The Top 7 Reading Pillows for Comfort

Are you looking for the best pillows for reading? We have sought out the best reading pillows and gathered our thoughts below!

Reading is a relaxing activity that can be quickly disrupted by lower back pain or intense neck strain if you’re not sitting properly.

Such discomfort is the last thing you want while enjoying a good read or studying as it makes it quite challenging to focus on the book in front of you.

Luckily, there are plenty of pillows for reading and orthopaedic cushions that are specifically designed to alleviate any discomfort.

In this article, we’ll present you with an in-depth guide to and reviews of the best reading pillows on the market, as well as everything you need to know before buying the ideal reading pillow for you.

So without further ado, let’s dive in!

Top 7 Pillows for Reading Available on the Market

Whether you’re looking for the best pillow for reading in bed or reading on a couch, we have got you covered!

We have scoured the market looking for the best options out there when it comes to reading comfortably. Here’s a brief review of each one of them:

1. Clara Clark Bed Rest Reading Pillow with Detachable Neck Support

Kicking off the list we have one of the best overall reading pillows on the market. What we liked about Clara Crack Reading Pillow is that it has some additional features that make it rise head and shoulders above the competition, all whilst staying pretty affordable.

This reading pillow for bed has a removable outer cover made from microfiber fabric, which makes it soft to touch and also hypoallergenic. 

The inner filling is made of premium shredded memory foam, which makes it very supportive and this pillow holds its shape well.

Additionally, it comes with detachable neck support as well as two extra removable cushions for added comfort. 

The only drawback we noticed about this reading pillow is that it’s quite heavy to move around, so it’s not the most convenient option if you like to sit in different spots while reading.

Bear in mind that it comes vacuum-sealed, so you have to shake it around after it arrives to break up the pieces.

Reading Pillow Specifications

• Filling Material: Shredded memory foam
• Outer Material: Microfiber 
• Overall Weight: 11.7 lbs
• Sizes Available: Petite (X Small) to X Large
• Colors Available: 12
• Dimensions: 31 (36 with armrest) x 29.5 x 16 inches 

Pros

• Available in a wide variety of colors and sizes
• Comes with detachable pillows for additional support
• Equipped with pockets to hold all your essentials

Cons

• Quite heavy to carry and move around

Click here to check current pricing and to read more reviews

2. Linenspa Shredded Foam Pillow for Reading

Next up we have the Linenspa Foam Pillow for Reading. What we liked about this one is that it provides you with a significant level of comfort while being a highly affordable option that will suit buyers on strict budgets.

When the pillow first arrives, it’ll be compressed and almost flat. You’ll need to beat and knead the pillow a few times to break the foam shreds and allow it to decompress. 

Once you lay down on it, you’ll instantly notice the difference between this and other pillows for reading because the foam clusters here are made of memory foam.

This allows the pillow to also offer decent lower back support (or lumbar support) while staying fairly pliable.

This reading pillow with arms is available in lots of different colors and sizes and there’s the option to add a neck rest for added support while reading.

Reading Pillow Specifications

Moreover, it comes with a generous 3 year warranty, which adds a lot of value to this memory foam reading pillow. In fact, the only reason why we didn’t pick this one as our overall favorite is because it doesn’t have a removable cover, so it’s not as easy to clean as some the other options we’ve selected.

• Filling Material: Shredded polyurethane foam
• Outer Material: Velour polyester
• Overall Weight: 6 lbs
• Sizes Available: Standard and X Large
• Colors Available: 2
• Dimensions: 22 x 8 x 8 inches

Pros

• Excellent back support and very comfortable
• Ideal for buyers on a strict budget
• Comes with a long-term warranty

Cons

• The cover is not removable

Click here to check current pricing and to read more reviews

3. Cheer Collection Wedge Shaped Reading and TV Pillow

One of the best ways to ensure you are sitting with proper posture while reading is by using a wedge-shaped pillow.

