Best Reading Pillows That Bring Comfort and Keep Your Back Healthy

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 26, 2024
It is hard to take a book from an avid reader even with threats and an actual already existing back and neck and arms pain. So don't ...Read more
PROS

This model has convenient pockets: the big pocket at the back will host your book in between reading sessions and in the smaller one at the side, you can put your phone, reading glasses, and other trinkets you need at hand when you read.

CONS

Rather heavy.

OUR VERDICT

When it comes to ergonomics, this reading pillow is unrivaled: it has a neck roll and with it, the height is whole 31" so that you can sit with utmost comfort. The neck roll is removable and you can put it under your legs or back if you find it more comfortable this way.

detailed parameters
MATERIAL

Cover: Microsuede 
Filling: Shredded foam

HEIGHT

31" (24" without neck roll)

CLEANING

Removable cover is machine washable

EXTRAS

Detachable neck roll, Back and side pockets, Built-in handle

WARRANTY

3 years

PROS

There is a two-way zipper and it is at the bottom instead of at the back, this makes removing the cover to clean or wash it easier. The zipper is also long so putting the cover back on is simple as well.

CONS

The logo at the front might be irritating.

OUR VERDICT

The pillow will be an appreciated gift to any household. Its shape makes it possible to use it as a reading pillow, nursing pillow, or even travel pillow. You can even sleep on it without issues.

detailed parameters
MATERIAL

Cover: Velvet 
Filling: Shredded foam

HEIGHT

21"

CLEANING

Removable cover is machine washable

EXTRAS

Side pocket, Built-in handle

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The main advantage of velour compared to other materials is its breathing properties: it does not hold the heat, making this pillow a perfect choice for summer reading.

CONS

It arrives a bit compressed and takes some time to take shape.

OUR VERDICT

With its smaller size, this reading pillow is a wonderful solution for not only adults but kids and teenagers as well. The model supports the spine in just the right way for binge reading to be safe.

detailed parameters
MATERIAL

Cover: Velour 
Filling: Shredded foam

HEIGHT

18"

CLEANING

Non-removable cover - spot cleaning

EXTRAS

Built-in handle

WARRANTY

3 years

PROS

Polyester has a very specific fiber structure that makes the pillow softer. Furthermore, the material does not cause skin irritation even if you tend to read for hours on end.

CONS

The cleaning might be somewhat a hassle.

OUR VERDICT

The model is offered in bright joyous colors and unusual design that will brighten any interior, and with your back in comfortable position, your reading or TV watching will become much more enjoyable.

detailed parameters
MATERIAL

Cover: Polyester
Filling: Shredded foam

HEIGHT

18"

CLEANING

Non-removable cover - spot cleaning

EXTRAS

Built-in handle

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

With its taller and longer arms, this pillow will better support your arms as you sit, helping you avoid muscle swelling and tiredness after long periods of not moving much.

CONS

The piping might press a little into your arm.

OUR VERDICT

Affordable and highly comfortable lounger pillow to use. Also, the manufacturer of this model cares about the environment and has designed this model partially filled with polyester fiber from reprocessed plastic bottles.

detailed parameters
MATERIAL

Cover: Suede
Fill: Virgin Polyester Mixed With Polyester Fiber

HEIGHT

22"

CLEANING

Non-removable cover - spot cleaning

EXTRAS

Built-in handle

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Everything at Hand

This is the ultimate reading pillow, to be honest. It has nearly everything an avid reader might want. First, it is tall. Like, really tall, so whatever your height is, your head will still have a rest. And, speaking about headrests, there is one on this model, a roll 7 inches in diameter (that's additional 7 inches to the 24 that is the main body) that you can leave on top to lay your head or remove and set under your knees or use to prop up your back a bit.

The model has two pockets, one at the side and one at the back. The side pocket is not very large and will most often hold bookmarks, your phone or some other items you prefer to keep in the arms reach as you read; it can be an MP3 player/iPod, for example, if you like the music to accompany you as you dive into the story. When you do not read, you can put there your reading glasses. The pocket at the back is bigger and intended primarily to keep your currently read book or magazines, an e-Reader, etc. when you do something else.

Sooner or later you will feel the need to clean the cover of your reading pillow and with this model, it is really easy to do since the cover is removable and machine washable. The microsuede material is pleasant to the touch and shredded foam keeps shape well and does not retain much heat, making long resting sessions extremely comfortable.

Last updated price $79.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B073WKJ67W

When There Are Kids in the House

The mittaGonG reading pillow with arms is a great choice if you have kids—you can use it to prop your kid's back up as he or she plays and not be afraid they would stain the cover. The same goes for snacking or having a cuppa as you indulge yourself with that long-awaiting story from your shelf. Even if a drop or your kid's paint-stained fingers catch the covers, you will have absolutely no problem cleaning it since the velvet is machine washable. Moreover, taking the cover off and putting it back on is a cakewalk thanks to the wide two-way zipper. While with reading pillows the zippers are usually located at the back, this model here features one at the bottom and, let us say, it does make the difference when you need to put it on.

