Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor
Backrest pillows are known as husband pillows. Backrest pillows are also a common pillow type seen in dorm rooms. Backrest pillows have armrests, so they may appear like chairs. These pillows come in many sizes, offering various colors, fills, and fabrics.
A backrest pillow provides support to the lower back and neck. The pillow is designed to ease back pain and increase comfort. You can use backrest pillows while reading or watching TV in bed. You shouldn’t sleep on a backrest pillow because sleeping in this position could wind up increasing your back pain. The pillow is not made for sleeping because it only supports your neck and back while sitting in bed.
The best backrest pillows are featured below.
- Better Homes & Gardens Polyester Bed Rest Pillow
- Ebern Designs Lorna Pillow Cover & Insert
- ZOEMO Bed Rest Reading Pillow
- Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support Pillow
- Wowmax Bolster Triangular Positioning Support Backrest Wedge Pillow
- Husband Pillow – Dark Grey, Big Backrest Reading Bed Rest Pillow
- Alwyn Home Grasmere 24″ Backrest Pillow Cover & InsertBetter Homes & Gardens Polyester Bed Rest Pillow
- Milliard Reading Pillow
- Animal Adventure Backrest
- Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow
The 10 Best Backrest Pillows
1. Better Homes & Gardens Polyester Bed Rest Pillow
The Better Homes & Gardens Bed Rest pillow is made from polyester. The two-toned brushed surface is soft to the touch. The high-backed wall gives support to your lower back, upper back, and neck. This bed rest pillow has double-sided arms to support your shoulders and arms while sitting in bed. The sherpa material is plush and gentle to your skin but may be too warm to use in the summer. You can use the pillow in your bed, on the floor, or anywhere else you need support while sitting. The pillow has a carrying handle to make it easy to move from one room to another. You can choose among four colors to match your bedding and bedroom decor. One drawback to this pillow is that the material doesn’t have any cooling properties. The Better Homes & Gardens Bed Rest Pillow is available for around 25 dollars.
2. Ebern Designs Lorna Pillow Cover & Insert
The Ebern Designs Lorna Pillow Cover & Insert has a zipper closure for you to remove the cushion pad. The zipper closure makes it easy to wash the pillow cover when needed. You can wash the pillow cover in the washing machine but use cold water only. The fabric is tumble-dry-safe at low temperatures. The cover is made from polyester with a polyfill filling and is soft and gentle on the skin, so it’s suitable for people with sensitive skin.
This Ebern Designs pillow measures 17 by 20 by 18 inches. The pillow weighs four pounds and has a carrying handle, so it’s easy to move from one room to another. The piped edges are soft, so they shouldn’t irritate your skin. The most significant benefit to this product is that the insert comes separately, allowing you to adjust the softness as you fill it up. One drawback is that some people reported there isn’t enough filling to make it firm enough. The Ebern Designs Lorna Pillow Cover & Insert is available for 42.99 dollars.
3. ZOEMO Bed Rest Reading Pillow
The Zoemo Bed Rest Reading Pillow is made from 100-percent cotton. The pillow has a neck roll specifically designed to support your neck while reading in bed. The pillow also supports the lower and upper back, lumbar area, and arms. The best place to use the pillow is in bed, but its firmness means it should also work on your floor or sofa.
The Pure Fabric filling is combined with the velour cover to keep you comfortable while sitting up in bed. The Zoemo Bed Rest Reading Pillow measures 26.5 by 11.5 by 33 inches. The design is safe for children, pregnant women, older adults, and anyone else in need of extra support. You can choose between six colors to match your bed and bedroom. The only drawback of the Zoemo pillow is that it weighs almost six pounds. The Zoemo Bed Rest Reading Pillow is available on Amazon for 89.99 dollars.
4. Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support Pillow
The Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support Pillow is an office chair pillow made from memory foam. The pillow is heat-responsive and can contour the body. Everlasting Comfort’s pillow supports your back, providing a comfortable and soft surface to rest. The product is designed to fix your posture while sitting, even if you sit for longer periods. The ergonomic design mimics the natural shape of your back to provide the best support and comfort.
The pillow has dual adjustable straps to ensure it stays in place. The design fits all chairs with a back width of 32 inches. The universal size allows you to use it in offices, cars, and airplanes. The surface features a mesh cover to remain breathable even during hot weather. You can remove the cover for washing on the gentle cycle. The mesh fabric is safe to tumble dry at low temperatures. One drawback of the Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support Pillow is that it lacks the standard husband pillow design because it doesn’t have armrests. The Everlasting Comfort Lumbar Support Pillow is available on Amazon for 43.95 dollars.
5. Wowmax Bolster Triangular Positioning Support Backrest Wedge Pillow
Wowmax Bolster is a triangular positioning support backrest. This wedge pillow is made entirely in the USA. Wowmax Bolster is meant to support your back as you read or watch TV in bed. You can use it as an alternative headboard. Wowmax Bolster comes in Twin, Full, Queen, King, and California King sizes. The additional sizes include 39 inches, 59 inches, 71 inches, and 76 inches. Some people use the Wowmax Bolster as a bumper pillow for kids, a headboard for RVs and trailers, and a bunk bed backrest pillow.
The zipper closure makes the cover easy to remove for washing. You can wash the Wowmax Bolster in warm temperatures with no bleach. You can choose among nine cover colors that shouldn’t fade, even with frequent washing. The cushion inside the Wowmax Bolster is made from eco-friendly polyester fiberfill. The filling is dense to maintain a sturdy and comfortable shape. You can take some of the filling out if you want to make it softer. The biggest drawback of the Wowmax Bolster is its size. The shape is bulky and difficult to store away. The Wowmax Bolster is available on Amazon for 154.95 dollars.
