The Best Buckwheat Pillows of 2021 – Comfort by Nature

The traditional Japanese Sobakawa pillow, made with buckwheat hulls, has become quite popular in the United States. Buckwheat hulls are the outer casings pulled from buckwheat kernels. Pillows filled with buckwheat hulls are firm, but flexible enough to closely conform to the head, neck and shoulders. 

This benefits people by aligning the spine to relieve many of the aches and pains people often wake up with. Buckwheat pillows also provide sleepers with comfortable airflow and temperature for a good night’s sleep. You can also adjust the pillow’s thickness and firmness to your liking by adding or removing hulls. The best buckwheat pillows come with organic cotton covers, which means they’re eco-friendly and a great all-natural alternative to foam or feather pillows.  

This article will reveal our choices for the very best buckwheat pillows currently on the market. In doing so, we will tell you all you need to know about buckwheat hull pillows so that you can choose the one that can best meet your needs.

The Best Buckwheat Pillows

Comfy Sleep Premium Buckwheat Pillow Review

The Comfy Sleep Premium Buckwheat Pillow is filled with organically grown buckwheat hulls that have been thoroughly cleaned with pressurized air to remove all dirt and dust. Its soft and durable cover is made of 100% organic cotton that has been milled in Texas. Since no chemicals are used to produce the hulls or cotton, the product has no irritating chemical smell and will not cause any type of allergic reaction. This handmade pillow is manufactured in the USA.

The Comfy Sleep comes in 4 different sizes that you can choose from Standard, Traditional, Classic, and Classic Plus, which are smaller than regular down-filled or feather-filled pillows. However, you are given 1 lb. of additional buckwheat so that you can adjust the thickness. A hidden zipper allows you to easily add or remove the filling to get the softness and support that is most comfortable for you.  

Buckwheat hulls are strong and durable so you can expect the product to last as long as ten years. While the ComfySleep Premium Buckwheat Pillow does cost a bit more than its counterparts, it offers the highest quality. With the perfect amount of support from buckwheat hulls, you won’t wake up with morning neck pain and stiffness. It is, overall, a great investment in the future.

NaturesPillows Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow Review

The NaturesPillows Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow (Sobakawa) is filled with buckwheat hulls and has a 100% organic cotton cover, which is nice and soft. This odorless pillow is made in the U.S. of all-natural materials with no additives.

The NaturesPillows comes in a Standard 12” x 19” size, which is about 2/3 the size of a regular-sized pillow and works well for travel. It also comes in a 20” x 29” Jumbo size, which is about the same as a Queen size.

To make the Sobakawa affordable, there is no zipper opening so you can’t adjust the size by adding or removing the hulls, which is probably why this product gets mixed reviews. But, the pillow does support the cervical spine really well, which is necessary for a good night’s sleep.

To keep it clean, you would need to cut open a seam to remove and wash the cotton cover since the pillow comes without a zipper. However, it would make more sense to keep the entire pillow inside a washable pillowcase. 

All in all, we believe the NaturesPillows Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow is well worth the investment, and here’s why: 

- You can use it in a number of different ways. You will get the helpful information sheet that describes the Sobakawa’s versatility. In addition to sleeping with the pillow, you can use it for added comfort while driving, stretching, doing yoga, or just relaxing with a book.
- It is firm enough to support your head and neck while conforming to your shape and naturally aligning your body.
- The affordable price means this pillow would not be a risky purchase for most. 

T2pillows Buckwheat Travel Pillow Review

Buckwheat pillows are perfect for travelers, especially for people who get headaches and neck pain from airplane seats. Unfortunately, most of them are just too bulky and heavy to fit in a suitcase.

T2pillows have solved this problem by creating their travel pillow. It measures just 10” x 16,” weighs 1.5 lbs and also comes with a cable tie so you can easily attach it to the outside of your suitcase. Being much smaller than a standard-size, it also works well as a support for yoga postures.