This sit-up pillow is 21 inches tall, which is quite a lot, making it suitable for a full-grown adult; it is also 12 inches wide at the top and has 12 inches long arms—compact enough to fit not only on your bed or on the floor but in some chairs as well, a pretty convenient option. It has shredded foam inside meaning it will hold the shape when you lean on it. There is a handle at the top, of course, for easy moving between rooms, as well as a pocket on the side where you can put your gadgets or some not too big items like glasses or a kerchief. The pillow is offered in two colors, gray and navy blue.

Last updated price $39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B06Y548KTP

Breath-in'

If you or someone you know are a compulsive reader or a binge-watcher of TV series, this is exactly the reading cushions for beds you were looking for all along. This model is perfect for long hours of not standing up at all: the combination of plush and velour for cover and shredded foam for the filling makes it so that the pillow almost does not hold in the heat your body inevitably emanates when you sit leaning on it for long hours; thanks to this, you don't start feeling restless due to the material behind your back warming up, the temperature not helped even by a fan, creating an admittedly unpleasant feeling even during winter, let alone the stifling heat of a summer.

The pillow is 18 inches tall, the size most suitable for those of us who are of average height, though there is a larger 24-inch option available. It has a handle on it to carry it around easily. This bed reading pillow comes compressed to take less space during shipping but it takes the shape pretty quickly and keeps it well. The only thing we can think of as to how it could be improved is maybe the removable machine washable cover but we can't really have all so for now, it can be only spot cleaned. In all the other regards, it is a strong solution at a reasonable price.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $39.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0117SNG0O

Your Cuddling Companion

Was there ever a moment in the book when you just wanted to grab something and squeeze it just to let loose all those emotions and feelings you had for the characters and what happened to them? Sure there was. Well, this is just the best reading pillow for that.

The soft polyester cover looks and feels just like that fluffy Teddy bear from your childhood, it is totally hug-inviting, and you can hold onto the arms and move your fingers through the fibers to soothe yourself. The material does not irritate your skin even after a long time reading, watching TV, playing all kinds of games, or simply lounging in relaxation.

This reading pillow is lightweight and you will be tempted to carry it around with you wherever you go, be it another room, a picnic behind your house, or the bleachers when you go cheer for your friends or kids at their local baseball game. It is also offered in the most cheerful colors one can imagine, bright and spirit-uplifting; wherever you put it in your house, the place will become more joyous to inhabit in an instant. And despite how it looks, all fluffy, it is quite easy to clean when it's been used for some time and accumulated a bit of dust on it—just gently go through it with a damp cloth and it's good to be used again.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B003FSSXZI

Environmentally-friendly Reading Pillow

This model is filled with virgin polyester but not just it alone, it is mixed with polyester fiber from reprocessed plastic bottles. Using reprocessing materials means caring about Mother Nature, our planet, and the humanity's future wellbeing, right? Right.

The filling also makes the pillow sturdy and capable of holding up a fully grown-up person, even the one who is taller than average since this reading pillow is 22 inches tall; you won't be tempted to slump damaging your spine. The arms are taller and longer than average as well, meaning your hands will have the chance to rest as you lean back. It is an ultimate tool to relax and chill after a long day, to turn on Netflix and enjoy that two-hours-long documentary you could never really watch all at once because your back started to ache after twenty minutes.

The design looks nice on your bed, like a stylish touch of modernity. This reading pillow with arms has an easy-to-clean suede cover and is available in four colors for you to choose from considering your interior: a navy blue Eclipse, a beige Brush, a brown Dachshund, and a Frost gray. It is a great item to have in your home for mild pain relieving, rest, and comfortable reading or movie watching.

Last updated price $42.01
Stock In stock
ASIN B0107SQS7I

What Is a Reading Pillow?

There is no denying the benefits of reading, they are supported by scientists all over the world and have proven themselves enough throughout centuries. From getting smarter, boosting your creativity, and evolving as a person to simply relieving stress, there is no other activity that provides so many good possibilities without you having to make any particular efforts. Well, besides finding the time to read when you're dead on your feet after an exhausting day at work or school. But it can't be all sunshine and rainbows, now, can it?

While it is hard to find time for a book that has been on your TBR list for ages, it appears to be even harder to find a position that will not actually kill you over time if you indulge a little too much and add an insult to injury before/after a long day of sitting at your office desk or in a classroom. If it is not healthy to read in a vehicle, or as you walk or cook, and simply sitting on a chair or lying on a bed makes your back hurt after some time, what should a busy book lover do?

A reading pillow is the answer you were looking for. Designed to support your back and arms, reading pillows take away the pain and health hazards. They are also offered in so many designs you might spend a week just choosing only one and not ten different models. From actual pillows to backrests to whole systems of multiple pieces, it gets overwhelming pretty quickly. You can sit or lie down, set them on the bed, chair, or floor. Some are even comfortable to sleep on. Though do also take care of your eyes if you read till late.

How to:

Other reviews