Best Pillow for Vertigo in 2026

Paul Souliac
2026-02-22T13:33:21-08:00

In this guide, we’ll walk through how vertigo and sleep position fit together, what to look for in the best pillow for vertigo, and why a purpose-built side sleeper pillow for vertigo is often the most helpful choice. A dedicated side sleeper design like the Scrumptious Side Pillow by Honeydew Sleep gives you adjustable loft and stable neck support so you can fine-tune comfort and reduce dizziness at night.

Try the Scrumptious Side Pillow by Honeydew Sleep if you want to reduce both ear and neck pressure without wrestling with an awkward ear hole.

What Makes a Good Pillow for Vertigo?

When you are choosing the best pillow for vertigo, you want features that keep your head stable, slightly elevated, and well aligned with your neck.

Consistent elevation – The pillow should hold your head at a gentle angle instead of letting it fall flat, which helps reduce inner ear fluid shifts that can set off BPPV.

Stable neck support – A good vertigo pillow keeps your neck from sagging or tilting sharply as you relax, so sudden changes in head position are less likely.

Adjustable loft – Being able to add or remove fill is key, because the right height depends on your shoulder width and body size; too high or too low both can aggravate dizziness.

Contoured or ergonomic shape – A curved design that follows the natural arc of your neck tends to keep your spine more aligned than a flat rectangle.

Motion-dampening fill – Shredded, slow-response fills help absorb movement, so when you change sides the pillow moves with you instead of bouncing your head.

Appropriate firmness – You want a pillow that is soft enough to feel comfortable but firm enough that it does not collapse and lose height during the night.

Side-sleeper compatibility – Many vestibular specialists recommend side sleeping over back sleeping for vertigo, so a side sleeper pillow for vertigo is often the most practical option.

If you want more on managing vestibular issues with the right pillow support, Honeydew covers this in detail here: managing vestibular issues with the right pillow support.

How Vertigo Affects Your Sleep

Vertigo is more than “a little dizziness”, it is a spinning or tilting sensation, even though you and the room are not actually moving. At night, people with BPPV often feel a sudden rush of spinning when they lie down, roll to one side, or tilt their head back, because position changes shift tiny crystals in the inner ear. These episodes can wake you from deep sleep and leave you sweaty, nauseated, or afraid to move again.

A flat, unsupportive pillow lets your head drop back or roll, which can increase inner ear fluid movement and trigger BPPV symptoms. When the neck is twisted or bent too far to one side, it can also irritate the joints and muscles in the cervical spine, which may cause cervicogenic dizziness in some people. Poor sleep posture can confuse the balance signals your inner ear sends to your brain, so your body feels off-balance even while you are lying still. This is a big reason many people with vertigo wake in the middle of the night feeling disoriented, queasy, or afraid to change sides.

To learn more about how your pillow choice affects vertigo, Honeydew Sleep has a helpful deep-dive on this connection: how your pillow choice affects vertigo.

Top 8 Best Pillows for Vertigo in 2026

1. Honeydew Sleep - Best Pillow for Vertigo in 2026

Description (The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow):

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow features a unique curve that cradles your neck and shoulders for ultimate comfort and perfect alignment. The proprietary fill delivers a luxurious feel and superior support, while alleviating neck and shoulder pain — a condition affecting 30% to 50% of adults. We spent years developing a pillow built to provide perfect alignment and support for your body every single night. Every aspect was meticulously and deliberately chosen for its ability to provide the best sleep possible, and to help you wake up pain free and full of energy — powered by sleep. Unlike traditional rectangular pillows, the unique curve of the Scrumptious Side Pillow was designed to support your neck and shoulders whether you are on your side or your back. The ribbon going around the sides maintains the pillow's structure perfectly, ensuring it doesn't taper at the edges or get higher in the middle — so you'll never roll onto the "flat part" during the night. The foam component is 100% CertiPUR-US certified copper-infused foam, which is far more effective at cooling than gel-based memory foam and has naturally antibacterial properties to keep your pillow fresh night after night. A discreetly hidden zipper lets you add or remove fill to customize the pillow height for your body — because nobody knows what you need better than you. Handcrafted by hand with love in California, USA. Turn down your nights to turn up your days.

