Soft vs Medium Firm Pillows: Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing between a soft vs medium firm pillow depends on your sleep style and support needs. Both options come in standard Queen size for consistent bedding fit. The main difference lies in their core construction. One uses plush down alternative fill for a gentle, sink-in feel. The other uses adjustable memory foam for customizable support. This guide compares their specs to help you decide which firmness level matches your comfort preferences.
Key differences
| Aspect | JOLLYVOGUE Queen Soft Down Alternative Pillows | Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Queen Pillow |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness Level | Soft | Medium Firm |
| Fill Material | Micro polyester fiber | Cross-cut memory foam and microfiber |
| Adjustability | Not listed | Removable fill |
| Target Audience | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers |
| Safety Certifications | OEKO-TEX Standard | CertiPUR-US, GREENGUARD Gold |
Which one should you choose?
Choose JOLLYVOGUE Queen Soft Down Alternative Pillows if
- You prefer a plush, sink-in feel for stomach or back sleeping
- You want a machine washable pillow with breathable down alternative fill
- You need gentle cushioning without the need for manual adjustments
Choose Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Queen Pillow if
- You are a side sleeper needing higher loft and firm support
- You want to customize firmness by adding or removing foam fill
- You prefer memory foam that adapts to your neck and head shape
Verdict: The JOLLYVOGUE pillow suits stomach and back sleepers who want a soft, plush surface. The Coop Home Goods pillow is better for side sleepers who need adjustable, medium-firm support. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize immediate softness or customizable firmness.
Soft vs Medium Firm Pillow Specs
Firmness Level
The JOLLYVOGUE pillow is rated as soft, offering a plush, sink-in feel that many find luxurious. It provides gentle cushioning suitable for those who prefer a softer surface. In contrast, the Coop Home Goods Original is rated medium firm. This rating suggests a more supportive structure that resists sinking as deeply. The difference is clear: one prioritizes softness and comfort, while the other offers firmer support. You should choose based on whether you want to feel cradled or supported.
Fill Material
JOLLYVOGUE uses micro polyester fiber, described as down alternative. This fill creates a cloud-like fluffiness and allows the pillow to regain shape quickly. It is breathable and gentle on the skin. The Coop Home Goods pillow uses a proprietary blend called Oomph fill, which combines cross-cut memory foam with microfiber. This mix provides adaptive support and retains the structure of memory foam while adding softness. The materials differ significantly, with one being synthetic fiber and the other a foam blend.
Adjustability
The Coop Home Goods Original pillow stands out for its adjustability. It comes with an extra bag of Oomph fill, allowing you to add or remove material to change the firmness and loft. This feature lets you customize the pillow to your exact preference. The JOLLYVOGUE pillow does not mention adjustable fill. It relies on its inherent softness and high loft for comfort. If you want to tweak the feel over time, the Coop option offers that flexibility, while JOLLYVOGUE offers a fixed soft feel.
Height
Height, or loft, is a critical spec for pillow selection. The Coop Home Goods Original has a listed height of 8 inches. This is a high loft, which is often better for side sleepers who need more space to fill the gap between shoulder and head. The JOLLYVOGUE pillow has a listed height of 2 inches. This is quite low, which might suit stomach sleepers or those who prefer a flat surface. The difference in height is substantial and impacts spinal alignment differently for each sleeper.
Target Audience
Product specifications highlight different target audiences for each pillow. The JOLLYVOGUE pillow is marketed toward stomach sleepers, in addition to back and side sleepers. Its soft nature and lower profile can be easier on the neck for stomach sleepers. The Coop Home Goods Original specifically lists side sleepers as its target audience. The medium firm feel and higher loft are designed to support the head and neck alignment for side sleepers. Your primary sleeping position should guide this choice.
