What is Buckwheat

Last Updated September 2, 2024

Buckwheat pillows are all the rage on Amazon, but do they really work?

best buckwheat pillows - ultimate guide

The truth is that buckwheat pillows can help you get a better night's sleep. But there are some things to consider before buying one.

In this article, we will tell you what to look for when shopping for a buckwheat pillow and how these pillows compare with other types of bedding in terms of comfort and support. When it comes down to it, buckwheat pillows or sobakawa pillows aren't perfect for everyone—but if you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative to memory foam or traditional cotton fillers, then read on!

natural and organic pillows

As much as 70% of Americans suffer from some sort of sleeping disorder, which makes it hard for them to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. The most common problem with sleeping is neck pain, which can be caused by many things, like activities involving looking down for a long period of time (you know what we are talking about, the never-ending social media feed stretching to infinity),  improper pillow support, poor sleep posture or old age.

Buckwheat pillows are an excellent alternative to synthetic ones because they provide better comfort, durability and overall satisfaction without causing any harm to your health in any way! They have been used in Asia for centuries and their popularity has spread all over the world very quickly due to their effectiveness!

These pillows conform perfectly to your head and neck contours, providing you with maximum support and thus relieving headaches, migraines, neck pain, muscle tension, etc. You can even use these organic pillows as a cervical pillow or even as an orthopedic pillow by adjusting its height according to your needs. The hulls inside this pillow can be adjusted easily so that you can customize it for any purpose

These organic pillows are filled with 100% pure buckwheat hulls, which were used in traditional Asian countries for centuries due to their effectiveness in providing relaxation and relieving stress from the body when placed under the head during sleep. These natural filling materials do not contain any synthetic material, thus making them safe for people who have allergies or skin sensitivities since there is no need to worry about allergic reactions caused by chemicals.

Sleeping trouble

Best Buckwheat pillows

If you are still reading this article, you might have been having trouble sleeping lately. The old pillow you have might be too soft or low, and the new one could be too hard or high. You are so tired of tossing and turning at night but can't find a comfortable pillow that will help you sleep better. It's like Goldilocks and the Three Bears all over again!

Buckwheat pillows are made with real buckwheat hulls, which provide firm support for your head and neck while also being soft enough to cradle it. If you've ever had issues with migraines or headaches, using a buckwheat pillow might be just what you need to finally get some rest every single night!

The problem is that they're not always comfortable for everyone. Some people find them too hard, while others complain about the noise of buckwheat hulls. For some people, due to these reasons, it takes time to get used to it.

Traditional pillows are filled with synthetic materials that clump and flatten over time. Buckwheat hulls' fill conforms to your head's unique shape, providing support where you need it most.

Turmerry buckwheat pillows are made from natural materials that don't break down over time as traditional pillows do. No more waking up with neck pain or a headache or having to fluff your pillow every morning!

Sleep apnea is caused by the collapse of your airway during sleep due to poor sleep position, which results in low oxygen levels throughout the night. This can cause many other problems, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and even metabolic disorders! Although it is not proven, as per many users, sleep apnea is another disorder that can be alleviated by using this type of natural pillow.

They are also cooling, which is perfect for hot sleepers or those who suffer from night sweats or hot flashes. Buckwheat hulls provide ventilation and promote airflow where you need it most (just like memory foam pillows), but without creating a pocket of warm air.

Most buckwheat pillows don't last very long because the fill wears out quickly and falls apart. In fact, many buckwheat pillows only last 2–3 years before they start to break down.

Many complain about the fabric tearing or the buckwheat fill breaking. Keep in mind that buckwheat pillows are very heavy, and regular pillow covers don't hold the weight, so a heavy-duty pillow cover specifically designed for buckwheat is required.

How long do buckwheat and pillows last?

Although you see many brands claiming buckwheat pillows will last 10–20 years, this claim is not entirely true. Buckwheat hull comes from a grain and is a natural material and natural materials are supposed to break down over time! Synthetics can be built to not break down! It's like real food - they go bad even in the refrigerator, but processed foods last longer, sometimes for a century. Does that mean processed foods are better?

natural food

Buckwheat hulls naturally break down over time when used daily and even with the degraded hulls, some people may not notice the break down. Depending on the usage, it can start breaking down in 1-2 years. Most people will not notice this and keep using them for many years.

Depending on your comfort, at some point, if it does not feel right, you will have to replace the pillow or the hulls. In case you have a heavy duty pillow cover, it will reduce the breakdown of the hulls and can be used for many years.

