Quick Answer: Reading pillows with arms (also called husband pillows or backrest pillows) provide upright support for reading, working, or watching TV in bed. They're worth it if you spend 30+ minutes sitting up in bed regularly, but they don't replace proper sleep pillows. Look for firm foam filling, removable covers, and armrests positioned at elbow height.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
If you've ever propped yourself against a headboard with two regular pillows stacked behind you and thought "there has to be a better way," you've already discovered the problem that reading pillows solve. That stack of pillows slides, compresses, and leaves you hunched forward within minutes.
Reading pillows with arms, sometimes called husband pillows or backrest pillows, are designed specifically for sitting upright in bed. They're shaped like a chair back with padded armrests on either side. The question is whether they actually deliver on that promise.
What Is a Reading Pillow?
A reading pillow is a large, firm, upright pillow with a tall back panel and two padded armrests. Most have a handle at the top for carrying and repositioning. They sit against your headboard or wall to create a chair-like backrest in bed.
The design originated in hospital settings, where patients needed stable upright support for eating, reading, and recovery. Over the decades they've become a popular home accessory for anyone who spends time sitting up in bed.
Common Reading Pillow Features
- Tall back panel: 18-24 inches, supports from lower back to mid-back or shoulders
- Padded armrests: Positioned at natural elbow height for comfortable arm support
- Firm foam core: Maintains shape under body weight without collapsing
- Side pocket: Many include a pocket for a phone, remote, or reading glasses
- Carry handle: Top handle for moving the pillow on and off the bed
- Removable cover: Zippered washable cover for easy cleaning
Benefits of Backrest Pillows for Bed
Dorothy, our sleep specialist, points out that the biggest benefit isn't comfort alone. It's posture. When you stack regular pillows behind your back, your spine curves into a C-shape that puts pressure on your lower back and neck. A reading pillow holds your spine in a more natural alignment.
Genuine Benefits
- Better spinal alignment when sitting: The firm, tall back panel keeps you upright without slouching
- Reduced neck strain: You can hold your book or tablet at a comfortable angle without hunching forward
- Arm support reduces shoulder tension: The armrests take weight off your shoulders and upper back
- Stability: Unlike stacked pillows, a reading pillow stays put
- Recovery support: Helpful after surgery or during illness when you need to sleep or rest at an incline
Honest Limitations
We believe in being straightforward. Reading pillows aren't perfect for everyone.
- They're bulky. A good reading pillow takes up significant bed space. In a double or full bed, it can feel like you've invited a third person.
- Storage is awkward. When you're done reading, where does it go? Under the bed, on the floor, or in a closet. They don't fold flat.
- They're not sleep pillows. Never sleep with a reading pillow propping you up all night. It puts your neck at an angle that causes stiffness and pain.
- Quality varies enormously. Cheap reading pillows compress within weeks and offer no real support. You end up with an expensive floppy cushion.
How to Choose a Reading Pillow
Brad tells customers that choosing a reading pillow is a lot like choosing a sleep pillow. The filling and firmness matter more than the brand name on the tag.
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular pillows at Mattress Miracle:
- Somnia 3.0 Posture Pillow
- Symbia Orthopedic Wedge Pillow
- Talalay Latex Pillow (Dreamcloud)
- Cool Ice Pillow (Cooling Gel)
Or our full pillow range in our Brantford showroom.
What to Look For
Shredded memory foam is the best filling for reading pillows. It's firm enough to hold its shape but conforming enough to feel comfortable. Avoid pillows stuffed with polyester fibrefill. They feel soft at first but flatten within a few weeks of regular use and lose all structural support.
Size and Height
Your torso length determines the right pillow height. The back panel should support you from the base of your spine to at least your shoulder blades. If you're taller than 5'10", look for pillows with a back panel of 22 inches or more. Shorter individuals can use standard 18-inch panels comfortably.
Armrest Position
The armrests should sit at a height where your elbows rest naturally without raising your shoulders. Too high and your shoulders scrunch up. Too low and your arms dangle, which defeats the purpose. Some premium reading pillows have adjustable armrests, though most are fixed.
Cover Material
A removable, machine-washable cover is non-negotiable. You'll be leaning against this pillow with your hair and skin for hours at a time. Cotton and velour covers are the most common. Cotton breathes better. Velour feels softer but can get warm. Avoid covers without zippers, as they're nearly impossible to clean properly.
The Posture Research
A study in the journal Applied Ergonomics found that unsupported sitting positions increase lumbar disc pressure by up to 40% compared to properly supported postures. While the research focused on office chairs, the principle applies to any seated position, including sitting up in bed. Any support that maintains the natural curve of your lower back reduces strain on spinal discs and surrounding muscles.
Reading Pillow vs Wedge Pillow
Customers often ask us whether they should get a reading pillow or a wedge pillow. They solve different problems.
