Best Reading Pillow | Buyer’s Guide & Reviews | 2022
If you love nothing more than delving into a good book, a reading pillow is a must. Not only will a reading pillow ensure you remain comfortable for long stretches of time, it will also provide your body with essential support and prevent you from suffering from strains and aches. Need some help selecting a quality reading pillow from the expansive range of options currently available? We have put together some useful guidance on what to bear in mind when browsing the market, along with a round-up of some of the very best reading pillows you can currently find on offer.
Researching reading pillows was completely fascinating. I mean there was such an array of products, some come with armrests, others have side pockets, some are machine washable, whilst others were made out of corduroy. Some even had cup holders.
The truth is, I love my bed reading. I can’t sleep without reading at least 10 pages of a book. And for that I need something extra-large, with a headrest, that provides the optimum comfortable position. What we looked for was something that helped sit up in bed without necessarily reverting to either a neck pillow or the husband pillow. The upper body, more than anything had to remain comfortable and relaxed.
Types of Reading Pillow
Unlike other varieties of support pillow, reading pillows come in all shapes and sizes. One of the most common is the classic husband pillow. This snug support pillows include a large backrest to support your shoulders and back, along with large arm supports. The most desirable husband pillows on the market will also include a neck roll section to provide you with enhanced comfort as you read. Husband pillows can be used in multiple settings. You can use one when sitting on a sofa or armchair, or when you are sat on the floor against a wall. They can also be used for sitting upright in bed.
A more compact alternative is a wedge pillow. These support pillows are often used as a sleeping aide, elevating the head to prevent ailments like acid reflux and back pain. They can also be used to alleviate snoring. However, these orthopaedic wedge supports can also be used as a comfortable reading pillow. If love lying back on the couch with a paperback, a wedge pillow is a great way of slightly elevating your head and shoulders, without you having to worry about craning your neck and suffering from stiffness.
Another option to consider is a folding support pillow. These types of support closely resemble a wedge pillow, but offer you a greater range of inclination options and scope for adjustment. They are something to seriously consider if you want a support pillow that can be used in various settings, saving you the expense of having to invest in multiple products.
Quality Filling
As with any support pillow, the quality of the filling material is very important. If you are looking to buy a wedge pillow or something similar, a memory foam core is a must. Responsive memory foam will provide you with the best results when it comes to ergonomic support, alleviating the pressure on your neck, shoulders and back. Memory foam is designed to quickly and correctly contour to your body, providing you with very effective, personalised support. This material is also very durable and will ensure your reading pillow lasts for a considerable amount of time.
If you are instead looking to purchase a husband pillow or similar type of support, you have more choice when it comes to filling material. The cheapest husband pillows available will almost always use a material like polyester as a filling material. Polyester does not offer the same level of support as memory foam, but is very versatile and should allow you to achieve good levels of comfort, provided the pillow is frequently reshaped and plumped up. More expensive husband pillows will include shredded memory foam as a filling. Although not as effective as solid memory foam core, the shredded variety of this innovative material does retain some of the benefits. As with pillows that include a polyester filling, shredded memory foam will require some adjustment now and again to ensure effective support.
Useful Features
For easy maintenance, make sure you invest in reading pillows with removable outer covers. The smallest and most basic of pillows will include a slip case that can be quickly removed and placed into a washing machine. More substantial pillows will include zips that keep filling material from spilling out. If you are looking to purchase a wedge pillow or a smaller support, go for products that include a minimum of two inner layers as this will keep the core material protected from moisture, dust and other allergens. No matter what type of reading pillow you decide on, go for designs that include a grab handle for maximum convenience.
Outer Materials
To ensure you achieve maximum comfort for long periods of time, you should pay attention to the material composition of the outer shell of reading pillows. Wedge pillows designed to support the shoulder and head will often include a breathable outer cover that delivers good air circulation. If you want superior breathability performance, opt for bamboo-rich materials when possible. Bamboo is not only breathable, it also prevents heat from building up, creating a comfortable cooling effect.
Product Reviews
In need of some ergonomic support when you curl up with a good book? We have put together an essential shortlist of some of the best reading pillow options for you to consider.
ZOEMO Memory Foam Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow for Sleeping, Post Surgery Support for Back,Leg and Knee,Neck Back Leg Support Pillow for Sleeping in Bed, Reading Pillow and Bed Rest Pillow for Reading
This ZOEMO memory foam wedge pillow is perfect for getting comfortable when reading. This triangular pillow boasts a high-density memory foam core which easily contours to your body. This pillow can be used to provide you with a 30-degree or 60-degree angle of support, depending on what position you are looking to recline in. The 30-degree angle is ideal for gradual support over a wider area, while the 60-degree angle provides a steeper slope which will provide optimal pressure to the legs, back, neck and head. The foldable design of this pillow allows it to be used to support various areas of the body within ease, with seven different heigh and inclination adjustments possible.
This reading pillow is a very practical option, packed full of convenient features. The outer cover is not only incredibly soft and comfortable, it can also be removed courtesy of a study zip for hassle-free cleaning. A sturdy handle can also be found on the top so you can easily carry the pillow between rooms. Finally, a detachable head pillow is also included along with the main pillow itself, making it exceptionally comfortable for those looking to rest their head as they read.
