The Best Reading Pillow of 2021 – Comfortable and Relaxing

For most people, their bed much more than a comfy spot for a nap or to sleep through the night – it’s where they relax to read a book, browse the Web on their tablet, and watch TV. If you enjoy working from home in bed, you’ve probably found yourself struggling to get comfortable. And, scrunching up your pillows against the headboard just doesn’t provide enough support, much less comfort. 

If you really want to be comfortable sitting up in bed, you should think about buying a reading pillow. Reading pillows are designed to give your spine the support it needs by cradling your body properly while sitting up in bed, on the sofa or even on the floor. 

We’ve compiled a guide below so that you can learn all about the benefits of reading pillows, including reviews of the models we recommend most.

The Best Reading Pillows 

WOWMAX Triangular Reading Pillow Review

The WOWMAX Triangular Reading Pillow is designed to comfortably prop you up in bed, so your lower back gets the support it needs. It contains a dense polyurethane filling to offer both support and comfort. In addition, it is large enough to act as a headboard if your bed doesn’t have one.

The corduroy fabric cover with button detail is quite attractive, making this a stylish accessory in any bedroom. With the large variety of color choices, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding just the right color to enhance your décor. Despite its solid design, the corduroy cover can be easily removed, machine washed and dried. You should wash it in cold or warm water on a “normal” cycle, then tumble dry on low heat.

The WOWMAX Triangular Reading Pillow is available in a variety of sizes, from twin to king, which means that you can buy one to suit any body size. It can also be used by couples who want to sit up in bed together as well as large-sized individuals.

The large size and button design of this product make it look like a headboard rather than a bed pillow. Its versatility makes it perfect for college dorm rooms because the pillow can be placed lengthwise on a bed against the wall, turning the bed into a sofa. The same can be done with a day bed, so it can be used as a regular couch.

MALOUF Z Foam Filled Reading Pillow Review

The MALOUF Z Foam Filled Reading Pillow is specifically designed to support the shoulders, back, and arms and works great if you want to watch TV or read in bed. It’s filled with a mixture of traditional foam and shredded memory foam known for its contouring abilities. Thus, you can shape the pillow to support the areas of your body most in need.

The soft velour fabric cover is made of a blend of bamboo and rayon, making it cool and breathable - a quality that prevents overheating because body heat can easily escape during use. Therefore, this is a good option for people who tend to become hot in bed. The dark grey color blends with any décor.

Because of the shredded memory filling, the Malouf can easily conform to your body shape, cradling your body comfortably while offering support at the same time. Shredded memory foam is full of air gaps, so the entire pillow is nice and breathable. This quality, along with the pillow’s armrest design, makes this one of the best options currently on the market.

The MALOUF Z Foam Filled Reading Pillow can be spot cleaned with a clean wet cloth. You can also safely use a mild fabric detergent to remove any stains or to eliminate odors. The company offers a 3-year warranty on their product.

Xtra-Comfort Bed Wedge Pillow Review

The Xtra-Comfort Bed Wedge Pillow can be used in several different ways. It can be placed behind your back to prop up the head, neck, and shoulders. Or, the wedge can be placed in front of you while seated as a “desk” for your book or laptop. The pillow is 22” wide and 12” deep, so it can easily fit on any bed to add comfort and support whether you’re sitting or sleeping. It’s perfect for traveling, with its compact size, handy carry handle, and ability to fold.

Because we all have our preferences when it comes to sleeping positions, the versatility of this wedge allows it to adapt to most people. You can position it so that you have a steep or gradual incline - this way, your head can be elevated exactly right for a good night’s sleep.

The high-density memory foam filling gives the right amount of softness while still being supportive. Because it can contour to your exact body shape, you get optimal support without sacrificing comfort. This is a long-lasting pillow that will not lose its original shape over time and can be used in conjunction with your regular bed pillows.

The cover is made of breathable soft polyester fabric, which can easily be removed for machine washing. The Xtra-Comfort Bed Wedge Pillow comes in a neutral beige color that blends with the décor of most bedrooms.