The T2pillows Buckwheat Travel Pillow is softer than most other options on our list, which some people like while others prefer something firmer. The company is aware of this complaint and will send any dissatisfied customer additional buckwheat hulls upon request. The pillow is made with an inner zippered pouch that allows you to add more filling to make it fuller and firmer.

Since buckwheat hulls are 100% natural, this product makes a great choice for eco-conscious shoppers who prefer sustainable products. The T2pillows Buckwheat Travel Pillow is also easy to keep clean because an outer organic cotton cover can be removed and machine washed. The manufacturer also offers customers a 60-day return policy, which includes a full refund. 

Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow Review

If you expect to have a good night’s sleep, you need to be comfortable and finding the right pillow size is essential. Unfortunately, not all brands have a decent selection of sizes; in fact, most don’t. The Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow is the rare exception because it comes in five different size options:

King: 20” x 36”
Queen: 20” x 30”
Twin/Standard: 20” x 26”
Japanese: 14” x 20”
Travel/Child: 11” x 16”

Each pillow is filled with 100% organic buckwheat hulls, grown in the U.S. and has an unbleached 100% cotton cover. People who tend to get hot during the night would definitely benefit from the breathability of the cotton cover as well as the adjustability of the loft. You can always buy buckwheat hulls in bulk from Beans72 if you want to increase the thickness or loft of your pillow.

The Beans72 is recommended for relieving typical sleeping problems like; muscle tension and pain, stiff neck, stress, and headaches. In addition to the standard model, you can also get an aromatherapy pillow containing a combination of crushed lavender and buckwheat hulls.
  
The Beans72 Organic buckwheat pillow tend to be priced lower than similar models from other brands, which makes it a bargain. Better yet, the manufacturer offers a rare 30-night sleep trial. If you’re not satisfied with your product for any reason, you can return it within that timeframe for a full refund. 

Sachi Organics Buckwheat Cylinder Neck Pillow Review

The Sachi Organics Buckwheat Cylinder Neck Pillow consistently conforms to the shape of your head, neck, and shoulders to relieve aches and pains while preventing new pressure points from forming. It provides the firm support and additional pressure relief due to its special cylindrical shape. The pillow elevates the head while cradling the neck, which is great for people who suffer from chronic discomfort in the cervical area.

You can use the Sachi Organics as a regular pillow for your bed or while you read or watch TV. It can also be used as a leg or knee support and taken on the road due to its smaller size. What's more, each pillow has a zippered opening that allows users to adjust the loft and thickness by adding or removing the hulls.

The Sachi Organics Buckwheat Cylinder Neck Pillow has a soft, breathable cover made of organic cotton that keeps sleepers fairly cool throughout the night. In line with the company’s name, everything about this product is organic, including the U.S. grown buckwheat hulls. Sachi Organics offers a 30-day return period for all their pillows.

PineTales Premium Organic Buckwheat Pillow Review

Most buckwheat pillows tend to sleep cool due to the increased air circulation and breathable cotton covers, and the PineTales Premium Organic Buckwheat Pillow is no exception. Its cover is made of a blend of cotton and rayon bamboo fabric. 

While rayon is a synthetic material, rayon fabric made of bamboo is light and breathable. This enhances the cooling qualities of cotton. Because the covers are waterproof, they can also wick away perspiration when temperatures go up. Furthermore, the PineTales only uses materials that are both hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. 

Filled with 100% organic buckwheat hulls, this pillow is completely adjustable. The machine-washable inner cover and bamboo outer cover both come with zippered openings. This works well for any sleeping position and especially for people with neck pain or spine problems. It may also eliminate posture induced headache. 

PineTales also offers pillows that contain:

- crushed lavender added to the buckwheat hulls for sleepers who also want the benefits of aromatherapy

- a combination of buckwheat hulls and shredded memory foam added to provide pressure relief

Each PineTales Premium Organic Buckwheat Pillow has one inner shell filled with 100% organic buckwheat hulls and one bamboo fabric outer cover and backed by a 30-day trial with free returns. 

