Skip to main content

Top 8 Best Pillows for Sitting Up in Bed

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedOctober 24, 2024

Being able to sit up in bed can be convenient for reading a book, watching TV, or even working on a laptop. Nonetheless, assuming the proper posture may be difficult to attain without proper support. That is where a pillow for sitting up in bed comes in handy. These pillows are meant to support your back and neck so that you can assume a sitting position for long hours.

After extensive research and testing various pillows, we have identified the best pillows to use when sitting up in bed. If you are on the lookout for a pillow with the ability to adjust the density or you require one with a headrest integrated into the pillow, then we have the pillows for you. Our top picks provide the right lumbar support that you need when working, reading, or watching TV while lying on the bed.


WhooLoo Reading Pillow

Editor's Choice

WhooLoo Reading Pillow

The WhooLoo Reading Pillow, made in the USA with high-grade shredded memory foam, offers customizable comfort and ample storage. While it may take 24 hours to fully expand and can be too firm for some, its quality, versatility, and lifetime warranty make it a worthwhile investment.

See Price on Amazon

We would like to strongly recommend the WhooLoo Reading Pillow to anyone who seeks a good and multi-functional pillow for sitting up in bed.

Pros

  • Made in the USA with high-grade shredded memory foam
  • Adjustable filling to customize comfort level
  • Plenty of storage space for remotes, cell phones, or books

Cons

  • May take up to 24 hours to reach full expansion
  • May be too firm for some users
  • Slightly more expensive than other options on the market

First of all, we have to note that the material of WhooLoo Reading Pillow is 100% pure new shredded memory foam, and it is produced in the USA. It came compressed in a vacuum pack, but you just shake the pillow or put it in a dryer for 5-10 minutes at cool heat. Most people said that this pillow is already very comfortable, but adding water to the one that is zipped made it even more comfortable.

Besides, it is very comfortable, and one more advantage is that it also has enough storage compartments for remotes cell phones, or some books. It has a very classy charcoal grey velour cover that has the feel of warm suede and is very easy to clean just with a damp cloth. The fabric handle attached to the pillow ensures its portability within the home and during travels.

All in all we can conclude that the WhooLoo Reading Pillow is really a good buy for anyone who seeks a comfortable pillow to conveniently sit up in bed. Also, the client can take advantage of the lifetime warranty as well as the 100%, no-hassle refund policy to give the product a try.


Derila King Size Cervical Pillow for Sleeping

Derila King Size Cervical Pillow for Sleeping

See price on Amazon

If you ever need a pillow where you can sit in bed and still have the proper support, the Derila King Size Cervical Pillow is for you. It is designed in the form of a butterfly and is comfortable enough to sit in for long hours. It is ideal, especially for reading, working, or even watching television.

Pros

  • Excellent support for sitting up in bed
  • Memory foam contours to your body
  • Cool, breathable material prevents overheating
  • Suitable for all sleep positions

Cons

  • May feel too firm for some users
  • Larger size might not fit smaller beds

The Derila Pillow is crafted from high-quality memory foam, offering the right amount of firmness to cradle our neck and spine. The butterfly shape isn’t just for aesthetics—it provides excellent ergonomic support, keeping our posture aligned whether we're lounging or sleeping. This pillow is also made from breathable, natural materials, which means no worries about harmful chemicals or allergens. We love that it helps control body temperature, ensuring we stay cool and sweat-free during long sitting sessions.


ComfortSpa Reading Pillow for Bed Adult Size, Back Rest Pillow with Arms, Pockets and Washable Cover; Use as a Back Pillow for Sitting in Bed for Bedrest or Relief from GERD Heartburn (Grey)

ComfortSpa Reading Pillow for Bed Adult Size, Back Rest Pillow with Arms, Pockets and Washable Cover; Use as a Back Pillow for Sitting in Bed for Bedrest or Relief from GERD Heartburn (Grey)

See price on Amazon

ComfortSpa Reading Pillow is an ideal pillow for anyone seeking a comfortable pillow for sitting in bed or bed sitting.

