If you love reading or work on your laptop in bed and have troubles finding a comfortable position when sitting then a reading pillow is what you need. A reading pillow is basically a bedrest pillow with arms. This pillow is also sometimes called a husband pillow because of its design: itsupports your back and also has attached armed rests – like a husband hugging you and providing you with the support and comfort that you need. One of the best features of a reading pillow is its mobility. You can place it not only on the bed, but in a chair, on the sofa and even on the floor, and you will feel comfortable in any of these locations.

If you are a student that has to do lots of homework or prepare for exams, then it is uncomfortable to sit at the desk all the time. It is common to do homework in bed. A backrest pillow is a lifesaver in this case. There are people working in big companies who also spend hours at home doing some projects on their laptop or reviewing documents. A bed lounge pillow will make a huge difference when you need this extra comfort and support. A reading pillow can be used for playing computer games, watching TV or using your tablet or phone. While a husband pillow is not something that is a necessity, it is a very comfortable and useful item to have at home. Besides, it will take care of your spine, and will help you not hunch and slouch while reading or doing other things in your bed.

There are two basic types of bed seat pillows: one that can stand alone and has a seat so that you can use it even on the floor; and one that acts as a bed rest – a pillow for sitting up in bed.

Who Needs a Bed Sitting Pillow

If you love spending time in your bed (not only while you are sleeping), then you probably have tried all kinds of ways to adjust in the right position with the regular pillows that you have. It is likely that after a while your back and neck hurt, and this is not a pleasant feeling. Whether you spend time in bed reading a book, preparing for an exam or working on the documents, a comfortable pillow is a must. And a regular pillow, no matter how good it is, will not do the trick. You need a bed pillow with arms. This pillow will offer the best support for your back and neck and will help to avoid pains in your body that come from an uncomfortable sitting position.

The best husband pillow will help you avoid health problems or problems with your posture in the long run because your body will be supported properly and adequately. It can be used by parents, office workers, students, and even children. Your spine will be in the right position, and you will not abuse your back, which might lead to such serious problems as a curvature of the spine.

A bed reading pillow is just plain comfortable! You don’t need to build multiple-pillow constructions to have at least some support. The best reading pillow will do the trick. When you sit comfortably, it is much easier to concentrate on the task that you need to do for a prolonged period. And if you are prescribed bed rest for some period of time, a bed backrest pillow will be your lifesaver and will ease any discomfort you might feel from sitting for a long time.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing the Best Husband Pillow

There are different types of reading pillows in the market, so before making a purchase study the factors that might influence the choice of a pillow that will be perfect for you. Some research before shopping for this item will make a big difference when it comes to your comfort and the needed support.

  • A degree of firmness – The pillow should be soft and nice to your skin, but rather firm to offer the proper support for your back, neck, and arms. It should be sturdy and not slip out of bed or off the chair. When buying a pillow consider these things: do you need to recline a bit or are you planning to sit up as straight as possible? This will be a decisive factor when choosing firmness of the pillow.
  • Size of a husband pillow – The pillow that you choose must not be too big or too small. It needs to comfortably accommodate your body, and support your back and neck in a proper way. If a pillow is too small, it will not be convenient. If you are planning to use a reading pillow on a coach, then consider a pillow that will be suitable for this.
  • Type of covering material – Body pillow covers are made of different materials: velour, silk, cotton, and velvet. Choose the fabric that you like and that will be pleasant for your skin. It is essential that the fabric will be breathable because you will spend hours using this pillow, and it is important not to get sweaty.
  • Washability – Considering how often the pillow will be used it is important to buy one that will be easy to wash. Many coverings are removable and you can wash them in the washing machine. Some husband pillows can be spot cleaned. Maybe this is the option that you will like.
  • Good armrest – Comfortable armrest is important when choosing a backrest pillow for the bed. It will help you find a perfect position for watching TV, reading a book or just relaxing.
  • Headrest – Some pillows come with a headrest, and some don’t have one. If you are planning to use your pillow for several hours, then a proper headrest will be an important factor when choosing a reading pillow. It is especially important for tall people.
  • Types of filling – Reading pillows can have different types of fillers. They are feathers, memory foam, recycled bottles, polyester fibre, and foam, among others. Choose the one that will be ideal for you.
  • Storage pockets and carry handles – Some reading pillows have a strap across the pillow, which makes it quite portable and easy to carry around if you use it in a different part of the house and not only in bed. Some husband pillows have storage pockets on the armrests or the back of the pillow, which provide the ideal place for storing items. You can keep your book, your tablet or you are handcrafting there, and use it when you sit on a pillow.
  • A shape of a pillow – Although the shape of a pillow is mainly a matter of personal preference, comfort is what you should go for. Try different pillows before purchasing one. A reading wedge pillow is what a lot of people prefer.