6. Husband Pillow XXL Backrest with Arms
The Husband Pillow XXL Backrest is one of the biggest backrests available. The pillow is a sturdy backrest that supports your lower and upper back. The pillow features armrests that are ideal for reading or watching television. The Husband Pillow is filled with shredded memory foam, featuring a micro plush cover. The combination provides support and comfort for sitting up while in bed. The Husband Pillow has a detachable neck roll for added support on your neck.
The built-in side pocket fits your phone, remote, and other similar items. The pocket in the back holds your glasses, a magazine, or a book. The Husband Pillow has a zipper on the inner shell to access the filling. You can remove some of the fillings if you want to make the backrest softer. If you need more support, the company can send you additional foam to stuff the Husband Pillow. The top has a built-in handle to carry the pillow easily. The Husband Pillow backrest comes in 35 colors. The dimensions are 8.5 by 15 by 31.5 inches. The only drawback is that you may find the shredded memory foam lumpy. If this happens, shake the pillow a bit to spread it out. The Husband Pillow XXL Backrest is available on Amazon for 79.95 dollars.
7. Alwyn Home Grasmere 24“ Backrest Pillow Cover & Insert
The Alwyn Home Grasmere 24″ Backrest Pillow Cover & Insert has a memory foam fill and a velour-inspired polyester cover. The product comes in 10 colors to match your bed and bedroom. You remove the cover via zipper, providing easy access to the filling. Remove the cover for washing when needed. You can clean the cover in the washing machine at low temperatures. Tumble drying isn’t recommended because the fabric may shrink. If you have to tumble dry, make sure it’s at low temperatures. Alwyn Home’s pillow has a neck roll you can remove when not in use.
The backrest measures 24 by 18 by 16 inches. The interior armrest is 12 inches wide, and the interior is 11 inches deep. The pillow weighs seven pounds, which is the product’s only drawback. The Alwyn Home Grasmere 24″ Backrest Pillow Cover & Insert is available for about 109.99 dollars.
8. Milliard Reading Pillow
The Milliard Reading Pillow is an adjustable backrest pillow with armrests. The pillow is designed for use on your bed, sofa, floor, and anywhere else you like to sit. The backrest makes it easy to read and watch TV while in bed.
The Milliard Reading Pillow has an accessible foam insert that makes it easy to customize the firmness. You can add more foam or remove the existing one to make it softer or firmer. The pillow has shredded memory foam filling that molds to your body. The pillow’s handle provides easy transport from one room to another. The cover comes in multiple colors like grey or navy blue, and it is safe to wash in a washing machine. You should wash and dry the cover at low temperatures because it could shrink in high temperatures.
The Milliard Reading Pillow is suitable for people living in warm climates, those who have nasal congestion, and people with acid reflux. The memory foam used is CertiPUR certified. The cover and filling come separately, allowing you to stuff the backrest to your preference. The pillow comes in standard, extra-large, and petite sizes. Replacement covers are available. The one drawback is that the filling is lumpy. The Milliard Reading Pillow is available on Amazon. The price ranges from about 29 to 70 dollars, depending on the size.
9. Animal Adventure Backrest
The Animal Adventure Backrest is designed for children 18 months and older. The pillow measures 14 by 26 by 16 inches. The backrest is comfortable, cushy, and soft.
The Animal Adventure Backrest has a large pocket in the back to fit a book, phone, or any other similar item. You can choose among several fun animal-themed designs, including a dinosaur, dog, owl, and more. They also feature famous children’s characters like Clifford, Snoopy, and Curious George.
The backrest has enough cushioning to provide support for the lower and upper back. The built-in handle at the top makes transporting the pillow a breeze. The polyester cover is easy to maintain since you can just wipe it with a damp cloth. There is no need for washing because the fabric is stain-resistant. The only drawback you may notice is the protruding nose that some of the animal models have. Some kids may find it uncomfortable to lean on. The price of the Animal Adventure Backrest ranges from about 35 to 55 dollars, depending on the design you choose. They are available on Amazon
10. Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow
The Cushion Lab Extra-Dense Lumbar Pillow was designed by a physical therapist. The pillow should deliver back pain relief because it adjusts to your lower back. The pillow is suitable for drivers, office workers, and anyone else who sits for a long time. The design should provide exceptional upper, mid, and lower back support to keep your spine in good alignment. This should reduce the strain your back muscles can experience when you sit.
Cushion Lab’s pillow is made with the brand’s Hyperfoam™. The proprietary memory foam is extra-dense for firm support. The pillow has a breathable and washable cover. The durable polyester rayon cover shouldn’t show any signs of use. Adjustable straps on the pillow should keep it in place regardless of where you use it. The only drawback is that some people feel the pillow pushes them too far forward. The Cushion Lab Extra-Dense Lumbar Pillow is available on Amazon for 75 dollars.
What to Consider When Buying a Backrest Pillow
You should consider the following factors when buying a backrest pillow.
- Durability
- Shape
- Price
- Firmness
- Ease of maintenance
How to Clean a Backrest Pillow
Cleaning a backrest pillow is easy because most of their covers can be removed and cleaned in a washing machine. You should first read the care instructions provided by the manufacturer because different materials come with different instructions. Knowing how to wash backrest pillows the proper way ensures long-lasting use. If you use detergent, make sure it’s mild, or you may damage the fabric. You should avoid using bleach because it’s too strong for most materials. Warm water is the best option for washing while drying should be done at low temperatures.
Jill Zwarensteyn
Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Combination Sleeper