Best Upright Pillows for Sitting Up in Bed, Reading and TV

The best upright pillows for sitting up in bed are the ENITYA 22″ XL Back Pillow, which gives the most complete armchair-in-bed support, and the Kolbs Wedge Reading Pillow, which keeps the same idea in a softer, more compact shape. If you want the lowest-cost way to stop slouching against a headboard, the Sasttie 18″ Reading Pillow is the simple pick, and if you want to change the angle through the evening, the Kayfia stepless-adjust model is the one to look at. This guide is research-based: we compared maker listings, spec details and published buying advice, and we did not personally use these products.

“Upright pillow” covers two quite different products. One is the backrest-style reading pillow, a chair-back shape with arms that sits on the mattress and holds your spine upright while you read, watch TV or work on a laptop. The other is the bed wedge, a foam triangle that raises your upper body at a fixed slope. Both get you sitting up, but they suit different habits, so this article ranks six main picks across both styles and explains how to choose between them, what each design gets right, and where each one falls short.

Our top picks

Top pickLinenspa Reading Pillow with Arms

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Also greatLinenspa Reading Pillow with Arms and Neck

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Also greatLinenspa Reading Pillow with Arms

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Also greatSasttie Reading Pillow for Bed

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: ENITYA 22″ XL Back Pillow with armrests and large pockets
• Best Soft Wedge Shape: Kolbs Wedge Reading Pillow with arms
• Best Budget: Sasttie 18″ Reading Pillow
• Best Adjustable Angle: Kayfia Reading Pillow with 30-90 degree stepless adjustment
• Best for a Memory Foam Feel: Blissful Diary Reading Pillow with shredded memory foam
• Best Fixed Wedge Set: Bedluxe Wedge Pillow Set, 9 and 12 inch

Comparison Table

1. ENITYA 22″ XL Back Pillow: Best Overall for Sitting Up in Bed

• 22 inch XL width with armrests
• Large pockets for a remote, phone or book
• Soft back support intended for sitting up in bed
• Marketed for reading, TV and bed use
• Weight, fill type and cover material: not listed in the title, so check the full listing

Best for: people who spend an hour or more sitting up in bed and want something close to a lounge chair. Skip if: your bed is narrow or shared and you cannot spare the width.

The reason this one leads is its width. A 22 inch backrest with arms supports shoulders as well as the lower back, so you are not leaning on a narrow column of foam. In practice, width matters more than most buyers expect: a narrow pillow lets your shoulders drift sideways and your posture collapses after twenty minutes, while a wide one keeps your torso square to the screen or page.

The arms do two jobs. They hold your elbows at a comfortable height for a book or tablet, which reduces the shoulder shrug many people develop when holding things up for a long time, and they stop the pillow from feeling like a loose cushion that slides when you shift. The pockets are a small thing that turns out to be useful, because a remote that falls into the bedding is a daily annoyance.

The trade-off is footprint. An XL pillow needs space beside you on the mattress, and on a double bed shared with a partner it will intrude. It is also a sit-up pillow rather than a sleep pillow, so you will move it aside at bedtime. The maker also sells a 19 inch version of the same design if the XL feels like too much.

Pros: wide, supportive shape; arms; pockets; works as a bed or couch backrest; narrower size available. Cons: large; fill and cover details are not stated in the title; not for sleeping on.

2. Kolbs Wedge Reading Pillow: Best Soft Wedge Shape

• Wedge-shaped reading cushion with arms
• Plush cover, marketed for TV, books, nursing and back support
• Designed to sit against the bed or headboard
• Exact dimensions and fill: not listed in the title

Best for: readers who want the comfort of a soft cushion with a gentle slope. Skip if: you need firm, fixed support for a long period.

A wedge reading pillow differs from a flat backrest in that the bottom of the cushion is wider than the top, so it leans back at a natural angle without needing the headboard to do all the work. That angle is what makes it comfortable for TV: your neck is not forced forward, and your lower back is supported at the point where most people feel strain.