Pros

  • The shredded foam conforms perfectly to your body, providing excellent support and comfort.
  • The arms have side pockets where you can store your phone, glasses, book, tablet, or remote.
  • The pillow is versatile and can be used as a backrest, bed wedge, or to elevate your upper body to help you stay more comfortable while at rest or sleep.

Cons

  • The pillow is shipped compressed and may take up to 24-48 hours to fully expand.
  • The cover is not removable, but it can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth.
  • Some users may find the pillow too firm or too large.

We have been able to try out the ComfortSpa Reading Pillow, and the product did not disappoint as it was very comfy and supported us well. The shredded foam molds to the contours of your body, which makes it very supportive to your back, neck, and shoulders. There are side pockets for the arms in which you can place your phone, glasses, book, tablet, or remote, which is always a plus.

The pillow can be used as a backrest, bed wedge or elevate your upper body to make you more comfortable when at rest or asleep. It is also made of medical-grade material and, therefore, ideal for those who are bedridden or who have GERD or Heartburn.

The only drawback is that the pillow is rolled and packed into a box and might take 24-48h to regain its shape and size. The cover is not even detachable but can be wiped using a damp cloth, although not for cleaning. Some users may feel that the pillow is too firm or too big, but, in our opinion, it is perfect.

In summary, we endorse the ComfortSpa Reading Pillow for anyone who desires a well-built pillow to assist in sitting up in bed.


Vekkia Lightweight Bed Reading Pillow

Vekkia Lightweight Bed Reading Pillow

See Price on Amazon

We highly recommend the Vekkia Lightweight Bed Reading Pillow for anyone who loves to read, watch TV, or work on a laptop while sleeping or sitting in bed.

Pros

  • The high-density foam provides consistent support and maintains its shape for extended periods.
  • The body-contouring design promotes proper spinal alignment and enhances overall comfort for a restful experience.
  • The extended and widened armrests provide enhanced hand support and relieve tension in the hand muscles.

Cons

  • The pillow takes up minimal space compared to others, but it may still be too bulky for some users.
  • The armrests may not be suitable for those with larger arms.
  • The pillow cover is not removable, so cleaning may be difficult.

The Vekkia Lightweight Bed Reading Pillow is constructed with breathable high-density foam with no rebound; thus, it has consistent, long-lasting support. It comes with body contouring to give it some firmness and softness at the same time, which follows the contour of the body to relieve pressure points and distribute weight proportionately. This was designed to provide support along the natural spinal curvature from the base of the shoulder to the small of the back, making it comfortable for good posture. Plus, it relieves pressure on muscles, therefore providing comfort for sleep.

The pillow is very portable and can be easily stored as it only has a weight of 3. 4 pounds, which is lightweight enough for anybody, including teenagers, to move around with. It has a small footprint compared to other types, which means you can put it on the bed, sofa, or floor for use. The large pockets on the sides of the apron are great for holding your phone and the television remote control, which is often misplaced.

All in all, the Vekkia Lightweight Bed Reading Pillow is ideal if you are looking for a comfortable solution to sit in bed for hours. Its high-density foam, body-hugging shape, and the additional length of the armrests give even support throughout the day, good posture of the spine, and great comfort.


LINENSPA Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam

LINENSPA Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam

See price on Amazon

We highly endorse the LINENSPA Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam for anyone seeking a high-quality, supportive pillow to sit up in bed.

Pros

  • The shredded memory foam provides personalized comfort and can be molded to fit your body perfectly.
  • The fabric top carry handle makes it easy to move the pillow from room to room.
  • The pillow arrives compressed and rolled, but expands to full size within 48 hours.

Cons

  • The pillow is spot clean only, which may be inconvenient for some users.
  • Some users may find the pillow to be too soft and lacking in support.
  • The pillow may be too large for some users, taking up too much space on the bed.


