The 11 Best Reading Pillows of 2023

Best Overall

Nestl Reading Pillow

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Our number one pick is the Nestl Reading Pillow. It's filled with shredded memory foam to offer ample support without sacrificing plushness. The material conforms to the shape of your body while cradling your back and neck. Not only that, but the built-in armrests can help you get into a comfy reading position, and the back and side pockets offer storage for your book, magazine, e-reader, or smartphone.

While the pillow itself isn't washable, the removable velvet microfiber cover is both machine washable and dryer-friendly for easy maintenance. Plus, you can choose from a whopping 44 different cover colors. The pillow comes in three sizes: petite small, standard, and premium large. The premium option also comes with a detachable neck support cushion and a bolster for your legs. Just a heads up: This pillow has an off-gassing period of up to 48 hours, so you’ll want to let it fully expand and air out before using it.

Price at time of publish: $60

_{Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 24 inches (petite small), 18 x 14 x 31 inches (standard), 29.5 x 16 x 36 inches (premium large) | Weight: 4 pounds | Fill Material: Shredded memory foam | Cover Material: Velvet microfiber | Care: Machine wash cover}

Best Budget

Linenspa Shredded Foam Reading Pillow

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For folks on a budget, we recommend the Linenspa Shredded Foam Reading Pillow. As the name suggests, it's filled with shredded foam, but not just any foam. The fill fibers are a CertiPUR-US certified blend of memory foam and high-density foam to maximize support and body-conforming plushness.

This backrest is available in two sizes with the option of a detachable neck rest. It only comes in two colors (light gray and royal blue), and the velour exterior isn't removable or machine washable. Still, the price is great, especially considering it's backed by a three-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Dimensions: 18 x 15 x 22 inches, 24 x 15 x 32 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Fill Material: Shredded memory foam, high-density foam | Cover Material: Velour | Care: Spot clean only}

Best Splurge

Husband Pillow Backrest Reading Pillow with Arms Cover & Insert

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If you're an avid reader, you might consider investing in a premium design, like the Husband Pillow. This luxury backrest is filled with a lightweight yet supportive blend of shredded memory foam and poly fibers. Available in 40 colors, the removable, machine-washable cover comes in your choice of microsuede or faux fur.

This reading pillow has built-in armrests, a detachable neck roll, a small side pocket, and a carrying handle. Measuring 39 inches wide and 32 inches tall with the neck roll attached, it doesn't skimp on size, either. There are more expensive pillows on the market, but if you're looking for a traditional reading pillow with armrests, this one can't be beat. We also appreciate that it comes with a three-year warranty, just in case you're not satisfied with the quality of the pillow.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Dimensions: 32 x 15 x 39 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Fill Material: Shredded memory foam, poly fibers | Cover Material: Microsuede or faux fur | Care: Machine wash cover}

Best Wedge

Serta Wedge Pillow With Antimicrobial Cover

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If you prefer a wedge-shaped pillow, we recommend this one from Serta for reading. It's made with memory foam that's infused with cooling gel, which is designed to feel firm enough to support your back without being overly hot. (The latter can be especially helpful if you're using the pillow for long periods of time.) At 21 by 7 by 22 inches, this pillow is relatively compact, and it's highly versatile, too. Lay it on its long side to prop up your head and neck, or stand it vertically to sit more upright. You can even try to place it under your knees if that's a more comfortable reading position. Plus, it features a carrying handle to make it easier to tote around, whether you're relocating it to a reading nook or loading it into a car for a trip. The stretchy zippered cover can be removed and machine washed for added convenience, and the whole pillow is covered by a one-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Dimensions: 21 x 7 x 22 inches | Weight: Not listed | Fill Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash cover}

Best Plush

Casper Backrest Pillow

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Casper's Backrest Pillow boasts an exceptionally plush design. The core is a blend of high-density shredded foam and poly fibers, and the lofty outer chamber is filled with 100 percent poly fibers. It's designed to feel like you're resting on a cloud.

All that plushness has one drawback—at over 11 pounds, it's heavier than many other pillows. And while this reading pillow only comes in one color (heather gray), we like that the stretchy knit cover is removable and washable. Measuring 24 by 5 by 24 inches, the Casper Backrest offers plenty of support for your head, neck, and back. Just make sure you fluff it frequently to maintain the loft.

