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If you love reading in bed, you have probably tried every trick to get comfortable: stacking pillows against the headboard, folding them in half, wedging one behind your lower back. Sooner or later, most bed readers buy a dedicated support pillow, and that is where the big question comes up: should you get a reading pillow with arms or a wedge pillow?
Both are popular, both support you while you sit up, and both have loyal fans. They work quite differently, though, and the right choice depends on how you read, the shape of your bed and what else you want the pillow to do. This guide compares the two side by side and suggests real options for each. We do not invent prices or ratings. Use the links to check current details on Amazon.
What is a reading pillow with arms?
A reading pillow, sometimes called a backrest pillow, bed rest pillow or husband pillow, looks like the back and arms of a small armchair. You sit against it, the tall back supports your spine and the arms give your elbows somewhere to rest while you hold a book. Many have a removable neck roll for extra head support, side pockets for your phone or glasses and a carry handle on top.
They are usually filled with shredded memory foam or polyester fibre. Shredded foam can often be adjusted by adding or removing fill through a zipper, which lets you make it firmer or softer. For a deep dive on this style, see our guide to the best back support reading pillows with arms.
What is a wedge pillow?
A wedge pillow is a triangular block of foam that slopes from a tall back edge down to the mattress. Rather than sitting in a chair-like shape, you lean back against an inclined surface. Wedges come in different heights and angles. Some are single pieces, while others are modular systems that can be rearranged, such as a back wedge plus a leg wedge or a headrest.
Wedges are usually made of firmer foam than reading pillows, which gives very consistent support. Many people also use them for sleeping slightly propped up. We compared several in our guide to the best back support wedge pillows for reading in bed.
Reading pillow vs wedge pillow: the key differences
Posture and support
A reading pillow puts you in a fairly upright sitting position, a bit like sitting in an armchair. The arms support your elbows, which reduces strain when holding a heavy hardcover. A wedge reclines you at a fixed angle with your whole back supported on one continuous slope. Wedges usually leave your arms unsupported, so you may want a pillow on your lap to rest your book on.
Firmness
Wedges are generally firmer and keep their shape well. Reading pillows are generally softer and more cushioned, and shredded-foam versions can be adjusted. If you like a softer, hug-like feel, a reading pillow tends to win. If you prefer firm, even support, a wedge is likely a better fit.
Arm and elbow support
This is the biggest practical difference. A reading pillow’s arms take weight off your shoulders and wrists. With a wedge, you will often want to add a lap desk or a pillow under your book. Our guide to lap desk pillows for reading in bed covers options that pair nicely with a wedge.
Versatility
Wedges can be flipped or rearranged to support your legs, prop you up for sleeping or support you on the sofa. Reading pillows are designed mostly for sitting up and reading, watching TV or working on a laptop, but they also travel well between bed, sofa and floor.
Space and storage
Wedges are often larger and harder to store. Some modular systems take up a good part of a bed. Reading pillows are usually more compact, and many have a handle so you can move them easily.
Headboard and bed shape
A reading pillow works well against a headboard or wall. If your bed has no headboard, a reading pillow can slide backwards, while a large wedge is often more stable on its own because of its wide base.
Who should choose a reading pillow?
A reading pillow with arms is usually the better choice if you:
- Read sitting up for long periods and want elbow support.
- Like a soft, cushioned feel.
- Have a headboard or wall to lean the pillow against.
- Want something compact you can move to the sofa or a dorm room.
- Also use your bed for laptop work or watching TV.
Who should choose a wedge pillow?
A wedge pillow is often the better choice if you:
- Prefer reading reclined rather than fully upright.
- Like firm, consistent support that keeps its shape.
- Want to use the same pillow for sleeping slightly elevated.
- Have no headboard, or a headboard that is uncomfortable to lean on.
- Want a modular system that can also support your legs.
Reading pillows to consider
Linenspa Reading Pillow with Arms
The Linenspa is a backrest-style reading pillow with arms and shredded memory foam fill. Shredded foam lets it mould around your back. We reviewed it in detail in our Linenspa backrest reading pillow review.
Check current price of the Linenspa Reading Pillow on Amazon
BedLounge
The BedLounge is a well-known reading pillow with a distinctive shape that has a backrest, arms and a headrest. It comes in several sizes and cover options. Read our BedLounge Classic review for our full thoughts.
Check current price of the BedLounge on Amazon
Wedge pillows to consider
InteVision Foam Bed Wedge Pillow and Headrest
The InteVision set combines a foam bed wedge with a separate headrest pillow. The headrest adds neck support that a plain wedge lacks, which is useful for reading. Check the listing for the size and angle options.
Check current price of the InteVision Bed Wedge on Amazon
Relax The Back PureFit Adjustable Bed Wedge System
The PureFit system is a modular set of wedges that can be arranged into different positions, including a reading position and a zero-gravity style recline. It is one of the most adjustable options around. We reviewed it in our PureFit Relax The Back wedge set review.
Check current price of the PureFit Wedge System on Amazon
Can you combine a reading pillow and a wedge?
Yes, and many readers do. A wedge provides a firm, angled base, and a small reading pillow or lumbar cushion in front of it adds softness and arm support. Another combination is a wedge plus a lap desk, which raises your book so you are not looking down at your lap. Experiment with what you already have before buying more.
Tips for comfortable reading in bed, whichever you choose
The right pillow makes a big difference, but a few habits help too:
- Keep your book at a comfortable height. Use a lap desk, a cushion or a book holder so your neck is not bent forward for long periods. Our guide to reading in bed without neck pain has more detail.
- Support your lower back. If you feel a gap between your lower back and the pillow, a small lumbar cushion can fill it.
- Change position now and then. Even perfect support gets uncomfortable if you stay still for hours.
- Light your page well. A good reading light reduces squinting and leaning forward. See our guide to reading lights for bed.
If you already have ongoing back problems, it is worth reading general advice from reliable sources like the NHS guide to back pain, and talking to a healthcare professional before relying on any pillow for relief.
Reading pillows and wedges for couples, kids and small spaces
Two readers in one bed? Our guide to the reading pillow for two covers wider options and shared setups. For younger readers, scaled-down reading pillows are often more comfortable than adult ones. See our guide to the best reading pillows for kids. If space is tight, a compact reading pillow usually fits a small room better than a large wedge system.
Frequently asked questions
Is a wedge pillow or a reading pillow better for back pain?
It depends on the person and the cause of the pain. Some people find the firm, continuous support of a wedge more comfortable, while others prefer the upright, cushioned feel of a reading pillow. If you have ongoing back pain, get advice from a healthcare professional.
Can I sleep on a reading pillow?
Reading pillows are designed for sitting up, not sleeping. Many people use a wedge to sleep slightly elevated, but a reading pillow’s arms and upright back are not suited to lying down for the night.
Which is easier to store?
Reading pillows are usually more compact and lighter than wedge pillows, especially large modular wedge systems. If storage is a concern, a reading pillow is often the easier option.
The bottom line
Choose a reading pillow with arms if you want soft, upright, armchair-style support with somewhere to rest your elbows. Choose a wedge pillow if you prefer reading reclined, like firm support or want a pillow you can also sleep against. And if you cannot decide, combining a wedge with a small lumbar or reading pillow gives you some of the best of both.