Buying Guide for Finding the Best Buckwheat Pillow to Meet Your Needs

Introduction to Buckwheat Pillows

What is buckwheat and why is it being used in pillows? Buckwheat is a common farm plant grown for its seeds, which are commonly used in animal feed. Buckwheat seeds in powdered form is also used for making bread. However, the seeds are not used in buckwheat pillows. The thin hard outer shell surrounding the grain called the hull is what’s used in buckwheat hull pillows. 

Buckwheat pillows are filled with tens of thousands of buckwheat seed hulls, which can contour to the head, neck and shoulders to properly align your spine throughout the night. Buckwheat hulls are cup shaped with a triangular casing. Buckwheat hull pillows are sufficiently firm with enough softness to be comfortable. These pillows have been widely used in Asian cultures to reduce anxiety and stress as part of the overall treatment of body and mind as one. 

Size Options

These are the commonly available sizes for buckwheat pillows: 

Note: No specific measurements were given in this section so I pulled them from the original content provided for the Beans72 pillows: Travel/Child (11W” x 16L”), Japanese (14W” x 20L”), Twin/Standard (20W” x 26L”), Queen (20W” x 30L”), and King (20W” x 36L”).

Twin/Standard: A Twin/Standard-sized pillow measures 20” x 26”, which is the smallest non-specialty size. This is the most popular size and the least expensive. 

Queen: A Queen-sized pillow measures 20” x 30”, which is 4” longer than a Twin/Standard-sized pillow and perfect for people who find a Twin/Standard pillow too small and for those who tend to move around a lot while sleeping. 

King: A King-sized pillow measures 20” x 36”, which is 10” longer than a Twin/Standard-sized pillow. This allows people who switch positions throughout the night additional space. King-sized pillows also work well as backrests for those who sit up while watching TV or reading in bed. 

Specialty Sizes: Some buckwheat pillow brands offer smaller sizes, which are more in line with the smaller people who populate the countries where buckwheat pillows are most widely used, like South Korea and Japan. For example, Beans72 offers 5 different size options, which include a Travel/Child size that measures 11” x 16” and a Japanese size that measures 14” x 20”. Both of these are smaller than a Twin/Standard-sized buckwheat pillow and substantially smaller than a Queen or King-sized pillow, which they also sell.

Pros of Buckwheat Hull Pillows

Thousands of users have reported that consistently sleeping with a buckwheat pillow provides them with a good night’s sleep as well as pain relief. Everyone is different but a buckwheat hull pillow has certainly been the answer for many. 

Improved Sleep

The reason buckwheat pillows are so popular is because they definitely support good sleep posture and proper spinal alignment. People who sleep on their stomach or back benefit from a thin pillow that holds their head evenly between their shoulders, but that also gives them support in the space where their neck arches. Side sleepers benefit from having their head held high evenly between their shoulders with a pillow that has sufficient filling to support the neck area. 

A buckwheat hull pillow is flexible while still being firm enough to comfortably contour to the shape of the head, neck and shoulders. This supports proper cervical alignment so that the body can relax more easily for a deeper, more restful sleep.  

Less Snoring

People often snore because they have poor sleep posture. While a buckwheat pillow cannot keep everyone from snoring, especially if you snore due to sleep apnea, it can improve your sleep posture so that your airways can remain open, which can reduce and even eliminate snoring.  

If you cannot relax your neck muscles during the night because you lack the proper support or your head is resting too high, or falls back too far, these issues can lead to block airways, which can cause snoring. Your airway is naturally aligned with your cervical spine, so you need to keep this alignment intact when sleeping to keep your airway open. However, if you snore no matter which position you sleep in, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor about a possible underlying cause. 

Muscle, Ligament & Tendon Support

Neck and back pain (not due to injury or illness) are primarily caused by poor sleep posture. A good buckwheat hull pillow can properly support your head and neck while you sleep so that your spine is correctly aligned and supported so that you can truly relax. Your spine supports your central nervous system, which makes everything else function. This is why proper alignment is so important. 

The muscles, ligaments and tendons that support your head, neck and spine can become tired during the night and try compensating for each other, resulting in tenderness and pain. Unless you have the proper support throughout the night, this can cause sleeplessness, neck pain, headaches and worse. Buckwheat pillows can provide you with the support you need during sleep. 