HusbandPillow Backrest Pillow Review

The HusbandPillow Backrest Pillow is extremely comfortable because it can easily be customized to suit any body type. For both comfort and support, you cannot beat the coziness of this pillow. Its adjustable shredded foam filling allows you to customize the level of support and comfort to suit your needs, and the soft cover makes it even better. The HusbandPillow is much larger than the average, so its perfect for larger adults and those who like the comfort of being cradled by their pillow when sitting up in bed.

Filled with high-grade shredded memory foam, it can easily conform to your shape for complete comfort and support. The filling can also be redistributed, or you can even remove some of it through the zippered opening. This way, you can totally customize the shape and firmness to your needs. If you want an even firmer pillow, the manufacturer provides the extra filling.

To add to the adjustability of the shredded foam filling, this product also comes with a detachable tubular pillow for added neck support when needed. This feature is great for people with sore necks who need extra support for their head and neck to stay comfortable. You can reposition the neck roll with the bungee included or totally remove it if it’s not needed.

To make the HusbandPillow Backrest Pillow even better, it has sewn-in side pockets that can hold your remote controls and reading materials. So, this is a good choice for those wanting the convenience of having their items right at hand without getting up to fetch them. The product is available in the broadest color range we’ve ever seen, so it should be easy to find one that blends perfectly with your home interior.

Milliard Reading Pillow Review

The Milliard Reading Pillow is designed with husband-style arm supports, so it provides outstanding support to the head, shoulders, back, and arms. It works well for use on the bed, sofa, or floor if you wish. Milliard even say that their pillow is comfortable enough to be used for sleeping upright, so it is perfect for people suffering from nasal congestion or acid reflux.

The memory foam filling conforms to your body shape for maximum comfort and support. You can adjust the filling by removing it through the zippered opening to get just the right level of firmness. If you want a firmer feel, you can purchase additional foam from Milliard, so you can totally customize your pillow to suit your needs. After extended use, you may want to replace all the filling to freshen your pillow up without having to buy a new one.

The Milliard Reading Pillow comes in three sizes: Petite, Standard, and Extra Large. Therefore, you can choose the size that works best for you. The extra-large is 24” wide, which is perfect for larger adults. The velour cover is not only attractive, but it also has a zipper that allows it to be easily removed and machine washed so you can always keep your pillow nice and clean. It also has a handle, so it’s easy to carry around.

LINENSPA Shredded Foam Pillow Review

The LINENSPA Shredded Foam Pillow is designed with husband-style arm supports for comfort. The pillow is as breathable as possible with plenty of air pockets in the shredded foam filling an and exceptionally breathable cover. This allows excess body heat to escape the pillow while in use. So, if you tend to get hot and sweaty while relaxing in bed, this would be a perfect choice.

The Linenspa is filled with tiny shreds of foam, which can be easily redistributed to conform to your needs for comfort and support. This works very well for people who need extra support in certain areas due to back pain or sore joints.

The LINENSPA Shredded Foam Pillow comes in two sizes, Standard and Extra Large in neutral navy and stone color options available. The extra-large size has removable neck support that adds support for the head and neck or can be used to elevate your legs for improved blood circulation.

The plush velour cover is both soft and durable; however, it can only be spot cleaned. A fabric handle makes it easy to carry the pillow from room to room or to travel with. The Linenspa comes with a 3-year warranty.

Brentwood Originals Plush Backrest Pillow Review

This selection is made by Brentwood, a highly regarded bedding manufacturer. Brentwood is known for their exceptionally soft products, and this pillow is no different. Plus, it comes with a soft plush velour cover that feels exceptionally comfy and soft against the skin. So, if you’re looking for a husband-style reading pillow with arms, but don’t really need firm support, the Brentwood Originals Plush Backrest Pillow may be just right.

While it is softer than most other options on our list, it provides sufficient support to meet the needs of most people while sitting up in bed reading or watching TV. The Brentwood would be a great choice for people who could use some neck and back support but don’t want the stiffness of a firm sit-up pillow.

The plush, luxurious cover can be spot cleaned with a clean damp cloth. The Brentwood Originals Plush Backrest Pillow is also made with a handy carrying handle, so it can be easily transported around the house or taken along on vacation.