The LINENSPA Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam may be useful for anyone who often sits propped up in bed. The shredded memory foam responds to your body shape and, therefore, gives you a personalized feel and support. What we also like is the fabric top carry handle, which allows for the easy transfer of the pillow from one room to another. It comes compressed and rolled and takes roughly 48 hours to reach its full size.

The only possible drawback of the pillow is the fact that it cannot be cleaned with water and has to be cleaned only with spots. Moreover, there are complaints about the softness of the pillow, saying that it does not provide enough support. Last but not least, it is relatively big for some users, as it occupies a lot of space in the bed.

In all, the LINENSPA Reading Pillow with Shredded Memory Foam is highly recommended to those customers who seek an easy-to-fold and comfortable sitting-up in-bed pillow.


Nestl Reading Pillow

Nestl Reading Pillow

See price on Amazon

If you are interested in getting a good reading pillow that is also comfortable and supportive then the Nestl Reading Pillow is a good option to consider.

Pros

  • The plush microfiber cover is soft and luxurious, providing ultimate relaxation.
  • The shredded memory foam filling contours to your body, giving you the perfect amount of support.
  • The pillow has three convenient pockets, allowing you to keep everything you need within reach.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the pillow takes a while to fluff up to its full size.
  • The back of the pillow may not be as high as some users would like.
  • The pillow is heavy, which may make it difficult to move around.

Recently, we had the opportunity to use Nestl Reading Pillow for a while, and we can say that we were quite satisfied with both the comfort and support it can provide. The outer fabric of the product is microfiber, which is very comfortable and warm, and the material inside is shredded memory foam, which contours to the shape of the body. We also liked the three pockets, which were ideal for holding our phone, book, and remote control.

However, one thing that one really needs to know is that it may take some time for the pillow to fully fill with air. It, however, adopted a day for the pillow to fully inflate. Moreover, the back of the cushion may not be as high as some users may prefer, so it is not the most suitable for individuals who want a tall backrest.

All in all, we recommend the Nestl Reading Pillow as a very good reading product, specifically for extra comfort and support. The luxury microfiber material, the ability to adjust the filling, and zippered pockets provide excellent features to have on your bed or couch.


Husband Pillow XXL Dark Grey Backrest with Arms

Husband Pillow XXL Dark Grey Backrest with Arms

See price on Amazon

If you're looking for a comfortable and supportive pillow for sitting up in bed, the Husband Pillow XXL is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • This pillow is bigger and better than the rest, providing full-formed bed backrest that supports the entire upper body.
  • The pillow is filled with premium shredded memory foam and features a smooth highest quality microplush cover, making it ultra-comfy.
  • The pillow includes a detachable neck roll pillow on Bungee and a built-in side pocket to hold your remote, phone, etc.

Cons

  • The price point is higher than many of its competitors.
  • The flimsy elastics on the attachable pillow may tear or the buttons may damage the material over time.
  • The pillow may be too firm for some users.

We were impressed with the versatility and portability of the Husband Pillow XXL. The adjustable loft feature allows you to add or remove foam for individualized comfort, while the built-in handle at the top makes it easy to take along with you anywhere you go.

The pillow is also backed by a 100-day, 100% money-back guarantee (for any reason) PLUS a 3-year warranty, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality and supportive pillow for sitting up in bed, the Husband Pillow XXL is definitely worth considering.


SLIGUY Reading Pillow

SLIGUY Reading Pillow

.

See price on Amazon

If you are considering purchasing a comfortable reading pillow that has good support, the SLIGUY Reading Pillow could be just what you are looking for.

Pros

  • The enlarged backrest and curved design effectively support your neck and shoulders, relieving fatigue and creating unparalleled comfort.
  • The fabric is made of skin-friendly super soft touching velvet cover, thick, and can be machine washed directly.
  • The pillow comes with detachable and adjustable neck roll and armrests, giving you complete support for your head, back, waist, legs, and arms.

Cons

  • The pillow needs to be kneaded and shaken vigorously for 5 minutes after unpacking to let the fiber filling inside spread out, and it takes 48 hours to fully expand.
  • The pillow is quite heavy, weighing 6.54 pounds.
  • The price might be a bit expensive for some people.

