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Best Buckwheat Pillows
Buckwheat pillows – also known as sobakawa – originated in Japan, but today they are used across the globe. These pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls, the hard outer casings of buckwheat seeds. The hulls have a firm feel but they are quite small and will conform closely to the head and neck; many people liken buckwheat pillows to firm, dense bean bags.
The best buckwheat hull pillows offer many benefits for sleepers. For one, they are fully adjustable. You can add or remove hulls from the interior to change how lofty and supportive the pillow feels. The hulls are quite durable, as well, and many buckwheat pillow manufacturers sell extra hulls in bulk when owners need to replenish their supply. Another advantage is excellent temperature regulation. The hulls promote steady airflow throughout the pillow’s core, and many of these models come with breathable cotton or organic cotton covers.
If this type of pillow sounds comfortable – or at least intriguing – check out our best buckwheat pillow guide below. We’ll discuss the origin and evolution of sobakawa pillows, how they are constructed, how well they perform in different categories, and what to expect in terms of sizing and pricing.
The Best Buckwheat Pillows
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Best Overall
Sweet Zzz Buckwheat Pillow
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Best Value
Turmerry Buckwheat Sobakawa Pillow
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Best for Neck Pain
PineTales Premium Buckwheat Pillow
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Best for Side Sleepers
Hullo Buckwheat Pillow
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Best Wool and Buckwheat Pillow
The Futon Shop Organic Wool & Buckwheat Pillow
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In-Depth Reviews
Sweet Zzz showcases everything we love about buckwheat pillows with an adjustable design, breathable materials, superior support, and eco-friendly certifications. In addition to a standard queen size, you can opt for a cylindrical bolster or a traditional “sobakawa” square shape.
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Pros
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Loft can be adjusted by adding or removing fill
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Filled with organic, non-GMO buckwheat hulls
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Comes with GOTS certified organic cotton pillowcase
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Cons
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Firm fill isn’t ideal for people who prefer soft pillows
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Some owners report a strong initial odor for the first few nights
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Price Range
$114 – $139
Fill
Organic Buckwheat Hulls
Firmness
Firm
The Sweet Zzz Buckwheat Pillow is a great option for people who prefer to buy organic, sustainably made products. Both the cotton cover and non-GMO buckwheat hull fill have received certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), one of the world’s leading authorities on these types of products. The hulls can also be added or removed to adjust the pillow’s overall loft, making it suitable for most people regardless of their sleep position – though back sleepers will probably feel most comfortable.
Temperature control is another strength of this pillow. The hulls promote steady airflow throughout the interior to help the pillow maintain a cool core temperature, and the cover is also very breathable. The natural durability of cotton and buckwheat hulls ensures a longer-than-average expected lifespan for the pillow too.
Sweet Zzz offers three sizes for the pillow. Those seeking a traditional rectangular shape can opt for the queen size. Other options include a smaller Japanese size that could be likened to a throw pillow, as well as a cylindrical size that can be used as a bolster as well as a headrest. The cover can be washed and dried in any household machine, though you’ll first need to remove the hulls.
Standard shipping is free for all pillow orders within the contiguous U.S. Sweet Zzz also offers a 50-night sleep trial for the pillow, along with a one-year warranty.
Best Value
Turmerry Buckwheat Sobakawa Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Turmerry pillows
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Turmerry’s Buckwheat Sobakawa offers everything you could want from this type of pillow — namely cooling, strong support, and adjustability — without the steep price tag you’ll find with many competing brands. Standard, traditional Japanese, and travel sizes are available.
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Pros
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Sustainably grown buckwheat hulls and unbleached organic cotton cover
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Six sizes, including a travel-friendly option
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Owners can order additional hulls in bulk
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Cons
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Fairly heavy and difficult to move in larger sizes
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Returns are only allowed for unused pillows
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Price Range
$55 – $115
Fill
Buckwheat hulls
Firmness
Firm
The Turmerry Buckwheat Sobakawa Pillow is a great option for shoppers on a budget. Like other sobakawa-style pillows, this one contains buckwheat hulls that can be added or removed to adjust the overall loft. This makes it ideal for combination sleepers and other folks who prefer thicker pillows one night and flatter pillows the next. Turmerry sells extra hulls in bulk whenever owners need to replenish their supply.