Quick Comparison
- Reading pillow: Best for sitting fully upright (reading, working on laptop, watching TV). You sit against it like a chair. Not for sleeping.
- Wedge pillow: Best for sleeping at a slight incline (acid reflux, snoring, congestion). You lie on it at an angle. Not for sitting upright.
- For both needs: Get both. A wedge for sleeping and a reading pillow for sitting up. They complement each other well.
If you only sit up in bed occasionally, a wedge pillow is the more versatile choice because it serves double duty for sleep. If you sit up in bed every night for an hour or more, a dedicated reading pillow will be far more comfortable than a wedge.
Posture Tips for Sitting Up in Bed
Even with a reading pillow, your posture matters. Here are some practical tips from our team.
Five Rules for Comfortable Bed Sitting
1. Bend your knees slightly. Place a pillow under your knees to reduce lower back strain. Straight legs pull on your hamstrings and tilt your pelvis backward.
2. Hold reading material at eye level. A book rest or tablet stand prevents you from hunching forward and straining your neck.
3. Limit sessions to 60 minutes. Even with perfect support, sitting in bed isn't the same as sitting in a chair. Get up and stretch regularly.
4. Use good lighting. Poor lighting makes you lean forward to see, which defeats the purpose of your back support.
5. Position the pillow properly. The base of the reading pillow should sit flat on the mattress, not wedged against the headboard at an angle.
Brantford's Reading Community
Brantford has a strong reading culture, from the Brantford Public Library on Colborne Street to the many local book clubs around the city. If you're someone who reads in bed every night before sleep, investing in proper support makes a real difference. Several customers have told us that switching from stacked pillows to a reading pillow eliminated the neck stiffness they used to wake up with, simply because they weren't hunching over their books anymore.
Alternatives Worth Considering
A reading pillow isn't the only option. Depending on your situation, one of these alternatives might work better.
- Adjustable bed base: If you sit up in bed frequently, an adjustable base lets you raise the head of your mattress to any angle. It's a bigger investment but far more comfortable than any pillow.
- Bed wedge system: A combination of a large wedge and a smaller neck roll can create a similar effect to a reading pillow with less bulk.
- Bed desk or lap desk: If the main issue is holding a laptop or book comfortably, a lap desk solves the arm fatigue problem without needing a back pillow.
- Bolster pillow behind lower back: For people who only need lower back support while sitting up, a firm bolster pillow takes up much less space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep with a reading pillow?
We don't recommend it. Reading pillows hold you in a seated position that puts strain on your neck and lower back over long periods. Use your reading pillow for sitting up, then switch to your regular sleep pillow when it's time to sleep.
How do I wash a reading pillow?
Remove the zippered cover and machine wash it on a gentle cycle. The foam insert itself should be spot-cleaned only. Never put a foam reading pillow in the washing machine or dryer, as it will break apart. Air it out in sunlight periodically to keep it fresh.
What size reading pillow do I need?
For most adults, a standard reading pillow with an 18-20 inch back panel works well. If you're over 5'10" or want shoulder-level support, look for a 22-24 inch model. The armrests should reach your elbows naturally when your arms hang at your sides.
Are reading pillows good for back pain?
They can help if your back pain is aggravated by sitting unsupported in bed. The firm back panel maintains your spinal curve, which reduces strain. However, if you have chronic back pain, talk to your doctor or physiotherapist before relying on a pillow as a solution. An adjustable bed base may be a better long-term answer.
Does Mattress Miracle sell reading pillows?
We carry a selection of specialty pillows at our Brantford showroom, including wedge pillows and supportive bed pillows. Drop by 441 1/2 West Street or call us at (519) 770-0001 and we'll help you find the right support for how you use your bed.
Sources
- Wilke, H.J., Neef, P., Caimi, M., Hoogland, T., & Claes, L.E. (1999). New in vivo measurements of pressures in the intervertebral disc in daily life. Spine, 24(8), 755-762. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199904150-00005
- Pynt, J., Higgs, J., & Mackey, M. (2001). Seeking the optimal posture of the seated lumbar spine. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 17(1), 5-21. doi.org/10.1080/095939801750334167
- Gordon, S.J., Grimmer-Somers, K., & Trott, P. (2009). Pillow use: The behaviour of cervical pain, sleep quality and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Manual Therapy, 14(6), 671-678. doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2009.02.006
- Hedge, A., & Ray, E.J. (2004). Effects of an electronic height-adjustable work surface on self-assessed musculoskeletal discomfort and productivity. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 48(8), 1091-1095.
- Jacobson, B.H., et al. (2008). Effect of prescribed sleep surfaces on back pain and sleep quality in patients with low back pain. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 7(1), 1-8. doi.org/10.1016/j.jcme.2007.11.003
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.