Best Reading Pillows ( Top 10 Pillow)

Many of us enjoy sitting up in bed to read. However, this can be very uncomfortable without the right support. Anything from a hard headboard to inadequate support for your back can leave you with aches and pains and spoil your relaxation. For this reason, many people who enjoy bedtime reading are on the lookout for the best reading pillows. These are our top recommendations for the best reading pillows in 2023.

The 10 Best Reading Pillows To Buy in 2023

Image	Name and Feature	Our Rating	Price
	LINENSPA Shredded Foam Reading Pillow		Check Price
	Milliard Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam		Check Price
	Brentwood Originals 2136 Plush Bed Rest		Check Price
	Brentwood Originals Shagalicious Bedrest		Check Price
	Husband Pillow – Big Reading & Bed Rest Pillow with Arms		Check Price
	WOWMAX PP-Cotton Filled Bolster		Check Price
	Z Foam Filled Reading Pillow		Check Price
	ZIRAKI Large Plush Shredded Foam Reading And TV Relax Pillow		Check Price
	Red Nomad Shredded Foam Reading Pillow		Check Price
	iPad Tablet Stand Pillow Holder		Check Price

A high-quality reading pillow can be the best answer for finding a comfortable reading position and preventing aches and pains. However, with so many styles and variations on the market today, it can be hard to know which product to choose.

Luckily, our experts have been doing their research to find the best reading pillow products and review them to help you choose the very best product for your needs. We’ve also compiled a handy buyers’ guide to make choosing the perfect pillow just that little bit easier. So, how exactly do you choose the right pillow for reading in bed? Read on for absolutely everything you need to know.

Also, check out our best pillows for 2023

• The 10 Best Husband Pillows for Pregnant and Nursing Women
• Top 10 Best U Shaped Pregnancy Pillow for Maximum Support
• The 10 Best Pillows for Back Pain Relief
• 10 Best Orthopedic Pillow for Your Neck Pain

What is a reading pillow?

A reading pillow is a shaped pillow specially designed to prop you up so that you can read more comfortably in bed. There are various shapes available, and each will suit some people more than others. Some may not be labelled strictly as ‘reading pillows’, however any pillow that props you in an upright position and supports your neck and back is suitable for the purpose.

Buying a specially designed reading pillow is a good idea for anyone who likes to sit up and read in bed. However, people who are confined to bed for longer periods of time such as people who are convalescing may find these types of pillows very useful. Reading pillows have uses beyond just providing support while reading. People who like to sit up in bed watching TV or gaming may also find a reading pillow more supportive than propping themselves up with regular pillows. They can also be very handy for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Some types of reading pillow are not designed to be rested on. Instead, they prop up a book or reading device such as a tablet up at a more convenient angle for reading in bed. They’re soft and padded so they don’t dig into your body uncomfortably.

Types of reading pillow

There are various types of reading pillow available. Which one suits you best depends upon your individual needs. We’ve provided a quick explanation of the most common types of reading pillow to help you understand the main differences between product types.

Husband pillow

Despite the name, these pillows are not designed just for men! They look a little like the back of a miniature padded armchair and provide support for your neck, back and arms. Husband pillows include armrests but may also incorporate added features such as pockets, cupholders and even massage settings.

Wedge pillow

These are probably the best-known reading pillows for bed. They are shaped like a doorstop and are placed underneath the back to prop you up in bed. This helps to provide a more comfortable angle for reading.

However, unlike husband pillows, they can also be slept on. Some people prefer to sleep using a wedge pillow to relieve back pain. The elevation they provide can also help to relieve snoring and other conditions that are exacerbated by lying flat on your back.

Pyramid Pillow

These pillows are not designed to be lain on. Instead, they prop the book or reading device up in a comfortable position so there is no need to strain your neck. However, they are usually plush and padded so it’s comfortable to have them in the bed with you.

What makes a good reading pillow?

Now you understand what a reading cushion is, you’ll most likely be wondering how to choose the very best product for you. Although the type of pillow you opt for depends on your needs, there are certain features that all really great reading pillows have in common. So, what should you be on the lookout for? Read on for our key checklist.