Buckwheat hulls gradually break down and flatten over time, influenced by usage and humidity. It usually takes several years to notice significant degradation. However, flattened or crushed buckwheat hulls can cause minor issues.

Crushed hulls are less able to support the head and the neck, so they can flatten more quickly. However, crushed hulls also have a tendency to clump together, which makes it difficult for air to circulate through them.

If you feel like your pillow needs extra buckwheat hulls, just dump the old ones out on a garden bed and refill with newly bought hulls. Many brands, including ours, offer zippered covers so it is easy to refill them.

Are buckwheat pillow covers made differently?

A buckwheat pillowcase must be well-made in order to last many years. When you talk about the longevity of a buckwheat pillow, it is the quality of the pillowcase that makes all the difference. You must use buckwheat hulls in a tight weave cotton pillow  case. The last thing you want is for your hulls to escape through an ill-fitting pillowcase.

A well-sewn, tight-woven, unbleached cotton pillowcase will help to ensure that your hulls last for years.

It can be quite surprising to discover how many cotton pillowcases on the market do not meet these basic standards, and you will pay a high price for them.

Are buckwheat pillows heavy? What is a good size to buy?

BBuckwheat pillows are very heavy. The weight of a buckwheat pillow is 2-3 times heavier than that of a regular pillow. Therefore, it is important to have a heavy duty cover.

A regular pillow cover might not be able to hold the organic buckwheat pillow and can tear easily. You should always check the stitching of your pillow cover before buying it. The last thing you want is your pillows spilling everywhere.

Weights

Sobakawa buckwheat pillows turmerry

A regular down or foam pillow weighs anywhere from 6 oz for a travel pillow to 2 lbs for a king size. An organic buckwheat travel pillow weighs 2-3 lbs, a mini-size buckwheat sobakawa pillow weighs 3-4 lbs, a standard buckwheat pillow weighs around 6-8 lbs, a queen buckwheat pillow weighs 8-10 lbs, and a king size buckwheat pillow weighs 10-12 lbs.

A Zafu and Zabuton buckwheat pillow set can weigh 20-25 lbs, so you get an idea of how heavy they can be.

How do I clean an organic buckwheat pillow?

Buckwheat pillows are fantastic for comfort and support, but they can get quite dirty after a while. Dirty is not a good look on anyone, so take proper care of your pillow today with these easy tips!

buckwheat pillows standard

You probably want to know how often to wash a buckwheat pillow, so let's start there. The quick answer is that it depends on how dirty your pillow gets and how often you use it. If it's really sweaty from being in bed all night, then 3 weeks might be enough time for pillows to have some bacteria buildup.

However, if you only use the pillow for naps every couple of days, then you might be able to get away with washing it once or twice a year.

latex mattress

Buckwheat hulls cannot be washed or dried in the dryer. We only recommend air drying the hulls to refresh it for accidental spills. For cleaning a buckwheat pillow, remove the hulls and wash just the pillow cover.

The gentle cycle is the best way to wash your buckwheat pillow cover. It's always better to use cold water for cleaning purposes because hot water can damage fabrics and pillows. You can try using a mild detergent in the water, but if you want to avoid any chemicals in your buckwheat pillow, you can also use baking soda or white vinegar instead.

We recommend buying an additional cover for your buckwheat pillow so you can avoid taking out the hulls for washing.

Are buckwheat pillows adjustable?

neck pain buckwheat

If the pillow case has a zippered opening like ours where you can access the hulls, you can adjust the firmness and loft. However, many buckwheat pillows do not have zippers, so you cannot adjust the pillow.

What are the pros and cons of buckwheat pillows?

buckwheat pillow reddit

Pros

Buckwheat pillows offer several benefits, such as lasting for years, providing proper support, and allowing you to adjust firmness by adding or removing hulls. These pillows ensure a comfortable sleep by supporting proper cervical spine alignment, which can help alleviate shoulder pain and neck problems. They are hypoallergenic under the right conditions, environmentally friendly, and excellent for pressure point relief. Fully adjustable, these pillows are often recommended by chiropractors.

Cons

However, buckwheat pillows have some downsides. They can be heavy, noisy, and require an adjustment period. Over time, the hulls may shift, causing the pillow to lose shape. Their firmness might not suit those used to softer options. These pillows are unsuitable for people with buckwheat allergies. Washing them can be tedious, as the hulls need to be removed before cleaning the pillowcase, although an extra pillowcase can simplify this task. Additionally, they do not stand upright, which may affect bed styling.