Leewadee Triangle Cushion Reading Pillow Backrest TV Pillow Eco-Friendly Organic and Natural, 20x13x13 inches, Kapok, Brown
This Leewadee triangular reading pillow is probably the most eye-catching option in this list with its colourful patterns. This reading pillow offers incredible comfort and stability and boasts a wide range of applications. This can be used as a conventional sofa cushion, a backrest, a support cushion or a reading wedge. All natural materials also make this an environmentally-friendly option, which also performs well when it comes to breathable comfort. Natural plant fibres are used as the filling material for this cushion, offering firm levels of support that ensures constant comfort.
This cushion is manufactured to a very high standard indeed. Double-stitched seams ensure this pillow maintains its form for as long as possible, while also ensuring the essential fibre filling remains locked in place. Handmade with the utmost in Thailand from sustainable materials, this is an ethical choice that also delivers when it comes to ergonomic support.
Brentwood Originals 2136 Plush Bed Rest, Chili Red,
This versatile backrest pillow from Brentwood Originals is perfect for reading. Made from durable polyester, this robust reading pillow is made to a high standard and is perfectly designed to support your back, shoulders and arms as you get stuck into a good book. The generous dimensions make this pillow suitable for users of all sizes, with the back cushion wide and tall enough that the entire back, shoulders and neck are supported. The protruding arm supports are another nice feature, making this pillow particularly suited to reading upright in bed or in a corner.
The interior filling might be made from polyester, but the overall design and manufacturing standard of this pillow ensures you will get more than sufficient support and ergonomic comfort. The soft exterior material will further enhance comfort while you read, with a smooth finish that feels great against the skin. A convenient carry handle is also included at the top of the backrest, allowing you to transport this pillow from A to B with no effort.
Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow – 9&12 Inch Adjustable Sleeping Pillow with Removable Cover – Folding Breathable Incline Cushion for Sleeping, Reading, Post Surgery, Lower and Upper Back Pain – Washable
If you are looking for a multifunctional pillow with broader application, this memory foam wedge pillow is an ideal choice. This folding memory foam pillow can be used to support the back, head and legs for long periods. It can be effectively used to support your body when sitting or lying down, as well as when you are sleeping. The superior memory foam filling is particularly good at improving your posture and also alleviates pressure on the neck that is essential for improving the quality of your sleep.
This wedge pillow can be angled at a 30-degree or 60-degree position, providing you with the right amount of elevation and support for the lower and upper back. This will help improve circulation, promote better breathing and alleviate snoring when sleeping. The memory foam core is particularly impressive, with a 1.5-inch layer of the premium material found throughout. This high-density foam will quickly adapt to the contours of your body, yet still retains its original shape for a very long time. The foldable design of this pillow makes it easy to store when not in use, while the convenient handle allows you to pick it up and carry to another room with ease. The cover can also be removed with little effort, allowing for straightforward cleaning.
LINENSPA Shredded Foam Pillow Perfect for Back Support While Relaxing, Gaming, Reading, or Watching TV – Soft Velour Cover, Standard, Stone
This reading pillow from LINENSPA is an ideal way to support the body and remain comfortable during long reading sessions. Suitable for all ages, this pillow boasts generous dimensions that provide superb levels of support for the arms, back and neck. The high-quality shredded memory foam filling is particularly effective at adapting to the contours of your body, supporting all the key areas with sufficient levels of firmness. The superior filling is very responsive, compressing and expanding with ease. It is also incredibly long-lasting, with this pillow support coming with a 3-year warranty to provide you with complete peace of mind.
The velour cover will also appeal, with its soft finish adding a further layer of comfort to this essential backrest pillow. This backrest comes in a choice of classic navy and stone grey, with either lending themselves well to just about any décor or colour scheme. A convenient fabric handle is also integrated into the overall design, allowing you to pick up and transport this backrest to any room with little effort.
ZIRAKI Large Plush Shredded Foam Reading and TV Relax Pillow – Perfect for Adults, Teens, and Kids – for Bed Rest, Arm, Back, Pregnancy Lumbar & Head Neck Coccyx Lower Back Support Cushion
This ZIRAKI reading pillow will keep you comfortable for hours at a time as you get lost in a good book. You can look forward to incredible levels of ergonomic support with this reading pillow. Unlike cheaper pillows that include basic polyester filling, this pillow is filled with shredded memory foam. This fill material is very effective at ensuring good airflow and breathability, making it a comfortable option in all weathers. The memory foam filling is also relatively flexible, easily adapting to your individual weight and contours to provide you with bespoke levels of support. The plush velour cover makes this a particularly cosy and comfortable option.
This reading pillow is designed to support the head, arms and back. You can kick back and watch television, open up your favourite paperback or simply relax for hours at a time, safe in the knowledge you are benefiting from superb levels of support. An integrated handle also makes this pillow easy to transport to where it is needed most. The hard-wearing outer fabric also makes this pillow incredibly easy to clean and care for. Simply reach for a damp cloth and spot clean to keep on top of stains and spills.
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