Good Airflow Means a Cool Night’s Sleep

Buckwheat hulls are smooth, triangular in shape, with a slightly cupped center, which creates a tiny air pocket. With tens of thousands of hulls filling a pillow you have excellent airflow, which means a cool night’s sleep. The hulls themselves do not compress, do not get warm or hold heat, so this really is the perfect pillow for people who get too warm at night. 

May Relieve Migraine Headaches

Many studies have been done trying to determine the causes of migraine headaches. Most have focused on spinal alignment, pressure and pain points, airway support and soft tissue strain. While the causes may vary, many people have reported a reduction in the number of migraines and less pain when they’ve slept with a buckwheat pillow. 

Hypoallergenic & Dust Mite Resistant

Buckwheat pillows contain no food sources whatsoever, which means they do not attract insects, nor do they create the kind of environment prone to allergens. For these reasons buckwheat hull pillows are considered hypoallergenic as well as dust mite resistant, especially because they offer excellent airflow. However, if you are extremely sensitive to plants, especially ones that may be used to feed animals, it would be best to speak to your doctor before buying a buckwheat pillow. There are very few reports of anyone having an allergic reaction to one of these pillows. 

Durable & Long Lasting

The average buckwheat pillow can last as long as 10 years if properly taken care of. How long the pillow lasts would largely depend on how well made the pillow is and the quality and thickness of the fabric. Solidly sewn seams along with heavy-duty zippers can go a long way towards keeping the hulls inside. Over time, the hulls can start wearing down, but adjustable buckwheat pillows can be easily refreshed by adding new hulls, which can be purchased from the brands that sell adjustable pillows. 

Adjustable

The best buckwheat pillows are adjustable, which means that you can customize the pillow to your liking by adding or removing hulls. No two bodies are made exactly the same, so an adjustable pillow is essential if you want your head and neck to be properly aligned and to accommodate your sleep position. Side sleepers typically need a higher pillow, whereas back and stomach sleepers need a thinner pillow. In fact, stomach sleepers need hardly any lift so it would be important have the ability to remove hulls if you’re this type of sleeper. This is why adjustable buckwheat pillows are the most popular, but not all brands offer this option. 

Eco-friendly

Foam pillows are not at all good for the environment. They’re difficult to dispose of and the chemicals used to manufacture them are heavy pollutants. Now that you know this you will likely want to buy an environmentally friendly pillow, which is exactly what a buckwheat hull pillow is. In fact, most of these pillows are made with organically sourced buckwheat hulls, which means you will not be exposed to any toxic chemicals or pesticides when using one. Nearly all of them also use 100% cotton or some other organic fabric for their casings, which may even make them vegan. Since manufacturing these pillows is quite simple, most manufacturers that make them are eco-friendlier than others. 

Cons of Buckwheat Pillows

There are hardly any cons when it comes to buckwheat pillows. The worst issue you could have would be if you bought a poor-quality pillow that didn’t last very long. But you can easily avoid that by researching the brand and their products before buying. However, there are some things you may want to consider before making a purchase because buckwheat hull pillows are designed differently. Plus, they are rarely found in retail stores so you would likely have to place your order online. 

Takes Time to Adapt To

You’ve likely spent your lifetime sleeping on pillows filled with feathers, fibers or foams, which means it may take you a while to get used to sleeping on a buckwheat hull pillow. Although these pillows offer contouring and cushioning, they do not move with you, but rather hold your head and neck in place. We recommend that you allow yourself 5 days to adapt to a new buckwheat pillow. We also recommend that you get an adjustable pillow so that you have time to determine the exact amount of filling that will make you comfortable. People who have done this say it is well worth the trouble because you’ll have a customized pillow in the end. The best buckwheat pillows are adjustable. 