Top Reading Pillows – Price Comparison

ImageProductBrandLink
Milliard Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam, Large Adult Backrest with Arms, Back Support for Sitting Up in Bed with Washable Cover (Sit up Pillow)MilliardBuy on Amazon
Keen Edge Home Reading Pillow with Arms and Pocket - Shredded Memory Foam - Read and Watch TV in Comfort While in Bed, Sitting, Lounge and Relax Without Back Pain with Support, Large Backrest/HusbandKeen Edge HomeBuy on Amazon
Husband Pillow XXL Dark Grey Backrest with Arms - Adult Reading Pillow Shredded Memory Foam, Ultra-Comfy Removable Microplush Cover & Detachable Neck Roll, Unmatched Support Bed Rest Sit Up PillowHusband PillowBuy on Amazon
Brentwood Originals 2136 Plush Backrest, TealBrentwood OriginalsBuy on Amazon
Cheer Collection TV & Reading Pillow Chair - Foam Filled Chair Pillow with Arms and Handle for Bed & Couch - Machine Washable, White (Small)Cheer CollectionBuy on Amazon
Cheer Collection TV & Reading Pillow Chair - Foam Filled Chair Pillow with Arms and Handle for Bed & Couch - Machine Washable, White (X-Large)Cheer CollectionBuy on Amazon
ZIRAKI Large Reading Pillow & TV Relax Sitting Pillow - Back Rest with Arms - Shredded Foam, Perfect for Adults, Teens, and Kids - for Back, Pregnancy Lumbar, Head Neck Coccyx Support, Plush CushionZIRAKIBuy on Amazon
Brentwood 557 Corduroy Bedrest, BlackBrentwoodBuy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon

How Is a Bedrest Pillow Used

A husband pillow can be a perfect addition to your bedroom decor. However, it is not a piece of furniture and you can quickly move it around. You can place it in your living room if you use it for watching TV, or in your bedroom, if you use it mainly in bed for reading and other activities.

A good bedrest pillow is a necessity for those who are ill or bedridden, but it is also great for everybody who likes spending time reading or doing other things in bed. Its portability is one of its significant advantages. The pillow can also be used for babies who are learning to sit up.

There are husband pillows where you can stay for hours! They have compartments for coffee mugs, pockets for remote control and books, and other perks. There are reading pillows that can be folded, and thus, they are very easy to transfer and store. When purchasing a pillow, it is a good idea to find out whether the company also produces extra slipcovers. Because each brand manufactures a bit different bedrest pillows, it is not easy to find a slipcover that will match your pillow.

10 Best Husband Pillows

#1 Linenspa Shredded Foam Reading Pillow

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This pillow is one of the best husband pillows on the market. Thanks to its shredded foam filling it are readily moldable into the comfortable position that works best for you. Nevertheless, the pillow keeps its shape and doesn’t clump over a period of time. The filling material also provides good air circulation, and thus, you will not get too hot or sweaty. The soft velour cover is very pleasant against your skin. Besides, this is a very durable material. The neutral color will look natural in any decor. The pillow also has a handle and it is convenient to carry it from place to place. The armrest provides good support for your arms and gives additional comfort. This pillow is high enough to be comfortable for people of almost any height. But because it is quite big, it is also bulky, which might be a drawback for some people. Another disadvantage is that it only comes in one color and there are no additional covers.


#2 Brentwood Originals Poodle Bedrest

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This pillow is available in several bright colors, and you will be able to choose one that will match your room decor. The pillow provides excellent support both for your back and for your arms. Brentwood Poodle Bedrest also has a handle, and you can move it from one room to another. You can use the pillow on your bed, as well as separately, for example on the floor, thanks to the flat base. The pillow is not washable but you can spot clean it. The pillow is not very big and will be suitable for a person less than 5’7 in height. The poodle cover is very soft and cosy, and it is extremely nice for cuddling. The material of the pillow is thick and it warms quickly and adapts to your body temperature. If you want to make the pillow higher, you can put it on top of a regular pillow. The disadvantage of this pillow is that it is very soft and may not provide enough support for those who prefer firmer pillows.


#3 Shagalicious Back Rest and Study Pillow

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This is another pillow by Brentwood Originals. It also comes in bright colors: turquoise, pink and lime. The outside covering of the pillow reminds a soft carpet. This reading pillow is fluffy and comfortable. Because of its bright colors, it is ideal for use in students’ dorms. But you can also use it at home if you like bright colors in your home decor. The pillow cover is polyester, and it is filled with poly too. This might be a drawback because the pillow gets warm too quickly. If you don’t enjoy the warmth, this pillow might not be suitable for you. The cover is not removable so you cannot wash the pillow but only spot clean it. The arm support will provide you with extra comfort while reading or watching TV. In fact, you can even take your favorite pillow out for a picnic. However, the bedrest is not big enough to use by tall people.


