We’ve tested and reviewed the best pillows to guarantee a comfy reading experience in your bedroom
LIZ HALL
Head of Content
Liz has been a professional content manager since the internet was invented. Getting better quality sleep has always been a passion of hers – especially once she had kids! Liz now writes and curates our content, making sure to test all the products she can to give you an unbiased opinion. Learn more about our team.
Reading in bed is one thing that I genuinely enjoy. The comfort and warmth I get from my soft duvet is worth dying for. One thing that discourages me is the hassle that I go through to get a comfortable sitting position.
Propping up regular pillows provides a short-term solution, but I have to switch positions regularly. Not to forget the back, neck, and shoulder pains that I experience after a while.
If you have had such experiences, don’t worry, I found a solution for us! Reading pillows; are designed to support your back, neck, and shoulders so you’re not slouched over while reading your favorite book.
And the best part? A reading pillow is versatile; you can use it as a bed rest pillow for gaming, lounging, or working in bed. I have experienced firsthand how these pillows have changed my relaxation game and helped relieve tension from my shoulder muscles.
This article will explain what reading pillows are, the different types we have on the market, their benefits, a list of best reading pillows, and how we chose them for you. Let’s get right into it!
Table of Contents
Types of Reading Pillows
A reading pillow supports the back, neck, shoulder, and spine. It is excellent for people who like to sit up in bed, on the floor, or the couch. When using a reading pillow, you won’t have to keep changing your sitting position or propping up more pillows to get a comfortable position.
Reading pillows vary in shape, size, and material used to construct them. It is essential to get familiar with the various types available on the market to select the best reading pillow. This information will guide you in choosing the best reading pillow for you!
Below are the types of reading pillows:
Wedge Pillow
These are Orthopedic pillows designed with SLOPING design. Wedge pillows are the most common reading pillows because of their many benefits. They are suitable for readers who sit in bed rather than lie. You can also use it for lounging.
You can use wedge pillows for sleeping and other activities. They have certain health benefits, such as reducing snoring swelling in your legs. It is also great for people who suffer from acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD.
A wedge pillow would be more suitable for sitting up in bed comfortably to give your back and spine more support.
Traditional Reading Pillows
They are also known as husband pillows and are made explicitly for back support. They are usually thicker, tall, and wide to provide full-body support.
Husband pillows filled with memory foam make the best reading pillows as they contour with your body shape to provide support and are also breathable.
Some luxury models include adjustable and removable neck pillows, headrests, and cup holders. Cup holders let you enjoy reading as you sip a drink.
Husband pillow models with removable neck rolls are versatile as the neck rolls can be used to elevate your legs.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Milliard Reading Pillow |
| Check Best Price - Amazon |
Best for Neck Support  | Linenspa Reading Pillow |
| Check Best Price - AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
Best for Back Pain/Support/Lower Back Pain  | Sleep Number Rest & Read Pillow |
| Check Best Price - Sleep Number |
Best for the Couch  | VERCART Triangular Wedge Backrest |
| Check Best Price - Amazon |
Best for College/Dorm  | Husband Pillow |
| Check Best Price - Amazon |
Best for Seniors  | Vekkia Premium Soft Bed Rest & Reading Pillow |
| Check Best Price - AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
Best with Removable Cover  | Nestl Bedding Reading Pillow |
| Check Best Price - Amazon |
Best Budget  | Ziraki Large Plush Shredded Foam Reading Pillow |
| Check Best Price - AmazonCheck Price at Wayfair |
Best Wedge  | Xtra Comfort Bed Wedge Pillow |
| Check Best Price - AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
If you are a book warmer or burn the midnight oil studying for your exams, you know how important getting a comfortable sitting position is. Reading is fun when you can get lost between the pages, not worrying about your back or neck. The Milliard Reading Pillow is our best overall because of its quality and versatility.