Natural Earthy Odor

Buckwheat does smell. It has a natural earthy odor that many people find aromatic and somewhat calming. Depending on how the pillow is packaged, you may find it a little strong when you first open the box. Or, you may not notice any smell at all if the hulls have been roasted. Some people do not like the smell, but fortunately it dissipates quickly. Until then, you can add dried lavender or other herbs to make your buckwheat pillow more aromatic. 

A Little Noisy

When you first lay your head down on a buckwheat hull pillow you will hear a little rustling noise. It’s very slight and most people get used to the crunching sound over time. In the meantime, it may be a little distracting. Since the pillow holds your head in place, you really shouldn’t notice the noise once you’ve settled in. However, if you’re a restless sleeper who moves around a lot, that’s different. The good news is that you can easily shape a buckwheat pillow to comfortably support your head, neck and shoulders, so you should be able to get to sleep fairly quickly. 

Not Washable

You cannot wash buckwheat. Although the hulls will not absorb the water, it will weaken them so your pillow will lose its durability. Buckwheat pillows are quite heavy so tossing it in the washing machine will permanently unbalance your washer. However, the removable covers are washable and should be regularly washed, but make sure you do this according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Heavy

Buckwheat pillows can weigh up to 12 lbs. and that’s a lot for a pillow. They are also not ideal for propping up to lean back on while watching TV because gravity is just going to pull the hulls down to the bottom. And as far as pillow fights go, these pillows are just too heavy to throw around like that. 

Who would benefit most from using a buckwheat pillow?

Buckwheat pillows are most beneficial to the following:

• Back and side-sleepers: The pillow’s secure surface along with its ability to conform to the shape of the head, neck and shoulders allows it to adequately support those areas for a good night’s sleep. 
• People who get hot in their sleep: Buckwheat pillows have excellent airflow and retain little body heat, offering a cool night’s sleep. 
• Snorers: Buckwheat pillows offer excellent head support, keeping the airways open and reducing snoring. 

• People with allergies: If you are allergic to latex, down or feathers, which most pillow fillings consist of, you would certainly benefit from a buckwheat hull pillow. 

Who is UNLIKELY to benefit from a buckwheat pillow?

Buckwheat hull pillows may not work well for the following: 

• People who like snuggling with their pillow: Buckwheat pillows are too rigid to be snuggled up with since they are designed to support the head, neck and shoulders. 

• Light sleepers: People who wake up at the slightest noise may not sleep well hearing the rustling sound of buckwheat hulls. 

• People who avoid lifting heavy items: A buckwheat pillow will weigh at least 10 lbs., so anyone who cannot easily lift this weight would not appreciate such a heavy pillow. 

Features of a Good Quality Buckwheat Hull Pillow

Even the best buckwheat pillows tend to be quite basic, even if they have a certain sophistication. If you’re shopping for a new pillow you should definitely consider a buckwheat pillow with the following features: 

High-Quality Hulls

The quality of the hulls is of utmost importance, whether in a ready-made pillow or bought separately. Since buckwheat hulls are natural product, low-quality hulls may have dirt, dust, mold spores and other plant debris in the mixture. Low-quality hulls may also come crushed or covered in buckwheat powdered meal. Look for thoroughly cleaned certified organic hulls that are chemical and additive-free. A high-quality buckwheat pillow will serve you well for years to come. 

Removable Cotton, Silk or Bamboo Pillowcase

The best buckwheat pillows have a separate removable pillowcase that can be machine washed is important. It also makes the pillow softer and more comfortable to sleep with. The best fabric choices are cotton, silk or bamboo. 

Zippered Opening

When your pillow has a zippered opening, you can adjust your pillow by adding or removing hulls to achieve the thickness and loft you prefer. You can also replace the hulls as your pillow gets older as the best buckwheat pillow brands sell the hulls separately. 

Travel Bag

If you like taking your pillow with you when traveling, a separate travel bag for your buckwheat pillow would certainly be helpful. 

Additional Hulls

The best buckwheat pillows come with a bag of additional hulls that can be used to increase the thickness and loft of the pillow or for replacement hulls as needed. 

