A reading pillow is a backrest for sitting up in bed. It has a tall back and often two arms, so you can read, work on a laptop or watch TV without slumping against the headboard. Most are filled with shredded foam or fiber and have a carry handle or pockets.
The six pillows below range from an 18 inch standard to a 22 inch XL. Sizes, fillings and features come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these pillows ourselves, and we make no health claims. Check the height you need against your own frame and bed.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size | 18 inch is standard; 22 inch XL suits taller users |
| Filling | Shredded foam is adjustable; fiber is softer |
| Arms | Raised arms support your elbows |
| Pockets and handle | Storage and a handle make it easy to move |
Specs at a Glance
| Pillow | Size | Filling and cover | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neustern | Small | Shredded memory foam; corduroy | Carry handle; side pocket; hypoallergenic fabric per listing |
| Sasttie | 18 in standard | Polyester fiber (4.5 lb); 200 GSM cover | L-shape; arms |
| Blissful Diary | 18 in standard | Shredded foam; corduroy | Wedge shape; removable cover |
| Adjustable memory foam | 20 in large | High-density memory foam; velvet | Raised arms; lumbar cushion; medium feel |
| 19 inch with pockets | 19 x 17 x 19 in | Foam; polyester | Two large pockets; one-piece build |
| 22 inch XL | 27.5 x 26.5 x 22 in; 4.9 lb | Two-layer composite | Extra-large pockets; for heights 5 ft 3 in to 5 ft 11 in |
The 6 Best Reading Pillows
1. Neustern Reading Pillow With Arms
A small pillow with shredded memory foam, a corduroy cover, a carry handle and a built-in side pocket, with an ergonomically curved shape.
Suits: a smaller frame. Strengths: a handle and a pocket. Weaknesses: small size. Skip it if you are tall.
View Neustern Reading Pillow for Bed Backrest with Arms for Sitting Up Adults on Amazon
2. Sasttie Reading Pillow, 18 Inch
An 18 inch L-shaped pillow with arms and a 4.5 pound polyester fill under a 200 GSM cover.
Suits: a soft fiber backrest. Strengths: a stated fill weight. Weaknesses: fiber can flatten. Skip it if you want shredded foam.
View Sasttie Reading Pillow for Bed Back Pillow for Sitting Up Dark Grey on Amazon
3. Blissful Diary Reading Pillow, Shredded Foam
An 18 inch wedge-shaped backrest of shredded foam and memory foam in a corduroy cover that is easy to remove.
Suits: an adjustable foam fill. Strengths: shredded foam you can tune. Weaknesses: loose fill shifts. Skip it if you want a fixed shape.
View Blissful Diary Reading Pillow Backrest Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam on Amazon
4. Reading Pillow With Adjustable Memory Foam, 20 Inch
A large pillow in velvet with high-density memory foam, raised side arms and a lumbar cushion, medium firmness, for bed, floor or sofa.
Suits: a plush backrest. Strengths: a velvet cover and lumbar cushion. Weaknesses: bulky. Skip it if you want a compact pillow.
View Reading Pillow with Adjustable Memory Foam Adult Backrest with Arms on Amazon
5. 19 Inch Reading Pillow With Big Pockets
A 19 by 17 by 19 inch one-piece pillow with firm back support and large double-side pockets for a phone, a remote or a book.
Suits: a firm backrest with storage. Strengths: pockets. Weaknesses: an unknown brand. Skip it if you do not need pockets.
View 19 Reading Pillow for Bed with Firm Back Support and Big Pockets on Amazon
6. 22 Inch XL Back Pillow With Armrests and Big Pockets
A 4.9 pound extra-large pillow, 27.5 by 26.5 by 22 inches, with a two-layer composite build, a 60 degree back angle and extra-large pockets, suited to heights from 5 feet 3 to 5 feet 11.
Suits: taller users. Strengths: the largest here. Weaknesses: the biggest footprint. Skip it if space is limited.
View 22 XL Back Pillow for Bed Sitting Up with Armrests and Big Pockets on Amazon
Care Tips
- Fluff the filling regularly.
- Wash covers as labeled.
- Check that the pillow does not slide on the headboard.
- Do not overstuff the cover.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a size too short for your torso.
- Expecting fiber to stay firm.
- Washing foam in a machine.
- Using it as a lumbar replacement for a chair.
Reading Pillow FAQ
Will it work on the floor?
Some listings say so, including the 20 inch model.
Foam or fiber?
Foam is firmer. Fiber is softer.
The Short Version
For a small frame with a handle, the Neustern. For soft fiber, the Sasttie. For adjustable shredded foam, the Blissful Diary. For a plush velvet backrest, the 20 inch memory foam pillow. For firm support with pockets, the 19 inch pillow. For taller users, the 22 inch XL.
