9 Best Reading Pillows: Optimal Comfort And Pressure Relief

Reading before bed is a healthy and often productive pastime activity. However, it can get annoying and even painful if you don’t have the appropriate pillow setup.

If you use your sleep partner to lean on when reading, chances are he or she will get annoyed, and you’ll have to change positions while pursuing the most optimal one. Luckily, scientists and engineers came up with an innovative solution to enjoy reading before bed, the reading pillow.

We explored various types and models of reading pillows while pursuing the best ones. Because there are a lot of brands and models to choose from, your pursuit may get overwhelming for you to the point you’ll give up.

With our buying guide, you’ll get all the necessary information you need for buying a quality reading pillow that won’t break your bank.

If you still struggle, you can also check out some of the best reading pillow reviews we listed, to narrow down this extensive research.

Reading Pillow: Key Features To Consider Before Buying

Whether you believe it or not, shopping for the best reading pillow can get challenging and tasking if you don’t know much about the types, materials, height, and shape that will suit you. With that in mind, we provided a detailed overview of the key features to consider when shopping for the best reading pillow.

Type Of Reading Pillow

There are different types of reading pillows. Of course, you can always use your tiny bed pillows or even the reading pillow. Still, why curve your back and make it ache when there are specially-designed, ergonomic pillows that get the work done.

Wedge Pillow

Wedge pillows are some of the most popular reading pillows. In addition to their popularity and eligibility for reading, they come with several popular benefits.

They are great to provide support for pregnancy, as well as give the “zero gravity” sensation. It’s also easy to adjust and customize in a way where you can use it even to sit and support your lumbar area.

There are different types of readers. This particular reading pillow type is suitable for readers who sit in the bed, rather than lay or lounge. Nevertheless, it can also be used for lounging thanks to its adjustable design.

It will also support you through the night. Many reports that it can ease snoring while reducing the swelling in your legs. Lastly, people who suffer from severe acid reflux and experience heartburn, or have GERD can greatly benefit from using this type of pillow for both reading and sleeping.

Know More About Wedge Pillow: 4 Best Wedge Pillows For Back Pain: Work As Expected?

Traditional Bed Support

The second most popular type of model is the traditional bed support, which is meant to give you a thick, cozy, and comfy space for you to lean, and relieve pressure from the critical pressure points. To simulate strong and narrow bed support, these types of pillows are taller, thicker, and in some models, narrow.

Some models also introduced armrests so that you can lean and relieve pressure from arms while holding the book and reading. Although it can be chunky, it won’t take too much of your space, and you can even use it as standalone support.

eReader Pillows

The exponential evolution and popularity of eReaders, such as Amazon Kindle, iPad, and regular Android tablets also lead to specially-designed eReader pillows. This allows great support for the tablet, rather than the readers. This also creates a hands-free sensation, as the reader doesn’t have to hold the eReader.

Another benefit of owning an eReader pillow is that the user can lay or sit anyhow they want, without worrying about discomfort holding their readers.

The Filling

The filling is an important factor to consider, especially if you experience frequent backaches and want a thick layer of comfort and a way to relax and relieve pressure when sitting or lounging. Two of the most popular materials meant for filling include:

The materials used for filling are usually a personal preference. However, when you come back from work, exhausted and sore, there’s no better way to relax than laying on a plushy and well-supported pillow. That’s why most of the consumers go for foam pillows.

When we say foam, we mean memory foam that uniquely responds to your body temperature and pressure that your body applies to the pillow surface, to conform to your shape and help you relax. Still, although memory foam is more affordable than other pillow materials, it’s a synthetic material that can lead to discomfort if made out with poor quality in mind.

If you’re restricted on budget, the better option includes polyester microfiber. You may not experience the same level of relief as with the shredded memory foam pillow, but polyester microfiber offers decent support and convenience as well.

Cover (External Material)

However, the inner materials in the pillow oftentimes don’t suffice the standard comfort demands of readers who want to relax and immense into the reader process.

The cover of the pillow refers to the external material that surrounds it. It should be soft, comfortable, and gentle for the skin. In addition to that, it shouldn’t trap too much heat as the memory foam already uses heat to create a conforming and hugging sensation when you lean against it.

With that in mind, the most popular considerations for reading pillow cover includes:

Note: If you have sensitive skin, don’t worry. On the market, there are a lot of cotton-made covers that are hypoallergenic and natural, so there won’t be unwanted skin rash or other irritations.

Size

But, how big or small should the reading pillow be, without compromising the space your partner has in bed? It’s easy if you’re picking the traditional bed support, some standard dimension includes 20-inches height and 15-inches width for the neck support.

The ideal option would be using the pillow with at least a 20-inch height. Remember that it’s good to pick pillows that are higher because they offer more neck support. Of course, if you’re shopping for a reading pillow for children, you may want to consider some shorter options.

Note: Sometimes, you will want to use your reading pillow to support you when watching TV or even working with a laptop in bed. That’s why you want the pillow to be high enough to support your neck.

Multifunction

As mentioned earlier, you may not always want to use your pillow when reading. Perhaps, you’ll move your office to bed and work from there too, on a laptop. Sometimes you will want to just rest and check your phones or even watch TV and movies.