Softness

If you’re using it in bed, chances are that the fabric cover will be in direct contact with your skin. So, it’s important to choose a product with a cover that’s soft to the touch so it’s cozy to snuggle up with in bed. Nowadays, pillow manufactures use all sorts of soft and comfy fabrics, from corduroy to fake fur.

Washable

It’s important to find out how easy your reading pillow will be to clean. Assuming that you will be having drinks or snacks along with your reading session, it’s not unlikely that you’ll need to clean up a spill or two at some point. Many reading pillows are designed to be easily spot-cleaned using a damp cloth.

However, it’s not a bad idea to look for one with a removable cover that can be put straight through the washer. It’s also worth finding a pillow where the manufacturer sells additional covers separately, so you can change the cover completely if you need to.

Support

Because it needs to support you in an upright position, a reading pillow needs to be significantly firmer than a pillow you would use to sleep. Otherwise, it won’t provide adequate support for your neck and back and could lead to aches and pains. It’s always worth reading reviews to ensure any product you’re considering buying is as supportive as possible.

Size

Reading pillows come in all shapes and sizes. Ideally, you want something that will support the whole of your back. If you’re a larger adult, it’s important to check out the dimensions of different products before you buy. This is because many reading pillows are not designed to accommodate larger people and may be too small to be comfortable.

Hypoallergenic

Many people suffer from allergies triggered by their bedding. If this applies to you, it’s important to look for a pillow made from hypoallergenic materials that won’t trigger night time sniffles.

Made in the USA

In the United States, bedding manufacturers must adhere to stringent manufacturing guidelines to ensure that their products are completely safe to use. If you buy from abroad, you have no guarantees that the product is made to the same high safety standards.

For this reason, it’s best to stick to bedding products made in the USE. It’s also safe to buy bedding manufactured in Canada as they have similarly strict safety rules.

Store vs. online purchase

You may be wondering where the best place to purchase a reading pillow is. Is it worth the risk of buying online without trying it first? Of course, when you buy in a bricks-and-mortar store, you have the added advantage of being able to try the product before you buy. This means that you can be pretty sure that the pillow is big enough and will provide you with a level of support that’s comfortable for you.

However, there are some key advantages to buying a back support pillow for reading in bed online. Firstly, you will have access to a far wider range of products than you would be able to see in-store. It’s also much easier to make comparisons between products online. You may also be able to get discounts online unavailable in a store.

So, if you find a product you like, it’s probably a good idea to find out whether it’s available cheaper online than in the store. Whenever you’re making an online purchase, you should check out user and expert reviews first to make sure the product is high-quality. It’s also a good idea to look out for pillows that come with money-back guarantees, so you can return your purchase if it falls short of your expectations.

10 Best Reading Pillow reviews

Now you know absolutely everything there is to know about reading pillows, it’s time to dive right in to our top 9 expert-approved products. Using expert reviews to help you choose a pillow is a good idea as we know what to look for when it comes to choosing the best bed support pillows for reading. So, which products do our pros recommend? Here are the latest reviews of the 10 best reading pillows in 2020.

1. LINENSPA Shredded Foam Reading Pillow

Right at the top of our list is this fabulous foam-filled and breathable reading pillow. The Linenspa Shredded Foam Reading Pillow is perfect if you’re looking for a husband-style reading pillow with arm supports. The Linenspa pillow is expertly crafted to be breathable and adaptable for improved comfort even in warm temperatures.

We especially like the luxury stone-hued velour cover on the Linenspa, and it would go well with most bedroom interior design schemes. So, why do we love the Linenspa Shredded Foam Reading Pillow so much? Here are the specs of this great product in more detail.

Key features

Breathability: The super-breathable cover and spaces between the shredded foam filling material are deliberately intended to make the pillow as breathable as possible. This means that any extra body heat can exit the pillow even during use. So, it’s a very suitable choice for anyone that often becomes overly hot in bed.

Adaptable stuffing: The Linenspa Shredded Foam Reading Pillow is stuffed with tiny pieces of foam filling. Therefore, you can quickly and easily change the distribution of the stuffing around to make a shape that’s uniquely comfortable for your needs. This is especially suitable if you need support in particular areas due to a back or joint complaint.

