I didn't realize how much I cared about my pillow until I started sleeping without it. I figured I'd get one of those large flexair pillows. It wasn't until I tried sleeping with it that I discovered how important my pillow was. I'm a side and stomach sleeper and like a firm pillow, but I hated the balloon feeling of the flexair. So Here's what I did:
I cut out a piece of 1 inch medium density foam from Jo-Ann's to match the size of the flex air, then I made an oversized case for them from tyvek fedex envelopes. To use, I layer 2 flexair pillows (as a backup in case one leaks) with the foam on top, inside the tyvek case. Then I inflate one flex air pillow with the straw I keep in the tyvek case. That way the foam provides the soft pillow feel and gets rid of the balloon feeling, while the flexair provides lightweight loft to make the pillow the right size.
All rolled up, with 2 flex airs, the foam, straw, tyvek cover, and a strap to hold it rolled up, it comes to 6.6 ounces, which isn't super light, or small, but I can finally sleep when I'm out.
Thought I'd share in case anyone else what having a similar problem, but balked at spending $40 for a Nemo Fillo, which was my second choice. A few pictures:
The Pieces
All put together and inflated
Rolled up for packing
