A bed is the most convenient and comfortable resting place for sleep. Besides sleep, people also use the bed for other activities that include reading, watching the news or favorite programs on TV, gaming, or just relaxing.
To enjoy doing these other activities, you need a pillow that supports the spine, head, neck, upper body, and shoulders. You need to have the best reading pillow because an ordinary sleeping pillow may not work unless it comes with the proper support structures.
Read our latest guide about the best pillow for back sleepers
What is a reading pillow?
A reading pillow is a specially designed pillow with proper support to hold your neck, head, and upper back as you lounge in bed to do other things that do not include sleeping. You can use reading pillows on a chair, on the floor, or the couch. The pillows come with features such as armrests, backrests, neck rolls, and adjustable features that make it easier to sit upright for the best support.
Unlike other pillows, reading pillows also come with many additional features that make them stand out from the standard sleeping pillows. Choosing the best reading pillow will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, and needs. Before we get to the things to consider while selecting a reading pillow, below is a review of our top list of the best reading pillows in the market.
Our Top List Best Reading Pillow For Bed 04/2024
Xtra Comfort Bed Wedge Pillow
If you experience frequent spinal problems or recovering from an injury or post-operation procedure, you may need to rest in bed or on your chair at an inclined angle. The Xtra Comfort Bed Wedge Pillow will provide you with an inclination that comes with maximum comfort. The budget-friendly pillow comes with immense benefits.
People with no health issues also benefit from using the pillow as a neck, head, and upper back support as they read or binge-watch on their favorite TV programs. The incline prevents you from slouching or ending up with an aching back. The pillow has a three-in-one construction that allows using it behind the back, under your legs and head.
The pillow measures 22 by 12 inches, which makes it large enough to provide you with enough support. Besides the support the pillow offers, the high-density memory foam is soft. It is a one-size-fits-all pillow, and comes with a removable, breathable, and machine-washable soft polyester cover. The pillow also comes with a handle loop that makes it easily portable. Other benefits of the pillow include relief for acid reflux and gastrointestinal issues.
Pros
- Comes with multiple purpose
- Has an inclination that helps to provide the perfect support for the neck, head, shoulders, back and legs
- Adjustable incline
- Affordable
- Soft and comfortable
- Provides relief for gastrointestinal problems, acid reflux, and injuries
- Includes support for post-surgery recovery
- Provides assistance when you are reading or watching TV
Cons
- Comes with an odor
Husband Pillow
Husband Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is a large pillow that supports different body sizes. It has a velvety smooth cover that feels soft on the skin. The fabric of the pillow is breathable, which provides you with comfort irrespective of the amount of time you spend using it. The shredded memory foam allows free air circulation, which enables you to stay fresh for as long as you use the pillow.
It has a detachable and adjustable neck roll that helps to provide extra support for the neck when you lean back. Large pockets on the pillow provide you with storage spaces for your essentials. The pillow comes in different colors and button strings that hold it to the headrest firmly.
Pros
- Adjustable features that allow you to add or reduce foam to suit your comfort preferences
- Detachable neck-roll for extra support
- Comfortable and sturdy
- Side pockets for your essentials
- Provides support for the neck and back as you sit in bed, couch, or chair to read or watch TV
- Comes in different colors
- Has button strings to hold it to the headrest
Cons
- Expensive
- Button strings are too thin
- Comes with an unpleasant smell
Brentwood Home Zuma Therapeutic Wedge Pillow
Brentwood Home Zuma is a triangle-shaped therapeutic pillow that comes in different sizes. The stuffing of the pillow is memory foam with 1.8 PCF and an IDL of 30. The material of the pillow gives it shape and support for people with different preferences.
The material of the pillow also bounces back fast even after prolonged use, and it is long-lasting. The lower part of the pillow is also significant for people that want to put their legs and knees at an incline position. When you want to sit up in bed to read, the thicker part of the pillow provides you with the support you need.
The gradual incline of the pillow supports the legs and upper part of the body. Other issues that the pillow provides relief for include acid reflux, hiatal hernia, snoring, back and neck pains, and poor blood circulation. The pillow also comes in handy as a trunk stabilizer for side sleepers.
The pillow is hypoallergenic and CertiPUR-US certified, making it safe to use. The cover is easily removable, breathable, and easy to wash.
Pros
- Provides support for all parts of the body
- Comes in different colors and two sizes
- Has a gradual incline that makes it comfortable when reading or watching TV
- Also ideal for side sleepers as a trunk stabilizer
- Hypoallergenic
- Provides relief for several health issues
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Breathable, removable and easy to wash cover
Cons
- Pillow too high for some users
- Difficult to find the right size
Linenespa Shredded Foam Pillow
One of the features that make Linenspa Shredded Foam Reading Pillow an excellent choice for many people is its easy portability. It also comes with shredded foam clusters stuffing that provides any user with the best support and comfort while reading. The foam also conforms to the shape of the body and comes with natural compression irrespective of how long you use it.
