Pacifier alternatives for toddlers?

My 2 year old (recently turned 2) was once a great sleeper and suddenly, can't even make it through the night. I know there is a 2 year sleep regression, but this has lasted months and is steadily getting worse. He wants to be rocked/held to sleep, someone lay in bed with him, or at least on the floor next to his bed- ALL NIGHT. Or, he wants to sleep in our bed. He can get out of his own bed (we outgrew a crib a long time ago) and regardless of what I do, he will stay awake all night, crying, until someone comes to comfort him. I've spoken to his pediatrician and tried her recommendations, yet it is not helping. However, while doing some spring cleaning the other day, he found his old pacifier in tote and started using it. He never favored pacifiers much as a baby, but if he did use one, it was this one that I saved. Now, he seems more attached to it, wanting to use if for tantrums and to sleep. For some reason this is the only thing (other than his parents) that can help him sleep like he used to. But I don't want my toddler to suddenly start using a pacifier when at this age, they are supposed to stop. Any recommendations are appreciated on what I can do instead?