The plush cover is the selling point and also the main thing to think about. Soft fabrics feel good, but they pill and hold dust, so look for a removable cover and plan to wash it. The listing also mentions nursing use. If you are feeding a baby, a pillow like this can help you keep your own back supported, but always follow your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for positioning of the baby itself.

It is the pick for anyone who finds a firm backrest too stiff. Think of it as the sofa cushion of the group: forgiving, cozy and best for relaxed sitting rather than upright work posture.

Pros: soft; arms; wedge angle; flexible uses. Cons: plush covers need regular washing; specs are sparse in the title; may compress with heavy daily use.

3. Sasttie 18″ Reading Pillow: Best Budget

• 18 inch backrest support cushion (a 21 inch version is also sold)
• Dark grey cover
• Marketed for bed, couch and sofa
• Arms: not stated in the title

Best for: students, guest rooms and anyone who wants an upright cushion without spending much. Skip if: you are broad-shouldered or need arm support.

The 18 inch size is the practical middle for a single sleeper or someone propping up on a sofa. It will not give the same full-body support as the XL ENITYA, but it also costs less and is easier to store. The listing also offers a 21 inch size, so if you find 18 inches too narrow you can move up without changing brands.

A budget upright pillow is a sensible first purchase if you are not sure you will use one often. Many people find after a week that they either love it and want a better one, or never use it. At this level the cost of finding out is low. It is also an easy pair for a dorm room, a spare bedroom or a holiday rental where you want better seating than a flat pillow stacked against the wall.

Pros: low price tier; compact; two sizes. Cons: narrower; fill details not listed in the title; fewer features.

4. Kayfia Stepless-Adjust Reading Pillow: Best Adjustable Angle

• 30 to 90 degree stepless angle and height adjustment
• 2-in-1 design: back wedge for sitting up in bed
• Size: listed as Large, grey
• Fill material: not listed in the title

Best for: people whose preferred angle changes between reading, TV and resting. Skip if: you want a plain cushion with nothing to adjust.

Most backrest pillows give you one angle. The stepless design here means you can set anything from a gentle recline of 30 degrees to a fully upright 90 degrees without clicking between fixed notches. That is useful if you read upright but want to lean back for a film, or if your comfort changes with how your back feels on a given day.

The cost of adjustability is mechanical complexity. Any moving part is something that can loosen with use, so check the return window and handle the first few adjustments gently. If you rarely change angles, a fixed pillow will be simpler and probably last longer. Kayfia also sells a 19 inch gel memory foam backrest, which we list under Also Consider for those who want a fixed shape from the same brand.

Pros: wide angle range; stepless; dual use. Cons: more parts; fill not stated; likely heavier than a simple cushion.

5. Blissful Diary Reading Pillow: Best for a Memory Foam Feel

• Backrest pillow with shredded memory foam
• Designed for adults and children
• For bed and couch use
• Dimensions: not stated in the base listing title; a 19 inch open-side version is also sold

Best for: people who like a pillow that molds to their back. Skip if: you prefer firm, structured support.

Shredded memory foam behaves differently from a solid block. It shifts as you lean, so the pillow shapes itself to your back and then holds that shape. That makes it comfortable straight away, but it also means the fill can bunch up over time. Plan to fluff and redistribute it every few days, as you would a loose-fill neck pillow.

Because the listing says it is made for children as well as adults, it is a reasonable choice for a household with mixed ages. For small children, supervise use and never place any pillow in an infant’s sleep space; infant sleep guidance comes from pediatric authorities, not from product marketing.

Pros: moldable fill; family friendly; budget price tier. Cons: fill can bunch; less rigid support; specs sparse.