The hulls are sustainably grown in the Midwestern U.S. and the cover is composed of organic, unbleached cotton, so the pillow should also appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Hot sleepers should also feel quite comfortable since the cotton is breathable and air flows freely through the interior.
You can choose from six different sizes for your pillow. These include standard, queen, and king sizes for sleeping, as well as a neckroll and traditional Japanese “mini” size. The last option is a travel pillow, which weighs 2.5 pounds and is very compressible when it needs to fit inside crowded bags.
All six sizes are affordably priced, making this pillow approachable for first-time users. Ground shipping is also free of charge throughout the contiguous U.S. Unused and unwashed pillows may be returned for a full refund within 30 days of the original order. Those who decide to keep their pillow will receive a one-year warranty.
Best for Neck Pain
PineTales Premium Buckwheat Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on PineTales pillows
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The PineTales Premium Buckwheat Pillow showcases the classic sobakawa design with an ultra-firm feel and adjustable firmness and loft. A cover made of breathable bamboo-derived fabric fabric adds extra cooling and moisture control.
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Pros
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Adjustable loft to accommodate different sleep positions
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Breathable design promotes airflow
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Bamboo-derived cover wicks moisture away from the skin
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Cons
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Noise and odor potential may be a dealbreaker for some shoppers
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Returns are not allowed
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Price Range
$110 – $180
Fill
Buckwheat hulls
Firmness
Firm
Many people swear by traditional buckwheat pillows — but for some, the fill is too noisy for sleeping. PineTales’ Premium Buckwheat Pillow features an inner pouch and outer shell that help minimize noise from shifting hulls. The pillow also offers a balance of contouring and support that’s ideal for side sleepers and people with neck pain. You can add or remove the fill to your liking to achieve your desired loft.
The pillow has a firm feel similar to other buckwheat models, providing ample support for side sleepers to pad the space between the head and downward-facing shoulder. This promotes proper alignment and reduces pressure along the spine when using the side position. Side sleepers will probably be most comfortable filling the pillow to maximum volume. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, we recommend reducing the loft — otherwise neck strain can occur.
An inner pouch contains the fill, and the outer cover is composed of rayon derived from bamboo. Steady circulation throughout the interior also offsets heat retention, which benefits sleepers who overheat easily. You can separate the cover from the fill pouch and machine-wash the former whenever stains or smudges occur. The pillow is available in standard and traditional Japanese sizes.
The Premium Buckwheat Pillow is reasonably priced given its high-quality construction and long expected lifespan. Please note that PineTales does not accept returns under any circumstances, so all sales are final.
Best for Side Sleepers
Hullo Buckwheat Pillow
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One of the most popular buckwheat pillows on the market today, the Hullo is constructed from sustainably sourced, GMO-free buckwheat hulls and pure organic cotton. In addition to being eco-friendly, the pillow is exceptionally comfortable — simply add or remove the fill to achieve your desired loft, and order extra fill in bulk if you need a replenishment.
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Pros
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Adjustable loft to accommodate different sleep positions
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Breathable design promotes airflow
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Cotton twill shell is durable and machine-washable
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Cons
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Noise and odor potential may be a dealbreaker for some shoppers
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Extra fees for returns
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Price Range
$69 – $169
Fill
Buckwheat hulls
Firmness
Firm
Thanks to an entry-level price-point, the Hullo is a great option if you’ve never tried a buckwheat pillow before and want to test out an affordable model. Small, standard, and king sizes are available. Hullo also offers hassle-free returns within 60 nights, giving you ample time to try out the pillow and decide whether it’s right for you.
While the pillow offers adjustable loft, it maintains a fairly firm feel regardless of the fill volume. This makes it ideal for side and back sleepers seeking a pillow that delivers strong support. The cover is made of organic cotton twill, which is highly breathable and long-lasting. The cover, combined with the naturally durable hulls, gives the pillow excellent longevity. Hullo also sells hulls in 10- or 20-pound bulk shipments whenever you need to replace the original fill.
As is the case with other buckwheat pillows, you’ll never need to clean the Hullo’s fill but the cover can be washed and dried in any household machine. Keep in mind the pillow can weigh anywhere from four to 12 pounds at full capacity, depending on which size you select. Standard shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S.