Highly portable: This Linenspa husband reading pillow has a stitched-in fabric handle to allow you to transport it easily from room to room with minimum bother. Therefore, it’s ideal for frequent commuters or those who prefer to use their pillow in more than one room of the house.

2 Milliard Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam

At number 2 on our list is another husband-style reading pillow perfectly designed to be used on the bed, couch or even on the floor. The Milliard Reading Pillow’s shape is ideal for providing excellent support to the neck, back and arms. Milliard even say that their pillow is comfortable enough to be used for sleeping upright, making it a great choice for those with acid reflux or night-time nasal congestion. The memory foam stuffing allows the pillow to adapt to your body shape for superior levels of comfort and support.

So, why should you consider purchasing a Milliard Reading Pillow? Read on for our in-depth guide.

Key features

Removable stuffing: The design of this pillow allows you to unzip it and remove stuffing if it feels too firm. In addition, you can purchase additional foam from Milliard to increase the firmness.

Therefore, you can completely customize the level of support the pillow provides to suit your needs. This means that you can completely replace the filling if you want to freshen up your pillow after extended use without having to buy a whole new pillow.

Choice of sizes: The Milliard Reading Pillow is available in 3 sizes: Standard, Extra Large and Petite. The extra-large measures an impressive 24 inches, making it a great choice for larger adults. Therefore, you can select a size that accurately reflects your body and provides adequate comfort.

Washable: The velour outer cover isn’t just stylish. It can be easily unzipped, removed and put through a washing machine cycle. This means that the Milliard Reading Pillow is extremely easy to keep clean and fresh, and it’s simple to remove and spills or stains. The cover also has a built-in handle for easy portability.

3. Brentwood Originals 2136 Plush Bed Rest

This top pick comes from renowned pillow manufacturer Brentwood. Their Originals 2136 Plush Bed Rest has a soft and plush velour-type cover that feels comfy and cozy against the skin. Like similar Brentwood products, this pillow is somewhat softer than some other reading pillows on the market.

So, it’s a suitable option if you’re looking for a husband-style pillow but don’t want very firm support. Let’s examine Brentwood Originals 2136 Plush Bed Rest pillow in sharper focus.

Key features

Simple cleaning: The Brentwood Originals 2136 Plush Bed Rest has a plush and luxurious which is designed to cope with spot cleaning every now and then using a damp washcloth. This allows users to clean up minor spills and stains without the need to completely remove the pillow’s cover.

Easy to transport: This plush reading pillow comes with a sewn-in carrying handle included. This makes it an absolute breeze to transport so you can easily tote it from area to area in your house. It also makes it a top pick for anyone wanting to take their pillow on long trips or vacations.

Good back support: Although it is softer than some of the other options on our list, the Brentwood Originals 2136 is supportive enough to meet most people’s needs while sitting up reading or watching TV. This makes it a sensible pick for those who need support for their neck and back but don’t like the feeling of a very firm reading pillow.

4. Brentwood Originals Shagalicious Bedrest

For people with a vibrant taste in home decor, the Brentwood Shagalicious Bedrest may fit the bill perfectly. In a choice of three vibrant and zesty colors, this husband-style cushion has a luxurious fake fur cover which is both eye-catching and soft and cozy against the skin. Like other Brentwood Originals reading pillows, this cushion is softer than some of the other products we’ve reviewed, so it’s a good pick if you find very firm pillows uncomfortable. It comes with no fancy additional features, but the benefit is that you get a budget-friendly product. So, why do our experts recommend the Brentwood Shagalicious Bedrest husband pillow to our readers? Read on to find out.

Key features

Simple to clean: This husband-style cushion has a spot-clean friendly cover which is designed to be wiped down with a wet cloth to keep it clean and fresh. This makes it a doddle to handle any spillages without the hassle of removing and laundering the pillow’s cover.

Great portability: The Brentwood Shagalicious Bedrest reading cushion comes with an integrated fabric carrying handle. This makes it easy to move around, so you can carry it around your home with minimum fuss. Therefore, it’s a good product for taking away from the home as well.

