Buying guide for best sit-up pillows
Constantly shifting about, rolling from side to side in attempt to find a comfortable position can quickly take the joy out of reading in bed. You might face similar struggles when watching TV or working on your laptop in bed. The key to comfort in this situation is getting yourself a sit-up pillow.
The right sit-up pillow can help protect your spine and support your neck while you are engaged in leisurely activities. The best sit-up pillows are comfortable and easy to clean. Many have armrests to facilitate reading. If you want to spend a little more, you can get a sit-up pillow that has pockets and a beverage holder so everything you need is within reach.
To learn more about sit-up pillows — the features that make them great, ways in which you can use them and clean them — keep reading. If you’re ready to buy a sit-up pillow, consider one of our highly rated options.
Top considerations when choosing a sit-up pillow
Shape
The shape of your sit-up pillow is the most important consideration because it affects how well the pillow fits you and your needs. First, you will need a sit-up pillow that is tall enough to support your upper back. Otherwise, you will place unnecessary strain on those muscles. A neck roll can help keep you from developing a stiff neck, and lumbar support can keep your lower back happy. A wedge is a great shape for many situations, but if you will be reading or working on a laptop, you will probably want a sit-up pillow with armrests so you can easily hold a book or your favorite device.
Materials
The materials with which a sit-up pillow is made have a huge impact on your enjoyment and comfort. If you prefer a plush tactile experience, look for a pillow that satisfies those needs. More important than the exterior, however, is what the pillow is filled with.
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Low-end sit-up pillows tend to be filled with polyester. These are the least durable and usually the least comfortable. However, these sit-up pillows are the most affordable, and for some people, they are just fine.
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A sit-up pillow filled with feathers is a luxurious option. If the pillow contains an adequate fill power, this type of pillow retains heat and is quite comfortable. Just make sure you select one that doesn’t have sharp feathers poking out. A sit-up pillow with a decent casing should protect you from this.
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A sit-up pillow filled with memory foam conforms to the shape of your body and distributes your weight evenly across the pillow. The downside to this type of filling is the cost: memory foam pillows are quite expensive.
Design
We're not talking about functional design; this is where your personality can shine. If you would like something other than a neutral color, you have many options. Do you like pink and furry? Lime green? Violet? The options are seemingly limitless. You can even find a sit-up pillow that looks like TV and movie characters.
Multiple pieces
Some wedge-shaped sit-up pillows come with two or more pillows that you can combine to adjust the incline. You may also be able to use the additional pieces for leg support. If this type of flexibility appeals to you, look for a sit-up pillow with multiple pieces.
Removable cover
A sit-up pillow with a removable cover is much easier to keep clean. With regular washing, you can significantly increase the longevity of your sit-up pillow.
Carry handle
Sit-up pillows are designed to support your entire upper body. To do this effectively, these pillows are often quite bulky and cumbersome. If easy transport is important to you, look for a sit-up pillow with a sturdy handle stitched onto it. You’ll find it much easier to take the pillow wherever you want to go.
Pockets
Sit-up pillows are frequently used for reading. If you purchase one with pockets in the arms or the back, you’ll have a convenient storage place for your favorite reading material.
Beverage holder
If sipping your favorite beverage is part of your chill time, you'll want a sit-up pillow that features a built-in beverage holder.
Built-in lamp
This last option might be difficult to find, as only a few models offer it. If you'll be holding a book in your hands, it might be worth the extra effort needed to locate a sit-up pillow with a built-in reading lamp.
Sit-up pillows come in different shapes and sizes. We note the size and shape in our research. It’s best to choose one that’s tall enough to support your upper back.
We consider the materials a sit-up pillow is filled with to determine how supportive and comfortable it is. If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury, aim to get a pillow filled with feathers or memory foam.
Some wedge-shaped sit-up pillows come with two or more pillows you can maneuver to adjust the incline. When this is offered, we note it in our research along with how much extra support you can expect.
We assess whether a sit-up pillow has a removable cover, as this will make keeping it clean a lot easier and increase the longevity of the product.
