I’m looking for a new pillow. I’ve tried a ton over the years with no luck. I’m a bigger guy currently sleeping on a Nolan Evolution 15” firm mattress. I’m about 250lb and have a size 8.25 head. Side sleeper. Have been using the Coop Original Adjustable Pillow for the past year but have found it to sleep hot/not as supportive as I’d like and have just not been as comfy as I’d like as of late. I don’t like firm pillows but at the same time I know it needs to support my huge head and love a cool pillow. Was thinking a talalay pillow but open to other ideas. Any thoughts recommendations would be so appreciated. Thanks!
Hi BrightConsequence.
Welcome back to the forum 
Thanks for asking your question here.
What’s in your current adjustable pillow?
I kind of feel like a shredded latex pillow could be a good option for you, as you can fill and unfill and essentially customize to your heart’s content. Have you ever tried a shredded latex pillow before?
A few of our members carry them! The first that comes to mind is the CozyPure LaNoodle.
Take a look and let me know your thoughts!
NikkiTMU
Hey there! My current pillow is filled with Microfiber (Amazon.com).
I feel like I may have had a shredded latex pillow when I was younger. Tbh, I bought it once and had no issues and it eventually was tossed in a move/I have no recollection if what I’m saying is 100% accurate .
I will take a look though. Thank you!
Also - is there a reason you’d recommend shredded latex over solid? Just curious - thanks!
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Just a quick note here: when comparing shredded vs. solid pillows, shredded ones are easier to modify. I have four solid latex pillows—two Dunlop and two Talalay—but I found the solid versions too bouncy for my liking. On the other hand, when I first received my CozyPure Baa-Noodle pillow, I found it too soft and not supportive enough for my 6’ 220lb frame. Fortunately, I had purchased an extra bag of latex noodles, which allowed me to add enough filling to achieve a loft and firmness that I found comfortable.
I’ve also noticed that pillow designs made with uniform cuts of either memory foam or latex foam tend to perform better. What’s interesting about the CozyPure Noodle pillows is how the latex displaces to support your head when you lie on them. When I compared two pillows side by side—one solid and one noodle— I found the noodle pillow much more comfortable, while my wife prefers the solid latex pillows and loves them.
Personally, I still prefer my horsehair pillows, but I’ve experimented with several combinations of latex noodles, wool, memory foam, and horsehair to see which setup works best for my body. In fact, I ended up purchasing about 7 lbs of latex noodles, wool batting, several pounds of horsehair, cotton zippered pillow liners, and wool zippered pillow covers to create my own custom pillows. This way, I can modify them to suit my comfort preferences.
Here is a partial list of my pillow journey. Pillows comprise a high percentage of sleep comfort. You can have a super mattress, but if your pillow sucks, you are in for a horrible nights sleep. The firmer the mattress for a side sleeper, the higher the loft by comparison is needed. I am obsessed with my pillows, so I had to chime in on this one.
Just my two extra cents.
Maverick
For the coolness, you might try a satin pillowcase. They are inexpensive, so worth a try.
Hey there,
Totally hear you,I am in a similar boat that is a bigger guy, side sleeper, needs that mix of support plus cooling.I have tried a lot too and I think you are on the right track focusing on support and airflow.
If you liked the coop original but found it lacking in cooling and support lately, I do still recommend giving their crescent Adjustable and side sleeper version a shot. It is a newer design made especially for side and back sleepers and the crescent shape gives more contouring around the shoulder or neck area.it is Certipur us and Greenguard Gold certified so super safe materials.
Coop home goods original crescent side sleeper pillow
Another solid option I have had great results with is the Beckham side sleeper pillow. It is a down alternative that stays cool, has a solid loft and works really well for heavier sleepers. It is not overly firm but it holds its shape and does not collapse under pressure
Beckham side sleeper bed pillow
If you are still considering talalay latex, just know they can run a little too bouncy or firm for some people. These two I mentioned strike a good middle ground with adjustability and cooling.
Buying a pillow is not just choosing an accessory for your bed, but an important step toward improving the quality of your sleep. A pillow should support the correct position of your head and neck to avoid discomfort or pain in the morning. To do this, choose models with orthopedic properties that suit your sleeping position.Soft, hypoallergenic materials will also help create a comfortable sleeping environment.
I totally get what you’re going through—I’m a side sleeper too and had the same issues. You might want to try the Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow. It has adjustable fill, so you can customize the loft for a bigger head/shoulders, and the shape keeps your neck aligned. The latex + cotton cover stays cool and breathable (way better than memory foam that traps heat). Plus, it comes with a 45-night trial, so you can test it out risk-free.