One of the best features about a laptop is the fact that it is portable meaning you can use it even in bed. However, if you are going to be in bed while making use of your laptop, you need to know the perfect posture.
According to a case study by Dave Malouf the best posture for using a laptop in bed is having a pillow support your head and neck while your knees are raised up to the same height of your head.
How to Set Up a Laptop In Bed For Proper Positioning
Choose An Ergonomic Laptop
A laptop is called ergonomic if it promotes efficiency, comfort, and convenience of use. Laptops that have such a name are usually:
- Flexible: easily maneuvered to fit different angles
- Portable: lightweight and easy to carry around
- Adaptable: fits any environment or setting in which it is being used whether work or home.
Nowadays, the laptops that fit such features are either 2-in-1, have detachable keyboards or can be maneuvered into any position. Some ergonomic laptops you can check out include:
- Reliable Performance - Experience the power of the Ultra 5 125U processor for top-tier performance and lightning-fast responsiveness. Enjoy high-def entertainment and seamless content sharing
- Vivid Visuals - Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with the Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array display, boasting superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles at 1920 x 1200 resolution
- Clear Audio - Enhanced by Poly Studio Audio and dual speakers, enjoy crystal-clear sound and cutting-edge innovation for seamless collaboration
- [Intel Core i5 Processor] The Dell Latitude 5300 2-in-1 Laptop in Dell's Latitude 5000 family comes with all the latest technology including DDR4 Memory clocked at a whopping 3200MHz. The Quad cores...
- [Display & Graphics] This Latitude 5300 2-in-1 laptop comes with a 13.3" Touch Screen with FHD (1920x1080) resolution for stunningly clear visuals and a an integrated graphics card built into the...
- [High Speed RAM And Enormous Space] The 16GB DDR4 RAM Running @ 3200MHz will let you smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once and a 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive will...
- Everything is original from the Manufacturer, One-year WRT from Lenovo. You can switch to Windows 11 Home from S mode (but you can't switch from Home to S mode); You are always recommended to check...
- IdeaPad Flex 5i features x360 degree hinge, allows Flex 'Laptop' mode for everyday computing, 'Yoga' mode for sharing things, 'Flip' convertible mode for binge-watching, or 'Tablet' mode Spin for more...
- 12th Generation Intel Hexa-Core i3-1215U Processor (E-Core Max 3.30 GHz, P-Core Max 4.40 GHz with Turbo Boost, 6 Cores, 8 Threads, 10 MB Cache); 8GB LPDDR4X 4266MHz Memory, 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
Although most chiropractors advise against the use of laptops in bed, there is still a way to go about it. With the proper tools and set up, it is possible to get the best ergonomics which will allow you to use your system in comfort on the bed.
Get a Pillow
Regardless of where you are using your laptop, proper back support is essential for the health of your spine. However, to use your laptop in bed, the pillow is a must-have accessory.
Seeing as most beds lack backrests that are present in chairs, the best alternative is to purchase pillows. When these pillows are strategically placed on the bed, you can support your back.
Position Pillow In The Right Place
To position, the pillow for back support, follow these steps:
Step 1: ensure you are close to the headrest of the bed or a wall close to your bed.
Step 2: then place a pillow or several pillows depending on your body mass behind the lower back. Doing this gives additional lumbar support to your back to prevent discomfort.
Step 3: get another pillow and place it under the knees. This action prevents you from hunching over or bending sideways.
Note that this position ensures that you are directly positioned in front of the laptop, thereby preventing cricks in the back and neck.
Buy The Right Type Of Pillows
For the type of support you want to get for your back and knees, not just any pillow can be used. It is important that you get a lumbar support pillow for the following reasons:
- Maintain good posture,
- Maintain proper circulation and
- Prevent muscle fatigue
However, pillows are made from various materials and some of the most common ones include:
- Feather pillows
- Memory foam
- Latex etc.
For the purpose of using a laptop on the bed, the best type of pillow to get is the memory foam and this is because of the following reasons:
Reasons to Get Memory Foam Pillow
The reasons why memory foam pillows provide the best form of lumbar support for the laptop in bed posture include:
- They contour to the spine, neck and head
- They provide adequate support for pain relief
- They exist in different shapes and sizes
- They are durable
Some of the pillows that fit the above include:
- EXPERIENCE ULTIMATE RELAXATION: The Nestl Reading Pillow is unlike any back pillow you’ve tried before. The perfect size for kids, teens and adults, our sturdy, fully and supportive sitting reading...
- IRRESISTIBLE COMFORT & LUXURY: Covered with a plush, luxurious, oh so soft cover and filled with premium, high density, shredded memory foam that contours to your body for the perfect amount of...