We consider how soft a sit-up pillow’s fabric is to help determine how comfortable it will be.
Some sit-up pillows have a carrying handle as well as pockets. When these extra features are offered, we make note of them.
Sit-up pillows can cost as little as $25 and as much as $150. We research options at different price points to find quality pillows for all budgets.
We consider whether a sit-up pillow has removable padding, as this allows you to adjust the amount of support you receive.
We appreciate sit-up pillows with a sturdy design that allows the pillow to stand up on its own, without being propped up against something.
We assess whether a sit-up pillow comes with extra neck support.
Sit-up pillow prices
At the budget end of the scale, there are no-frills sit-up pillows that might not feature a removable cover and are not filled with the most comfortable materials. In general, these pillows do what you need them to do. Prices start as low as $25, but the better sit-up pillows in this bracket are closer to $40.
The middle class of sit-up pillows cost between $40 to $90. These are high-quality, durable pillows that typically feature removable covers. Additional neck support is common. These pillows are manufactured with comfort in mind, and many are filled with shredded memory foam.
Luxury sit-up pillows cost in the realm of $90 to $150. These pillows have bells and whistles such as reinforced support, a beverage holder, and convenience pockets.
"A sit-up pillow has a few different names. Many call it a reading pillow, but some call it a husband pillow because it is supportive and has arms that can wrap around you."
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
Chances are you will become fast friends with your sit-up pillow and spend many hours together. As such, you will need to clean it frequently if you want it to last and remain stain-free, odor-free, bacteria-free, and dust mite-free. Following are a few tips on how to care for and clean your sit-up pillow.
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Wash the cover. If your sit-up pillow has a removable cover, by all means, remove it and wash it.
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Don't wait for odors to develop. You become nose blind to your own scent, so waiting until you notice an odor means you are waiting too long to clean the pillow.
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Regular cleanings work best. Pick a schedule and stick to it. Every three months might be okay if you rarely use your sit-up pillow, but frequently used pillows need to be freshened up at least once each month.
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Wear a shirt. If your skin regularly comes into contact with your sit-up pillow, it is going to absorb sweat and develop an odor that may be tough to purge.
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Keep pets off the pillow. If your fur baby must have a pillow, get Scruffy his own. No sharing.
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A warm, damp cloth will fix most minor spills. If it is something more stubborn, use a fabric cleaner or stain remover. (It is best to test a stain remover on a small spot on the underside of your sit-up pillow before applying it to a more visible location.)
- Nature does it best. Fresh air and sunlight can help kill bacteria on your pillow.
Expert Tip
STAFF
BestReviews
Other products we considered
With such a wide variety of highly rated sit-up pillows available, we would be remiss to neglect mentioning a few. Following are some more exceptional products that might match your needs.
Linenspa's Bed Wedge Pillow is a hypoallergenic, comfortable foam pillow that features a removable velour cover for easy cleaning. It can be used on end as a tall support for reading or watching TV, or it can be placed flat to help with acid reflux and snoring.
WOWMAX's Large Bolster Triangular Reading Backrest stands out because it is long enough to serve as the headboard for a daybed, providing support for two individuals.
FAQ
Q. I'm not a big reader. Why would I need a sit-up pillow?
A. Sit-up pillows aren't just for reading. You can use them for any activity you would do while sitting up, whether on the bed, on the couch, or even on the floor. You can use a sit-up pillow while checking your social media feeds and working on your laptop. You can use a sit-up pillow while watching TV or playing video games. A sit-up pillow can also help combat acid reflux and provide comfort when you've got a cold.
Q. How does a sit-up pillow help when I have a cold?
A. When your head is positioned higher than the rest of your body, sinus pressure is reduced, thereby helping to take the edge off of headaches. Additionally, postnasal drip doesn't accumulate as readily when your head is elevated. This can help reduce irritation in your throat and diminish your need to cough.
Q. Can a sit-up pillow help with snoring?
A. While it is not usually recommended that you sleep in a fully upright position due to the increased strain on your neck, a sit-up pillow that gently elevates the head and supports the neck can help keep nasal passages open and prevent certain types of snoring.
