Choose a Buckwheat Pillow for a Good Night's Sleep

by TerriRexson

A buckwheat pillow is filled with natural buckwheat hulls. It's a traditional Japanese approach to a good night's sleep. Great for allergies, comfort and keeping cool.

My partner has had his Buckwheat Hull Pillow for several years now and loves it. We're very skeptical about alternative treatments and health claims so we don't think things are wonderful because they are organic or natural - they need to work!

He reckons the major advantage of this pillow is that it stays cool. He used to wake up regularly and turn his pillow over to sleep on the cool side. He doesn't need to do this any more.

He finds it very comfortable and wouldn't go back to a normal pillow.

What is a Buckwheat Pillow

A Buckwheat Pillow or Buckwheat Hull Pillow is filled with the hard husks of the Asian buckwheat plant. The Japanese have traditionally slept on buckwheat pillows and still do today.

The makers of buckwheat pillows claim a number of health and comfort benefits which we'll look at below. 

They are also known as Sobakawa Pillows after the manufacturer of a well known and trusted manufacturer of the pillows. 

My partner has been sleeping on a buckwheat pillow for years and much prefers it to a soft pillow. My sons call it Dad's crunchy pillow! 

Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow

Also available in Queen (Click through to see price)
Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow - Off-White (20x15")
Natures Pillow
Only $29.95

Advantages of a Buckwheat Pillow

1. Buckwheat pillows claim to be good for allergies. The solid buckwheat hulls don't harbour dust and mites like a soft pillow. This makes logical sense though I haven't seen scientific proof. Make sure you buy a good brand though, if the buckwheat hulls aren't properly washed they can actually cause allergies. 

2. Buckwheat pillows are comfortable and supportive. The buckwheat hulls mold around your heald and neck and leep their position. This is good for reducing snoring as it keeps the airways open. (Again we're still waiting for the scientific studies.)

3. Buckwheat hull pillows are great for keeping cool. Air circulates between the hulls and they are much more comfortable on hot evenings. You can even put them in the fridge or freezer before bed for a real cooling effect. 

Disadvantages of a Buckwheat Pillow

1. These pillows are crunchy, not soft. This may take some getting used to. Some people just won't like it. I don't, but my partner loves the texture and says I'd get used to it if I tried it. 

2. Buckwheat pillows are noisy! I tried a nap on a buckwheat pillow and woke myself up when I rolled over. The buckwheat hulls make a noise when you roll over. I'm sure you get used to this very quickly but it's something to be aware of. 

3. The normal sized pillows are small, this surprises a lot of people. I guess this is the traditional Japanese size for the pillows. You can get larger Standard, Queen and King-sized pillows. It's worth checking the dimensions of a pillow before buying. 

Organic Buckwheat Pillow

Many people prefer to choose an Organic Buckwheat Pillow to be sure of its anti-allergenic and eco credentials. 

These Organic Buckwheat Pillows are filled with 100% US Grown Organic Buckwheat Hulls (this means they don't need to be fumigated with chemicals when entering the country.). They also have a 100% Natural Unbleached Cotton cover so they are fully organic.

We like these pillows because they are available in a standard 20" x 26" size to fit standard and twin pillow cases. They are also available in the smaller traditional Japenese size and larger Queen and King sizes. 

Organic Buckwheat Pillow Standard Size

Twin/Standard Size 20"x26"
Organic Buckwheat Pillow - Twin/ Standard Size (20" x 26")
Beans72 Buckwheat Pillows
Only $79.99

Make your own Buckwheat Pillows

You can buy bags of Organic US-Grown Hulls (being grown in the US means they don't need to be fumigated with chemicals on entry to the US.)

You can use these hulls to top up or refill an existing buckwheat pillow. Or to make your own buckwheat pillow to precisely your size and specification. Buckwheat hulls can be used to fill sleeping pillows and also nursing pillows - they are great for supporting a nursing baby. 

You can buy Bags of Buckwheat Hulls in 1lb, 2lb and 5lb quantities at Amazon. 

Organic Buckwheat Hulls

Loose
Organic Buckwheat Hulls 5 lbs
Beans72 Buckwheat Pillows
Only $44.99

Travel Buckwheat Pillow

Or Child Buckwheat Pillow
Organic Buckwheat Pillow - Travel/ Child Size (11" x 16")
Beans72 Buckwheat Pillows
Only $44.99

A Travel-Sized Buckwheat Pillow

Once you get used to sleeping on a buckwheat pillow, ordinary soft pillows feel strange. Many buckwheat pillow fans pack their own travel pillow when they go to hotels or to stay with friends. This 11" x 16" buckwheat pillow is ideal to pack when you go traveling. 

It also makes a good toddler, preschooler or small child sized buckwheat pillow. If you have a child that doesn't sleep well it might be worth a try. 

Buckwhear Pillows on eBay

Updated: 05/22/2012, TerriRexson
 
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Have you tried a Buckwheat Pillow?

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ohcaroline on 08/03/2011

I sleep on a buckwheat pillow and I find it the best fit for me. I have tried every kind of pillow you can find and this is best. Mine has buckwheat on the bottom side and millet on the top side so it is smoother next to your head. My head stays cooler and I don't feel like I am smothering in some kind of foam.

kajohu on 06/29/2011

I actually bought one of these Buckwheat pillows (Japanese size) a couple months ago, and I like it very much (even though it is loud!). My husband prefers a millet pillow, which is softer and not crunchy-sounding.

irenemaria on 06/26/2011

Very interesting pillow! I never heard of this before

Michey on 06/26/2011

This is interesting and helpful, I guess I need one... Thanks for a useful post.

kimbesa on 06/26/2011

I need another one of these, to keep my head in the right position for a good night's sleep. The cooling factor is also very important to me...thanks!


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