Key Features:

Unique Curved Design: Cradles neck and shoulders for perfect alignment

Proprietary Fill: Doughy and soft yet still supportive — unlike any other pillow

Copper-Infused Foam: Superior cooling vs. gel-based memory foam; naturally antibacterial

100% CertiPUR-US Certified Foam: Always made without formaldehyde or heavy metals

Adjustable Fill: Hidden zipper to add or remove fill for personalized height

Structural Side Ribbon: Maintains consistent height across entire pillow surface

Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief: Specifically designed to stop neck pain at the source

Side & Back Sleeper Friendly: Unique curve supports all sleeping positions

Organic Bamboo Pillowcase Included: Cooling, ultra-soft, and skin-friendly

Cooling All Night Long: Copper infusion keeps pillow temperature regulated

Washable Cover: Hidden zipper makes cover removal easy for machine washing

Handmade in California, USA: Family-owned, hand-crafted with care

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified: All textiles safety certified

No Formaldehyde or Heavy Metals: 100% safe materials

Travel Size Available: Includes carrying bag for on-the-go sleep comfort

Tech Specs:

Fill: Proprietary copper-infused CertiPUR-US certified foam blend

Cover: Organic bamboo — cooling and ultra-soft

Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (textiles) + CertiPUR-US (foam)

Construction: Handmade in California, USA

Adjustability: Hidden zipper for fill customization

Available Sizes:

Queen: approximately 27" x 15"

King: approximately 30" x 17"

Travel: approximately 21" x 12"

Sleep Position: Side sleepers and back sleepers

Temperature: Cooling copper-infused fill, always cool to the touch

Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Trial Period: 60-night money-back guarantee

Care: Machine washable cover (remove fill first); tumble dry safe

What's Included:

1 x Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow (Queen, King, or Travel)

1 x Organic Bamboo Cooling Pillowcase

Travel Size: includes carrying bag

60-night risk-free trial (free shipping both ways)

3-year limited warranty

Free nationwide US shipping on orders over $50

Customer Reviews Highlights:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow has changed my life. I know that sounds hyperbolic but it's true." — Greg 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was floored by how much better I sleep now. The quality is incredible — the perfect mix of fluffy and firm." — Jonathan K. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like Goldilocks, none were just right — until I found the Scrumptious Side Pillow. FINALLY!" — RL S. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow is perfect for side sleepers like myself. I'll never go back to my old pillows again." — Michelle D. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Amazing support, super comfortable, and the pillowcase is so soft!" — Cecilia S. 🇺🇸

Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ based on 587 verified reviews

Shop The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

2. Coop Sleep Goods

The Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable Pillow is one of the most recommended options for people who need to dial in precise loft — a key requirement for vertigo sufferers whose ideal head height depends on shoulder width, mattress firmness, and which side they sleep on. Its blend of shredded memory foam and microfiber clusters creates a soft, cloud-like feel that molds to the neck without going rigid or shifting suddenly. The zipper fill system lets you remove material in small increments until your head sits at the exact height that keeps your inner ear calm through the night.

Key features: Shredded memory foam and microfiber fill, fully adjustable loft via zipper, extra fill bag included, CertiPUR-US certified, machine washable cover

Best for: Side and combination sleepers with vertigo who need a customizable loft; people transitioning from a flat pillow and still finding their ideal height

Light con: The plush blended fill may require daily fluffing to stay even — shredded fills can clump if left undisturbed

3. Tempur-Pedic

The TEMPUR-Neck Pillow is a contoured, ergonomic solid foam pillow built to follow the natural curvature of the cervical spine, making it a strong pick for vertigo sufferers whose dizziness is linked to cervicogenic neck strain. Its extra-firm feel keeps the head from rolling or dipping during the night — exactly what you want when sudden position shifts can trigger a BPPV episode. It comes in small, medium, and large profiles so you can match the loft to your body frame without guessing.

Key features: Proprietary TEMPUR solid memory foam, ergonomic contoured shape, three size options (small, medium, large), heat-absorbing cooling cover

Best for: Back and side sleepers with cervicogenic dizziness or chronic neck tension; people who want a no-shift, structured support surface

Light con: Fixed shape takes an adjustment period — those used to soft, pliable pillows may find the firmness intense at first

4. Saatva

The Saatva Latex Pillow offers naturally responsive support that springs back after each position change — a quality that works in favor of vertigo sufferers, because the pillow doesn't stay compressed where your head was, meaning your neck alignment resets cleanly each time you shift. It's available in standard and high loft, and its inner layers can be partially removed for further height adjustment. The organic cotton cover and natural latex construction make it a solid choice for people who also run warm at night, since latex breathes better than synthetic foam.

