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The Best Pillows For Reading In Bed Without Hurting Your Neck Or Back
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. These loungers, wedges, body pillows and more will help you slip into the coziest reading position. “A few years ago, after witnessing me strategically place a good five or six pillows around myself to read in bed, my mother sent me a reading pillow in the mail,” said Shopping writer and avid reader Tessa Flores. Flores, who was the editor of our now-defunct books newsletter, calls the reading pillow her “book buddy” and said it’s an integral part of keeping her cozy and comfortable when getting into a story. To help you set up your perfect reading space, we asked some of our favorite book lovers and #BookTok content creators and consulted some reviews for the best pillows for reading in bed. Flores loves this sizable memory foam seat pillow and matching bolster pillow that was a gift from her mom. "First off, it's massive, which means it feels like it's providing support from every angle, from my neck to my arms and, most importantly, my back," she said. "It's also filled with shredded memory foam so it has the perfect amount of give, but is firm enough to keep me upright, without sinking." Flores added that she likes using the included bolster pillow under her wrists as she's reading. "It's been really helpful in making sure I don't strain my neck downwards, which has notoriously given me severe neck pain in the past." Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three sizes and 19 colors). Get the best of both worlds with this long wedge pillow that can serve as both a reading pillow and a headboard for your bed. It comes in eight colors in twin, full, queen, king and California king sizes to span your entire mattress, and it gives a pop of color to and comfort your space as well as versatile support. Use it to rest your head and shoulder or move it to the bottom of the bed for propping your legs and feet. "Gorgeous pillow! Perfect for reading or watching TV," wrote Amazon reviewer Alice. "Substantial. Sturdy. Comfortable." If you like a chair that's pillow style but want something a bit more compact, reviewers love this option that gives support through the back and arms. The back pillow is 18 inches high and 15 inches wide and has a stain-resistant cover that can be wiped clean with a rag or thrown in the washing machine. Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors). This 19-inch back support pillow features a flat base, so it stays securely in place, even if you're a frequent mover, and two detachable armrests made with firm foam for extra support. The neck pillow (also removable) is made from soft foam, while the ergonomic back portion is made from a medium-firm foam that conforms to the natural shape of your spine. Several reviewers claim that this is a great option for anyone who likes to read in bed. "I am able to sit upright, and still tuck my covers in to keep warm," one Amazon shopper said. Get it from Amazon for $51.99+ (available in three colors and three sizes/styles). A straightforward reading pillow, this memory foam wedge is a big triangle that helps you get support while you're lounging. It's made from memory foam and can be be turned and flipped to fit your perfect position. "Life changing!!" said Amazon reviewer Cathy S. "My back doesn’t hurt when I read and work while in my bed. Eliminates the need to use so many pillows just to get comfortable. Great support for my lower back." For all-around support that engulfs you as you read, many Amazon reviewers like this U-shaped pillow that's filled with soft micro-beads. You can recline on it for back support or turn it around and use it as an ergonomic desk to give support under your arms if you're typing or writing on your bed or couch. The cover is removable and machine-washable to keep you extra fresh. "This is exactly what I wanted for reading in bed," reviewer Kindle Customer 179645 said. "This pillow provides excellent back support and is stylish, too! I'm very happy with this pillow." Get it from Amazon for $139 (available in five colors). Kevin T. Norman, a #BookTok content creator on TikTok and moderator of the Say Gay Book Club, recommends this long body pillow for comfort and support during reclined reading. "I love it because I can lay it on my stomach to support my book/Kindle and wrap my legs around it for extra cuddle comfort!" Norman told us. Get it from Amazon for $18.11+ (available in three colors and nine styles). If you're looking to add a little fun to your reading routine, Eric Price, a horror, fantasy and sci-fi #BookTok content creator, recommends finding a sturdy stuffed animal or character pillow that you like. "I use [it] pretty often to read in bed and on the couch,” he said. “It's soft but still solid enough to make a good arm support or something to lean on while you read." Price's own character pillow of choice (a 15-inch unicorn by Squishable) is unfortunately sold out, however, we found a very similar replacement of the same size by the popular Squishmallow brand that's ultra-soft and squishy. Get it from Amazon for $12.49+ (available in four styles). Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.