This type of reading pillow is excellent for lower back support because they allow you to lean back without bending your spine. It’s also very versatile as you can flip it over and use it to create a gentle slope while sleeping.

This makes this reading pillow ideal for those who suffer from acid reflux while lying down too.

We also liked that this reading pillow is feather-light, weighing only 5.5 lbs, so it’s pretty easy to take them anywhere. The outer cover is also made of a blend of velour and micro plush, making it easy to wash and clean.

What’s more, the medium-sized reading cushion is made from shredded memory foam, so it holds its shape pretty well.

Lastly, it comes with an additional pillow that you can use separately under your knees or attach directly to the wedge pillow for added back support. 

The only downside about this design is that it lacks the armrests needed for holding the book, but you can easily solve that with your own cushions or pillows.

Reading Pillow Specifications

• Filling Material: Shredded memory foam
• Outer Material: Velour and micro-plush
• Overall Weight: 5.5 lbs
• Sizes Available: One size
• Colors Available: 10 
• Dimensions: 16 x 9 x 18 inches

Pros

• Versatile design and can be used for several purposes
• Removable and easy-to-clean cover
• Suitable for teens to adults

Cons

• Lacks arm support

Click here to check current pricing and to read more reviews

4. Springcoo Reading Pillow with Bonus Laptop Desk

You definitely get bang for your buck with the Springcoo Reading Pillow. In addition to the reading pillow that you can be used for a variety of purposes, you also get a bonus laptop desk!

This reading pillow comes in a wide range of sizes, ranging from 18 inches, which is suitable for kids and teenagers, all the way to 24 inches, which is suitable for an adult. The variety of size options allows you to enjoy a snug fit.

Another thing that we liked about this design is the attached neck rest and back support. The pillow is filled with shredded soft memory foam that provides a high level of comfort and coziness.

Moreover, it’s one of the few reading pillows in the market that has a removable cover that is machine washable. The pillow also has 2 pockets that can fit TV remote controls as well as mobile phones.

Lastly, it comes with a hidden carrying handle at the top of the pillow, so you can move it around easily with just one hand.

Reading Pillow Specifications

• Filling Material: shredded memory foam
• Outer Material: velour and fleece
• Overall Weight: 13.97 lbs (depending on the size)
• Sizes Available: 18 to 24 inches
• Colors Available: 3
• Dimensions: 21 x 12 x 10 inches (length depends on the size of the pillow)

Pros

• Comes with a free laptop desk for extra value
• Available in a variety of sizes
• Features a side pocket to securely hold your essentials

Cons

• The memory foam takes a long time to fully rise

Click here to check current pricing and to read more reviews

5. Avana Kind Bed Orthopedic 4 Pcs Support Wedge Pillow Comfort System

The Avana Kind Bed Comfort System is a high-end orthopaedic pillow that is designed to deliver the utmost level of support while keeping the body upright.

This reading cushion for bed is made of 4 lbs of ultra-premium Visco memory foam, which guarantees the perfect balance between support and comfort.

The product is made of 4 different parts, including a backrest, knee rest, headrest, as well as a back cradle! 

The design allows you to slide the back scoop to adjust the lower back support of the pillow exactly as you want it!

The outer cover of the pillow is lined with a plush micro-velvet layer with microsuede on the sides that is remarkably soft and smooth. The covers are also removable and can be washed either by hand or with a washing machine.

Reading Pillow Specifications

• Filling Material: Visco memory foam
• Outer Material: removable microvelvet cover
• Overall Weight: 12.57 lbs
• Sizes Available: one size 
• Colors Available: 6
• Dimensions: 32.5 x 24 x 11 inches

Pros

• The ultimate level of comfort and support
• Soft removable cover
• Slides to adjust the lower back support to your liking

Cons

• Premium price tag

Click here to check current pricing and to read more reviews

6. WOWMAX Triangular Headboard Reading Wedge Pillow and Backrest

The WOWMAX reading pillow is another impressive option to consider if you’re looking for a bolster backrest design reading pillow. This one is a pretty comfortable pillow for reading in bed and flat surfaces.