Good back support: The Brentwood Originals Shagalicious Bedrest provides a good level of support to your neck and back while remaining comfortably soft. This makes it a potentially fantastic pick for those with back aches and pains who can’t get comfortable on a firm reading pillow.

5. Husband Pillow – Big Reading & Bed Rest Pillow with Arms

Highly deserving of a spot on our list of top reading pillows is this generously-sized and highly cozy Husband Pillow. Why do we love it so much? In terms of comfort and support, this is designed with ultimate coziness in mind, with an adaptable foam stuffing and a soft cover that feels comfortable against the skin. The dimensions of this pillow are far larger than average, making it a perfect fit for larger adults and people who want to feel enveloped by their reading pillow.

This reading pillow comes in one of the widest ranges of color options we’ve seen, so you should have no trouble picking one that suits the interior of your home. Let’s look at the features of the Husband Pillow in more detail.

Key Features

Detachable neck roll: This product comes complete with a detachable tubular pillow to give you extra neck support when you need it. You can change the position of the neck roll using the included bungee or even take it off when you don’t need it. Therefore, this product is a good pick for those with neck soreness or who need more support for their neck and head to feel comfortable.

Filling molds to your body: The Husband Pillow is stuffed with top-grade shredded memory foam. The advantage of this is that the filling can change shape according to the individual shape of your body for outstanding comfort. It’s also possible to re-distribute the filling, or even remove some through the zipper, to customize the shape of the pillow to your needs. The manufacturer will also provide extra stuffing if you wish to make the pillow firmer.

Handy side pocket: This great reading pillow includes a sewn-in side pocket for useful storage. The pocket is roomy enough to hold anything you need for your relaxation session such as reading materials, remote controls and even the detachable neck roll. Therefore, this is a good choice if you need to have certain items close to hand without getting up to fetch them.

6. WOWMAX PP-Cotton Filled Bolster

This wedge pillow for reading in bed is designed to prop you up comfortably, providing support to your lower back. It has the added benefit of potentially doubling as a headboard if you don’t already have one. We love the stylish corduroy fabric which, combined with the button detail, makes the pillow a very attractive addition to any bedroom. It comes in an impressive range of colors, so everybody should be able to find an option that matches their décor. Let’s check out the WOWMAX pillow in more detail.

Key features

Range of sizes: This stylish reading bolster comes in a range of sizes, ranging from twin to king size. This means that the pillow can be purchased large enough to suit any body size and can be used by both partners at once. Therefore, this could be a good choice for couples or those who need a pillow to suit a larger body type.

Multi-purpose: The button detailing and larger size of this reading pillow make it look less like a pillow and more like a headboard. Therefore, it can be used on the bed as an alternative to a headboard. This makes it a useful option for college students. Additionally, the pillow could be placed on a day bed to make it function more like a regular couch.

Washable: Despite its sturdy appearance, it’s actually simple to remove the cover of this reading pillow. It can then be put through the wash to clean and freshen. Therefore, it’s nice and simple to deal with any spillages and give your pillow a freshen-up.

7. Z Foam Filled Reading Pillow

One of the many reasons we love the Z Foam Filled Reading Pillow is its stylish color and unique textured fabric design. This reading pillow is another fantastic husband-style option with support for your back, neck and arms. The Z pillow is specially designed to be breathable while adapting to your body shape to provide personalized comfort and support. So, why should you consider investing in the Z Foam Filled Reading Pillow? Here’s our expert explanation:

Key features

Breathable cover: The velour-style fabric cover is made from blended rayon and bamboo, which gives the fabric a breathable quality. This means that heat can easily escape during use to prevent any overheating. Therefore, this is a good option for anyone who finds themselves overheating in bed.

Adaptable memory foam: This pillow is filled with shredded memory foam. This allows the reading cushion to adapt to the unique shape of your body. Therefore, it is both supportive and cradles your body comfortably. Shredded memory foam also has the added benefit of creating air gaps, which adds to the overall breathability of the product.

Easy cleaning: The Z pillow is designed to be spot-cleaned easily using a wet cloth. It’s also safe to use mild detergent to remove any stains and odors. This means that you won’t need to go to the trouble of laundering the cover, although it could be a problem If the cover becomes heavily soiled or stained.

