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The 5 Best Reading Pillows

Discover the best reading pillows to lounge on while you wind down with a great book.

By Ashley Little

If you spend your evenings with your nose deep in a great book, you know the struggle of finding a comfortable position for long periods of time.

Reading in bed can be especially challenging when no combination of shoving your pillows together really offers the support you need. Rather than continuing your suffering, it may be time to consider investing in a reading pillow.  

Reading pillows, also known as husband pillows, come in many shapes and sizes, and are created with an optimal design for long-term comfort while you work your way through your TBR pile. Check out our favorite reading pillows and learn how using one can be beneficial to you.

Our Top Picks for the Best Reading Pillows

Malouf reading pillow

Best Overall

MALOUF Z Foam Filled Reading Pillow

If you’re looking for a standard yet top-of-the-line reading pillow, the MALOUF is the one for you. Filled with shredded memory foam, this reading pillow offers optimal comfort and support for your back, sides, and arms. The outside covering is made of a cozy and soft velour fabric with breathability to prevent heat trapping. There’s also a convenient handle at the top for easy carrying. You can’t go wrong with this one.

  • Filling Material: Memory foam
  • Size: 21” height 13” arm rests
  • Price: $53.99
LINENSPA reading pillow

Best Budget

LINENSPA Shredded Foam Reading Pillow

When you aren’t ready to commit to a large purchase, the LINENSPA Shredded Foam Reading Pillow is a great budget option that still offers the quality of a more expensive option. The LINENSPA is filled with a CertiPUR-US certified shredded memory foam blend that can be adjusted and molded for your personal comfort. It also provides comfort on the outside with a soft and durable velour cover. Like a bed-in-a-box, this reading pillow arrives compressed and rolled in a box, so be sure you allow up to 48 hours for full expansion.

  • Filling Material: Shredded memory foam blend
  • Size: 18” height 11” arm rests
  • Price: $39.99
Levenger reading pillow

Best Luxury

Levenger BedLounge Pillow

You get what you pay for with the Levenger BedLounge Pillow. If you’re really interested in investing in your reading comfort, this reading pillow is a great option. The Levenger pillow has adjustable arm rests that can move outward, inward, up, or down for your preferences. The headrest is also adjustable—you can raise or lower it by more than 12 inches, move it forward or backward by 90 degrees, or remove it entirely. Not to mention this reading pillow is super stylish with a modern design that won’t go out of style.

The Levenger has side pockets for holding your remote, eyeglasses, book, or journal and a slipcover that easily zips off for washing.

  • Filling Material: Urethane foam rubber
  • Size: 21.5” height 27” width
  • Price: $154
VERCART reading pillow

Best for Couples

VERCART Triangular Wedge Backrest

If you and your bed partner are both late-night book lovers, the VERCART Triangular Wedge is perfect for you! This backrest is about 40” long and can span the width of your bed to offer support for multiple readers. This reading pillow has a corduroy covering with a zipper for easy removal and washing. The inside is filled with 100% polyester fiber for support and flexibility. Get the benefit of two reading pillows for the price of one with the VERCART wedge pillow!

  • Filling Material: 100% polyester fiber
  • Size: 39” x 7.9” x 19”
  • Price: $53.95
ZOEMO reading pillow

Best Customizable

ZOEMO Bed Rest Reading Pillow

If you’ve known the challenges of moving and readjusting pillows while you try to get comfortable, you may worry that a reading pillow won’t offer as much flexibility as you need. That won’t be an issue with the ZOEMO Bed Rest Reading Pillow.

The ZOEMO has a detachable neck roll pillow designed to offer extra comfort when needed. Depending on your setup, you can choose to add on or remove the neck roll to be most comfortable. If a detachable neck pillow isn’t enough customization, you also have the ability to unzip the covering and either add more foam or remove some filling to fit your exact preferences.

The ZOEMO is filled with a custom created memory foam and foam filling and offers a great height of 18” even without the neck pillow to support your entire body while you read. There’s even a pocket on the side for easy access to your belongings while you lounge! The ZOEMO offers a 3-year warranty and a 100% money back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with your reading pillow—though if you ask us, that likely won’t be an issue.

  • Filling Material: Memory foam blend
  • Size: 18” height 10” arm rests 33” bottom
  • Price: $58.99

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Reading Pillow

When searching for the best reading pillow for you, there are several important factors to consider.

Style

Reading pillows, or husband pillows, typically feature a tall, wide backrest with arms for full-body support. Some are styled more similarly to a wedge pillow, a sloping, triangular shape pillow that can also be used for sleeping if a recline is needed for acid reflux, snoring, or other conditions. Consider which style will be most appropriate for your needs. If purchasing only for reading or watching television in bed, the traditional style will likely be best.

Support

Most reading pillows are filled with memory foam, shredded memory foam, or a microfiber/polyester fiber. Memory foam is a dense, contouring material that takes shape with pressure from your body. These are generally constructed with one piece of foam, not offering as much flexibility. Shredded memory foam pillows are filled with many pieces of shredded foam, so they are often more adjustable and moldable. Reading pillows made of microfiber/polyester fiber often are less durable and supportive than foam options.

Comfort

Many reading pillows offer a velour fabric covering, a fabric similar to velvet with a soft texture, though some brands use velvet, faux-suede, or a corduroy covering as an alternative. With the exception of velvet which requires professional cleaning, most of these fabrics are easy to wash and handle. Comfort preferences may vary by individual texture preferences.

Additional Features

When you’re searching for a product with all of the bells and whistles, you should know what you can expect. Additional features you can find for reading pillows include handles and cup holders. It’s important to have a sturdy handle for easy transportation if you will be moving it around often. Most reading pillows also come with a removable cover that is machine washable, but this is not always the case so it is something to watch out for. For cleaning most reading pillows you can also spot clean with a damp cloth.

Why Would You Need a Reading Pillow?

A reading pillow is a great investment for those late-night readers who struggle for comfort in the bed. These pillows offer universal comfort for any situation, whether you are reading or watching television in bed or just lounging in your living room. The support from the back, sides, and arms allows your body to feel contouring comfort and support.

To find more sleep products that enhance your comfort, check out Mattress Advisor’s favorite sleep accessories.

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