A reading wedge pillow will help you get so comfortable, you won’t be able to stop reading! Here is what to look for in a wedge pillow for reading in bed, and 2 books that will keep you up all night.
Why would I need a reading wedge?
What is one problem that all avid readers face? It’s discomfort! When you read, your body is still. Your muscles are working to hold your book steady. Even though this doesn’t seem like it would be a lot of work, it is. When your muscles are working to maintain one position for any length of time, they get tired. This muscle fatigue, specifically in your arms and shoulders, can lead to burning, aching, soreness, and stiffness in your neck and back. There’s nothing worse than reading a book you love and having to stop because you are uncomfortable!
This is where a reading wedge pillow comes in. A reading wedge’s job is support your body so that your muscles don’t have to. When you read, your muscles should be completely relaxed. In order for your muscles to be relaxed, something has to support your body. That’s the job of a reading pillow.
What to look for in a reading wedge pillow
The ideal height for a reading wedge pillow is 10 inches. A 10-inch reading wedge gives your back the support it needs whether you prefer to sit up and read (pictured above), or recline and read. If you want to recline with a 10-inch reading wedge, just lay it flat! You will still have the support you need to recline and read comfortably. Sometimes it is nice to vary your reading position, and the versatility of a 10-inch reading wedge allows you to enjoy both positions.
Not all reading wedge pillows are created with comfort in mind. When you start looking for one, find one with a memory foam topper. The memory foam topper conforms to your body, giving you individualized support, exactly where you need it. The comfort that memory foam adds is an essential component to any reading set up.
In order for the reading wedge to maintain its shape long term, make sure the base is made of a firm, polyurethane foam. Have you ever had a pillow that sags? That’s because it didn’t have a good, supportive, base. A reading wedge pillow with a firm base gives you maximum support and shape retention so you can read for hours and hours with no sag.
A 10-inch reading wedge pillow with both a supportive base and a memory foam topper will have you reading comfortably for hours. When you use a reading pillow to support your body, it takes the burden off of your joints and muscles. If you are trying to read and relax, let your body relax too!
Maximize comfort with a knee wedge pillow
Do you have back or hip stiffness when you read? Combine a knee wedge pillow with a reading wedge pillow. When you support the weight of your legs, you take pressure off of your low back, hips, and knees. The ensemble of a reading wedge and knee wedge creates more of a gravity eliminated reading position that leaves you feeling like you are floating.
For the ultimate relaxation experience, support every part of your body so you can concentrate on what you love to do: read.
Book recommendations for every book lover
Once you have your reading wedge pillows, here are a couple books that may just keep you up all night.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
As a genre, historical fiction weaves knowledge and fantasy together to teach and entertain. Kristin Hannah is the queen of historical fiction, and The Nightingale is one of the best. The setting of The Nightingale is the World War II German occupation of France. It is the story of the struggle of two sisters to survive the war while healing from past wounds that have separated them. You will encounter immense bravery, unforeseen tragedies, hidden strength, and ultimate reconciliation. You will be moved, inspired, grateful, and in awe of the unforeseen heroes, both men and women, who fought during World War II.
The Water Keeper by Charles Martin
The Water Keeper delves into the world of human trafficking, giving readers insight into this horrific practice. The reader joins the complicated life of Murphy Shepherd, a man of mystery, modesty, introspection, and unbridled heroism. As you follow along his journey, you meet heartfelt friends, tragedy, and feel hope that men like Murph are successful at rescuing our fellow men and women who are trapped in the depths of horror. The sequel to The Water Keeper is The Letter Keeper and it promises to not disappoint!
A reading wedge pillow and a knee wedge pillow are great companions to anyone who loves to read. They are the best friends that will accompany you on all your future reading journeys!
-Hillary Blare, Doctor of Physical Therapy