A bed lounger is a manufactured chair-like pillow specifically designed to offer back support in bed. People will use a bed lounge while reading, playing video games or watching TV in bed. Sometimes called a bed rest, these back pillows also offer a sturdy brace for the ill or infirm who have difficulty gaining bed support.
Rather than using several stacked pillows for reclining in bed, the bed lounger is a one-piece unit, perfectly suited for the job of head and neck support. They are available in different shapes, colors and styles, but most look like the top of an overstuffed chair, with no seat or legs. The basic design is usually a wide backrest flanked by two armrests along the side.
Consumer expectations for supreme comfort have prompted manufacturers to add some advanced features to the bed lounger. The high-end models now have an adjustable headrest above the back support that looks a lot like the headrest in a car seat. They can be adjusted up or down as well as rotated side to side for a full range of head and neck support.
The back cushion on some models can be adjusted to recline several degrees. Just like a living room recliner, the reclining bed lounger can be tilted back to suit individual comfort. Additionally, the armrests may be pivoted to just the right width to provide desired arm support. Some bed lounges even come with an embedded massaging vibrator that helps soothe aching backs, with or without heat.
While the main purpose of a bed lounger is to support the back in bed, there are bed pillows designed for other specific body support issues. For instance, a tube, or wedge-shaped bolster, called a leg lounger, may be used under the knees to support achy legs, or under the ankles to promote blood flow back to the heart. A crescent-shaped pillow may be used for neck support in bed or on an airplane. Women who are pregnant will often gain more comfort in bed with the use of a maternity pillow that supports the abdomen.
The materials used to manufacture bed loungers are much the same as upholstery materials. Most stores that sell bed recliners will also sell slipcovers that are a custom fit. A slipcover provides protection for the bed lounger, and covers are generally made of durable and washable material, including satin, cotton or synthetic fabrics. Slipcovers that are hypoallergenic can cost a bit more, but provide a cleaner, healthier choice.