Red Nomad Shredded Foam Reading Pillow Review

Although the Red Nomad Shredded Foam Reading Pillow is designed for reading in bed, it is very versatile in its functions. It offers the perfect back support for other bedtime activities as well, whether it be watching TV, working on your laptop or playing video games. The armrests add to the comfortable design.

This husband-style pillow comes with a soft, yet durable velour cover, designed for maximum breathability. It can, therefore, wick your body heat and moisture away while you’re using the pillow. Additionally, the Red Nomad Shredded Foam Reading Pillow is filled with high-quality shredded polyurethane foam, making it highly breathable. This makes it perfect for people who tend to get overly warm in bed.

The shredded foam makes the pillow nice and soft long-term, and it won’t get all clumped up in one spot. Because the foam comes in shredded pieces, it is easy to redistribute the filling and alter the shape to provide maximum support where you need it. And, the carrying handle on top allows you to move the pillow around easily from room to room.

Brentwood Originals Angora Fur Backrest Pillow Review

The Brentwood Originals Angora Fur Backrest Pillow would be perfect for people who appreciate vivid, vibrant colors in home décor. This husband-style pillow is covered in luxurious faux fur, which is both stunning and plushy soft against the skin. As reading pillows go, this one is on the softer side. It’s a great choice if you aren’t comfortable with a very firm sit-up pillow. Because there are no additional fancy additional features, the product comes at an affordable price.

The faux fur cover can be spot cleaned with a wet cloth, so it’s fairly easy to keep clean without having to launder the cover. The built-in carrying handle allows it to be moved around quite easily, so it’s not a problem to take this pillow on trips.

The Brentwood Originals Angora Fur Backrest Pillow offers sufficient support for your neck, shoulders, and back, while still being nice and soft. This is a fabulous choice for people prone to backaches and sore necks who are uncomfortable leaning back on an overly firm pillow. 

The Benefits of Using a Reading Pillow

Even when you’re relaxing in bed, it’s important to your health to keep your neck and spine properly aligned. It doesn’t matter whether you’re sitting, lying down, or standing up, gravity will put pressure on your muscles and joints. Maintaining good posture will ensure that this pressure is distributed evenly across all body parts. This helps prevent undue pain, muscle strain and abnormal wearing as well as other issues. 

It’s not easy to keep your spine properly aligned while sitting upright in bed. Leaning against your headboard isn’t very comfortable, nor is piling a bunch of pillows behind you going to provide adequate support. Doing this will only promote slouching or twisting your body in uncomfortable positions that will only cause pressure points while compressing your spine. Aside from offering inadequate support, regular bed pillows tend to lose their shape, structure and firmness if they’re continually being bunched between you and the wall or your headboard. 

Reading pillows have been specially designed to address the issues caused by sitting up in bed for long periods of time without the proper support. Commonly filled with either solid or shredded memory foam, high-quality reading pillows provide the support your spine needs to keep it properly aligned. The best reading pillows prevent neck, shoulder and back strain because they’re designed to support your upper body. A well-made reading pillow can last several years of constant use. 

Reading Pillows Come in Several Different Shapes

When you’re looking for the best reading pillow to meet your needs, the variety of shapes may surprise you. Wedge-shaped reading pillows are uniquely versatile and are known to help a number of afflictions.

Also, with the advent of e-readers, the term “reading pillows” has taken on more meaning because some now provide support for e-readers as well. However, this article mainly focuses on healthy body support, but we do mention some alternatives that assist by holding reading materials comfortably. 

Husband-Style 

Despite their name, husband-style reading pillows are not meant for men only! They resemble the back of a small padded armchair and are designed to support the neck, shoulders, back and arms. Husband-style pillows have armrests, but they may also have cupholders, pockets for gadgets and sometimes a massage feature with various settings. 

Wedge

The wedge pillow is more versatile than the husband-style reading pillow. You typically place the wedge pillow underneath you to prop you up into a more comfortable position for reading. But, unlike husband-shaped reading pillows, you can also use the wedge to sleep on. 

