Buying Guide for the Best Bed Reading Pillows
Choosing the right bed-reading pillow can really improve your comfort and support when you’re reading, working, or relaxing in bed. The key is to find a pillow that suits your body size, preferred posture, and the kind of activities you do in bed, like reading with a book, using a laptop, or watching TV. Before making your choice, consider where and how you’ll use the pillow, and think about how much adjustability and firmness you might need for your ideal comfort.Shape and DesignThe shape and design of a bed-reading pillow determines how much support you’ll get and in which areas. Common shapes include upright wedge pillows, backrest pillows with arms, and contoured designs that hug your body. Upright wedge pillows give a gentle incline, making them great if you want to keep your whole upper body propped up. Backrest pillows with arms help you stay upright, and the arms give support for your elbows—useful if you read or type for long periods. Choose a design based on your usual reading position: if you need more support along your back and neck, go for a higher back; if you like to curl up, a contoured pillow might be better.
Filling MaterialThe filling inside the bed-reading pillow impacts both comfort and support. Common fillings are memory foam, shredded foam, polyester fiber, and microbeads. Memory foam offers strong, consistent support and shapes to your body, great for people who want firm support and have back concerns. Shredded foam is a bit softer and adjustable, making it adaptable for varied positions. Polyester fiber tends to be light and fluffy, offering a plush but less structured feel, good for lounging. Microbead fillings are moldable and cool, suiting those who get warm easily. Think about whether you need a firmer or softer feel, and if you want the pillow to keep its shape over time.
Cover MaterialThe cover material affects how the pillow feels against your skin and how easy it is to keep clean. Covers come in fabrics such as cotton, microfiber, velvet, and bamboo blends. Cotton and bamboo are breathable and soft, making them comfortable in warmer climates or for sensitive skin. Microfiber and velvet provide a soft, cozy touch, which is appealing for cooler environments or those who like a plush feel. If you tend to spill drinks or snacks while reading, or if you have allergies, look for a removable, machine-washable cover for easier care.
Size and HeightThe size and height of the bed-reading pillow should match both your body size and your available bed space. Taller people or those looking for more upper back and neck support might prefer a large, high pillow, while more petite users may want a smaller, shorter design that’s easier to handle. If you’re sharing the bed or need room to move, make sure the pillow won’t crowd your sleeping space. Consider your normal reading posture—if you often lounge deeply or slump, a higher or wider pillow may help keep you aligned and comfortable.
AdjustabilitySome bed-reading pillows offer adjustability, such as removable layers of filling or customizable loft, meaning you can change how firm, soft, or tall the pillow is. This is useful if your comfort needs change or if more than one person will use the pillow. If you have specific support needs, like extra neck or lumbar support, look for designs with detachable inserts, extra cushions, or adjustable sections so you can fine-tune the fit to your liking.
Weight and PortabilityThe weight and portability of your bed-reading pillow matters if you want to move it around—for example, taking it from bed to sofa, or if you travel often. Lighter pillows are easy to move and reposition but may offer less stability. Heavier pillows generally stay put and offer solid support, but can be harder to shift. If portability is important, consider a design with a carry handle to make transport simpler.