Safety Certifications
Both pillows emphasize safety and environmental standards through certifications. The JOLLYVOGUE pillow is produced in an OEKO-TEX Standard Certified factory, ensuring the textiles meet high safety and environmental criteria. The Coop Home Goods pillow holds two certifications: CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold. These certifications ensure the foam is tested for harmful chemicals and meets strict emissions standards. Both products are safe, but Coop offers dual certifications covering both foam and emissions, while JOLLYVOGUE focuses on textile safety.
Which pillow suits your sleep style
Stomach sleepers wanting soft cushioning
The JOLLYVOGUE pillow offers a soft feel with gentle support, making it ideal for stomach sleepers who need lower loft. Its Queen size measures 20 by 30 inches, fitting standard bedding. The down alternative fill provides plush comfort without excessive height, reducing neck strain for those who sleep on their stomach.
Side sleepers needing adjustable firmness
The Coop Home Goods Original pillow is medium firm and fully adjustable. You can add or remove memory foam fill to customize loft and support. This adaptability helps side sleepers maintain spinal alignment. The cross-cut foam and microfiber blend offers durable support that contours to your head and neck throughout the night.
Buyers prioritizing safety certifications
The Coop Home Goods Original pillow holds both CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certifications. These standards ensure the foam and fabric meet strict safety and environmental criteria. This makes it a reliable choice for health-conscious buyers who want assurance that their bedding is free from harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds.
Shoppers preferring machine washable materials
The JOLLYVOGUE pillow is machine washable, allowing for easy maintenance and hygiene. Its breathable outer shell and micro polyester fiber fill can be washed and tumble dried. This feature is practical for users who want to keep their bedding fresh without the complexity of spot cleaning or professional care required by some foam pillows.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JOLLYVOGUE Queen Soft Down Alternative Pillows | stomach sleepers wanting soft, low-profile support | Check price of JOLLYVOGUE Queen Soft Down Alternative Pillows on Amazon |
| 2 | Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Queen Pillow | Side sleepers wanting adjustable loft and firmness | Check price of Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Queen Pillow on Amazon |
The products compared
JOLLYVOGUE Queen Soft Down Alternative Pillows
Best for: stomach sleepers wanting soft, low-profile support
- Firmness
- Soft (what this guide is about)
- Fill Material
- Down alternative, micro polyester fiber
- Pillow Size
- Queen, 20 x 28 in
- Safety Certifications
- OEKO-TEX Standard Certified
- Feature
- Cooling
- Target Audience
- Stomach Sleepers
View on Amazon: JOLLYVOGUE Queen Soft Down Alternative Pillows Affiliate link
This is a set of two queen-size pillows with a soft firmness level. They measure 20 by 30 inches and feature a down alternative fill of micro polyester fiber. The design targets stomach sleepers with a gentle, sink-in feel. The outer shell is breathable and OEKO-TEX Standard certified for safety. You can machine wash them for easy care, though they need time to fully fluff after unpacking.
Pros
- Soft firmness level for gentle cushioning
- OEKO-TEX Standard certified down alternative fill
- Machine washable for convenient maintenance
- Breathable micro polyester fiber construction
Cons
- 2-inch height may be too low for side sleepers
- Requires 24 hours to fully fluff after vacuum sealing
- Limited loft height compared to medium firm options
Good fit if
- You are a stomach sleeper who prefers a low profile
- You want a soft, plush feel for your head
- You need machine washable bedding for easy care
Skip if
- You are a side sleeper needing high support
- You prefer a firm or medium firm surface
- You need immediate loft without waiting for fluffing
Verdict: JOLLYVOGUE Soft Queen Pillow Set is a low-loft option that fits stomach sleepers seeking a soft, breathable surface. It suits buyers who prioritize gentle cushioning and easy cleaning over high support.
Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Queen Pillow
Best for: Side sleepers wanting adjustable loft and firmness
- Firmness
- Medium Firm (what this guide is about)
- Fill Material
- Cross-cut memory foam and microfiber
- Pillow Size
- Queen
- Firmness Level
- Medium Firm
- Adjustability
- Removable fill
- Cover Material
- Lulltra fabric
View on Amazon: Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Queen Pillow Affiliate link
The Coop Home Goods Original is a Queen-size pillow with a medium-firm feel. It uses cross-cut memory foam and microfiber fill for adaptive support. You can adjust the loft and firmness by adding or removing the included Oomph fill bag. The cover is made of breathable Lulltra fabric. It is designed for side sleepers who need customizable support and alignment.