Just raising your head and upper body while sleeping can relieve neck and back pain. Being raised up a bit can also help alleviate snoring as well as acid reflux for those who suffer from this. Both of these conditions are worsened when you sleep on a flat surface, especially on your back. 

Triangular-Shaped or Pyramid 

These pillows are specifically designed to prop up a book or e-reader up so that it can comfortably be read without straining your beck. They are not meant to be leaned against or slept on. They are usually nice and soft with ample padding so you can be comfortable using them in bed.  

Features to Look for When Shopping for a Reading Pillow

If you love relaxing in bed to watch TV, play video games, read or chat on the phone, then you’re the type of person who would love a comfortable sit up reading pillow. The best reading pillows not only make you a lot more comfortable due to their cushioning and support, but they keep you from being stiff and sore after spending an extended period of time sitting up in bed. 

Beds are designed to be used while lying flat, not for long periods of time sitting up. To be comfortable doing this, your bed would need to be complete reconfigured. Or, you can swap your standard sleep pillows for a proper reading pillow. This way you can sit up comfortably with the needed support to avoid neck strain, joint discomfort and back aches. 

In determining which reading pillow would best help you relax sitting up in bed, you need to think about whether you would be more comfortable leaning against a soft cushion, or if you would like something firmer and more supportive. Once you’ve made that determination, you need to consider which surface material would be best: a smooth microfiber, something plushy like faux fur, a luxurious satin, or a soft fleece, just to name a few. 

Last but not least, think about the other features that a sit up reading pillow can provide that you might enjoy while sitting in bed. For example, some come with cup holders, while others have pockets to hold remote controls and others have a detachable neck roll or headrest for added neck support. 

To help narrow down your choices so that you can select the best reading pillow for your needs, we’ve listed a few key considerations, as follows: 

Filling Material & Level of Support

Just like regular pillows, sit up reading pillows come with different types of fillings, and each one offers a different level of support. The most common reading pillows contain the following filling materials: 

Memory Foam (Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foam)

This is a dense foam material that contours to your shape as it softens in response to the heat and pressure of your body. These types of reading pillows are typically made of one solid piece of memory foam. While contouring to your shape it will cradles your head, neck and shoulders while comfortably supporting you and maintaining its shape. 

Shredded Memory Foam 

Unlike reading pillows made of one solid piece of memory foam, these are filled with small pieces of shredded memory foam. All these pieces of memory foam are able to independently shift around inside the reading pillow, so that you can shape it to give you more support in the areas you need it most. If you compare shredded memory foam to solid memory foam reading pillows, the shredded foam makes for a much softer, more malleable pillow that retains less heat. Some shredded memory foam reading pillows have a zippered opening that allows you to adjust the amount of filling so that you can achieve the level of firmness and loft most comfortable to you. Some manufacturers include additional filling or let you purchase it. 

Microfiber (Polyester Fiber)

Microfiber is sometimes referred to as “fiber fill” and it’s actually a synthetic fiber made of polyester. This is the most common type of filling for sleeping pillows and reading pillows. However, you need to know that reading pillows with this type of filling do not provide the same support that a memory foam or shredded memory foam filling can provide. These reading pillows usually don’t last as long either. 

Cover Materials

Just like the filling, the cover material is an important factor when considering a reading pillow. Due to their shape, a standard pillowcase won’t fit on a reading pillow. Some of the best reading pillows have covers that are soft to the touch, breathable, and don’t retain heat. You would also want the fabric to be attractive, durable and comfortable. 

The most popular cover materials are as follows: 

Synthetic Suede 

This fabric is also called faux suede, micro-suede or microfiber suede. Synthetic suede looks and feels very much like the real suede. This is a durable, family-friendly material that is so tightly woven that it repels stains. Synthetic suede reading pillow can easily be kept washed with common laundry detergent. 

Velvet 

Velvet is soft, luxurious and expensive looking, which makes it a standout among upholstery fabrics. How durable the velvet is would depend on the type of fiber used to make the fabric. Silk velvet would be quite fragile, whereas mohair or wool velvet would be sturdier as well as stain resistant. Because cotton velvet tends to crush, it’s usually blended with polyester or other types of fibers to make it more durable. A velvet reading pillow would need to be professionally dry cleaned. 