8. ZIRAKI Large Plush Shredded Foam Reading And TV Relax Pillow

The Ziraki husband-style pillow is a particularly chic and stylish reading pillow option, as the neutral grey color will fit in seamlessly with most bedroom décor schemes. The larger size of this pillow makes it an excellent choice for larger individuals or those who prefer the feeling of a very big pillow. The Ziraki cushion is designed to be super-breathable, making it a sensible choice for anyone who becomes too hot while lying in bed. Let’s find out why our experts recommend the Ziraki reading pillow so highly.

Key features

Temperature neutral: This adaptable pillow is generously stuffed with high-quality shredded foam. This creates air gaps in the filling, adding to the breathability of the reading pillow. So, any unwanted heat during use can be wicked away, helping to maintain a neutral temperature.

Good level of back support: The adaptable of this reading cushion gives a good level of back and neck support. Furthermore, you can rearrange the distribution of the filling by hand to alter the shape of the cushion to your own needs. This makes it a supportive and comfortable option for anyone with lower back pain.

Easy to carry: This comfortable reading pillow includes a built-in handle to let you move it quickly and easily to wherever you fancy using it. Therefore, it works well for commuters, travellers and those that want to use their pillow in any room in their house.

9. Red Nomad Shredded Foam Reading Pillow

The Red Nomad Shredded Foam Reading Pillow is perfect for reading, but performs many other functions just as well. Actually, it’s the perfect support for any bedtime activity including watching TV or doing puzzles. The designers of the Red Nomad reading pillow have worked hard to ensure that the product is breathable.

So, it’s a great choice for those who get too hot in bed on a regular basis. Let’s find out more about the Red Nomad Shredded Foam Reading Pillow and its key features.

Key features

Soft and breathable fabric cover: The velour cover of this husband-style pillow is both hard wearing and soft to the touch. Additionally, the material is designed to be as breathable as possible. Therefore, body heat can be wicked away while you’re enjoying using your pillow. So, people who often get too warm in bed should consider this product when buying a reading pillow.

Adaptable filling: This husband pillow is filled with pieces of shredded high-quality foam. These are simple to move around manually to redistribute them to your personal liking. Therefore, you can change the shape of the pillow to make it more supportive in particular places and create a product that feels comfortable for your needs.

10. iPad Tablet Stand Pillow Holder

Rounding off our top ten list, this pillow isn’t designed to be rested on. Instead, it is used to prop up a book or tablet device at a comfortable angle for reading. The plush and cozy pillow rests comfortably against the body for hours of enjoyable reading. It can even be used on a surface or countertop for cookery books or reading recipes on your tablet.

Therefore, this product has many versatile uses. So, what makes this reading pillow special? Let’s find out what key features make the iPad Tablet Stand Pillow Holder stand out from the crowd.

Key features

Removable and washable cover: The cozy microfiber cover can be removed from the pillow and put through the washing machine. This makes it simple to freshen the pillow and remove any stains. This is a particularly handy feature if you want to use it as a recipe stand, as you can deal with the inevitable food splatters as and when they arise.

Versatile: This reading pillow can be used for books to make reading more comfortable. However, the manufacturers have recognized that nowadays people read on a wide range of devices. For this reason, the pillow is compatible with all tablets and even smart phones, so it’s a suitable option no matter how you prefer to read.

Soft, cozy design: Although you won’t be resting your body on this pillow, it’s still important that it’s soft and cozy. This product is comfortable against the skin and soft enough to snuggle against you, so you won’t feel uncomfortable with it on your lap for long periods.

The bottom line

Reading pillows are a great way to enjoy reading a book, watching TV or gaming from the comfort of your bed without getting a sore neck and back. As with any bedding product, it’s important to take your time comparing products and reading expert and user reviews before you settle on a particular option. Remember, just because a pillow suits one person doesn’t mean it will suit you. It’s important to bear your needs and your body size in mind when shopping for a reading pillow.

Hopefully, now you’ve read our handy guide you’ll feel more confident when it comes to shopping for the best reading pillows. Don’t forget to use our top-rated products to inspire your search. Happy shopping!