After spending a few weeks with the SLIGUY Reading Pillow, we can safely say that it delivers on all the promises. The pillow is quite comfortable and offers proper support to the back, neck, and arms. Another advantage is that the fabric is soft and thick and can be easily washed in a washing machine. The neck roll and armrests have been provided with the feature of being removable or even movable to a position preferred by the user.

What is worth noting is that after unpacking, the pillow should be kneaded and shaken for 5 minutes to allow the fiber filling inside to spread, and it takes 48 hours to fully inflate. This might be somewhat inconvenient for some people, but in our opinion, it is only worth the effort.

All in all, to our mind, the SLIGUY Reading Pillow is a very good product that will suit those who value comfort and dependable support. If you want to find a reading pillow that you can get comfortable and read in for hours after a stressful day at work, this could be exactly what you are looking for.

Buying Guide

Material

The first thing to consider is the fabric of the pillow, and this is so important since it determines the material of the pillow. Depending on the type of filling, such as memory foam or down feathers, the pillows are more comfortable and supportive. Memory foam pillows are designed to mold the shape of the body for better support, while down feather pillows are soft to the touch. However, some customers might prefer pillows that are made from other fabrics like polyester or cotton.

Size

Another essential characteristic of the pillow is its size. To be precise, more emphasis should be placed on the aspect of size, more specifically, the size of the pillow regarding one’s size and the size of the bed. A big pillow may be more enjoyable to those with long legs as compared to those of short stature, who may find a small pillow more enjoyable.

Shape

The shape of the pillow is also an important aspect that should be considered when choosing a pillow. That is why it is recommended to use pillows in the form of a wedge to sit in bed and prevent the formation of strong pain in the back and neck. U-shaped pillows are also advisable, specifically for the entire body, as they will help support the body.

Adjustability

Some pillows are constructed to be adjusted to the ergonomic structure so that the user is allowed to change the amount of filling they require. It can be advantageous for people who require a more solid or softer pillow, or for those who need to put a higher or lower pillow for better supple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pillow is best for sitting up in bed?

As for finding the best pillow for sitting up in bed, a wedge pillow is the best one. Wedge pillows are of a triangular shape to ensure they are capable of supporting your back and your neck. They are also multi-functional, and you can use them for reading, watching television, or even surfing the Internet on your laptop.

How can I sleep comfortably sitting up in bed?

If you are searching for a pillow that you can use in all sleeping positions, then shredded memory foam will suit you most. These are some of the best pillows as they are flexible and can easily be bent to suit the sleeping style. They are also non-sensitizing and allow fresh air to pass through them, especially for those patients with skin allergies.

What type of pillow is best for all positions?

If you are looking for a pillow that can be used in all positions, a shredded memory foam pillow is the best option. These pillows are adjustable and can be molded to fit your sleeping position. They are also hypoallergenic and breathable, making them suitable for people with allergies.

What is the best support pillow for watching TV in bed?

For watching TV in bed, a pillow with armrests is the best option. These pillows provide excellent support to your back and neck and also have armrests that allow you to sit comfortably while watching TV. You can also adjust the angle of the pillow to find the most comfortable position.

What is the best reading pillow for bed?

A reading pillow with a built-in neck support is the best option for reading in bed. These pillows provide excellent support to your neck and back and also have armrests that allow you to hold your book or tablet comfortably.

What is the best pillow for sleeping upright after surgery?

It is also advisable to keep your head elevated to help ease healing and minimize swelling after surgery. Actually, a wedge pillow is one of the most effective types of pillows for a person who needs to sleep in a sitting position after surgery. It offers sufficient support for your neck and spine, and you can raise the backrest level of the chair to that which you consider the most comfortable.

Affiliate Disclosure:
The links provided may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase the recommended product. This support allows our research and editorial team to continue providing high-quality recommendations. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising initiative, we are able to earn advertising fees through providing links to products on Amazon.com. Please rest assured that we only recommend high-quality products.