It’s made of high-density polyurethane foam filler, which doesn’t have the same give as regular pillows. However, it provides excellent support while sitting upright for reading.

Another thing that makes this reading backrest pillow great is that it can double as a bed’s headboard. This is because it comes in all different bed sizes as well as a variety of colors in a removable and washable velvet cover.

Reading Pillow Specifications

• Filling material: high-density polyurethane foam
• Outer material: velvet Polyester
• Overall weight: 3 lbs
• Sizes available: twin, full, queen, king, California king
• Colors available: 8
• Dimensions: 39 x 8 x 20 inches (depending on the size chosen)

Pros

• Ideal for those who like to read in bed
• Doubles as a bed headboard
• Detachable and washable cover

Cons

• A bit pricey

Click here to check current pricing and to read more reviews

7. ColdHunter 7.5″ Wedge Pillow

Last but not least, the ColdHunter is an excellent wedge-style pillow that is specifically designed to provide lower back support and comfort while reading, whether you’re on a bed or a couch.

Similar to the WOWMAX reading pillow, this one also comes in dense foam. Unlike memory foam, this one holds up pretty well to the pillow’s shape, which is great for proper support, especially for the elderly.

On top of all this, the premium pillow comes in two different sizes to suit your body contours and give you the ideal sitting angle you’re looking for!

Reading Pillow Specifications

• Filling material: polypropylene memory foam
• Outer material: polyester cover
• Overall weight: 3 lbs
• Sizes available: 7.5 or 12 inches
• Colors available: white and blue only
• Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 7.5 (the height depends on the size)

Pros

• Excellent for lower back support
• Affordable price
• The slender design makes it easy to store

Cons

• The white color requires frequent cleaning

Click here to check current pricing and to read more reviews

The Advantages of Having a Pillow for Reading

If you’re still not sure whether a bed pillow for reading is a good investment for you, here are some of the benefits of having a pillow that is designed specifically to support you while reading:

1. They Correct Your Posture While Reading

While sitting and reading, our upper backs tend to naturally slouch forward. This leads to a shift in the center of gravity of the body, which puts a lot of strain on the lower back.

At the same time, you lean your head forwards, which puts pressure on the lower neck.

While this can cause posture problems for all people, sitting in such a position for a long time can cause developmental issues and deformities in children. 

Luckily, most of the best pillows for reading in bed on the market are designed to counter this effect by pushing the lower back forward, which resets the center of gravity back to its original position and corrects your posture.

2. They Alleviate Back and Neck Strain

We are all encouraged to read because of all the benefits of reading upon the mind. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some negatives if you’re not mindful.

Despite being enjoyable and mind-nutritious, reading can also put a lot of strain on your spine and neck, which can affect your posture in the long run. 

When you read in bed without firm lower back support, your body’s angles are disrupted, which affects your body weight distribution. This ends up putting a lot of pressure on your spine, especially in the lower back region. 

For all these reasons, reading in bed without proper support can lead to a lot of strain on the neck and back.

Moreover, if you have chronic muscle or nerve conditions, sitting in incorrect postures for a long time to read can actually worsen these conditions, and even cause herniated or slipped discs or scoliosis.

Since bed pillows for reading are specifically designed to put your body in the right position, they’ll help greatly in alleviating the pain associated with reading (or browsing the phone…) in bed.

3. They Can Help Relieve Symptoms of Indigestion and GERD

If you suffer from heartburn, indigestion, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should get a pillow for reading.

The design of the pillow greatly helps alleviate these symptoms by keeping you in an upright position that prevents the stomach acid from rising.

4. They Can Be Used for Other Purposes

Speaking of phone browsing, you should keep in mind that a lot of other sedentary activities besides reading can also strain your back.

