Also known as husband pillows, backrest pillows aren’t just for those who want to catch up on a little reading before bedtime. Today’s designs are ergonomically designed to meet the needs of everyone from gamers, to those suffering from acid-reflux, as well as kids, teens, or adults who want a little more support while using their favorite electronic devices. As a result, you’ll now find many brands and models that offer features such as customizable support, removable covers, memory foam construction, side and back pockets, and even cup holders. We’ve put together a list below of our picks for the best backrest pillows you can buy, so have a scroll and we hope that you’ll find the best fit for you and your comfort needs.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Vekkia ComfortSpa Customizable Backrest Pillow with Handy Side Pockets
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| #2 |  ATX Snuzzy Extra-Tall Backrest Pillow with Separate Headrest
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| #3 |  Cascadia Essentials Extra Large Backrest Pillow with Side Pockets and Cupholders
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| #4 |  Arlee Extra-Wide Backrest Pillow with Suede-Feel Cover
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| #5 |  Husband Pillow – Big Backrest Reading Bed Rest Pillow with Arms
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Best Backrest Pillows
1. Editor’s Choice – Vekkia ComfortSpa Customizable Backrest Pillow with Handy Side Pockets
SPECS:
Back Height: 18 inches
Storage: 2 sidearm pockets
Materials: 100% polyester cover / shredded foam fill
Maintenance: Machine wash / tumble dry
Warranty: 1 year
If your idea of the perfect end to a long day is to settle into bed with a good book or favorite TV show, then this is the husband pillow you’ve been waiting for. Made from a luxurious velvety fabric, it works beautifully with any décor. Since you can add or remove fill, it’s customizable to meet your specific needs. Suffering from acid reflux? Just add extra foam fill (which is included) for a firmer back that will prevent slouching. You can also remove some fill for a softer feel that can be contoured into your favorite shape. Best of all, it features a convenient arm pocket so you can stash that TV remote, reading glasses and more – because who wants to get up out of bed after they’ve settled in? If you happen to sleep with a snorer, the convenient handle makes it easy to just pick up this pillow and move to another room. It’s up to you if you’d prefer to spot clean or machine-wash this pillow for an always pristine finish.
Pros
- Adjustable firmness levels
- Includes 200-gram bag of extra fill
- Luxurious velvet finish
- Spot clean or machine wash
- Storage pockets
Cons
- Not ideal for those over 5’9
- Foam fill can shift with use
2. Runner Up – ATX Snuzzy Extra-Tall Backrest Pillow with Separate Headrest
SPECS:
Back Height: 24 inches
Storage: 2 sidearm / 1 back pocket
Materials: Microfiber cover / shredded foam and cotton fill
Maintenance: Machine wash / tumble dry
Warranty: Lifetime
For those that think a husband pillow can’t deliver the level of support they need, it’s time to think again. This generously sized unit brings not only 24-inches in height, but comfort that can be customized to your needs – whether you’re relaxing in front of the TV, reading that best-seller, or settling in for a night of gaming. This pillow allows you to choose how much fill and therefore support you need. Simply unzip the cover, then add or remove to suit your needs. A separate headrest can be attached for when you want even more height and ergonomic support. Or, just flip it back when you want to lean straight back for a snooze. While many units include elasticized sidearm pockets to hold phones, TV remotes and more, this pillow goes one step further by including a large back pocket that’s ideal for stashing your reading material. It’s also machine-washable and dryer-safe.
Pros
- Customizable firmness levels
- 24-inch high backrest
- Separate, flip-back head rest
- Machine wash / dryer safe
- 3 elasticized storage pockets
Cons
- Foam fill can shift with use
- 39-inch width may be too big
3. Best Support for Gamers – Cascadia Essentials Extra Large Backrest Pillow with Side Pockets and Cupholders
SPECS:
Back Height: 24 inches
Storage: 2 cup holders, 2 sidearm pockets
Materials: Microfiber cover / shredded memory foam fill
Maintenance: Spot clean only
Warranty: Moneyback guarantee
We all know that food and bevvies are key elements to enjoying a fun night of binge-watching or gaming with friends, and that’s where this uniquely designed backrest pillow steps up to the plate. Its extra-large size and unique construction features include two removable cup holders that eliminate (or greatly reduce) those drips and spills that can happen. If this still happens from time to time, this pillow’s soft velour cover can be easily spot cleaned to help prevent staining. Using a shredded memory foam fill, it delivers extra-firm support so you’ll never find yourself slouching, even if you doze off. A generous 24-inches of back height makes it perfect for taller individuals who may find that standard sized backs fall a bit short in comfort. With a detachable head rest that can be used to either extend the height of your pillow, or elevate tired legs when propped up under your knees, you’ll be relaxing in total ergonomic comfort.