If that’s what you consider doing with your pillow, you should consider options that are multifunctional and provide the necessary support.

Pockets

If you’re aiming to buy a reading pillow like a traditional bed support pillow, keep in mind that some of them come with small pockets (Like the husband pillow we’ll mention later). Although this isn’t a huge feature, it’s great if you want to use it to place your phone or remote control.

Armrests

Another feature to consider is supporting. Most reading pillows also come with armrests that allow much more comfort when you’re holding a book or e-reader, while also relieving the pressure from your back.

Armrests are also important because the plush material in them helps with support for hips and relieves the pressure from them.

Note: most pillows we featured come with armrests

Neck Pillow Support

Another thing to consider is the neck support so that you can completely lean on the pillow while relaxing and reading. Some reading pillows were made to be thicker so that they can provide complete support for readers, without having them feel sore or numb after lounging or sitting for a while.

Ease of Cleaning

When shopping for a reading pillow, it’s important to consider whether you can wash it or just spot-clean it, because accidents happen and eventually, you’ll need to clean it. Some materials can be unzipped or unbuttoned, thrown into washing machine and even dried.

Some pillows, unfortunately, can only be spot cleaned with a towel and lukewarm soapy water. Make sure to read the product description before mindlessly throwing the pillow in the washing machine.

Note: Pure memory foam pillows should not be washed under any condition.

9 Best Reading Pillows We Recommend

Now that we highlighted the key features of every good reading pillow, it’s time to review the best models we found. It took us some time to narrow down the list so check it out and find the best reading pillow for your needs.

Here are the most highlighted models we reviewed:

• Best Overall: Linenspa Reading Pillow –Traditional bed support with optimal comfort and pressure relief when you’re relaxing, reading, or watching TV.
• Runner Up: Milliard Reading Pillow – Our second-ranking option comes with cuddly and plushy material that will allow you to relax in no time.
• Best Budget: Milliard Bed Wedge Pillow – Affordable wedge pillow provides support for both the neck and lumbar region. It decreases the effects of acid reflux and GERD.
• Best eReader: Flippy Soft Pillow – Ideal for tablets, Readers, and iPads of all sizes. It is a snug fit for your eReader for an advanced hands-free experience.
• Best for Back Support: Vekkia Reading & Bed Rest Pillow – Provides thicker support for back, especially for the lower back region. It’s also comfortable and plushy.

1. Best Overall: Linenspa Reading Pillow

This standard reading pillow is a great fit for both children and adults while ensuring optimal support and pressure point relief for all activities, starting from simple relaxation and reading to watching TV and gaming. Those who work from the bed will also enjoy the calming and comfortable effect.

• Price: $$
• Type: Traditional Bed Support
• Material: Memory Foam
• Cover: Velour
• Dimensions: 22 x 8 x 8 inches
• Warranty: 3 years

It uses shredded memory foam as a filling, which means it’s perfect for extended and deep support that contours to your body and prevents you from feeling exhausted and numb. The velour cover is available in multiple colors to match your bedroom’s and your style. However, you shouldn’t wash it, so you don’t damage the material. You can instead spot-clean it.

The rear support is also ideal for people who have undergone some sort of procedure or back surgery. It delivers impeccable support and comfort which is exactly why it’s our number one. Keep in mind that during the summer, the memory foam in the pillow could make you feel too hot and even sweat.

2. Runner Up: Milliard Reading Pillow

When it comes to our runner up option, it’s a little more flexible and affordable.

• Price: $$
• Type: Traditional Bed Support
• Material: Memory Foam
• Cover: Velour
• Dimensions: 22 x 8 x 8 inches
• Warranty: /

It uses luscious foam to provide unprecedented back and neck support, together with the armrest support to extend it. It’s intended for multipurpose. You can use it to read your favorite book or even watch TV and just relax.

You can stuff and remove the foam as you like it depending on whether the pillow feels too soft or too thick and firm. The foam inside of it is shredded so you can easily adjust. Additionally, it’ll contour to your body’s shape and relieve pressure and weight once you lean against it.

It’s also portable so you can easily transfer it from one room to another, while lightweight for both bed and sofa. It also comes with a soft velour cover, that is removable and can be washed and machine dried.

3. Best Budget: Milliard Bed Wedge Pillow

Whether you plan to gift it to someone or save up on an affordable reading treat, the Millard bed wedge pillow is a great affordable investment.

• Price: $
• Type: Wedge
• Material: Polyurethane and memory foam
• Cover: Breathable white cover
• Dimensions: 26.97 x 7.48 x 25 inches

It comes with two supportive layers with the polyurethane foam base, together with the body activated memory foam. It will conform to your body’s shape without flattening up.

Wedge pillows are also great because they help normalize blood pressure and keep your neck and back in the optimal position. It’s great for both reading and relaxation while supporting you when you sleep.

It also comes with a zippered breathable cover that will help you prevent sweating and stay cool. The same cover can also be removed and washed in the washing machine.

4. Best eReader: Flippy Soft Pillow

Flippy Soft Pillow is a great supporting ground for tablets and eReaders.