Pros
- Fully adjustable firmness via removable fill
- Includes extra Oomph fill bag for customization
- Breathable Lulltra fabric cover
- CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified
Cons
- Firmness increases in cooler environments
- Requires manual adjustment to achieve desired loft
- Heavier at 3.5 pounds due to dense foam fill
Good fit if
- You are a side sleeper needing high loft
- You want to customize pillow firmness manually
- You prefer eco-certified materials
Skip if
- You prefer a soft, down-like feel
- You want a fixed, non-adjustable loft
- You need a lightweight pillow under 3 pounds
Verdict: Coop Home Goods Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow offers precise loft control for side sleepers who value adjustable support and certified materials. It suits those willing to manually tweak fill levels for ideal alignment.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | JOLLYVOGUE Queen Soft Down Alternative Pillows | Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Queen Pillow |
|---|---|---|
| Fill Material | Down alternative, micro polyester fiber | Cross-cut memory foam and microfiber |
| Pillow Size | Queen, 20 x 28 in | Queen |
| Firmness Level | not stated | Medium Firm |
| Adjustability | not stated | Removable fill |
| Cover Material | not stated | Lulltra fabric |
| Safety Certifications | OEKO-TEX Standard Certified | CertiPUR-US, GREENGUARD Gold |
| Feature | Cooling | Adjustable |
| Material | not stated | Memory Foam |
| Target Audience | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers |
| Color | White | Original White |
| Size | Queen | Queen |
| Firmness | Soft | Medium Firm |
| Dimensions | 28 × 20 × 2 inches | 30 × 20 × 8 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 3.5 pounds |
| Model | Q-SF | 5929842 |
Frequently asked questions
Is a soft pillow better for stomach sleepers?
Yes, soft pillows are generally better for stomach sleepers. The JOLLYVOGUE Queen Soft Down Alternative Pillow is designed for this group. It features a low profile with a height of only 2 inches. This low loft prevents your neck from bending too sharply. The soft down alternative fill provides gentle cushioning without pushing your head upward.
Does a medium firm pillow help side sleepers?
Medium firm pillows often help side sleepers maintain alignment. The Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Queen Pillow is rated medium firm. It stands 8 inches tall to fill the gap between your ear and mattress. The adjustable fill lets you add or remove memory foam. This ensures your spine stays straight while you sleep on your side.
Can I adjust the firmness of a medium firm pillow?
Some medium firm pillows allow you to adjust the firmness. The Coop Home Goods Original pillow contains adjustable memory foam. You can manually tweak the fill levels to change how supportive it feels. This customization helps you find your ideal loft. It is useful if you prefer a specific balance between softness and support.
What is the height difference between soft and medium firm pillows?
There is a significant height difference between these two types. The JOLLYVOGUE soft pillow measures 2 inches in height. The Coop Home Goods medium firm pillow measures 8 inches in height. This 6-inch gap affects how your head rests. Lower profiles suit stomach sleepers, while higher profiles suit side sleepers who need more lift.
Are soft pillows good for cooling?
Soft pillows can be designed for cooling. The JOLLYVOGUE Queen Soft Down Alternative Pillow lists cooling as a key feature. It uses a down alternative fill that may promote airflow. The low loft also reduces heat retention compared to thicker pillows. This makes it a suitable choice if you tend to sleep hot.
Do medium firm pillows come in adjustable sizes?
Medium firm pillows often offer adjustable features for better fit. The Coop Home Goods Original pillow is available in Queen size. It measures 20 by 30 inches to fit standard bedding. The adjustable fill allows you to modify the internal loft. This helps you customize the pillow to your specific body type and sleep preferences.