutic Wedge Reading Pillow: Brentwood Home Zuma
For a good reading pillow, this simple wedge pillow which is also great for sleeping on if you have respiratory issues, such as sleep apnea, the Brentwood Home Zuma pillow is a great choice. The wedge pillow can be used to support your upper body, elevate your legs, or stabilize your body when laying on your side. It’s available in 3 heights: 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. The gradual slope is comfortable and helps to ease respiratory issues, acid reflux, and poor circulation. It has a soft stretch-knit cover that can be removed and washed, and the foam support doesn’t lose its shape over time.
Pros: has a removable washable cover, lightweight design, supportive base that won’t lose its shape, made in the USA.
Cons: we couldn’t find any
Buy the Brentwood Home Zuma wedge pillow on Amazon →
11. Budget Pick: Keen Edge Home
This reading pillow from Keen Edge is perfect if you like having a place to store your gadgets. The pillow is fluffy, with good back support and armrests. It can be easily carried and has a removable washable cover. The filling is made from shredded foam that will conform to the shape of your body. The shape is designed to give your back, neck, and arms the proper ergonomic support. It maintains its shape over time and has a pocket on the side of the arm.
Pros: has good back, neck, and arm support, maintains its shape, has a washable removable cover, reasonably priced, and easy to carry.
Cons: only comes in one color and one size
Buy Keen Home Edge reading pillow on Amazon →
12. Best Luxury: BedLounge
If you need an ergonomic design pillow that is height adjustable you will love this reading or TV pillow from BedLounge. The removable washable cover is 100% cotton and comes in a variety of colors, and the pillow comes in sizes regular and small. The pillow is packed with memory foam and consists of a back support, headrest, and armrests. The built-in lumbar support and headrest is made of feather and down cushioning. The headrest can be moved up and down to adjust to your height.
Pros: sturdy yet lightweight, doctor designed, adjustable neck headrest, removable and washable cover, comes in a variety of colors, twice sizes, 60-day money-back guarantee.
Cons: pricey
Buy BedLounge reading cushion pillow →
13. Best for Durability: ComfortSpa
If you are looking for an eco-friendly bed lounge pillow, this cushion from ComfortSpa is perfect for you. It comes compressed to lower the carbon footprint of normal shipping. The pillow is filled with shredded memory foam that adapts to the shape of your body without losing its shape and firmness over time. The cover is made of a durable soft velour that is easy to wash. It’s designed to support good posture with armrests that are a good length and has pockets on each arm. You also get a 100% refund policy from the manufacturer.
Pros: Soft washable cover, side pockets for storage, eco-friendly, maintains its shape over time, and has a 100% refund policy
Cons: When it arrives it has a chemical odor, but this goes away within 24 hours.
Buy the ComfortSpa reading pillow on Amazon →
What Makes a Good “Reading” Pillow?
Now that we’ve looked at the top 13 pillows for reading, watching TV or even gaming, it’s time to go over what to look for when shopping around for one. The “best” reading pillows have some common features to look out for.
Comfort and Design
A good reading pillow needs to be soft, but firm enough to support your weight. The best pillows are made from good quality memory foam. Many have shredded memory foam that can be added to or removed to get it just right for you. Reading pillows that have been designed to support the back, neck, and arms are crucial.
Durable and Safe
A really good reading pillow is something you will use often. So, it’s important that it is made from materials that will last long. Many come with removable washable covers that are easy to maintain. Where health is concerned, choosing a pillow that is hypoallergenic and has no harmful materials adds to your overall wellness.
Firmness
How firm a pillow is will determine how comfortable and supportive it is for you. Less dense pillows won’t be able to prop you up or support you properly, which can result in aches and pain in the back and neck. A pillow that is too firm, however, can be uncomfortable and make it hard to sleep. The thickness of the pillow also determines how much they will compress and keep their shape. Thicker pillows tend to keep their shape better.
Texture
Reading pillows won’t be able to use a normal pillowcase. So, choosing one with a cover that has the right texture is key. You want a cover that is breathable, won’t trap heat and isn’t abrasive to the skin.
Slope
This will depend on what you intend to use the pillow for. A reading cushion with too steep a slope won’t work for sleeping but is great for sitting up. One with a slope that is too low is good for sleeping, but won’t give enough elevation to support the upper body.
Weight
If you travel a lot and need a pillow that you can take with you, weight is a crucial factor. Some reading pillows can be easily folded or compressed for packing. There is also the option of an inflatable travel wedge pillow.
Price
Most people have a budget and want to find a backrest pillow that is good quality but doesn’t break the bank. Your basic reading pillow can range from $25 to $35. They tend to not be as supportive but are ok for occasional use.
