To make sure we always provide the latest information, this page was last updated on 1 May 2024.
Best sit up pillow
What is a sit-up pillow and who might find one useful?
For many of us, our bed is one of our favorite places to be. It’s also where we spend a very high proportion of our time.
But we don’t just use beds to sleep; when it comes to sitting up in bed to read the latest bestseller or watch a movie, it can be difficult to maintain good back support, even in a bed with a headboard. In a bed without a headboard, it can be very hard to sit upright. Even in a bed with a headboard, piling up pillows underneath your back is not the most comfortable solution.
If you’re wondering how you can sit up comfortably in bed, or a solution for sitting up in bed without a headboard, a sit-up pillow could be great for you. Sit-up pillows, or lounge pillows, solve this problem by providing a firm yet comfortable means of support.
Some come in the form of a simple foam wedge. These can be orientated to give you a better angle to lean against when sat up. Others have an ‘armchair’ style design. These make the experience of lying in bed more like sitting up comfortably in a supportive armchair.
Anyone who often reads in bed or sits up to watch television could benefit from pillows to sit upright in bed to help with their posture.
Based on the reviews we’ve read, many customers also use sit up pillows to help them to cope with medical issues like chronic back pain or pulled muscles, or to help them to maintain good posture while in bed after recovering from surgery.
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Our Number 1, and best rated, sit up pillow
Why we rate this the best sit up pillow
This premium, orthopedic lumbar support pillow for bed is on the larger side. It’s ideal for people over 5’9”.
This design features its own side pocket in one of the arms. It’s great for holding your phone or TV remote.
The velvet material makes it even more relaxing. You’ve also got several choices of color: black, grey, navy blue, brown, and coral pink.
This chair for bed comes with an extra 200g of shredded memory foam. It’s easy to unzip the cover and fill it in where you need it to bolster it if you need extra support.
The armrests are raised to offer support for your arms while reading.
The headrest is detachable, so if you prefer your bedrests without it, it’s easy to remove.
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This is rated our best value for money sit up pillow
What you need to know
The backrest cushion of this reading pillow is specially reinforced to offer superior support to the user.
The velour covering is constructed of 100% cotton, and the filling is made of clusterball fiber. This use of superior materials gives this chair on bed a luxurious quality.
At 27″, it’s in the mid-range of sizes. This makes it an excellent choice for use by children and adults alike.
The large neck bolster pillow for sitting up in bed is firm enough to give great support to the head and neck while reclining, making this one of the more versatile options.
The large side pocket is great for storing books or snacks while using the pillow
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The best of the rest
What you need to know
The microplush cover of this back pillow with arms is removable and washable. It’s easy to keep it clean and fresh.
It also comes with a carry handle. It’s easy to take with you anywhere, making camping and hotel visits more comfortable.
It’s taller than many available pillows. At 24″ without the neck rest, and 31″ with it, it’s ideal for adults to use in comfort.
The large rear pocket and side pocket make this well-suited for holding books and magazines when you’re not reading them.
It’s designed to be durable, again and again. It also has a 100-day money-back guarantee, as well as a three-year warranty. You can relax with peace of mind with this backrest pillow with arms.
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What you need to know
The Milliard reading pillow comes in four choices of size. Ranging from the petite 14″ model to the extra-large version at 24″, you can be sure of finding the right fit for you.
The outer comfy velour cover is removable and machine washable. You’ll have no problem keeping it hygienic and fresh.
It’s easy to unzip the inner cover and adjust the shredded foam inside to ensure it’s supporting you in the right places. Or take some stuffing out altogether if you prefer softer support.
The filling has plenty of give, meaning that you can be comfy while also enjoy good back support.
The convenient carry handle makes it super easy to take around with you wherever you need to go.
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What you need to know
This product comes in three sizes: standard, large, and extra-large. You can choose the ideal size for providing you with support. The extra-large reading pillow is probably the best choice for larger adults.
The shredded memory foam is CertiPur certified. You can rest in the knowledge that it’s safe to use.
It comes with an adjustable, orthopedic neck support pillow. You can position it to make it perfect for your needs. It’s also removable so you can use it as a leg rest instead.
The velour cover is super soft, adding an additional level of comfort.
Designed with air flow in mind, you won’t be getting too warm while using it. It also molds to the shape of your spine, making it perfect for lounging in.
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The unique shape of this product makes it a nice compromise between a bed wedge pillow and a husband pillow.
The arms of this product are particularly thick and sturdy. Your arms will be well supported while you hold your book or a drink.
The cover can be unzipped easily. It can also be machine-washed, making caring for this product very simple.
The plush cover comes in blue or grey. It will look great in any interior.
The sturdy carrying handle makes this easy to pack into storage or to take with you anywhere.
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What you need to know
This husband pillow comes in large, medium, and petite sizes. You’ll have no problem choosing one to suit the needs of you or your loved ones.
A huge array of color choices means there’s something to fit every taste.
A large back pocket is perfect for holding magazines, books, or a tablet. You won’t need to get up to get anything once you’ve made yourself comfortable.
The premium high-density foam hugs your body and fits the contours of your torso.
The ultra-plush covering can be removed and washed in cold water to keep your lounge pillow cozy and fresh.
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What you need to know
The removable bolster pillow can be attached in three positions to offer tailored support. At the top it supports the neck, in the middle it supports the back, and at the bottom, it supports the lumbar spine.
The shape of this wedge pillow means it can be positioned upright or on its side. This means you can be supported in a sitting or a lying position.
The cover can be easily taken off for problem-free washing.
The handy side pocket can be used to store your phone or TV remote while relaxing.
Much lighter than many other alternatives, making it one of the best sit up pillows on the market for those tight on space. It’s great for storing or taking with you anywhere.