Apart from being crowned as a good reading pillow, it serves the following roles:
- It is excellent for relaxation
- It provides back support
- It helps in elevating your legs and arms to improve blood circulation
- It is excellent for lounging and playing games on the floor
- Helps with acid reflux
- Reduces nasal congestion
This light and airy pillow hugs your body and props you up in a comfortable position to read in.
- Materials: Memory Foam
- Dimensions: 14.96 x 11.02 x 17.72 in
- It has an adjustable loft
- It is easy to move around the house
- It is durable
- It comes in three sizes
- It has supportive memory foam
- The memory foam takes up to 48 hours to decompress after unpacking.
- It has a slight odor
- It only has one color option
Features
The Milliard reading pillow has a zippered, removable velour cover and is machine washable for easy maintenance. So you don’t need to worry about coffee spills.
The zippered velour cover has a convenient carry handle for easy movement around the house. It has two armrests on both sides where you can rest your arms and help to ease hip tension.
This reading pillow has a beautiful grey color, making it excellent for interior decor. You don’t need to worry about it not blending in with your house theme.
Shape and Design
It has an ergonomic design and has a wedge shape to provide neck and back support.
Material
The filling material is made with shredded memory foam CertiPUR-certified so that it won’t emit toxic gases. Memory foam reading pillows are well known to contour your body shape, giving you a comfortable position.
The pillow has a soft velour cover.
Firmness
Milliard may seem too soft and floppy, but it gives good back support for the middle and lower back muscles. On purchase, you get additional memory foam filling to add to the pillow through the zipper to enhance firmness. If you prefer it mushy, you can remove some of the shredded memory foam to your liking.
Sizes
The pillow is available in petite, extra-large, and standard sizes.
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Petite Size. This is the smallest size for this brand. It’s 14 inches in height and is suitable for kids and short adults.
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Standard Size. Most folks fall in this category. The standard size is 18 inches in height and works well for 5.5 feet or less. It is perfect for those with average body weight.
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Extra large size. This is the largest size in the collection, with 24 inches. This size is perfect for heavily built folks who are 6 feet.
The extra-large size has a detachable neck roll to give additional neck support.
Sitting up in bed or on the couch to read hurts your neck. Most of the time, your neck will be bent down, causing a lot of strain, numbness, and discomfort. The Linenspa Reading Pillow is the right reading pillow for neck support.
This pillow will give you comfort as you peruse through your page; you will get lost in the book. It provides full back support while surrounding you with exceptional comfort and corrects your posture.
- Materials: Memory Foam
- Dimensions: 24 x 9 x 9 in
- It has a convenient carry handle
- It has three years warranty
- The standard size makes it ideal for teens and adults
- It has a robust and durable velour cover
- It is not tall enough
- The memory foam takes up to 48 hours to fully decompress after unboxing
- It is heavy
- Heavy dye odor
Features
The pillow features extra long and extra wide armrests where you can rest the entire length of your arm.
It has a convenient, sturdy carry handle that makes it easy to move it across rooms or to the balcony, so you are not confined in one reading spot.
The reading pillow can’t be machine washed, and you can only spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
The extra-large size with neck option has an attached neck support pillow to give you more comfort around the neck.
Material
Forget your regular traditional reading pillows filled with slightly comfortable polyester! Linenspa reading pillow is filled with CertiPUR US shredded memory foam blend. The high-quality memory foam allows it to conform to the curve of your body and keeps its loft longer.
It has a super soft velour cover to give you a soft, cozy, comfortable feeling.
Firmness
Unlike any other traditional reading pillow, Linenspa is firm enough to hold you in bed, the couch, or the floor. It is less likely to shift or fall and feels supportive and plush simultaneously.
Size
The reading pillow is made in three sizes; Standard, extra-large, and extra-large with a neck option.
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Standard size. Standard size is excellent for children and teens. It is perfect for gaming, reading, relaxing, watching tv. It measures 26 inches in length by 15 inches width by 18 inches height.