Velour 

Velour has the same lustrous look and feel as velvet, but it is less expensive, stretchier and much easier to keep clean. If you have kids or pets and plan to use your reading pillow a lot, we would recommend that you get a velour reading pillow over velvet. 

Corduroy 

Corduroy is usually made of cotton, although it could be a cotton blend. It’s soft, durable and usually machine washable. Corduroy has ridges along the entire length of the fabric, giving it an interesting look and feel. However, certain corduroys tend to snag and unravel with frequent use. So, if you have pets this may not be your best option. 

Extra Features

Some reading pillows, especially husband-style, come with additional features for your reading or TV watching convenience: 

Handle 

Large-sized reading pillows often have a handle on top to make it easy to carry it around the house or take on trips. 

Pockets 

Husband-style reading pillows often have pockets on the sides or in back to hold remote controls, cell phone, magazines or a book. 

Armrests

Husband-style reading pillows are characterized by having an armrest on each side, which makes them look a bit like a puffy armchair, without the seat.  

Cup Holders

Husband-style reading pillows with armrests sometimes have a cup holder so you can easily access your beverage while sitting in bed relaxing. 

Headrest or Neck Roll

Some husband-style reading pillows come with a headrest or neck roll for supporting your head and neck. This adds to your comfort when sitting up in bed. In some cases, the headrest is conveniently detachable, so it can be used to raise your legs. 

Colors & Patterns 

Reading pillows come in a lot of different colors and designs, depending on the brand. With all the choices, you should be able to find one that blends with your décor. It’s probably best if you choose a neutral color that would blend well in any room of your home, even if you redecorate.

Incline or Slope 

The incline or slope of your pillow will depend on how you plan on using it. A reading pillow with a very steep angle would offer excellent support when you’re sitting up, but you wouldn’t necessarily use it for sleeping. One with a low slope may work well for sleeping, but it would offer little support for the upper body. 

Firmness & Support

The level of firmness of a pillow is what determines how much support it offers. You want your reading pillow to be comfortable but if isn’t firm enough it wouldn’t be able to support you very well or prop you up for any length of time. This could cause a sore neck and/or back pain. If your pillow is too firm, it may not be comfortable enough for you. The pillow’s thickness or loft determines how much it compresses with pressure and how well it keeps it shape. Thicker pillows usually hold their shape better. 

Size 

Reading pillows are like most bedding products, they come in all shapes and sizes. The perfect pillow would support your entire back, so it’s important that you know the dimensions of any pillow you’re considering, especially if you’re a large adult. Many reading pillows are simply too small to comfortably accommodate a larger person. However, the best reading pillows come in a Large or Extra-Large size. 

Non-Toxic & Hypoallergenic

Many people have had allergic reactions to their bedding. If this has happened to you, it’s important that you find a pillow that contains no toxic chemicals and is made of hypoallergenic materials. Choose among the pillows with a CertiPUR-US certification.  

Made in the USA 

Bedding manufacturers in the United States are required to follow very strict manufacturing guidelines so that consumers can be sure that the bedding they buy is 100% safe to use. If you buy your bedding from outside the country, there is no telling how safe it is to use. This is why we recommend that you only by USA-made bedding products. However, Canada also has very stringent safety rules, so if you find one you like made in Canada, it should be safe. 

Cleaning

Many reading pillows come with a removable machine-washable cover, whereas others can only be spot cleaned or professionally dry cleaned. Once you find out if the pillow has a washable cover, you should also determine whether the pillow itself is also machine washable or if it would need special cleaning. 

Shipping & Delivery 

If you are ordering online, make sure you know the company’s policy for shipping and delivery. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you may be able to get free, 2-day shipping.  

Warranty & Return Policy

You should also find out what the manufacturer’s return policy is because you may not like your reading pillow once you’ve tried it out at home. Some vendors offer customers a trial period so if it doesn’t work out, they can return it for a full refund. Also, see if the pillow comes with a warranty because very often the best reading pillows have one. This an indication of how much confidence the manufacturer has in their product. Who knows? You might need to return the pillow under its warranty if you later discover a manufacturer’s defect and the return period has passed. 