Indeed a lot of couches and other furniture on the market right now are designed to look as aesthetically pleasing as possible and are not all that comfortable. 

That’s why medical chairs always have specific cushioning in various parts to provide lower back support.

Pillows that are designed for reading can also be used for a wide variety of activities that include sitting for a long time and focusing on one thing, such as reading e-books, phone browsing, watching TV, and more.

In other words, a bed reading pillow can actually be a pretty decent investment that is highly versatile and can be used for a lot of activities!

Things You Should Keep in Mind While Shopping for a Reading Pillow

Now that you know more about the benefits of having a pillow for bed reading, it’s time to know how to pick the most suitable one for your needs.

In this section, you’ll find out more about all the things you should be on the lookout for while buying a pillow for reading:

The Overall Design

Of course, this will largely be a matter of personal taste, but you should keep the design of the pillow in mind while choosing one. Reading pillows come in a variety of shapes and designs, each with its own set of pros and cons.

For example, the most common design for reading pillows out there is the backrest/armrest design. 

This one is generally affordable and great for reading. However, it doesn’t provide the level of comfort that pricey orthopaedic support pillows would do.

There are also wedge-shaped pillows, which are quite portable and provide excellent lower back support but lack armrests.

Lastly, there are bed backrests that replace regular bed pillows which are great when sitting in bed reading or working on a laptop. 

Comfort isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a design, so make sure that the design you need also aligns with your requirements for storage, support, and price.

Inner Filler Material

There is a large range of different materials used for filling bed reading pillows. The ideal ones to go for are memory foam or shredded foam (or perhaps cotton, too).

Shredded foam combines the plushness needed for comfort with an acceptable level of support needed for proper posture.

On the other hand, there’s memory foam, which is a slightly advanced type of foam. Memory foam moulds to your exact body shape for the maximum level of support and comfort, especially when sitting for a long time.

However, it’s usually more expensive and often only available in orthopaedic pillows.

Outer Fabric Material

The outer fabric is what comes in contact with your body, which is why it needs to be soft, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean.

There are plenty of materials used for the outer fabric of the pillow. The most common ones are fleece, velvet, and polyester. 

The choice here is a matter of personal taste as long as you can easily remove it for cleaning.

Keep in mind that some fabrics are hand-washable while others can be easily tossed in the washing machine, so always check the label before making up your mind.

Stitching and Durability

Since you’re going to use that pillow frequently and for long hours at a time, it’s essential that you take a good look at the durability of the fabric as well as the stitching.

A good proof of quality here is a double-stitched and fortified stitched pillow. These are extremely durable and will stand the test of time.

Removable Rests and Adjustability

Some pillows come with additional rests for the back, the neck, and even arms. These rests aren’t only great for adding support and comfort but they also allow you to use the pillows for a variety of purposes. This gives them a huge value boost.

Always make sure that these supports are easily removable via velcro tapes or stretching bands and can be moulded to the contours of your body.

Size and Fit

Not all reading pillows were created equal. For example, the same pillow may not provide the same level of support and comfort for both a petite frame and a large one.

Always check the dimensions of the reading pillow and look for the most suitable size option for your own figure to ascertain whether it’s going to be a snug fit for your body.

Final Thoughts on Pillows for Reading

There you have it! A complete guide that walks you through everything you need to know before buying the best pillow for reading.

As you can see, there are plenty of great options on the market. However, the best one should balance comfort and support, all the while having a soft cover that is also easy to remove and clean.

For all these reasons, we pick the  Clara Clark Bed Rest Reading Pillow with Detachable Neck Support as the overall best reading pillow. 

In addition to all the previously mentioned aspects, this one comes with a generous warranty, and features additional neck support for extra posture correction, all the while coming at a price that won’t break the bank.

However, if you’re an avid reader and don’t mind splurging a little more to experience the maximum level of comfort and support while reading, you should definitely go for the Avana Kind Bed Orthopedic 4 Pcs Support Wedge Pillow Comfort System.

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