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Extra large size. Although this size is quite heavy to carry, it is excellent for teens and adults. It measures 42 inches in length by 15 inches width by 24 inches height. You can opt to get the extra-large size with a removable neck bolster
The Sleep Number Rest & Read Pillow has a unique shape and design compared to other memory foam reading pillows. It has two separate chambers of material designed to provide comfort and support.
It is our best reading pillow for back support and is best for alleviating lower back pain. You can read, browse or watch tv in comfort without worrying about the constant backaches. Take a look at its features:
- Materials: Down alternative and memory foam
- Dimensions: 22" L x 22" W
- Different fills in the upper and lower chambers offer comfort and support.
- It alleviates back pain.
- It has a removable cover that is machine washable for easy cleaning.
- It is OEKO-TEX certified
- It has a 100-day return and exchange policy
- It only has one size
Features
The pillow features two chambers with inserts that allow you to remove the cover for cleaning. The cover is machine washable for easy maintenance.
Material
The upper chamber is stuffed with plush-down alternative fibers that are great for bolstering your head and neck. The base chamber is filled with a blend of down alternative and shredded memory foam for more conforming and plush support around the lower back. This reading pillow is OEKO-TEX certified, which keeps you and your family safe from harmful substances.
The cover is made with 100% gently knit polyester for more comfort.
Shape and Design
This reading pillow is designed for square euro-style shams, perfect for decoration. It has a chambered design with more padding for the head and neck.
Firmness
This memory foam reading pillow is firm enough to support the neck, shoulder, and back.
Size
The pillow is manufactured in one size. It measures 22 inches long and 22 inches wide.
Are you attached to that one couch where you want to sit whenever you’re reading, watching tv, working, or simply relaxing? If so, the VERCART Triangular Wedge Backrest Pillow is perfect for you.
You don't have to meet switching from sitting upright, laying down, facing up, trying to be comfortable on your couch. This is our best reading pillow for the couch. On the brighter side, it is versatile and plays the following functions:
- A reading pillow to support you on the couch and bed
- A leg pillow you place under your legs to relieve pressure off your legs, hips, and knees
- Relieves acid reflux symptoms
- Relieves snoring and other breathing problems
- Alleviates back, shoulder, and neck pain
Keep reading to familiarise yourself with the features of this reading pillow.
- Materials: 55% Linen and 45% Cotton blend
- Dimensions: 23.5 x 8 x 20
- It provides good neck and back support.
- It is durable
- It is versatile
- It is sufficiently soft
- It is small
Features
The pillow features a side pocket to place your phone while watching or reading for convenience. It has a removable machine washable cover for easy cleaning and maintenance. It has a hidden zipper that adds aesthetics.
Material
The cover is made with 55% linen and 45% cotton blend fabric that is breathable thick, and durable. It is filled with 100% premium polyester fiber that is more flexible and supportive.
Shape and Design
It has a wedge shape and ergonomic design with a gentle inclination angle to raise your neck or shoulders. It is built to support your ankle, waist effectively, and back while reading so that your muscles are relaxed and more comfortable.
Firmness
The polyester fiberfill makes the reading pillow firm and stable.
Size
This reading pillow comes in one size. It measures 23.5 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 20 inches high.
If you have siblings or kids in college, the Husband Pillow is one of the best reading pillows you can get them. A husband pillow is a large reading pillow designed to cradle the body during reading, lounging, or watching tv.
Instead of curling up in bed trying to read for the next exam, this reading pillow gives you more hours and cuddly hugs as you read for the upcoming exams. This pillow can also be used at home for lounging, playing games, watching movies, or working on your laptop. It is worth EVERY PENNY!
- Materials: Memory Foam
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 15 x 31.5 in
- It has Side pockets for storage
- It has an adjustable loft
- Provides body support
- It is available in 25 colors
- It has a 3-year warranty
- It is bulky and heavy
- It has a mildewy smell after unboxing
- It is expensive
Features
The husband pillow features two armrests to provide you arm support as you study for your exams. It has a zippered inner shell that allows you to add, remove, or shift the shredded foam filling for customized comfort.