Best Wool and Buckwheat Pillow
The Futon Shop Organic Wool & Buckwheat Pillow
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on The Futon Shop pillows
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A luxurious blend of organic buckwheat hulls and virgin wool strands gives this pillow from the Futon Shop a distinct feel. The dual-chamber design also lets you adjust the loft in different areas and create an optimal surface for your head and neck.
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Pros
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Fill consists of buckwheat hulls mixed with breathable virgin wool
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Dual-chambered design allows you to customize how the pillow is structured
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All materials are certified as organic
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Cons
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Supplemental fill is not available directly through The Futon Shop
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Pricing is somewhat expensive compared to the competition
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Price Range
$130 – $200
Fill
GOTS-certified organic buckwheat hulls and GOTS-certified organic virgin wool
Firmness
Medium Firm
Buckwheat pillows are customizable by design, allowing you to achieve your ideal loft level by adding or removing the hulls. The Organic Wool & Buckwheat Pillow from The Futon Shop takes this characteristic one step further thanks to its dual-chamber construction. Buyers can choose to have the hulls placed in the center, similar to a standard pillow design, or on the sides to create a sloped shape. The latter may be particularly beneficial for people with persistent neck pain, as the extra lift can improve alignment and reduce soreness in the neck.
The fill is a blend of buckwheat hulls and ultrafine virgin wool to create a softer feel compared to most competing buckwheat pillows. The wool also has moisture-wicking properties to elevate the hulls’ natural cooling. The cotton cover is also quite breathable, so all in all this pillow is a great option for hot sleepers. Eco-conscious shoppers should also find it appealing because all three components are certified as organic.
As is usually the case with buckwheat pillows, you can adjust the loft by adding or removing the hulls to your liking. The hulls need to be removed from the pillow prior to machine-washing, but you have the option of adding a pillow protector to your purchase for a small surcharge. Standard, queen, and king, and travel sizes are available.
Price-points for this pillow are on par with industry averages and shipping rates are reasonable. All orders are backed by a 30-night trial.
What Is a Buckwheat Pillow?
Known as sobakawa in their home country of Japan, buckwheat pillows are filled with hulls, the hard outer casings of buckwheat seeds. Hulls can be added to or removed from the interior to adjust the loft, or thickness. This makes buckwheat pillows highly customizable and suitable for both side and back sleeping, though the hulls maintain a very firm feel regardless of the fill volume.
Buckwheat pillows offer other benefits for sleepers, as well. The hulls do not trap body heat like synthetic fills, allowing the pillow to sleep quite cool. Hulls are also naturally hypoallergenic, making them a good alternative for people who are allergic to down, feathers, and/or latex. Longevity is another strong point of buckwheat pillows since the hulls are very durable; most pillow manufacturers sell extra hulls in bulk when the time comes to replenish your supply. You’ll never need to clean the hulls, but most buckwheat pillows come with cotton covers that can be washed and dried in your household machines.
There are also some drawbacks to using a buckwheat pillow. Most complaints from sleepers stem from the very firm feel of these pillows – excessively firm for some people. The hulls may also emit a strong initial odor that takes several days to completely dissipate. Weight may be another issue for some individuals because buckwheat pillows can weigh as much as 10 to 12 pounds when full to capacity.
Read on to learn more about buckwheat pillows. Our guide will include important factors for first-time buckwheat pillow buyers, pros and cons, and some answers to frequently asked questions about these products.
How to Choose a Buckwheat Pillow
Before deciding which buckwheat pillow to purchase, we recommend comparing different brands and models to see how they stack up in terms of construction, size, and price. Most buckwheat pillows sold today are fairly similar to one another but there are some important distinctions to take into account.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Buckwheat Pillow
For most people, the biggest draw for buckwheat pillows is their ease of adjustment. Hulls can be added or removed to change how thick and supportive the pillow feels, and most brands offer bulk hull shipments at reasonable prices when you need to refresh your fill. Expect to pay about $5 to $15 per pound for extra hulls.
Buckwheat pillows are also ideal for people who prefer natural products. Many models are filled with hulls that are grown and harvested organically without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and organic cotton covers are also common. Be sure to check for certifications if you encounter a buckwheat pillow that is advertised as organic. The Global Organic Textile Standard and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are two of the most prominent certifying organizations for products made from organic materials.