The pillow’s seams come with double stitching for durability, while the arm stretches add to the comfort. It is also easy to mold to suit your preferences, and the outer cover, made with velour fabric, is breathable, soft, hypoallergenic, and comfortable.
Pros
- Easily portable
- Firm, soft, and comfortable
- Provides maximum support when reading, relaxing or working on the laptop
- Provides relief for people going through post-surgery and other body pains
- Does not shred
- Does not come with an odor
- Affordable
Cons
- Non-removable cover
- Not easy to maintain
Milliard Reading Pillow
If you are looking for the best backrest pillow while reading or gaming, you should consider buying the Milliard Reading Pillow. The 18 by 15-inch pillow comes with adjustable features that allow you to choose a firmness that best suits your preferences and armrests for extra comfort. If you want the pillow too firm, all you do is add stuffing or reduce the same if you need the pillow softer.
Additional fresh foam that comes from the manufacturer helps to add the lifespan of your unit. Besides providing you with reading and gaming support, the pillow comes in handy for sleeping in an upright position for people with acid reflux or nasal congestion. The CertiPUR-US certified pillow is safe, and it is available in standard and petite sizes. It comes with a soft velour fabric cover.
Pros
- Provides support as you read, game or watch TV
- Includes leg and knee support
- Helps with the relief of pains, acid reflux, and nasal congestion
- Adjustable foam features
- Soft velour fabric cover
- Easily portable
Cons
- It takes many hours to fluff
- Comes with an unpleasant odor
ComfortSpa Reading Pillow
ComfortSpa Reading Pillow is a deluxe shredded foam pillow that provides you with the best reading support. It conforms to the body shape correctly, providing you with optimum alignment for upright sitting position. It also comes with armrests that add to the comfort and storage side pockets for your essentials.
The 18 by 15 inch features medical grade material, which is suitable for people suffering from GERD, and those on bed rest after surgery or an illness. The pillow’s velour fabric cover is breathable, comfortable to remove, and easy to spot clean. The durable pillow also comes with anti-clump features that help to prevent any slip-ups as you use it. It is easily portable, and it comes with 100% satisfaction and money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Provides comfort and support while reading or recovering from any illness or injury
- Provides relief for GERD
- It has armrests for added comfort
- Side pockets for storage of personal essentials
- Breathable, removable, and easy to wash velour fabric cover
- Soft, smooth, and comfortable
- Durable
- Eco-friendly
- Comes with 100% satisfaction and money-back guarantee
Cons
- Takes many hours to fluff
- Comes with a strong smell
Avana King Bed Orthopedic Support Wedge Pillow
Avana King Bed Orthopedic is a 4-set support wedge pillow with adjustable features to suit your comfort preferences. The four pieces work in harmony to provide you with firm support as you sit upright on your bed, seat, or couch to read, watch TV, or heal from an injury, pain, or post-operation. The pillow sets consist of memory and urethane foam that fits well between your body and any surface to provide you with comfort and support.
The pieces are ideal for back pain relief, respiratory problems, and recovering from post-surgery, among other issues. The set also provides maximum support for your legs, feet, and knees when you want to keep them at an incline, up, or to increase leg circulation. The pillow set is lightweight and comes with removable covers that are easily removable and washable.
Pros
- Comes in a set of 4 all with incredible inclinations
- Provides maximum support for back, neck, head, and legs
- Made with the highest quality and durable material
- Helps in pain alleviation
- Removable, machine washable covers
Cons
- The pillow set is bulky and too firm for some users
Springcoo Reading Pillow
Springcoo Reading Pillow is extra fluffy and does not lose its shape irrespective of how long you use it. It comes with shredded memory foam filling that enables it to conform to the body efficiently, providing you with the support you need. The pillow is especially useful for older people and those that work for long hours and complain of regular back pains.
The pillow also helps to align the back and give support to the neck and head as you read, work on your laptop, or watch TV. It comes with two side pockets that you can use to store your essentials. The case is easily removable, breathable, and machine-washable. It also comes with an adjustable neck roll that you can fix to suit your comfort preferences.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable, soft, and durable
- Comes with side pockets for storage of essentials
- Provides support as you read in bed
- Helps to relieve back pains
- Adjustable neck toll for extra comfort
Cons
- The small size of the pillow does not provide enough support to some users
Nestl Reading Pillow
Nestl Reading Pillow is one of the largest in the market, and it comes with amazing features. It provides the user with excellent lumbar support as they read, watch TV, or relax. The pillow comes with two detachable smaller pillow rolls that you can use to add for more lumbar and neck support. It also comes with armrests that provide more support to the shoulders.