- BONUS POCKETS: 3 convenient pockets help you create a cozy nest so that you don’t have to get up once you’ve finally gotten really comfortable! The 2 small side pockets are handy for storing a...
- Spill the beans on beanbag cushions and try our soft, luscious foam reading pillows instead. Curl up in bed or on the couch, floor with a good book and relax in our pillow’s arms for comfort and...
- Pillow too firm? Pull some stuffing out. Too soft? Put more stuffing in! The accessible foam insert lets you customize your own comfort and extend your pillow’s service life with fresh foam...
- Zippered velour outer cover has a convenient carry handle for portability, and is easily removable and machine washable for quick cleanup of spills and stains.
- Sleep Lumbar Support Pillow for Back Pain Relief: Experience unparalleled comfort and relief with our ergonomically designed lumbar pillow for bed. Crafted to effectively support the lower back, it's...
- Multi-Functional Bed Support Pillow for Back, Legs and Knees: This versatile lower back support pillow isn't just for your back. Use it under your knees, legs, or feet, or as a leg elevation bolster,...
- Premium Quality Memory Foam: Made with high-density memory foam, our sleep lumbar support pillow delivers long-lasting comfort without flattening over time. Enjoy optimal support and spinal alignment...
Have Adequate Lighting
The bedroom is a location in the house that has the primary function of allowing an individual to sleep or rest. Therefore, the typical setting of a bedroom would be geared towards ensuring the user is able to sleep.
One typical characteristic of a bedroom is the subtle lighting. Although the lighting will ensure that the homeowner is not disrupted by the harsh glow of light, this is not suitable for laptop use.
The lighting of your bedroom makes a big difference in how well the eyes and posture of the laptop owner handle stress of laptop use. Poor lighting conditions can cause eye strain.
To avoid this ensure:
- You are not facing a window with direct sunlight flowing through
- Sources of strong light are not aimed at your position
- Other sources of light are not reflecting on the laptop’s glass
- Ensure the room is not too dark
Seeing that the light within the bedroom is crucial to enable ease of use of the laptop in bed, the following are the items that must be present:
Mind Your Window Blinds For Proper Lighting
Using a laptop requires having proper lighting to prevent strain on the eyes. However, the lighting ought to be controlled. Installing Windows blinds in the home will ensure:
Privacy and Security: this will prevent information on your laptop from being seen by intrusive parties.
Energy Saving: they help save on the cost of electricity based on the fact that they prevent sun rays from coming into the bedroom. Therefore, the heat that comes with these sunrays is dealt with thereby reducing the need to crank up on air conditioning.
Protection: the window blinds help to minimise damage caused by sun rays. Exposure to constant sun might lead to the laptop overheating.
Adjust Your Bed Lamps
If you want to make use of your laptop at nighttime but have a partner who cannot sleep well with the light on, bed lamps are a good tool to have. Instead of turning on the central lighting, you can instead use the lamps by the bed to ensure adequate visibility of the screen and keyboard.
Get A Laptop Desk or Stand
To make your use of your laptop in bed, there are some tools that could make it more comfortable and ease your posture. Although these equipment are good to have, they are not necessarily compulsory.
Although it is called a laptop, this does not necessarily mean that should be placed on the lap. There are some side effects from doing so. Also, placing the laptop on the thighs leads to a slouched position with the head jutting forward to the screen.
As a result, there is extra pressure on the spine. In such a situation you cannot use your pillows or blankets to support the laptop due to the fact that your laptop can burn hot. Pillows and blankets are great insulators of heat and using them to prop the system can lead to overheating.
It is essential that the laptop receives proper ventilation to prevent it from crashing. Therefore, a laptop stand or desk is important.
Benefits of a Laptop Desk or Stand
- They can be positioned above the leg making it easier to stretch
- Some laptop stands are adjustable such that the height can be customized
- Most are lightweight and portable making it convenient to store them when not in use.
- They promote better posture as they can be set it in any position.
Selection of a Laptop Desk or Stand
The two options to choose from are :
Laptop Desks: placed on the lap
Laptop Stands: prop computer over the body.
Therefore, when buying either of the above, the following are primary features to look out for:
- Ergonomic: must be adjustable and versatile
- Portable: light and compact to allow for easy movement across locations
- Cooling: laptops emit heat, therefore the laptop stand or desk should allow for cooling of the system.
- Strong: must be durable
Recommendations for Laptop Desks or Stands
The following stands embody the feature listed above:
- Ergonomic Design Bed Desk - Soft wrist rest pad provides your wrist a comfortable place. The retractable blocker protects your computer from falling down. 5 adjustable heights(9.4"-12.6") and 4...
- Multi-Usage Bed Desk – You can use it easily as a laptop workstation/laptop table for bed/children's bed table/mini writing table/standing table for office work/laptop couch table/book/tablet...
- Stable and Sturdy Laptop Bed Desk: The SAIJI laptop table panel is made of durable wood, which is long lifespan and not easy to break. The table legs are made of high-quality metal which can hold up...
- 【MULTI-SCENARIO APPLICATION】The bed desk is designed for Multi-scenarios. Not only as one Laptop desk for bed or couch, Also can be used as one breakfast tray. it is also a kids desk that can be...
- 【FOLDABLE LEGS&EASY STORAGE】This bed table's legs is a fordable design and easy for storage, users can either store the desk under bed or couch, or you can even carry this desk outdoors as on...
- 【ADJUSTABLE TRAY DESK&CUP HOLDER】This bed desk has 5 adjusted slots, which can make users neck and shoulder relax when using it as one laptop desk. The desk contains a cup holder as well which is...
- This lap desk can be used as a laptop stand, travel desk, breakfast table, bed tray, bed table, book stand, picnic table, gaming desk, beach table, portable office desk, lap tray for food, kids study...
- No Assembly Required. If your job requires put your laptop on your lap and work hunched over for few hours on it. This laptop stand will help you relieve neck and shoulder pain.The edge and surface...
- Easy Storage. This bed table tray has foldable legs. Simple to operate, the legs fold under the tray, making it slim enough to slide into a narrow cupboard or closet, display upright on your counter,...
Get a Separate Keyboard and Mouse
When using your laptop in bed, the inbuilt mouse and keyboard may not make it easy to attain the right positioning. Therefore, getting an external mouse and keyboard is essential. When these devices are positioned at a height that allows the shoulders and arms to relax, it helps relieve possible posture problems.
In setting up these external devices, ensure that your elbows will be positioned at a 90-degree angle close to the body to prevent any strain on the neck and shoulders.
How To Sit In Bed With A Laptop (2 Dos & 2 Don’ts)
After looking at the necessary tools and conditions that should be in place for laptop in bed use, the next thing to examine are the rules. The fact that you have the necessary tools in place to enjoy the convenience of using the laptop in bed does not mean, the right positioning will follow. There are still certain tricks to this.
We look at them below:
Do – Lie With Your Head and Knees Raised
..the best position requires propping the computer above the knees at an angle of 45 degrees…
When using your laptop in bed, the best position requires propping the computer above the knees at an angle of 45 degrees. To attain this, you need to place a pillow under your neck to ensure your head stays up. The head and knees should be at the same level.
With this position, you can look at the laptop at a good angle similar to using it on a desk. Also, placing the laptop above your thighs using a desk or stand prevents the application of pressure to other areas of the body.
Do – Get Up to Stretch
Even with the right ergonomic equipment, there is still no escaping the truth that the bed is not the optimum location to use a laptop. Therefore, it would be best to get up at certain intervals to loosen up the body.
..Get up after a certain period to stretch and allow blood to flow to all parts of the body..
Laying in bed for long intervals can have an adverse impact on parts of the body. So, to prevent this, play close attention to the amount of time spent in bed with the laptop. Get up after a certain period to stretch and allow blood to flow to all parts of the body.
Don’t- Place Your Laptop on a Pillow or Blanket
You run the risk of letting your laptop crash or overheat by placing it on a pillow or blanket. This is due to the fact that these accessories for the bedroom are insulators of heat. The laptop emits heat from the bottom and sides and if there is no way for cool air to enter, it leads to overheating.
Don’t – Sit Cross Legged With the Laptop At Your Front
If you adopt this position to use your laptop on the bed, it places stress on your neck as you look down. Also, your back will end up hunched in order to adopt a close position to the laptop screen. While you use your system in this position, you may not feel it, but the impact will definitely be felt the next day.
Is It Bad To Use Laptop On A Bed?
Due to the portable nature of laptops, it is assumed that they can be used almost anywhere. Although this is true, it still does not change the fact that certain locations will not allow for optimum use. Using a laptop in bed is not bad if the right measures have been taken to ensure convenience and comfort.
Conclusion
Once you make a conscious decision to use your laptop in bed, ensure that you have the right environment for this. Having the right pillows, laptop stands and lighting are not the only factors necessary to prevent issues of bad posture or eye strain.
You also need to ensure that the rules of the laptop in bed use are followed. If not, you can end up with bad posture which can lead to long-term damage of the spine.
Kenny Trinh is a seasoned expert in the field of laptops and technology, boasting an extensive background enriched by years of hands-on experience and in-depth research. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for staying ahead of the technological curve, Kenny has established himself as a trusted voice in the tech community. Holding a prestigious degree in Computer Science, he combines his academic insights with practical expertise to deliver valuable insights and recommendations to his readers and followers. Through his work, Kenny aims to demystify complex tech concepts, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and optimize their digital experiences.