Key features: Natural latex fill, two loft options (standard and high), removable inner layers for further adjustability, organic cotton cover, hypoallergenic

Best for: Side sleepers with vertigo and neck pain who want responsive (not slow-sink) support; hot sleepers; allergy-conscious shoppers

Light con: Natural latex has a slight buoyancy that some sleepers find less "cradling" than memory foam — personal preference plays a role here

5. Layla

The Layla Kapok Pillow blends shredded memory foam with soft kapok plant fibers, creating a fill that is both moldable and naturally resistant to clumping — useful for vertigo sufferers who need their pillow to hold a consistent shape through the night without bunching under the neck. The fill is fully adjustable via zipper, and the combination of materials gives it a lighter, airier feel than pure memory foam. It works across sleep positions, making it a practical option for combination sleepers whose vertigo means they sleep more carefully than most.

Key features: Shredded memory foam blended with kapok fibers, zippered adjustable fill, soft breathable cover, lightweight construction

Best for: Combination sleepers with vertigo; people who want adjustable loft in a softer, lighter pillow; those sensitive to the dense feel of pure foam

Light con: The kapok blend may feel less firm than straight memory foam — people who need firm, stable neck support for cervicogenic dizziness may want a denser option

7. Therapeutica

The Therapeutica Sleeping Pillow is an orthopedic foam pillow with a highly structured contour — a raised center trench for back sleeping and side wings that position the head and neck in neutral cervical alignment for side sleeping. It is sized by body frame (petite through extra-large) rather than one-size-fits-all, which is valuable for vertigo sufferers because correct loft is determined by body geometry, not guesswork. The firm foam prevents any head rolling or sudden dipping that can shift ear crystals during the night.

Key features: Structured orthopedic contour, multiple size options by body frame, firm high-density foam, back and side sleeping zones built into the shape

Best for: Back and side sleepers with BPPV or cervicogenic dizziness who need a structured, no-movement support surface; people recommended by a chiropractor or physiotherapist

Light con: The distinctive shape takes adjustment — combination sleepers or those who move freely may find the structured zones restrictive

6. Purple

The Purple Harmony Pillow uses Purple's hyper-elastic polymer grid over a latex core, creating a support surface that stays cool, holds its shape, and adapts to head movement without the slow-sink feel of traditional memory foam. For vertigo sufferers who have found memory foam too heat-retentive or too slow to respond when they shift positions at night, the grid structure offers a noticeably different experience. It provides consistent loft without needing adjustment, which suits sleepers who want stability over customizability.

Key features: Purple Grid hyper-elastic polymer layer, latex core, high breathability, no-pressure support, available in multiple sizes

Best for: Hot sleepers with vertigo; people who have disliked the slow-sink feel of memory foam; side and back sleepers wanting consistent loft

Light con: No fill adjustability — the loft is fixed, so people with broad shoulders or very specific height needs may need to size carefully

8. Mediflow

The Mediflow Water Base Pillow uses a water-filled base layer under a polyester fiber top, allowing sleepers to add or remove water to set a precise loft — a feature with particular relevance for vertigo, since even small changes in head height can affect inner ear stability. Clinical studies on water-based pillows have shown improvements in neck pain and sleep quality, and the water layer provides smooth, continuous support that adjusts fluidly as the head moves. It is one of the few pillows recommended in UK vertigo management resources specifically for its neck stabilizing properties.

Key features: Water-adjustable base, DuPont polyester fiber top layer, smooth loft adjustment without zipper fill kits, machine washable cover

Best for: Back sleepers with BPPV or Meniere's disease; people who want precise, repeatable loft control; those who have tried foam without success

Light con: The water base can feel unfamiliar compared to foam or fiber — some people need a few nights to adjust to its movement and feel

Best Sleep Position for Vertigo

Doctors often suggest sleeping on your “unaffected” side, the side that does not trigger vertigo when you lie on it, especially for BPPV. The idea is simple: keep the affected inner ear higher and more stable, so the tiny crystals and inner ear fluid (endolymph) move less while you sleep.