Reading Pillows are Often Needed for Medical Reasons

There are many medical conditions that require extended bed rest. The most common reasons for bed rest would be to fully recover from a serious injury or surgery, a precarious pregnancy and/or to recover from a complicated child birth, an illness that leaves the patient with little energy, a bad case of the flu, mononucleosis, and etc.  

Being bed-ridden is certainly frustration, and the longer it goes on the less comfortable you are. Your body was not built to spend extended periods of time sitting in bed, especially without the proper support. This can put excess pressure on your spine, lower back, coccyx and other areas of the body. Spending extended periods of time sitting improperly can cause nerves to compress, which can lead to feelings of “pins and needles” or even a more serious compression syndrome, or what is medically referred to as “entrapment neuropathy.” 

A sit up reading pillow can be very effective in properly positioning the body so that while the patient is bed-ridden, they are not further risking their health. The best reading pillows allow the person to sit up with proper lower back support with basically little if any pressure on the spine. They also position you at a comfortable reclining angle that promotes good circulation throughout the body. The purpose of reading pillows is to provide maximum comfort while sitting upright. This is very important to anyone who has to spend an extended time in bed, especially older people who may already be suffering from neural, skeletal or muscular problems due to age. 

Reading pillows work well for people suffering from acid reflux who need to sit upright to keep stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. Many have no choice but to sleep upright if they don’t want to be awakened during the night by painful heartburn. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How would you recommend I clean my reading pillow?

If you plan on using your reading pillow all the time, you should choose one that you can easily clean. We would recommend that you buy one with a removable machine-washable cover. It would even be better if you could throw the entire pillow in the washing machine, but you would first want to know whether it could also be tumble dried. Some reading pillows can only be spot or dry cleaned, which is okay if it’s only being used occasionally. 

Will using a reading pillow keep me from getting back strain from sitting up in bed?

If this is a chronic problem for you whenever you’re sitting up in bed reading a book or watching TV, a reading pillow may help. You would want to get one that provides sufficient support. However, if you suffer from serious back problems, it would be best to get your doctor’s advice on which reading pillow would be most appropriate. 

The reading pillow I got has too much filling or doesn’t have enough, what should I do?

Some of the best reading pillows are adjustable or customizable, so if you bought one with it a zipper you may be able to access the filling to either take some filling out or add more. Some manufacturers of adjustable pillows sell extra filling, so if you need more, just contact them. 

Can I use a reading pillow without it leaning up against a headboard or wall?

No. These pillows are like giant cushions, they are not firm enough on their own to provide support.

Are reading pillows heavy?

They are heavier than standard pillows because they’re bulkier and made to be supportive. This is what makes them so effective. You want it to be heavy enough to stay in place on the bed. 

What is the difference between a backrest pillow and a husband-style pillow?

Basically, none. High-backed pillows are called all kinds of names, which include: 

• Reading pillow
• Sit up pillow
• Backrest pillow
• Back rest pillow
• Lounge pillow
• Husband or Husband-style pillow
• Boyfriend pillow
• Study pillow
• TV pillow

No matter what you call them, they all do the same thing, which is prop you up in bed so that you are comfortably supported sitting up in the proper position. However, as you’ve learned in this article, these pillows come in all shapes and sizes, as well as many different colors and levels of firmness. The pillow you decide to buy will depend on your personal preferences and how you intend to use it. 

Conclusion

Reading pillows make you so much more comfortable sitting up in bed, whether you’re reading a book or watching a TV show. It helps you relax so that you don’t later have a sore neck and/or back. When shopping for any bedding product, you would want to do your research by comparing various reading pillows and read the reviews before you choose which one to buy. Everyone is different, so a particular pillow may be perfect for someone, and not at all right for you. While shopping, keep your needs at the forefront of your mind, as well as your body size. 

Now that you’ve had the benefit of reading our guide, you should feel more comfortable choosing the best reading pillow for you. Remember to go over our list again of the Very Best Reading Pillows of 2019 for inspiration. Enjoy shopping!