With a choice of six colors to pick from, you’ll have no problem matching it to the decor of your room.
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Stuffed with poly-fiber, this back support pillow for bed is one of the firmer products available. A great choice if you prefer a more supportive backrest.
On the smaller side, this product would be best suited to smaller adults or teenagers. It’s light too, making storage and transport no problem at all.
The cover comes in a wide range of interesting and stylish patterns. Express yourself with this tasteful and supportive option, a perfect way for watching TV from your chair in bed.
It’s easy to sponge stains of the durable canvas material. It can be taken off and machine-washed as well, making it simple to keep clean.
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What you need to know
The down-alternative filling provides comfort whilst being hypoallergenic. An important factor to consider if this matters for you.
As a versatile bed wedge pillow, it can be oriented in several different ways to provide support in any sitting or lying position.
The outer cover is 100% cotton, providing a luxurious feel to it and ensuring greater durability.
The removable cover makes machine-washing super easy.
This bed wedge pillow is on the larger side, at 30″. This makes it an excellent choice for any adult, including taller individuals.
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The shaggy, ultrasoft microfiber cover is sure to help you relax in comfort while you read or watch TV. It also looks really fun!
This product arrives unstuffed. This means you can use the provided foam filling to stuff it to the level of firmness perfect for you.
The cover can be removed and machine-washed, making caring for this product super easy.
Available in five eye-catching color choices, it’s easy to match this product to any interior.
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What you need to know
This is one of the best pillows for recreating the sense of having a headboard. It spans the length of the bed and comes in several different sizes to match your needs.
It’s designed with an upholstered-style cover. This makes it feel even more like a stylish armchair incorporated into the bed.
It comes in a huge variety of stylish designs on fabric to match any interior.
The cover can be removed for easy cleaning.
Pockets conveniently placed at either end. This is ideal for holding a TV remote or smartphone.
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This wedge pillow is stuffed with pearl wool. This softer filling makes it perfect for anyone who prefers a less firm support pillow.
The cover is removable and machine-washable. You’ll have no issues keeping it fresh and dirt-free.
It’s perfect for use in bed, but could also be used to provide support on a sofa or a desk chair.
The high-quality, soft corduroy cover is both stylish and comfy. It’s also available in a choice of two colors.
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Constructed in Thailand from natural plant materials, this is a more eco-friendly option for a sit-up pillow.
It’s designed for durability. All the seams are double-stitched to ensure you can use it over and over again.
The eye-catching cover design comes in several alternatives. No matter your preference, there’s a color for you.
The natural plant materials used to stuff the pillow are also breathable. This helps to reduce build-up of dust and makes it more mite-resistant.
This seated bed rest pillow is on the firmer side. This makes it great for people who prefer a comfort system on the more supportive side.
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The large removable cupholder on each arm means it’s easy to keep your beverage secure while positioned upright in bed, making it one of the best options for ensuring lower back support in bed and arguably one of the best sit up pillows available.
The super-soft velour cover makes for a very cozy sitting experience combined with a high quality feeling fabric.
The carry handle makes this product really convenient to move around the house or to take with you on trips away.
The memory foam filling contours to your body when activated by your body heat. This system makes it uniquely tailored to your comfort.
It’s available in standard and extra-large sizes. You’ll have no problem finding the right design for your needs.
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What features to look for when buying a sit up pillow
Comfort
You want to find a sit up pillow that is firm enough to give you the support you need to sit up in bed. But it also needs to be comfortable – that’s the whole point after all! This will depend partly on your weight, but sit up pillows containing a memory foam filling are often the best and providing comfort and support.
Shape and design
As mentioned above, sit up pillows come in different shapes and designs with a number of different features. The two most common are wedge-shaped pillows and armchair-style pillows.
Which is best for you comes down to how you want to use it. If you mostly sit in bed for short periods or want to use it to watch TV, a wedge pillow could work for you. However, if you intend to sit for longer, read, or drink hot drinks, you may benefit from the arm support provided by a chair-style pillow or an arm rest pillow.
Also, check whether the pillow has a removable cover. That’ll make it much easier to keep it clean and fresh. If you are using it to aid recovery, you may want to look into orthopedic options.
Size
In order to purchase a pillow long enough to offer support for your entire back, neck, and head, it’s worth checking the height of the pillow from base to top.
If you can find one that is as long as your whole torso you’re likely to find it gives you better support than a pillow that is only tall enough to support part of your back.
Try measuring the length of your back and using this to select a pillow that meets your needs. Likewise, not all armrests will be long enough for all customers, so check the measurements before you buy.
Materials
Most sit up pillows will have a material, polyester cover. They tend to be in a suede or velour style, so this will come down to your personal preference.
For the filling, shredded memory foam can offer better comfort for some people than a dense foam filling, but the memory foam models tend to come with a higher price tag.
Also, check that the foam in the pillow has bean CertiPur certified. This label means that the filling has been tested by CertiPur for hazardous contaminants. Choosing a CertiPur certified pillow means you won’t be at risk of breathing in toxic materials from the pillow.
How much should I expect to pay for a sit-up pillow?
The price of a sit up pillow varies based on the build quality, the design and the materials used. A simple foam wedge will be cheaper and can cost around $20.
A larger, armchair-style pillow filled with memory foam will be more expensive. The more expensive models can cost around $85.
Now you know what to look for when buying sitting pillows, check out some of the ones available right now:
A helpful video for you
Want to learn more? Well here is a useful video that provides you with more useful information when looking to make a purchase.
Meet the author
Hayley Suarez
Hayley is a part-time member of the team and writes content for the site as well as managing the social media profiles. As a full-time writer, she also writes for a couple of cookery and food blogs.