6. Bedluxe Wedge Pillow Set: Best Fixed Wedge Set

• Set of wedges with adjustable 9 inch and 12 inch heights
• Orthopedic foam wedge, white and grey
• Marketed for use after surgery and for general raised-position rest
• Density and cover material: not listed in the title

Best for: people who need to be raised at a fixed slope rather than sit in a chair shape. Skip if: you want arms and pockets.

A foam wedge is the oldest answer to “I need to sit up”. It is a firm triangle that lifts your upper body by a set height. The two heights here give you a lower and a higher slope, and a set lets you build a stepped surface. It is not a backrest chair, so you will not get arm support, but it is simple and nothing can break.

Some wedges are marketed for post-surgery use or for people who feel better with the upper body raised. We cannot make health claims, and the right angle for any medical condition should come from your doctor. If you are buying for recovery or a health reason, ask your clinician before choosing a height.

Pros: firm; fixed slope; two heights; simple. Cons: no arms; less cozy; bedding can slide against foam.

Also Consider

• Yagamo Reading Pillow with adjustable memory foam: a budget-tier backrest with arms and a washable cover mentioned in the listing, worth a look if you want arms for less.
• Kayfia 19″ Gel Memory Foam Back Rest Pillow: a dual-use back and leg support pillow with three storage pockets in a more compact 19 inch size.
• HAMYODO 22″ XL Reading Pillow: a wide model with armrests and an OEKO-TEX mention in the listing, a direct alternative to the ENITYA if you want a second option at the same width.
• Bekweim Wedge Pillow: a single bed wedge for headboard use, for those who want the simplest foam slope.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We reviewed manufacturer and seller listings for each pillow, compared the dimensions and features they state, and read independent buying advice on sitting-up pillows and bed wedges. We did not personally use these products, and we have not reproduced star ratings or review counts. Where a listing does not state a spec, such as weight, fill density or cover material, we say “not listed” instead of guessing.

We picked products that are currently sold, are on-intent for people who want to sit upright in bed, and cover three needs: a wide chair-style backrest, an adjustable-angle design and a fixed foam wedge. We limited each brand to two entries at most and aimed for a spread of budget, mid-range and premium options, using price tiers instead of exact prices because prices move. Manufacturer claims about comfort or health are reported as claims and not as facts.

Buying Guide

Choose the style first: backrest or wedge

A backrest pillow with arms behaves like a small armchair on the bed. It suits reading, TV, working on a laptop and feeding. A wedge is a slope. It suits people who want to lie at an incline for resting and do not need arms. If you spend most of your time in bed awake, choose the backrest. If you mainly want to rest raised, a wedge is closer to what you need. Some people own both: a wedge under the mattress-side for sleeping posture and a backrest for the evening.

Width: 18, 19, 21 or 22 inches

Width is the most important number. At 18 inches the pillow supports the spine but not the shoulders of a broad frame. At 21 to 22 inches you get full shoulder coverage. As a rough rule, measure your shoulder width, add an inch or two, and choose a pillow at least that wide. For a double bed shared with a partner, avoid anything wider than about 21 inches, or you will lose mattress space. For a child or a petite adult, an 18 inch model is plenty.

Fill: shredded foam, solid foam or fiber

Shredded memory foam molds to you and feels soft immediately but needs fluffing. Solid foam gives firm support that does not shift. Fiber fill is lighter and cheaper, but it compresses faster. If a listing does not say what is inside, treat that as a warning and read the full product page or the seller questions before buying. Gel-infused foam is sold as a cooler option, but its benefit varies, so read the maker’s description rather than assuming.

Arms, pockets and cover

Arms matter if you hold a book or tablet. Pockets are nice, but they add stitching and weight. Look for a removable, washable cover and a zipper that is not stiff. A pillow used daily collects skin oil and dust, so washing is part of ownership, not an extra. An OEKO-TEX label, where a maker states it, means the fabric was screened for harmful substances, which is a useful point if you have sensitive skin.