Price at time of publish: $120

_{Dimensions: 24 x 5 x 24 inches | Weight: 11.5 pounds | Fill Material: Shredded foam, poly fibers | Cover Material: Polyester-spandex knit | Care: Spot clean insert, machine wash cover}

Best U-Shaped

Yogibo Support Pillow

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If you're looking for a versatile pillow, a U-shaped one is another great choice for reading. The Yogibo Support Pillow measures 37 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 12 inches thick. The U-shaped design can be positioned in a number of ways, including wrapped behind your back to support your head and neck while propping up your arms. The pillow is filled with EPS (expanded polystyrene) beads, the ultra-lightweight material commonly found in bean bags. Available in 14 colors ranging from neutrals to bolds to chic hues, the stretchy fabric cover is conveniently removable and washable. Whether you place it on a bed, couch, or directly on the floor, this cleverly designed pillow will cradle you in comfort.

Price at time of publish: $109

_{Dimensions: 37 x 30 x 12 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Fill Material: EPS beads | Cover Material: Cotton-spandex blend | Care: Machine wash cover}

Best Oversized

WowMax Oversized Linen Blend Bolster Wedge Pillow

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For something larger, consider the WowMax Wedge Pillow. The oversized wedge pillow comes in five sizes, each 20 inches tall and 8 inches deep, ranging in length to fit size twin through California king beds. The triangular shape and gentle slope are perfect for sitting upright or lying back while reading. Plus, it can double as a chic DIY headboard if you don't have one built into your bed frame.

This backrest is densely packed with poly fibers and covered in a linen-cotton fabric blend. Available in eight design-forward colors, the button-tufted exterior is removable and machine washable. In the end, we only wish the WowMax Wedge were a bit more affordable.

Price at time of publish: $130

_{Dimensions: 5 sizes available | Weight: 12 pounds | Fill Material: Poly fibers | Cover Material: Linen-cotton blend | Care: Machine wash cover}

Most Versatile

Sharper Image 10-in-1 Flip Pillow

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Sharper Image's Flip Pillow was made with versatility in mind. It's essentially a wedge attached to a smaller pillow, allowing you to fold it to meet your needs or the task at hand. The ten-in-one design can be configured into several shapes, acting as a backrest, recliner, reading support, lap desk, torso wedge, knee prop, foot elevation, body pillow—you name it.

The Flip Pillow is filled with plush poly fibers and encased in soft polyester fabric that you'll need to spot clean. You can also purchase a separate washable case, which will cost you an additional $20. While it would be nice for the case to be included with the pillow, the combined price of both is still comparable to other reading pillows.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Dimensions: 29 x 20 x 8 inches, 30 x 29 x 8 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Fill Material: Polyester | Cover Material: Poly fibers | Care: Spot clean or machine wash cover}

Best Fleece

Urban Outfitters Amped Fleece Boo Pillow

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If you're looking for an exceptionally soft reading pillow that's perfect for snuggling up in bed, look no further than The Boo Pillow from Urban Outfitters. This overstuffed armed backrest is densely packed with poly fibers to maximize plushness. Available in muted rust or multi-toned beige, the faux shearling fleece cover is super soft and fuzzy.

This reading pillow is also OEKO-Tex certified, ensuring it's made without over 100 potentially harmful substances. Measuring 19 inches tall and just over 20 inches wide, the compact size won't take up much real estate on your bed. The built-in carrying handle makes it easy to transport as needed, too.

Price at time of publish: $99

_{Dimensions: 19 x 13.5 x 20.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Fill Material: Poly fibers | Cover Material: Faux shearling | Care: Machine wash}

Best Decorative

Sunday Citizen Snug Body Pillow

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Sunday Citizen's Snug Pillow is equally functional and decorative. Available in eight colors that are perfectly chic for bedding, ranging from warm sienna to cool charcoal to crisp white, the waffle-weave cover adds buttery softness and dimensional texture.

The fill is plush, supportive memory foam that conforms to the shape of your body. Measuring 36 by 14 inches, the elongated lumbar shape makes great neck support while reading. You can also use it as a body pillow or a finishing touch to a perfectly layered bed. But don't use it straight out of the box—it'll take about 24 hours to fully expand after unboxing.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Dimensions: 36 x 14 inches | Weight: Not listed | Fill Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Microfiber | Care: Spot clean insert, machine wash and tumble dry cover}