Your mid-range pillow can be between $35 to $50 and you will find some good quality reading pillows in this range. You then have your higher-end pillows that can go up to $100. These tend to be made of high-quality foam and material, and they offer comfort and good support.
If you plan on using your reading pillow often, it makes sense to go for one of the higher-end options because these tend to last longer, meaning you will need to replace them less frequently than cheaper versions.
You will be transformed by what you read.
Deepak Chopra
Types of Reading Pillows
Reading pillows comes in a few types and offer varying degrees of support, here are the most popular reading or propped up pillows on the market.
Armrest Pillows
These are the most popular out of all of the reading pillows. They will have armrests and a high back, some with headrests. They are easy to position just about anywhere, so can be used in bed, on the couch, in a chair, or on the floor. The armrests take the strain off of your arms, but they also support the shoulders and allow for better circulation. You’ll know what I mean if you have ever been reading and had your hand or arm fall asleep.
Wedge Pillows
Wedge pillows tend to be better when reading in bed because they are made to be propped up against something sturdy. Most are made with high-density or memory foam, giving you that added firmness and support that is perfect for those with bad backs. They can also be used to support the legs.
Bolsters and Backrests
These are a lot like wedge pillows, however, they tend to be filled with hollow polyester fiber. This means they aren’t as supportive as those with memory foam. While not the best option for reading, they are ok for shorter periods of time.
I read for pleasure and that is the moment I learn the most.
Margaret Atwood
What Are Reading or TV Pillows Made of?
Along with different types of pillows, reading, television or gaming pillows are also made from different materials.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows allows you to adjust your position easily because it conforms to the shape of your body. So, there is no need to fluff a pillow up when you change positions.
Shredded Memory Foam
With these pillows, the memory foam is shredded into small pieces, which gives them better breathability and makes them very flexible. Many reading pillows will have a zippered shell that allows you to add or remove filling as you see fit.
Polyester
Reading pillows that use polyester are the most economical choice. They are durable and easy to clean. However, they tend to have an unpleasant smell when first using them. This is a result of the chemicals that are used to make them.
Latex
If you want a pillow that is hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, a latex reading pillow is your best option. Latex pillows offers breathability that is perfect if you sweat more or have hot flashes. They tend to give you good shoulder and neck support.
Feather
If you are after a reading pillow that is fluffy, a feather pillow will do the job. These are extremely soft and supportive. Feathers are curled and act like natural springs for that added bounce.
Health Benefits of Using a Sit Up or Propped Up Pillow
What it is about a reading pillow that makes it better than just any old cushion or pillow?
If you have ever read in bed for long periods of time and used a bunch of pillows to prop yourself up, you’ll know the answer to this right away. You don’t really get the support you need and often end up constantly adjusting and fluffing the pillows. With a reading pillow, you eliminate the need for that. Many people suffer from a bad night’s sleep due to health issues that a wedge pillow can alleviate.
Promotes Better Posture
Pillows designed for reading or sitting up offer the right alignment and support to keep your spine in the right position. This means less stress and pressure on the joints.
Engages Those Core Muscles
Sitting up puts your abdominal core, oblique, and spinal muscles into action. By engaging these areas on a continual basis we strengthen them, which makes them more able to support the spine over time.
Helps Prevent Acid Reflux
Many people have trouble sleeping at night due to acid reflux. This is because, when laying flat, the throat and stomach are on equal levels. This means it is easier for stomach acid to flow upwards, causing heartburn. Using a reading or wedge pillow will raise your head by a few inches so that the acid won’t be able to do this.
Helps With Respiratory Issues
If you suffer from snoring, asthma, or sleep apnea, the incline of a reading or wedge pillow can help. Laying at an incline will unblock your airway, relieving pressure on the throat and allowing you to breath more easily.
Eases Back Pain
Between 60% to 80% of people suffer from back pain. Whether it’s from bad posture, scoliosis, strenuous activity, or an accident, back pain can keep us from having a good night’s sleep. Along with some good sleeping positions, an ergonomically designed pillow can help alleviate this pain because it supports the back, neck, and upper body.
Remember this the next time you pick up a book, your ipad or a magazine to read:
A reading pillow is great for alleviating lower back pain while serving as a lumbar pillow.
The Bottom Line
So, we’ve learned why reading pillows are beneficial for more than just reading, what to look for in a good reading pillow, and what options they come in. My favorite freestanding reading pillow of the 13 pillows we’ve reviewed is the Husband Pillow. It’s like having a big hug while you’re reading. I found it to be the right mix between softness and firmness. But remember, it all depends on what it is you are needing and looking for in the best reading pillow. I hope this guide has made it a bit easier to find your match!