Angle and height

Most people are comfortable between roughly 60 and 80 degrees for reading and 30 to 45 degrees for TV. An adjustable pillow like the Kayfia covers both. If you pick a fixed wedge, 9 to 12 inches is the usual range, and the taller one suits people with a thick mattress topper. For anything health related, such as reflux or recovery from an operation, ask your doctor about the right angle.

Mattress and headboard

A backrest pillow works best on a firm surface. On a very soft mattress the base sinks and the pillow tips backward, no matter how good the design. If your headboard is padded, a taller pillow will lean on it and feel more stable, while a bare wall can feel hard, so a wedge shape that stands on its own may be better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying on looks only. A pretty cover with a narrow body is a poor backrest.
• Ignoring the mattress. A very soft mattress lets a backrest sink and tilt, so a firm base helps.
• Expecting a sit-up pillow to work for sleeping on your side. They are made for sitting.
• Skipping the return policy. Comfort is personal, and returns are the safety net.
• Using adult pillows in an infant’s sleep space. Follow pediatric guidance for babies.
• Skipping washing. A dusty pillow in a bedroom can irritate allergies, so wash covers regularly.

Quick Decision Guide

• Share a double bed and read nightly: choose a 19 to 21 inch backrest such as the Sasttie 21 inch or the ENITYA 19 inch version.
• Watch TV for hours and want maximum comfort: choose the ENITYA 22″ XL or the Kolbs wedge.
• Switch between reading and lying back: choose the Kayfia stepless model.
• Need a plain, firm slope with nothing to adjust: choose the Bedluxe wedge set, after speaking to your doctor if it is for a health reason.
• Buying for a child or teenager’s room: the Blissful Diary or an 18 inch Sasttie is the sensible size, with adult supervision for younger children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best upright pillow for reading in bed?

A wide backrest pillow with arms, such as the ENITYA 22″ XL, is the best fit for most readers because it supports both back and shoulders. If you want a lower-cost option, the Sasttie 18″ is the simple choice.

Are upright pillows good for back pain?

They can make sitting up in bed more comfortable by supporting the lower back, but we cannot make medical claims. If you have persistent back pain, talk to a doctor or physiotherapist about the right posture and support.

What is the difference between a reading pillow and a bed wedge?

A reading pillow is shaped like a chair back with arms, while a wedge is a foam triangle that raises you at a fixed slope. Pick the reading pillow for activity and the wedge for resting.

What size upright pillow should I buy?

Choose a width at least as wide as your shoulders, usually 19 to 22 inches for adults. Smaller 18 inch models work for compact beds, children and sofa corners.

Can I sleep on an upright pillow?

Backrest pillows are designed for sitting, so most people move them aside to sleep. A wedge pillow is built for resting at an incline, but ask your doctor if you have a health reason for sleeping raised.

How do I clean a reading pillow?

Check the tag or listing. Many have a removable cover that you can machine wash gently, while the inner foam is usually spot-cleaned and aired. Do not machine wash shredded foam unless the maker says it is safe.

Do adjustable angle pillows last as long as simple ones?

A design with moving parts has more points that can wear, so a simple cushion is likely to last longer under heavy use. Handle adjustments gently, and keep the return window in mind in the first weeks.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want one pillow that does the job for most people, choose the ENITYA 22″ XL for its width, arms and pockets. If you like a softer wedge shape for TV and reading, the Kolbs is the comfortable alternative. For the lowest cost, the Sasttie 18″ is hard to argue with. If your preferred angle changes, get the Kayfia stepless model. If you like a moldable fill, the Blissful Diary memory foam pillow suits you, and if you simply need a firm slope, the Bedluxe wedge set is the plain, reliable answer. Whichever you pick, measure your bed first, check the return window and confirm the cover can be washed.

Sources

• ENITYA product listing and maker description
• Kolbs product listing and maker description
• Sasttie product listing
• Kayfia product listing
• Blissful Diary and Bedluxe product listings
• Independent bedding and sleep-posture buying guides

Last updated: October 2026