Higher Price

Comparatively speaking, buckwheat pillows tend to cost more than most other types of pillows. The average buckwheat pillow will have a price tag of $50 to $75, although some exceed $100. At these prices they are less expensive than down-filled pillows or organic cotton, but more expensive than the very popular foam-filled pillows on the market today. 

How to Adjust to Sleeping on a Buckwheat Pillow

Buckwheat pillows were originally intended for back sleepers, yet there are a lot of side sleepers who prefer them as well. On the other hand, people who sleep on their stomach have difficulty getting comfortable with this choice even though the pillow can be adjusted. 

Sleeping with a buckwheat pillow is unlike sleeping with any other type of pillow, but many people grow to prefer it over time. It usually takes a little time getting used to it because they tend to be firm and are a little noisy when you move around. 

We recommend that you try it out for a couple of nights and just add or remove hulls until you feel comfortable. You may need to move the hulls around a little so it can conform to your head, neck and shoulders. If you tend to shift positions while sleeping, you may need to keep adjusting your pillow. 

Taking Care of Your Buckwheat Pillow

It is always best to keep a pillowcase over your buckwheat pillow so that it won’t get dirty. However, at some point in time your pillow might need to be cleaned as accidents can happen. 

You cannot throw your buckwheat pillow into the washing machine as the water will ruin the hulls inside the pillow. However, the best buckwheat pillows do come with a washable removable cover that can be tossed in the washing machine. And, should your buckwheat hulls get wet, they can be set out in the sun on a hot day to dry. 

Instructions for Washing a Buckwheat Pillow

1. In addition to your pillow, you will need a clean pillowcase and a string or ribbon. 
2. Place your buckwheat pillow on a table or other flat surface. Make sure the zippered end of the pillow is at the opening of the pillowcase. 
3. The pillowcase needs to be completely tucked under the pillow. 
4. Unzip the zipper at the end of the pillow. 
5. Pull the pillowcase completely around the pillow to catch the hulls falling out of the pillow. Empty out all the hulls into the pillowcase. If you turn the pillow cover inside out you can get them all, including the ones in the corners. 
6. Use the string or ribbon to tie up the end of the pillowcase to keep the hulls from spilling out. Most buckwheat pillow covers are machine washable, but there may be some shrinkage if you’re not careful. To minimize this, use cold water when washing and hang to dry. 
7. When the cover is clean and dry, use the same process to place the hulls back into the pillow. 

What if the hulls inside the pillow need cleaning?

Accidents happen so if your child spilled his/her milk on your pillow, soaking the hulls they’re going to need replacing. When buckwheat hulls get drenched, they totally lose their shape. Moreover, it would be impossible to get the milk or any other liquid completely out, so mold would likely develop even if the hulls dried out. 

However, if the hulls just got a little damp from a tiny drop of water or from a humid environment, you can dry them out by spreading them on a flat clean cloth placed in a bright sunny spot. Do not do this if there is any breeze or wind blowing through your windows. 

How to Rejuvenate & Refresh Buckwheat Hulls

1. Choose a clean container large enough to hold all the hulls in your pillow if you are refreshing all of them. 
2. Slowly pour the hulls into the container, spreading them out evenly. 
3. Place the container in a sunny window for several hours, periodically stirring them. If you have kids at home or pets wandering around, make sure the container cannot be disturbed. 

It is recommended that buckwheat pillows be placed in the sun a couple of times a year for a few hours each time. This can be inside in front of a warm window or in a safe place outside. The sun’s warmth will refresh your pillow. Just make sure you don’t do this on a damp or rainy day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I determine which size buckwheat pillow would be right for me?

For most people, we recommend the standard size 20” x 29”. It’s by far the most popular size and it works with any standard bedding sets and pillow cases. We think it’s the perfect size for every-night use. Many people use the smaller size for travel and it is great for kids too. The smaller size is also closer to traditional japanese-size pillows. The king size can be just as comfortable, and works great with your king size bedding.

Note: To be consistent with the Standard size mentioned previously in this article, which is 20” x 26”, that’s what I put in my rewrite below in BLACK. The Standard size in the original content here above in RED (20” x 29”) is closer to the Queen size, which is 20” x 30”. I think you need to be consistent throughout your article to avoid confusion so this should be researched. 