#4 Brentwood Home Pismo Therapeutic Latex Wedge

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This pillow was designed for those who suffer from GERD, but if you flip it, you can efficiently use it as a reading pillow. It is very comfortable and supports your back while you are reading in bed. Its slipcover is soft and nice to the skin. You can remove the cover and wash it in a washing machine, which is a big plus comparing to some other reading pillows. Another plus is the Home Pismo Wedge comes in three sizes, and you can choose, which size will be ideal to support your back. You can also find a pillow with memory foam and a gel layer. It is slightly more expensive but it will cool you down. The pillow is versatile and can also be used for feet rest after a long day of walking. The pillow is very firm and sturdy. If you like softer pillows that feel cozier, it is better to choose another design.


#5 mittaGonG Backrest Reading Pillow/Husband Pillow

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This is a firm and very supportive husband pillow. It is large (21″ high, 20″ wide at the top and 12″ arm length), quite overstuffed with shredded foam, and thus, very sturdy. The pillow comes in two colors, navy blue, and grey, so you can choose the color that will match your interior decor better. If your house is quite spacy, this will be an ideal reading pillow option for you. The cover is velvet, and it is very smooth to touch. This mettaGonG reading pillow has a feature that not many other husband pillows have – a discreet zipper at the bottom of the pillow. Thanks to this zipper it is easy to remove the cover when you need to wash it. There is also a pocket at the armrest, where you can keep your phone, a remote control or any other small item that you need to be handy. As it was mentioned before, this husband pillow is quite firm, which might not be suitable for some people. However, it provides ideal support when you read, watches TV, or play some video games. The arm support is also long and thick. The pillow also has a handle at the top and you can carry it from one place to another.


#6 Brentwood Brushed Twill Bedrest

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This is another design from Brentwood that is highly versatile and very comfortable. You can use this pillow to watch TV, read books in bed, work with documents or do some handcrafting. The pillow provides ideal arms, back and head support. The pillow is quite big and will fit a person of almost any size. It is also firm and provides the needed support. The cover of the pillow is made from polyester, which is a very durable material and can be easily spot cleaned with a damp cloth. Even though the pillow is big and bulky, it can be easily transported thanks to the handle at the top of this reading pillow. However, if you find bulkiness to be a drawback of a husband pillow, then it is better to go for another, smaller pillow.

 

#7 Keen Edge Home Hypoallergenic Shredded Foam Reading Pillow

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Keen Edge Home has been manufacturing husband pillows for years and they know how to make you comfortable. The company was founded by health professionals, so their products will not only be comfortable, but good for your health. This pillow is covered with soft velour and it is very pleasurable to lean against. Besides, the material can be washed in cold water. The filling of the pillow is shredded foam which provides breathability and excellent support at the same time. The pillow can be used by people who have allergies of any kind as both its cover and filling are hypoallergenic. Keen Edge pillow has an attached handle for easy carrying. When you buy this pillow be mindful that it comes vacuum sealed and it takes about 48 hours for it to expand. After that, it will be molded to the shape that will be convenient for your body.


#8 Husband Pillow – Big Bedrest Reading and Support

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This is a very big reading pillow and provides maximum support. Naturally, it will fit those who have a lot of space at home. It is very firm and sturdy and will be comfortable even for tall people. Another advantage is the variety of colors: you will be able to find one that will be perfect for your room decor. The pillow has a unique feature – a detachable neckroll pillow that is filled with memory foam. It is ideal for neck support. You can attach or detach it whenever you want. At the back of this pillow, there is a big pocket where you can keep your book, magazine or anything for handicrafts that you do sitting up. On the armrest, there is another smaller pocket for a remote control or a smartphone. There is a zipper on the shell of the pillow and you can access the memory foam that the pillow is filled with. You can adjust how much foam you want to make the pillow softer or harder. Even though the pillow is quite heavy, you can carry it around easily thanks to the handle at the top. The manufacturer also makes separate pillow covers, so you can buy extra ones and change them.


#9 Lavish Home Down Alternate Reading Wedge Pillow

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This is another reading wedge pillow that is comfortable to use. Besides being a bedrest pillow, it can be used by people with GERD. The pillow is filled with polyester fluff which is hypoallergenic. The cotton cover is removable and washable. Thus it is sanitary. The pillow is versatile and can be used for sleeping, reading in bed, and keeping feet up when tired. The pillow is rather soft, which can be a downside for some people and a plus for others, who prefer firm support. However, this is a perfect pillow for those who need support due to health reasons.

 

#10 BedLounge Classic Hypoallergenic Pillow

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This pillow is more expensive than the alternatives, but it has a lot of advantages. It is the right size suitable for most adults. There are 16 different colors that will match any interior. The pillow has a frame that makes it very firm and supportive. It is perfect for those who have back problems. The cover can be removed and washed. The filling of the pillow is cleaned feather and down.

 
Article by Emma Bishop
Article by Emma Bishop
Doctor, gynecologist, and pediatric therapist from California
Hello, my name is Emma Bishop. I am a doctor, gynecologist and pediatric therapist from California. Last 10+ years I help women to become mothers and lead the pregnancy process throughout the period. I am a newbie blogger, but hope my maternity tips will be useful for future mothers.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency.