It’s not a really plush fabric but I wouldn’t consider it at all scratchy. It’s perfectly comfortable. I can probably rest MY head but I’m under 5 ft. But it does hit in a good spot, upper back. My son who is 5’7″ loves it, he has pretty much claimed it as his for homework. It’s my favorite for reading because it’s wide enough that I can have a pile of books next to me, not wide enough that anyone would demand to share it with me! Honestly, it’s a good deal for the money!