We recommend that most people buy the Standard size pillow, which measures 20” x 26”. This is clearly the most popular size for buckwheat pillows and fits Standard-sized bedding sets, including pillowcases. Travelers naturally prefer a smaller size, which works well for children as well. Also, a smaller sized pillow is more in line with the size of traditional Japanese buckwheat pillows. If you have a King-sized bed, a King-sized pillow would be appropriate. 

How long can I expect my buckwheat pillow to last?

Just as with most things, how long your pillow lasts will mainly depend on how well you take care of it and if it’s made of quality materials. The average buckwheat pillow will last for 3 years since the hulls are quite durable. But with good care, the best buckwheat pillows have been known to last as long as 10 years. 

Are buckwheat pillows soft and squishy or firm?

If you are looking for something soft and squishy, then a buckwheat pillow would definitely not be an option because these pillows are firm. However, what makes this pillow great is that the hulls conform your head, neck and shoulders, offering comfortable support so, it doesn’t feel like a hard pillow. 

I’ve heard that buckwheat pillows are noisy. Is this true?

They do make a slight rustling noise when you first lay your head down and if you move around a lot. It’s really not a problem for most people after sleeping on it for a few nights. 

If I switched to a buckwheat pillow will it relieve my pain?

If you’ve been sleeping on a really soft pillow, switching over to a firmer buckwheat pillow may ease your neck or back pain. It would give you the support you may currently be lacking while you sleep. 

How many bags of buckwheat hulls will I need for one pillow?

There is no exact answer for this because it depends on how thick you want your pillow to be and how tightly you pack the hulls together. Generally speaking, 1 lb. of hulls = 200 cubic inches. A 10-lb. bag would certainly fill a Standard-sized pillow, with some to spare. If you have 2 smaller pillows, one 10-lb. bag would fill them both. 

What’s the best way to adjust the amount of buckwheat fill?

Most people adjust the amount of fill in their buckwheat hull pillows to suit themselves. How much fill there is in the pillow will determine its thickness and malleability. Our pillows are shipped fully stuffed. If the pillow seems too firm or too thick, you can remove hulls to your satisfaction. 

The best way to do this is to stand your pillow on an end so the zipper faces up at you. Open the zipper and using a cup, scoop out the hulls and place them in a storage bag or container. Zip the pillow up again and you’re good to go. Keep at this until you are totally comfortable with your pillow.  

Could I have an allergic reaction to buckwheat hulls?

Buckwheat pillows are generally considered hypoallergenic; however, a tiny percentage of users could have an allergic reaction. This would likely be to the residue from buckwheat flour, which could be present. We are very careful about only buying thoroughly cleaned buckwheat hulls with no flour residue or other foreign contaminants.  

Are bugs attracted to buckwheat pillows?

No matter what scary stories you may have picked up off the Internet, the chances of your buckwheat hull pillow attracting bugs is practically zero. If any of these stories are true, the bugs are likely due to a poor-quality pillow filled with buckwheat that has not been thoroughly cleaned, a cheap product with questionable fillers, poor storage or all of the above. 

Conclusion

The best buckwheat pillows are adjustable so that it can be comfortable for you while offering the support you need to have a healthy and restful night’s sleep. They are orthopedic in nature because they hold the head, neck and spine in proper alignment throughout the night. They can be helpful in reducing neck and back pain, migraine headaches, and snoring. 

These pillows are made of all-natural materials, so they are hypoallergenic as well as dust mite resistant, which is great for people who suffer from asthma or allergies. Because the hulls promote airflow, they are fully breathable with a cooling effect. People who tend to get hot and sweaty at night would definitely benefit from a buckwheat pillow. 

After sleeping on a buckwheat pillow, you will wake up feeling well-rested, refreshed and ready to take on the day with no pain, numbness or stiffness. We’ve given you our recommendations for the best buckwheat pillows on the market today, so you can feel confident in selecting one of our top picks.