You should take other assertions about buckwheat pillows with a grain of salt, too. Some brands claim that adjusting the loft will also change the pillow’s firmness, but this is a bit misleading. While buckwheat pillows can be adjusted for loft, they will maintain a firm to very firm feel due to the natural hardness of the hulls. Buckwheat pillows are also less than ideal for many stomach sleepers due to their thickness and firmness, despite some brands that claim their pillows are suitable for all sleep positions.
Rather than relying on claims and assertions from buckwheat pillow sellers, we recommend focusing on the following factors instead.
Loft
Most buckwheat pillows are designed for adjustable loft. Their designs include a zippered outer cover that allows access to the interior and a lined pouch to house the hulls. This level of customization is especially helpful for people who sleep in different positions, since side sleeping generally requires more loft than back sleeping.
Support
Buckwheat hulls are quite firm, so these pillows provide excellent support for most side and back sleepers. The hulls mold to the body without sinking too much, ensuring strong reinforcement for the head and neck. Adjusting the loft by adding or removing hulls can make the pillow feel more supportive depending on which sleep position you use.
Firmness Level
Most buckwheat pillows are considered firm to very firm. Some sleepers love how hard and supportive the pillows feel, while others find them excessively stiff and bulky. Exceptions include pillows filled with a blend of buckwheat hulls and softer material that provides more cushioning, such as the Sachi Organics Rejuvenation Pillow listed in our top picks.
Pressure Relief
Side sleeping usually requires more pillow loft to ensure the head and neck are aligned with the spine. With a high volume of hulls, buckwheat pillows can alleviate pressure for side sleepers very well. Back sleeping promotes spinal alignment, so this position does not need as much loft to reduce pressure for sleepers.
Shape
Like other types of pillows sold in North America, buckwheat pillows are typically sold in standard, queen, and king sizes. Some brands also offer smaller sizes inspired by traditional sobakawa pillows from Japan. Body pillows with buckwheat hulls are very rare, but they are available through select brands.
Price
The average buckwheat pillow in a queen or king size costs between $50 and $150. Shoppers can usually save some money by choosing a smaller, traditional sobakawa size. When buying hulls in bulk, you’ll usually pay $5 to $15 per pound; in some cases, you’ll pay less per pound by buying shipments of 10 pounds or more.
Quality Materials
Buckwheat hulls are very durable but the pillows will eventually flatten, so you’ll likely need to make at least one bulk hull purchase before the pillow reaches the end of its lifespan. Also be sure to check the cover composition. Common materials for buckwheat pillow covers include standard cotton, organic cotton, and rayon from bamboo.
Moldability
The hulls mold quite closely to the body. Many liken the feel of a buckwheat pillow to that of a very firm beanbag. Since the hulls are so small, the pillow will contour quite closely to the head and neck to deliver enhanced support and pressure relief.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature neutrality is a major strength of these pillows. The hulls promote steady airflow throughout the interior and do not trap body heat like other fill materials (such as foam). Most buckwheat pillows have breathable cover materials, as well.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Buckwheat Pillows?
Buckwheat pillows offer adjustable loft, strong support, and great overall durability. However, many people find these pillows excessively firm; we recommend trying out a buckwheat pillow as part of a sleep trial before finalizing your purchase to ensure it won’t feel too stiff for your head and neck.
Pros and cons for buckwheat pillows include the following:
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Who Is Best Suited to a Buckwheat Pillow?
Anyone who wants exceptional firmness and strong support for their head and neck is very well suited to a buckwheat pillow. Since these pillows have adjustable loft, you’ll be able to customize how thick your pillow feels on a nightly basis. Other sleepers who are or are not well suited to buckwheat pillows include the following:
- Side Sleepers: By molding to the head and neck while maintaining strong support, a lofty buckwheat pillow can promote spinal alignment for side sleepers. Flatter pillows can negatively affect spinal alignment, so side sleepers typically feel more pressure when using them. The best buckwheat pillow for neck pain will support your head and neck without sinking too much, ensuring even alignment.
- Back Sleepers: Back sleepers tend to feel most comfortable on buckwheat pillows with medium loft. This ensures their head and neck lie on an even plane with the rest of their body, which can cut down on pressure points and prevent pain from developing around the shoulders.
- Those with Allergies: Some people have buckwheat allergies but this condition is fairly rare. Buckwheat pillows can also serve as comfortable alternatives for people with allergies to latex, down, feathers, and other pillow fill materials.