Organic cotton 400tc sateen zippered pillow case

Does the weight of a buckwheat pillow make it better or worse for my neck?

neck pain pillow

The weight of your buckwheat pillow depends on the size you buy. A standard buckwheat pillow weighs around 6-8 lbs, whereas larger pillows, like our king and queen sizes, weigh 10-12 lbs and 12-15lbs.  The heavier your pillow is, the more support it will provide. However, if you have trouble with heavy pillows, then you should try adjusting to a lighter weight before purchasing one of our larger sizes.

We would recommend choosing between the mini size and the standard size. The mini size is 3-4 lbs and the standard size is 6-8 lbs. So if the mini one seems too light, you can try the standard one, but if it's too heavy for your neck, then stick with the mini one.

Where are buckwheat pillows made?

buckwheat usa made

Our buckwheat pillow hulls are grown in the United States. Depending on availability, we offer both organic and natural (non-organic) buckwheat hulls, with the current type clearly indicated on our product page. Since buckwheat grows without harsh chemicals, both organic and natural hulls work exceptionally well. The pillow cover is made from heavy-duty organic cotton.

What is the best material for pillow cases?

The most popular pillowcase material is cotton. It's thick and provides enough support for your neck. We have organic cotton pillowcases that are about 3-5 times thicker than regular ones, making them the best buckwheat pillow available in the organic market.

Do buckwheat pillows attract bugs?

buckwheat pain relief

The best buckwheat pillows do not attract bugs. They are naturally filled with hulls, the outer shell of the buckwheat seeds, which are clean, dry, and contain no nutrients for the bugs. Although it is not likely that insects or other bugs will be attracted to them, there are stories of people finding bugs in buckwheat pillows.

You should buy buckwheat filling from reliable sources. This can happen if the filling wasn’t properly hulled or cleaned. 

Dust mites commonly live in pillows stuffed with synthetic materials like polyester or cotton. These dust mites can sometimes lead to allergies and asthma, making it more important for you to get a buckwheat pillow. Buckwheat pillows are also susceptible to dust mites if the right conditions exist. According to this research paper, very few dust mites survive if indoor temperatures are lower than 71°F and relative humidity is less than 45%.  Clean your pillows regularly to avoid dust, dirt, and other allergens.

Can I heat or cool buckwheat pillows?

Buckwheat pillow cooling

You can put a buckwheat pillow in the refrigerator or freezer to get a cooling effect if you have problems with heat; however, it's not recommended because it could damage the pillow.

Buckwheat pillow heating

For heating, there are buckwheat neck packs, which means you fill the pack with our buckwheat hulls and heat them in the microwave. Then you can put them on your neck or any part of the body to get a heating effect. Our pillows are not designed to be microwaved.

natural and organic latex mattress topper

Are buckwheat pillows flame retardant?

Buckwheat pillows are not flame retardant nor are they treated with any toxic  flame retardants. They do not catch fire easily but it's recommended to keep them away from open flames or high temperatures.

Do buckwheat pillows stand upright?

hulls

Our hull pillows don't stand upright because the buckwheat hulls would move away from each other and collapse.  If you are into styling your bed like a pro, keep in mind that they don't stand upright.

Are buckwheat hulls the same as millet hulls?

No. Buckwheat hulls and millet hulls are not the same. We use buckwheat hulls as filling for our pillows because they provide constant support since they don't flatten over time like most pillows.

Is buckwheat pillow good for stomach sleepers?

Yes, buckwheat pillows are good for stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers can doze off completely on top of them since they don't sink in much.

Is buckwheat pillow good for side sleepers?

Yes, buckwheat pillow is good for side sleepers.  You need to keep your head on the pillow slightly to one side and not all the way in the center of it.

Is buckwheat pillow good for back sleepers?

Yes, buckwheat is good for back sleepers because it provides support to your neck.

Related blog posts:

1. Best Organic Pillows

Best Organic Pillows

2. How to Take Care of Pillows

How to Take Care of Pillows

3. Your Guide to Buying the Perfect Pillow Case Sizes

Your Guide to Buying the Perfect Pillow Case Sizes

4. What Are the Common Bed Pillow Sizes in the US?

What Are the Common Bed Pillow Sizes in the US?

5. Choosing the Right Pillow for a Good Night’s Sleep

Choosing the Right Pillow for a Good Night’s Sleep

Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.

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