Unlike other reading pillows, it has a removable neck roll attached to the backrest’s top through the bungee cords. The neck roll supports your neck to prevent or alleviate neck pain.
It has convenient back and side pockets to store a magazine, glasses, tv remote, or phone. This reading pillow has a LUXURIOUS velour cover for the pillow and the neck roll. The pillow cover is available in 25 colors, removable, and machine washable. It has a built-in handle on the top for easy transportation of the pillow.
Material
The inner shell filling is made with PREMIUM shredded memory foam which conforms to your body to provide support. The pillow features a smooth high quality 100% polyester micro plush cover.
Size
The pillow measures 8.5 inches long by 15 inches wide by 13.5 inches high, making it bigger and better than other husband pillows. The armrests measure 7 inches high.
Firmness
The husband pillow has an inner zipper that allows you to remove or add memory foam to meet your level of firmness. If you want a sturdy feel, add more foam. If you prefer a mushy feel, reduce the foam.
Seniors spend a lot of their time in bed, either reading a book, watching tv, or lying down gazing at the ceiling. If you spend a lot of time reading or working in bed, you can quickly get tired and experience back and neck pain.
Bed rest pillows play a significant role in enhancing good sitting posture and alleviating back and neck pain. It is also an excellent reading pillow for folks who suffer from GERD.
The Vekkia Premium Soft Bed rest & reading pillow is the best reading pillow recommended for seniors. It is perfect for providing g reading support or backrest.
- Materials: Velvet
- Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 18 in
- It's adjustable to give individualized comfort.
- The pillow alleviates neck and back pain
- It has a handle for easy transportation
- Includes pockets on the side and at the back for storage of small items
- It has a detachable neck roll.
- It is pricey.
- It has a slight odor after unboxing.
Features
Like other husband pillows, it has two arms to provide arm support as you can rest your elbows while reading.
It has a carry handle at the backrest to allow for easy transportation around the house.
This bed rest pillow has two convenient side pockets, where you can store your small essentials like glasses as you settle in to read your book.
The inner shell has a zipper that allows you to remove the excess or add more shredded foam to your desired comfort levels. The zipper also allows you to shift around the shredded foam to balance the cushion.
It has a detachable neck roll to bolster your neck.
The velvet cover is machine washable.
Shape and Design
It is ergonomically designed with raised arms for better am support and relaxation.
Material
This reading pillow is made with a soft shredded memory foam fill that is perfect for conforming to your body shape to give you excellent comfort. ( 20% memory foam and 80% foam) The pillow has a bonus of 200g shredded foam which you can use to adjust firmness.
This bed rest pillow has a 100% polyester velvet cover.
Size
This reading pillow is proportioned to provide comfort for folks of all sizes. It is constructed with 18 inches backrest height, 15 inches width, and 11 inches for the armrests.
Firmness
This reading pillow comes with 200 grams of shredded memory foam filling that you can use to adjust the level of firmness to your standard.
If you are the adventurous type who loves to customize and personalize your accessories, The Nestl Bedding Reading Pillow was made for you. If you are keen on flexible themes, designs, and personalization, you should order this reading pillow.
Unlike other traditional pillows, with Nestle, you can customize your experience. You get 44 vibrant colors to pick from! This pillow will provide you comfort as it props up your head, neck, arms, and back.
- Materials: Memory Foam
- Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 14 in
- It is suitable for all family members
- It has a carry handle for easy transportation
- It has back and side pockets
- It has an adjustable loft
- It works well for patients who are recovering from surgery.
- It has a strong chemical odor after unpacking
- It takes up to 48 hours to expand after unboxing.
Features
Nestl has a zippered inner shell that you can use to adjust the loft to your personalized comfort. It has a convenient carry handle that enables you to move the pillow across rooms in the house.