For many people with BPPV, gentle side sleeping is more comfortable than back sleeping, because lying flat on your back can put the affected ear in a position that brings crystals back into the sensitive canal. When you side sleep with your head slightly raised on a supportive pillow, you get a good mix of spinal alignment and vestibular stability. Stomach sleeping is usually the worst position for vertigo, because your neck has to twist sharply to one side, which stresses the cervical spine and can worsen both neck-based dizziness and headaches.

After an Epley maneuver or similar canalith repositioning treatment, some providers recommend sleeping in a semi-upright position, often around a 30–45 degree angle, for the first night or few nights to help the crystals settle. A supportive side sleeper pillow reduces the “tipping” sensation when you roll, so you can move more slowly and feel safer as you change positions.

You can read more about how sleep position affects your symptoms in Honeydew’s guide here: how sleep position affects your symptoms.

The Scrumptious Side Pillow by Honeydew Sleep: Why It Works for Vertigo

Start by giving your head and neck a stable home base: Honeydew Sleep’s best pillow for vertigo. This side sleeper pillow was designed for people who want both comfort and precise neck alignment, which makes it a strong match for many vertigo sufferers.

The Scrumptious Side Pillow uses adjustable fill, so you can add or remove material until your head sits at the height that feels the calmest for your vertigo. Its gently curved, ergonomic shape cradles the neck and supports the natural curve of your spine, helping reduce the kind of cervical strain that can contribute to cervicogenic dizziness and migraine-related vertigo. Because it is engineered specifically for side sleepers, it fills the gap between your shoulder and head, keeping your spine level instead of dipping toward the mattress.

The fill is soft but supportive, so your head sinks in just enough without bottoming out or rolling, which helps maintain a consistent orientation for your inner ear through the night. Cooling, breathable materials help reduce heat buildup and night sweats, which often accompany nausea and vestibular flares, making your bed feel calmer and more inviting. Honeydew Sleep’s pillows have been highlighted by major outlets, they have been named the best pillow for side sleepers with neck pain by Forbes editors and earned an Oprah Daily Sleep-O-Wards win, which reflects the brand’s focus on side-sleeper comfort and support.

To learn more about why the Scrumptious Side Pillow is built for side sleepers, you can read: why the Scrumptious Side Pillow is built for side sleepers.

Types of Vertigo and How Pillow Choice Helps Each

Different vertigo diagnoses share some sleep challenges, but your pillow can support each type in slightly different ways.

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) – BPPV happens when tiny crystals in the inner ear move into a canal where they do not belong, so certain head positions trigger spinning. A stable pillow for BPPV that keeps your head from rolling or dropping suddenly can reduce those quick crystal shifts at night and lower the chance of waking in a spin.

Cervicogenic dizziness – Here, dizziness is thought to come from neck joint or muscle problems, not directly from the inner ear. A well-fitted pillow that keeps your neck neutral, without side-bending or twisting, can ease muscle tension and joint irritation that feed into this type of dizziness.

Vestibular neuritis / labyrinthitis – These conditions involve inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear structures, leading to intense spinning and imbalance. While a pillow cannot treat the inflammation itself, keeping your head slightly elevated and steady can reduce symptom spikes when you change positions or wake in the night.

Meniere’s disease – Meniere’s is linked to fluid pressure changes in the inner ear and can cause vertigo, hearing changes, and fullness in the ear. Many specialists recommend sleeping with the head elevated and often on the less-affected side, and a supportive side sleeper pillow makes it easier to hold that position.

Migraine-associated vertigo – Migraine and vertigo often go together, and neck tension can be a shared trigger. A pillow that supports your cervical spine evenly can ease neck strain and may help dial down both headache and vertigo intensity for some people.

If migraine is a big part of your dizziness picture, Honeydew has a dedicated guide on the best pillow for migraine-associated symptoms here: best pillow for migraine-associated symptoms.

Pillow Height, Getting the Loft Right for Vertigo

Loft, the height of your pillow, often matters even more than the specific fill material when you are dealing with vertigo. If the pillow is too tall or too flat, your neck tilts to one side, which can stress cervical joints and change how your inner ear senses gravity.

As a simple starting guide for side sleepers:

Petite or narrow shoulders often do best with a lower loft, roughly 3–4 inches, so the neck does not bend upward all night.

Average builds usually feel better with a medium loft, around 4–5 inches, to keep the head level with the spine.

Broader shoulders or larger frames often need a higher loft, in the 5–6 inch range, to fill the space between shoulder and head without drooping.