- Hot Sleepers: Buckwheat pillows sleep exceptionally cool. The hulls will not absorb and trap body heat like foam or down, and air circulates freely throughout the interior. Most of these pillows also include covers made from breathable fabrics.
Who is not suited:
- Those Who Prefer Plush Pillows: Even when the hull fill is supplemented with softer materials such as wool or cotton batting, buckwheat pillows generally feel quite firm. This is considered their most polarizing characteristic. Many people love the exceptional firmness and support, but others simply find the pillows uncomfortable and excessively stiff.
- Stomach Sleepers: Most stomach sleepers prefer low to medium loft for their pillow. If the pillow is too thick, it can force the head and neck to rest at an uncomfortable angle. Stomach sleepers typically prefer a plusher feel, as well. Some stomach sleepers find buckwheat pillows quite comfortable, but they are in the minority.
- Light Sleepers: The pillow will produce a soft rustling sound as the hulls contour to the head and neck. This can disrupt sleep for people who awaken easily due to noise.
Which Buckwheat Pillow Sizes Are Available?
Most buckwheat pillow brands offer a selection of sizes, including western and traditional options. At the same time, buckwheat pillows are not as widely sold as most pillow types and you may be limited to a small number of sellers based on your budget. Sizes for buckwheat pillows include the following:
- Standard: A standard rectangular pillow typically measures 20 inches wide by 26 inches long, though there is some variability from brand to brand. One of the most popular pillow sizes, the standard is ideal for people who mostly remain still while sleeping and don’t toss, turn, or change positions too often.
- Super Standard: A super standard measures 20 inches wide by 28 inches long. This size is best suited to people who enjoy the standard size but want a couple extra inches of space, but super standards are not particularly common.
- Queen: A queen size pillow usually measures 20 inches wide by 30 inches long. Queens, like standards and kings, are quite popular and widely available. This size is a good “middle of the road” option if you find standards too narrow and kings too wide.
- King: Most king size pillows measure 20 inches wide by 36 inches long. This size is optimal for people who toss and turn or change sleep positions rather frequently. If you share your mattress with someone, you will need a wider bed to accommodate two king size pillows.
- Body: Buckwheat body pillows are quite rare but they are available through certain sellers. Since the hulls mold closely, these pillows are actually quite conducive to side sleeping and snuggling with a pillow. However, buckwheat body pillows are very heavy and can weigh more than 20 pounds when full to capacity.
- Specialty: In keeping with the traditional sobakawa design, many buckwheat pillow brands offer “Japanese” or “personal” sizes that are a bit smaller than the standard. They can be used for sleeping if you don’t need much width, and they also work well as knee and leg bolsters.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average buckwheat pillow costs $50 to $150 in a standard or queen size, making these models somewhat expensive compared to other pillow types. Most brands also offer hulls in bulk for about $5 to $15 per pound.
To clean a buckwheat pillow, first you must completely empty the hulls; we recommend placing them in a sturdy container such as a plastic bucket or bin. For most models, the cover will be made of cotton, rayon from bamboo, or other machine washable fabrics, making it easy to clean at home. Never attempt to wash the hulls.
Buckwheat pillows are somewhat rare but their increasing popularity has led to wider availability in North America. If you’re looking for a traditional size, consider buying the pillow from a company that is based in Japan; some domestic brands offer these sizes, but they are not as common.
With proper care and maintenance, buckwheat pillows can last a very long time. Cover deterioration is typically the biggest issue with longevity. As the fabric wears out over time, you may need to replace the cover. The hulls are quite durable and buckwheat pillow brands usually offer extra hulls in bulk.
Buckwheat pillows are completely adjustable for loft and support. Simply add or remove the hulls to change how thick the pillow is. However, most buckwheat pillows are very firm regardless of how many hulls you use, so their feel cannot be adjusted.
The hulls may emit a distinct, earthy odor when the pillow is new. Over time the hulls will lose their smell but it may take a week or longer for the odors to completely dissipate.
Buckwheat pillows can be constructed entirely with natural, plant-based components, making them very eco-friendly compared to pillow types that require synthetic materials. Many buckwheat pillows are organic, meaning the buckwheat plants are grown and harvested without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The cotton used to assemble the cover may be certified as organic if it meets certain criteria, as well.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
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