Relaxing in bed with a good book can help you unwind after a busy day. However, most pillows aren’t ideal for supporting healthy posture while sitting upright in bed. That’s where reading pillows come in. Not only do they prevent slouching; they can turn your bed, sofa, or even floor into a cozy reading nook. They tend to be firm, ergonomically designed, and shaped to fill in the space at your lower back for plenty of support.
In this guide, we’re going to introduce you to some of the best reading pillows on the market. Though they differ in terms of style, construction, and price, they’re all designed to support bookworms as they snuggle down with their favorite reads. To make this list even more useful, we’ll break down our picks into a few different categories so you can navigate to the ones most relevant to your needs.
Best Reading Pillows of 2024
- Best Overall Reading Pillow – Linenspa Reading Pillow
- Most Comfortable Reading Pillow – Husband Pillow Memory Foam Backrest Pillow
- Best Reading Pillow for Couples – WOWMAX Reading Backrest Wedge Pillow
Best Overall Reading Pillow – Linenspa Reading Pillow
Linenspa Reading Pillow
The Linenspa Shredded Foam Reading Pillow is an affordable choice that comes in multiple sizes.
Amply stuffed with shredded memory foam, this chair-like pillow from Linenspa is exceedingly soft and gentle. We think it could be great for those who like a little extra cushion while they’re propped up in bed. Plus, all the materials here are CertiPUR-US certified, marking them as toxin- and chemical-free.
Pros
- It comes in the classic neutral tones of navy blue and stone gray, which are great for common areas of the house.
- With multiple size options varying in height from 22 to 29 inches, this pillow caters to people of varying heights and needs.
- It’s an affordable choice for those looking for an adult-size, full-support reading pillow that has both back- and armrests, with the option of a neck pillow as well.
Cons
- There is no removable cover, so this pillow should be spot cleaned only.
Most Comfortable Reading Pillow – Husband Pillow Memory Foam Backrest Pillow
Husband Pillow Memory Foam Backrest Pillow
Made of a firm but plush memory foam core, this top-of-the-line backrest pillow offers excellent support. And, with 16 different color options in its washable cover, you can match it to any decor.
If you want to feel cuddled by your reading pillow, you may want to consider this model from Husband Pillow. Covered in luxurious microplush and stuffed full of supportive foam, it has a construction that gives you a bit of a hug while you’re reading. Plus, it’s adjustable, so you can remove the foam filling until you’ve found the ideal loft.
Pros
- There’s a smaller detachable pillow at the top that you can adjust to provide neck support where it’s needed. With the small pillow attached, the Husband Pillow has a maximum height of 31 inches. The extra pillow also doubles as an under-the-knees cushion to alleviate pressure on the joints.
- The filling is made from memory foam pieces, which makes it easy to remove and refill.
- The removable cover is made of soft microplush and comes in many colors, including vivid shades such as Carolina blue and light purple. Additional covers can also be bought separately for those who want to change up the look.
Cons
- This pillow is a little pricier than other reading pillow options on the market, so it may not work for those on a tight budget.
Best Reading Pillow for Couples – WOWMAX Reading Backrest Wedge Pillow
WOWMAX Large Bolster Triangular Positioning Support Reading Backrest Wedge Pillow
The WOWMAX Reading Backrest Wedge Pillow is perfect for sharing and can be flipped for stomach reading.
This larger reading pillow from WOWMAX is the perfect accessory for partners who like to read side by side. It comes in several different sizes, the largest of which is a whopping 76 inches wide, allowing it to easily accommodate two people at once. It’s also highly supportive, firm, and available in an array of fun colors, including coffee, lavender, and lime green.
Pros
- The removable corduroy cover and tufted design gives the pillow a stylish texture, and the classic shape blends well into bedroom decor. It’s a reading pillow that doesn’t look like a reading pillow.
- It can be flipped to use for stomach reading or as an elevated sleeping aid.
- It’s available in sizes that fit a full, queen, or king-size bed, but also works against the length of a twin bed set against a wall.
Cons
- There are no armrests for support.
How We Picked the Best Reading Pillows
When searching for the best pillows, we factored in several considerations: firmness, size, shape, and cleaning. Thinking about each category helps reflect on the quality of a product and who it’s best suited for.
Firmness
The reading pillows on our list all have foam filling to provide a comfortable feel that’s firm but not stiff. While sleeping on body pillows can be quite soft, a reading pillow should not only be cozy, but sturdy.
Size
We looked for products that can comfortably support adults, while still offering smaller options for children or for folks who aren’t looking for full back support. Most items we reviewed come in different measurements, with larger sizes available at higher prices.
Shape
We included both the popular reading pillow shape that combines back support with armrests, as well as a longer pillow with a more traditional shape. A reading pillow with armrests is a cozy choice that works well on and off the bed, while the longer pillow is the better choice for couples.
Cleaning
When used in bed, reading pillows probably won’t need constant cleaning. However, it’s a good idea to do routine washing, and there’s always the occasional spill. Moreover, if used by children or in areas in the home with more activity (like the couch in the living room or on the floor in a kids’ reading corner), easy cleaning is an important consideration. That’s why we looked for products with removable covers that are machine washable.
Price
Several of the products on our list fall within a similar price range, especially considering there are multiple size options that vary the price point up and down. When looking at higher-priced products, we considered size and other special features (i.e., pockets, access to filling, washable covers) that could justify higher costs. Overall, we were looking for items that are a good value for the price.
Buying Tips for the Best Reading Pillows
Finding the right reading pillow means considering size, comfort, quality, and other preferences. We’ve put together a few helpful points to think about while weighing the options.
Where and By Whom Will the Reading Pillow be Used?
Who will be using the pillow will determine the size, most importantly, but also other features. Reading pillows in kids’ rooms, student dorms, or shared spaces would benefit from the easy cleaning option of a removable, washable cover. Someone who does a lot of work from bed could use extra pockets to keep necessary items nearby. Think about the features that align with these factors.
Consider Any Physical Needs to Determine the Best Kind of Support
Do you — or whoever’s using the pillow — have any specific physical needs? For example, if neck discomfort is an issue, there are added neck support pillows that offer relief; armrests can be helpful to rest on to relax tense shoulders; firmness is important for lower back support. Some people also use these types of pillows for health reasons to aid upright or reclined sleep.
Are You Looking For a Reading Pillow That’s Also Multifunctional?
Aside from reading in bed, these pillows may be used for activities like watching TV on the sofa or playing video games on the floor. If the pillow will be moved around a lot and used by different people, it’s a good idea to get something that’s easy to carry and clean. For those who want a pillow that can also be used for sleeping, look into wedge-shaped options.
Sarah Riccio
Former Senior Writer and Bedding Expert
About Author
Sarah is the former senior writer and bedding expert at Sleepopolis. She received her degree in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College and spends her free time doing stand-up, making pasta, and hanging with her cats.