It has three convenient pockets to help you store your essentials, so you don’t have to keep getting up in the middle of your chapter. The small side pocket can hold a tv remote and phone, while the large back pocket can hold a book, tablet, or magazine.
The large-sized reading pillow features two detachable pillows on bungee cords secure with elastic bands. You can use these additional pillows for extra lumbar support or on your lap as a book rest.
It has two arms on the side to provide arm support. It has a removable machine washable cover to sip your tea without worrying about spills! For convenience, you can buy different colored covers to use for decor.
Shape and Design
It has an ergonomic design that aids with acid reflux and nasal congestion.
Material
The filling material is made with premium high-density shredded memory foam.
Memory foam filling contours to your body shape to provide maximum comfort. The pillow cover is made with luxurious velvety material for a soft surface.
Size
The pillow comes in three sizes: Medium size and petite size.
- Medium Size- This is the perfect size for teens. It is 18 inches high.
- Petite Size- It measures 14 inches high and is perfect for kids.
- Large size- It measures 31 inches high and is perfect for adults.
Firmness
The pillow is sturdy and very supportive of your back.
Do you want irresistible comfort and luxury without breaking the bank? Ziraki Large Plush Shredded Foam Reading Pillow is one of the best reading pillows at a budget-friendly price. It has all the desirable and convenient features that a good reading pillow should have.
You can use this pillow for reading in bed, on the floor, and on the couch to provide excellent head, back, and shoulder support. If you compare it with other reading pillows available, you will find that it has a lot to offer at an affordable price. Take a look at its outstanding features:
- Materials: Velvet
- Dimensions: 18.27 x 10.35 x 7.6 in
- It is pocket friendly
- It is made with high-quality materials
- It has a soft, cozy velour fabric
- It has a total return policy in case you do not like the product
- It does not have a removable cover
- It is manufactured in one size only
Features
The pillow features a velvet cover that is not removable. In case of spills or dirt, it can be spot cleaned using a damp cloth and mild detergent. Like most velvet reading pillows, the cover is soft and cozy.
It has a convenient carry handle attached to the top of the reading pillow, which allows you to carry the pillow from one roo to another.
Material
The material filling is made with shredded polyurethane foam, which allows you to customize the shape of the pillow to your liking. You can add or remove shredded foam to attain more firmness or a mushy feel. Shredded memory foam pillows contour your body shape to add comfort.
Size
The pillow comes in one size. The backrest measures 18 inches high and 15inches wide. It has two armrests that measure 11 inches long and 5inches thick with a seating width of 10 inches.
Firmness
This cushion is firm enough to provide ample support.
If you want a reading pillow that you can use in different ways, the Xtra Comfort bed wedge pillow will work. It has an adjustable incline for sitting down, lying in bed, or elevating your legs.
You can use the Xtra comfort bed wedge pillow with your standard sleeping pillows. It has a 3 in 1 unique folding wedge design to make your work easier. You can fold it in three ways: small, average, and long elevation. The Xtra comfort bed wedge pillow is versatile and can be used in different places: under the head, behind the back, or the legs.
The bed wedge can provide a gradual or steep slope that elevates your head to get just the right amount of pressure as a sleeping pillow.
- Materials - Polyester cover, memory foam filling
- Dimensions - 22 x 12 in
- It has a carry handle for easy movement
- It has a machine washable cover
- It shifts into three different wedges
- It has supportive and breathable memory foam
- It is versatile
- Using the pillow for too long at once can create immediate stiffness
- It comes in one color
- It retains a lot of heat
Features
This bed rest pillow has a removable cover that is machine washed for easy maintenance. The wedge pillow has a carry handle which enables you to move with the pillow anywhere around the house or when traveling. It is only available in one color (caramel), which is neutral and can fit any decorating theme.
The cover is removable and machine washable for easy cleaning.