You can also adjust the firmness of the pillow by adding or removing some of the memory foam filling. You also get a wide selection of the pillow the color you want from 13 different hues, and two available sizes. The cover of the pillow is soft, easily removable, and machine-washable. A large pocket at the back of the pillow provides you space for extra storage of your essentials. It also comes with a three-year warranty and a money-back guarantee,
Pros
- Comes with a three-year warranty
- It is large
- Comes in thirteen colors and two sizes
- Provides maximum lumbar and neck support
- Easily removable and machine washable softcover
- Large pocket for extra storage
Cons
- Comes with a strong odor
Brentwood Originals Brushed Twill Backrest
Brentwood Originals Brushed Twill Backrest is a 26- inch-reading pillow with amazing features. It has a sturdy construction and excellent support for the arms, neck, and back as you read or watch TV. It comes with a carrying handle that makes it easily portable from one place to the next.
The pillow’s versatility allows you to use it in the bedroom, in the living room, or lounging out at the balcony. The materials used on the pillow are polyester and cotton. It comes with a handle that allows easy portability. The pillow is also easy to spot clean, and it comes in five different colors. The large size of the pillow is ideal for people with more prominent body types.
Pros
- The polyester material is durable and comfortable
- Comes in five different colors
- Large size suitable for people with significant body types
- Provides superior support and comfort while reading
- Offers versatility
- Comes with a handle that makes it easily portable
Cons
- Not firm enough for some users
- Arms are not long enough as compared to the size of the pillow
Deluxe Comfort Microsuede Bed Rest-Backrest Pillow
The Deluxe Comfort Microsuede Reading Pillow provides you with the support you need if you are recovering from post-surgery, an injury, or if you have a book that you want to read in bed. The pillow has a cushion that provides you with unparalleled comfort. The filling in the pillow is hypoallergenic, comfortable, and on top of it is a zippered microsuede cover that comes with ease of maintenance.
The cover is not machine-washable, but you can spot clean easily if it gets dirty. It is extra soft on the skin and hypoallergenic. The pillow also comes with armrests that you can use for more comfort if you are gaming or watching TV.
If you want to move around the house or travel with your pillow, you do not have to worry about portability because it comes with a carry handle. Though the pillow lacks the same firmness as many others in the market, you can still enjoy the support it provides as a reading pillow. It also comes in several color options.
Pros
- Comes in different colors to choose from
- Provides reading and recovery from injury support
- Comes with filling that you can add or remove to fit your comfort preferences
- Comfortable armrests
- Ample size to fit different body types
- Soft and removable microsuede cover
- Hypoallergenic filling and cover
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Does not provide enough firmness for some users
Mittagong Backrest Pillow
Mittagong Backrest Pillow is a large unit that provides maximum support as you sit upright to read or watch TV. It also helps people healing from surgeries and those dealing with other different kinds of pain. The reading pillow comes with a detachable neck roll, and arm supports that help to take the strain off the back and luxurious memory foam.
Read more : Best Pillow For Sleeping On Back – In Depth Guide 04/2024
The pillow also comes in striking hues that are easy to take care of and maintain as they come with an easy to open zip at the base. The pillow also comes with a carry handle that makes it easily portable.
Pros
- It has a detachable neck toll that adds to your comfort and support as you sit upright to read
- Comfortable and luxurious shredded foam memory padding
- Comes with convenient armrests that make you more comfortable as you use the pillow
- Breathable, easily removable and just as easy to wash pillow cover
- Comes with a carry handle that makes it easily portable
- Provides relief for post-surgery and neck pain
- Comes in different colors
- Ideal for both adults and children
Cons
- Expensive
- The arm supports are not long enough for some users
- It comes with too much embroidery that some users think is unnecessary
Read our complete guide about the Best Nursing Pillows
Types of reading pillow
Reading pillows come in two primary types, which are wedge, and the traditional husband pillows. Of course, there are other types though they are as popular as the two most common ones.
Wedge reading pillows
Wedge reading pillows come with a sloping shape that provides them with versatile purposes. You can use then for orthopedic reasons to help alleviate health issues that include back pains, sleep apnea, acid reflux, poor blood circulation, recovery from post-surgery, other body pains.
You can also use the pillows as backrests as you read or watch TV, and you can use them to prop the legs for elevation and much more. The majority of the wedge reading pillows consist of memory foam and adjustable abilities.
Traditional
Traditional reading pillow also referred to as husband pillows, feature arm, and backrests. They are tall and wide and provide support for the upper part of the body, including the head shoulders, spine, neck, and arms. Some of the traditional models come with adjustable and removable neck rolls, side pockets for your essentials, removable headrests, and cup holders.
What to Look for in a Reading Pillow
A reading pillow, unlike the standard sleeping ones, comes with unique features. Below are the considerations to look out for when you are looking for a reading pillow.