• Price: $
• Type: eReader Pillow
• Material: Foam
• Cover: Suede
• Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.1 x 7.6 inches
• Warranty: /

It’s commonly used by those who read eBooks, work or study from the bed. That also makes it ideal for children too. You can rotate it using 3 distinct viewing angle, so you can always adjust your laying position.

It’s lightweight and uses foam with a suede cover to make a snug fit for your eReader. You can’t wash it, but you can easily spot clean it, and prepare it for the next use with your eReader. It’s compatible with both tablets and iPads in addition to the regular e-Readers.

It is available in a plethora of colors, which is especially useful for children who like picky colors for their tablets and eReaders.

5. Best for Back Support: Vekkia Reading & Bed Rest Pillow

Those who spend a lot of time reading or working in bed can easily get tired and experience back or neck pain.

• Type: Traditional Bed Support
• Material: Foam
• Cover: Velvet
• Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 18 inches
• Warranty: 1-year

Earlier we said that the taller the pillow, the better for offering back and neck support. If the pillow also has a thick filling, it’s a great investment for anyone reading for a long time in bed.

This luxurious back pillow comes with armrests with an additional support layer for the back. It feels like a cloud where you can relax, read, or watch TV. In addition to using the armrest, there’s also a small pocket that lets you comfortably put away your phone or some other small object.

The thick layer of memory foam will provide a contouring and cradling experience, while the velvet cover allows you to feel cuddly and plushy while leaning against it. It’s ideal for people with acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD. Another great thing about this pillow is that you can remove the velvet cover and wash it in the machine.

6. Best for Neck Support: The Husband Pillow

The Husband pillow sounds tough yet comfortable. It’s ideal for those who are looking for neck and spinal alignment, while also being tall.

• Price: $$$
• Type: Traditional Bed Support
• Material: Foam
• Cover: Velvet
• Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 18 inches
• Warranty: 3-years

This microplush pillow feels cuddly and fluffy and ideal to lay back, relax, read, and watch TV. It’s like a mini bed that you can relax in while supporting your body.

It’s equipped with shredded memory foam, a thick layer that cradles you to relax and relieves the pressure points. The micro plush also makes you feel more convenient allowing you to relax. It comes with a built-in pocket where you can tuck in your phone or remote control.

Additionally, the adjustable loft helps you carry it into the other room. This particular model also has a zipper, which allows you to remove the foam or add more, if you feel it’s too thick or not enough thick.

Aside from the 3 years warranty that comes with it, you can also enjoy testing it for 100 days before you decide whether it’s the right option for you or not. You can also easily change the cover if you’re not satisfied with the color.

7. Best Wedge Pillow: Brentwood Home Zuma Therapeutic Wedge Pillow

Wedge pillows are comfortable and therapeutic in the process. You can use them for multiple purposes, starting from lounging and reading, to full-time night rest.

• Price: $$
• Type: Wedge Pillow
• Material: Memory Foam
• Cover: Bamboo cover
• Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 10 inches
• Warranty: 1-year

It has a proper, gradual slope that is ideal for sleepers and users who suffer from snoring or sleep apnea. It helps align the spine and neck and keep the shoulders supported.

Those who suffer from acid reflux, digestion, allergies, and GERD can benefit a lot from using this pillow. It is made out of shredded memory foam and coated with a bamboo knit cover that you can remove and machine wash with ease.

8. Best Therapeutic: Avana Kind Bed Orthopedic Support Wedge Pillow Comfort System

If you’re looking for ultimate support that will provide relief both for your neck and back, while covering your legs in the process, the Avana Kind Bed system is great for you.

• Price: $$$
• Type: Pillow System
• Material: Memory Foam, Viscoelastic foam
• Cover: Velvet cover
• Dimensions: 28.5 x 24 x 8, 18 x 24 x 6, 9.5 x 24 x 4, 13 x 24 x 10
• Warranty: 1-year

The bed system consists of four pieces that bolster, support, and relieve pressure and pain from your body while allowing you to sit upright. It’s great for those who work in bed, but also for anyone reading and watching TV while relaxing.

It’s equipped with the medium density foam and covered with premium 4LB Visco Memory Foam. Additionally, there’s a cover made out of micro-velvet fabric that you can remove and wash and dry in the machine. It offers unprecedented support and comfort, without leaving you feeling sore and numb after laying in it for extended amounts of time.

9. MALOUF Z Foam Filled Reading Pillow

• Price: $$
• Type: Traditional Bed Support
• Material: Memory Foam
• Cover: Velour cover
• Dimensions: 22 x 35 x 17 inches
• Warranty: 3-year

Whether you’re looking to relax and watch your favorite TV show, work or read, MALOUF Z foam-filled reading pillow will work wonderfully with you. As its name suggests, it’s filled with memory foam and provides great support for the back and neck.

It’s also using a cozy and comfortable bamboo blend rayon layered in a soft velour cover for plushness and comfort. It helps prevent overheating and sweating. Unfortunately, it can’t be washed in the machine but you can spot clean it.

Best Reading Pillows – FAQs