Material
The Xtra comfort wedge pillow is constructed with solid memory foam that contours the body shape to provide maximum support. The memory foam retains its original shape, which means it has a long life cycle.
It has a zipper, making it easy to remove or add memory foam. The pillow cover is made with polyester fabric, making it more comfortable to rest on.
Shape and Design
It is wedge-shaped to bolster your back and spine when sitting in bed.
Size
The pillow measures 22 inches high and 12 inches deep, easily fitting on any bed.
Firmness
It is very firm because of the stiff memory foam filling.
Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Reading Pillow
These are the main features to consider when looking for the best reading pillows:
Filling Material
Reading pillows are constructed with different materials than standard sleeping pillows. You have to keep in mind the fabric that will work for you. Whether you prefer hypoallergenic, synthetic, or organic materials. These are the most common materials:
Memory Foam
This is a viscoelastic, polyurethane foam that contours to the body to provide plush support and returns to its original shape after use.
Shredded Memory Foam
These are small pieces of foam that are flexible, moldable, and softer than traditional memory foam. Some models of shredded memory foam can be adjusted by removing or adding the loft. Such pillows retain less heat than traditional memory foam reading pillows.
Cover Material
Microfiber
This synthetic material is much more common and cheaper to purchase. However, you cannot compare this material to shredded foam. It is less superior and will not perform well.
Faux Suede
Faux suede is a synthetic material that looks and feels like an animal suede. It is also known as microfiber suede.
Velour
Velour is slightly similar to velvet but is more stretchy, easy to clean, and is less expensive.
Velvet
Velvet is a luxurious material. The durability of reading pillows made with velvet depends on the type of fabric. Silk velvet is delicate, while mohair velvet and wool velvet are more durable. Cotton velvet is weak on its own and can quickly get spoilt. It is often combined with polyester or other soft-down alternative fibers to make it stronger.
Maintenance
It is normal to have stains and dirt on your pillow. A good cushion should be easy to clean and maintain. Some pillows have zippers to remove the covers, while others don’t have removable covers. Most are spot cleaned. Those with removable covers are often machine washable.
Firmness
The correct reading pillow should provide optimal support to your body to avoid neck and back pains caused by poor sitting posture. Good reading pillows combine firmness with softness to prevent a stiff neck.
Many manufacturers use shredded memory foam for this reason. Some pillows have zippers to allow you to adjust the filling to your desired level of comfort.
Additional Features
Luxury versions of reading pillows have outstanding features that you can look for. They include:
Carry handles
Carry handles make moving the pillow around the house easy, meaning you can change settings and experience reading in different modes.
Cup holders
This extra feature will make you comfortable. You can have your drink right beside you as you read or lounge. It saves you the hassle of getting up now and then to quench your thirst.
Side and back pockets
Pockets come in handy all the time. You can use them to store the small things you need around, such as glasses, magazines, tv remotes, and your phone.
Armrests
Pillows with armrests provide the best spinal support and arm support gives you a wonderful experience.
Removable covers
Cushions with removable covers are easy to wash and maintain.
Adjustable loft
This feature enables you to adjust the pillow to your unique size to give you maximum comfort.
How Did We Choose the Best Reading Pillows
We did this review because we want you to get a high-quality reading pillow worth the price. We paid attention to every detail to ensure we didn’t miss any loophole. We made our choices based on the following factors:
- Comfort
- Price point
- Firmness
- Filling material
- Fabric type
- Versatility
- Certification
- Allergies
- Maintenace
- Durability
Final Remarks
That is why investing in the right reading pillow is a fantastic idea. Your neck, back, and shoulders will thank you. You will develop correct sitting posture and be more comfortable for hours.
It is crucial that you consider your reasoning and what makes you comfortable. Get ultimate comfort by purchasing the reading pillows we have reviewed.
Most of the pillows we have reviewed are versatile. They can solve medical issues and be used for lounging, resting, playing video games, etc.
Make your order today and change your reading game forever!