Pros
- Detachable head rest
- 24-inch high backrest
- Firm support
- 3 elasticized storage pockets
- 2-3/4-inch cup holders
Cons
- Cover is not removable for washing
4. Best for Larger Adults or Mothers Nursing – Arlee Extra-Wide Backrest Pillow with Suede-Feel Cover
SPECS:
Back Height: 24 inches
Storage: N/A
Materials: 100% polyester cover / virgin poly fiber fill
Maintenance: Spot clean only
Warranty: N/A
If the constraints of a standard backrest pillow are putting you off investing in one, we’ve got the solution for you. This oversized pillow features an extra wide back – ideal for larger individuals – as well as a generous 36-inch expanse that makes it a perfect option for nursing moms who need a little more elbow room. Made from 100% pure polyester, this pillow’s cover feels just like suede and is super durable. The fill is made from virgin polyester fibers and repurposed plastic bottle fibers for an eco-friendly option that you’ll be proud to own. For taller individuals, you’ll be pleased to learn that the back of this cushion reaches a full 24 inches in height for total support. While you may be concerned that the cover of this pillow isn’t removable, rest assured that its beautiful polyester fabric surface makes spot cleaning a quick and simple process.
Pros
- Extra-wide back
- 24-inch high backrest
- Firm support
- Ideal for larger adults
- Durable cover can be spot-cleaned
Cons
- Cover is not removable for washing
- Needs headboard for support
- No storage
5. Customer’s Choice – Husband Pillow – Big Backrest Reading Bed Rest Pillow with Arms
SPECS:
Back Height: 31 inches
Storage: One side and back pocket
Materials: Premium shredded memory foam fill, microplush cover
Maintenance: Machine-washable removable cover
Warranty: 3 years
This husband pillow comes with many features all inside of one amazing support pillow. The interior filling is shredded premium memory foam, while the exterior is a high-quality microplush cover. Along with the high-quality material, this pillow also has leading accessories that are made to benefit you even more. For customizable comfort, it has an adjustable loft and detachable neck pillow, ideal for reading in bed or working on your laptop. This pillow can be placed beneath the neck or behind your back for extra comfort.
Located in the inner shell is a zipper you can use to access the stuffing. You can either fill your pillow more or take some stuffing out if you’d prefer more firm or soft support. You can also purchase additional filling directly from Husband Pillow if you find that it comes a little understuffed. This pillow comes with a built-in handle, so you can carry it around the house wherever you want to sit up or lay down and rest. There are 16 regular covers and 9 reversible covers that you can place inside-out to get different textures and shades, so this pillow should be ideal for everyone’s bedroom decor.
Pros
- Adjustable loft
- Built-in handle
- Detachable neck roll pillow
- Side and back pocket
Cons
- Some may come understuffed, purchasing extra stuffing may be needed
What Are the Benefits of Using a Backrest Pillow?
Regardless of your age, we live in a world of electronics where everyone from young kids to older adults can find themselves slouched over for long periods of time as they read, game or simply settle in to watch their favorite shows from the comfort of their own bed. Because our backs and shoulders aren’t designed to sit in a hunched position for this length of time, we end up with stiff, aching joints and pain that never really subsides. Think of a backrest pillow as you would an ergonomic office chair, but one you can use in bed or on the sofa. These pillows help you retain better posture and promote a more comfortable placement of arms and shoulders, so you no longer over-stress your upper body.
What to Look for When Buying a Backrest Pillow
– Construction
A good backrest pillow is a hardworking ergonomic support that needs to be both durable and user-friendly. Before you invest in one, ensure its well-made. Look for removable covers made from fabrics that can be washed or easily spot-cleaned. Because you’ll want support, be sure to consider the cushion’s fill. Do you want something soft you can mold into your preferred shape, or something a little more firm that offers extra contouring? Your body shape is also a factor, so ensure your pillow is strong enough to support your weight and the back is high enough to provide ergonomic alignment from your neck to tailbone.
– Quality
Like any bedding product, you need to be able to wash your husband pillow as needed. Always opt for a highly durable product that will not only fight against stains (meaning you can blot them dry) but is also able to withstand frequent machine washings. Something like a breathable polyester blend or microfiber is a great choice. Look out for good-quality, fail-proof zippers that make it easy to remove the cover for cleaning but won’t snag, split or let you down over time.
– Ease of Use
If you love the convenience of an all-in-one design, be sure to peruse the many features available in our top picks above. Not only do many allow you to customize the fill level, but most now provide storage pockets so you can stash your smart phone, glasses, TV remote or reading materials without having to worry about losing (or sitting on) them. Machine-washable is also an important feature because just like bedding, you want to be able to keep your backrest pillow fresh and hygienic at all times. If your pillow is not machine washable, however, it’s best to gently spot-clean affected areas or hand wash, allowing it to air dry for best results.
Conclusion
A good quality backrest pillow not only makes your ability to enjoy a good book, watch TV or use your gaming console far more comfortable, it can be the difference between feeling stiff and achy the next morning, or feeling ready to take on the day. With a well-designed pillow that meets the needs of your body type, you can get just the right amount of support for your back, shoulders, neck and even your wrists. Best of all, they’re surprisingly affordable. You can finally stop slouching over and potentially damaging your neck, shoulders and spine and check out which backrest pillow will be perfect for you.
Recent Updates
July 12, 2021: The NVEOP Armless Backrest Pillow with Corduroy Cover and Neustern Reading Pillow with Enlarged Support Arms have been removed due to product unavailability, replaced by the popular customer choice Husband Pillow – Big Backrest Reading Bed Rest Pillow with Arms. Additional Resources section has been included to refer readers to related content that may be useful to them.