Filling Material
Just like the sleeping pillows, reading pillows too come with different filling materials. Each type of filling comes with its level of support and comfort. Some of the most common filling materials used in reading pillows are memory foam, shredded memory foam, and microfiber or polyester.
Memory foam pillows are dense, and they conform to the body sculpture easily. It also feels soft to the body, and it provides maximum support without losing its original shape.
Shredded memory foam is also another favorite choice for reading pillows. Unlike memory foam, which is solid foam, shredded foam pillows consist of foam shredded into many small pieces. The advantage of shredded foam pillows have over memory foam reading pillows is that you can move the pieces inside the pillow to shape it to your preference.
Shredded reading pillows are also softer and mold better to the body than the other material fillings. You can increase the firmness or decrease it by adding or removing some of the shredded memory foam from the pillow.
Microfiber or polyester fiber is an inexpensive filling that comes with less support and hold than the other two types. They also have much shorter lifespans and do not sculpt to the body shape as the other two filling materials.
Cover
Just as the filling is a crucial factor in choosing a reading pillow, so is the cover. The cover of the pillow you want should exude as much comfort as possible, it should be durable, and it should make the pillow look good. The most popular reading pillow covers are faux or microsuede, or microfiber suede, velour, velvet, and corduroy.
Suede material found in reading pillow covers is either faux, microfiber, or micro suede. The synthetic material looks and feels like animal sued. Suede is a sleek and soft material that you can use with ease in a home with children and pets. The cover material is stain resistant, easy to clean, and just as easy to maintain.
Velour is another common reading pillow cover material, that comes with a soft and luster feel. It is also less expensive compared to other types of cover materials and easy to clean. Velour feels and looks very much like velvet, but it stretches more and lasts longer. It is also family-friendly.
Velvet is another choice, and it stands out because of its plush, sleek, luxurious, and shiny look. It is expensive, and its durability depends on the type of velvet material. The four different types of velvet are silk, cotton, mohair, and wool. Silk is delicate, while mohair and wool are stain-resistant and more durable. Cotton velvet blends well with many other fibers for added durability, but it crushes easily. Cleaning velvet covers requires professionalism.
Corduroy is also another reading pillow cover that is both durable and sift. It consists of ridges that run across the material, which give it a unique look and feel. Corduroy is machine washable and not as expensive as the other materials.
Style and comfort
You also need to know the style of the reading pillow you want before making a choice. The two most prominent reading pillow styles are the traditional type pillow and the wedge pillow. Others are u-shaped pillows that you can maneuver into positions that allow you to read in comfort.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Many of the reading pillows come with easily removable covers that you can wash using the conventional home washing machines. Other covers also come with the ability of easy spot cleaning, making them easy to maintain. Others may require professional cleaning. Before you make your choice, learn what kind of cleaning will suit the pillow, and cover materials.
Portability
Reading pillows are versatile. You can use them on the bed as backrests, on the couch, or with your favorite chair. Ensure that you buy a pillow that you can move around with, without any difficulties. Fortunately, many reading pillows come with carry handles for ease of portability.
Added features
One of the things that also make reading pillows stand out is the added features, especially with the more luxurious husband pillows. The added features to look for when buying a reading pillow are:
- Carrying handles that make reading pillows easily portable
- Side pockets for holding your essentials
- Armrests for added comfort and support
- Headrest or detachable neck roll for head and neck support
- Removable pillow cover that makes cleaning easier
- Adjustable loft, which you mostly find in shredded memory foam pillows. The feature allows you to adjust the pillow loft to suit your comfort and support
- Cup holders that enable you to enjoy your favorite beverage as you read or watch your favorite TV program
Cost
Reading pillows come with different rates depending on the brand, materials, size, and type. Some of the brands are expensive, while other budget-friendly. It is crucial to find out the rate in comparison with the features before settling for any particular pillow.
Why should you buy a reading pillow?
A reading pillow comes with several benefits that make it worth buying. The reasons to buy a reading pillow are:
- Helps to promote your posture, align and support the spine, and lessen the stress and pressure on joints as you read in bed or on a chair.
- It helps to prevent GERD, or acid reflux, which is the leading cause of heartburn and lack of sleep.
- The wedge reading pillows’ incline also helps with snoring, respiratory issues, insomnia, and sleep apnea.
- The incline, backrest, and ergonomic designs of the reading pillow also helps to alleviate back pains by supporting the head, shoulders, neck, and upper body.
Wrapping it up
Reading pillows are beneficial for reading as you rest in bed because they help to support your back, preventing slouching and pains. The pillows are also great for other purposes, such as pain relief by aligning the spine and providing support for the head and neck. They come in different sizes and types, allowing many options to choose from for your preferences.
With the review and the things to look for in a reading pillow, we hope that you choose the one that helps to give you all the support and comfort you need next time you pick that book to read in bed.
Source: https://bestpillowsleepers.com
Category: Best Pillows