An adjustable-fill pillow shines here, because you can change the loft in small steps until you find the height where your vertigo feels calmest. If the pillow is too high, your neck bends sideways toward the ceiling, which can compress joints and aggravate cervicogenic vertigo or migraine. If it is too low, your head tips toward the mattress and your inner ear may feel like it is falling, which can spark both dizziness and muscle guarding.

For a deeper breakdown of how to choose the right pillow height, check out Honeydew’s guide: how to choose the right pillow height.

Other Sleep Habits That Help with Vertigo

Your pillow is a big part of sleeping better with vertigo, but small routine habits help too.

Rise slowly from bed – Use a “log roll”: roll onto your side as one unit, slide your legs off the bed, and push up with your arms so your head stays in line with your body.

Avoid sleeping flat on your back, especially in the early weeks after an Epley maneuver or strong BPPV flare, unless your clinician tells you otherwise.

Keep water nearby – Mild dehydration can worsen lightheaded feelings, so sipping water through the evening and keeping a glass by your bed can help.

Limit screen time before bed – Fast-moving visuals and bright light can irritate a sensitive vestibular system, so aim for a calm, dim wind-down routine.

Stick to a regular sleep schedule – Irregular bedtimes and short sleep can make your brain more reactive to balance signals and stress.

Work with a vestibular physiotherapist if your symptoms stick around or affect your daily life; targeted vestibular rehab is a core treatment for many balance disorders.

For more tips for better sleep with a health condition, Honeydew shares practical advice here: more tips for better sleep with a health condition.

When to See a Doctor About Vertigo

A well-chosen pillow and better sleep posture can reduce triggers, but they do not replace medical care. You should seek prompt medical help if you have sudden, severe vertigo along with hearing loss, facial weakness, or numbness, or if your dizziness starts after a head injury. Double vision, trouble speaking, chest pain, or weakness in an arm or leg along with vertigo are also warning signs that need urgent evaluation.

If your vertigo lasts more than a few minutes at a time without clear position changes, or if symptoms keep getting worse even though you are using careful sleep positions, it is time to talk with a healthcare professional. A pillow can support better neck alignment and reduce night-time triggers, but only a qualified clinician can diagnose the cause of vertigo and guide full treatment.

FAQ

What type of pillow is best for BPPV?

For BPPV, the best pillow is usually a side sleeper pillow with stable support and a slightly elevated loft. You want your head held in one steady angle instead of rolling freely, because rolling can shift ear crystals and trigger spins. An adjustable loft pillow for BPPV lets you fine-tune height so your neck feels neutral, not bent up or down. Flat, floppy pillows that compress under your head are less helpful, because they allow too much motion and sudden position change.

Should I sleep with my head elevated if I have vertigo?

Many clinicians recommend keeping the head raised about 30–45 degrees for a short period after canalith repositioning maneuvers like the Epley, to help crystals settle in the right spot. Elevation may also help reduce inner ear fluid shifts for some people with chronic BPPV or other vestibular issues. You can reach this angle with a recliner, a wedge, or a supportive pillow setup that keeps your upper body slightly propped up without straining your neck. Always follow the specific sleep instructions your own provider gives you, since post-maneuver advice can vary.

Can the wrong pillow make vertigo worse?

Yes, the wrong pillow can aggravate vertigo for some people. If it is too flat, your head may drop backward or toward the mattress, changing inner ear orientation in a way that triggers dizziness. If it is too high, your neck bends sideways, which can strain cervical joints and muscles and increase cervicogenic dizziness or migraine-associated vertigo. A lumpy or overly soft pillow that loses shape lets your head roll or dip suddenly when you relax, which can set off BPPV episodes during the night.

Is side sleeping better than back sleeping for vertigo?

For many people with BPPV, sleeping on the unaffected side is gentler than lying flat on the back, which can put the affected ear in a more provocative position. Posterior canal BPPV, the most common type, is often triggered by lying back or rolling in certain directions, so careful side sleeping can cut down those triggers. A supportive side sleeper pillow for vertigo helps you stay on that chosen side with your head and neck aligned, instead of drifting into back sleeping during the night. Your vestibular therapist or ENT can help you decide which side and angle are best for your specific pattern.

If you are ready to give your vestibular system a calmer place to rest, you can try the Scrumptious Side Pillow by Honeydew Sleep and fine-tune it to your ideal loft.