For those looking for an all-natural pillow designed for comfortable, cool and consistent rest you definitely want a sobakawa buckwheat pillow. The seeds of the plant are harvested, hulled, and ground to make noodles and other flour-based foods. A handful of clouds… err… microbeads. This pillow is NOT made with buckwheat hulls, but instead uses polystyrene microbeads as a filling.
This is not a pillow you can run through the wash. For starters, it is way too heavy and would most definitely throw your washer out of balance, but it also would damage the hulls and create a mess. Buckwheat hulls can dry out pretty easily, but prolonged exposure to moisture and soaking can ruin the integrity of their durability. If you do happen to get the pillow wet, be sure to dry it out completely by placing in the sun or any place where it can air out.
Also periodically flip it and shake it up to allow for circulating air to all the hulls. The cover that comes with the pillow is machine washable and dryable, and since it serves as a protective barrier, is pretty effective in keeping humidity, oils, and dirt away from your pillow. Plus, you should use it with another pillowcase as well. Many reviews are from repeat customers who are replacing old pillows or buying for the first time due to their longevity.
Comments surround the comfort the pillow lends overall, how well it supports the head and neck, and the overall quality and durability. Many people who have experienced neck and back problems have a tendency to lean towards this type of support to alleviate pain and keep their head stable while sleeping.
They also claim it aides in snoring which I ran a trial on as well- see results below. Owners like to shape it to fit their heads and neck, and they prefer the smaller size and mention they never feel as if they needed something larger. It also is a much cooler sleep according to many people who sleep hot.
The slight rustling sound it makes as the hulls move around takes a bit to get used to, as does the overall feel, but most people compliment it first on the quality and mention it is worth taking the time to do so. And, as mentioned earlier, there is some confusion over the terminology used concerning pillow size. In particular, I was interested in this pillow as it claims to be more of a traditional copycat than other versions in the industry.
Usually, I look for malleable pillow choices that allow me to adjust during the night if I shift positions or get uncomfortable. If I do find myself in a good, supported position I usually will sleep through the night uninterrupted. For my smaller stature I definitely would benefit from an overall thinner choice, but for many people, this may serve as an excellent stomach sleeping pillow.
The husks did not create any pressure on my face and gave well to my ear and jawline to provide a gentle cradle. I also was able to easily rest my shoulder on the side of the pillow, which was nice as most pillows create a sloping sensation if I rest my shoulder against it. This is an absolute go-to back napping pillow for me now.
I regularly nap on my back on the floor to stretch it out, and this pillow cradles my head perfectly, and in alignment with my spine. I often feel the lower back strain and neck pain when laying on my back for too long if the pillow is not supportive of my spine. I also often feel pressure on the back of my head and will get a headache from it.
With this pillow, I never felt any of this. The hulls shaped well under my head and neck, and it provided even better support when I shaped it a little prior to laying down on it. The smaller size of the pillow really allowed me to get the hulls where I needed them without making me feel as if there was too much bunched up around my head. I also enjoyed the gentle pressure it provided on the back of my neck.
Plus, like when on my stomach, if my shoulders pressed into the pillow it gave beneath and shaped around them. Shaping the pillow to fit your head and neck is easy, and with just a little movement you can settle your head and neck perfectly into the pillow for excellent spinal alignment.
Your shoulder tucks in nicely against the pillow, your head is completely encompassed between the hulls for support, and your neck is held perfectly where you need it without any shifting. This size pillow was exactly what I was hoping a smaller buckwheat filled pillow would feel like. It was the right height and not too wide, which limited the space the hulls move within to keep them where they are needed. Since this type of pillow holds claims surrounding snoring and back and neck relief, I thought I would pass it on to a few other people who have sleep issues to see how well they liked it.
I also was curious to see how well the size of it held up to the scrutiny of much larger people than me. As for the snoring issue, I decided to apply it to my own son who is a horrible snorer when he sleeps on his back. I know with certainty it is due to his posture as he will stop snoring if I remove his pillow. I had him nestle his head into this pillow and fit it under his neck. He said it was loud the movement of the hulls , but he drops off to sleep quickly on a regular basis and did so on this occasion as well.
I also lent it to a friend who is much larger than me and sleeps on their side. He also is a snorer, but I was more interested in his take on the size, and, as expected, the first comment he made was concerning how small it looked. Since I told him not to let the size deceive him, he took it for a few weeks to get used to and ease into its use. The comment he sent follows:. I slept really well once I allowed myself to relax into it and I would recommend it for anyone who sleeps on their side.
Body pillows with buckwheat hulls are very rare, but they are available through select brands. Shoppers can usually save some money by choosing a smaller, traditional sobakawa size. 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. Buckwheat pillows offer adjustable loft, strong support, and great overall durability. Anyone who wants exceptional firmness and strong support for their head and neck is very well suited to a buckwheat pillow.
Other sleepers who are or are not well suited to buckwheat pillows include the following:. 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:. 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. 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.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products. Are you in the market for a pillow that alleviates shoulder pain?
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Updated September 1, Written by Lauren Fountain. Product Details. Best Overall Hullo Buckwheat Pillow. Who it's best for: Those who prefer firm support and gentle contouring from their pillow Sleepers who prefer pillows with adjustable loft Hot sleepers.
Highlights: Adjustable loft Breathable design promotes airflow Machine-washable cotton twill shell. Use this SleepFoundation. Who it's best for: People who prefer exceptionally firm and supportive pillows Those who want a pillow with adjustable loft Value seekers.
Highlights: Sustainably grown buckwheat hulls and unbleached organic cotton cover 6 sizes, including travel-friendly option Owners can order additional hulls in bulk.
Who it's best for: Sleepers who prefer a plush feel with added support for their down pillow Hot sleepers Shoppers looking for a down pillow with above-average durability. Highlights: Fully adjustable loft Available in standard and Japanese sizes Enased in an extra-thick, machine-washable cotton pillowcase. Who it's best for: Sleepers looking for a pillow with adjustable loft Back sleepers Eco-conscious shoppers.
Who it's best for: Side and back sleepers Shoppers looking for a pillow with adjustable loft Hot sleepers. Highlights: Firm support with customizable loft Option cover made from breathable organic cotton Travel and traditional sobakawa sizes available. Who it's best for: Those who want a pillow with adjustable loft Hot sleepers People who want targeted support for certain areas of the head and neck.
Highlights: Organic buckwheat hulls do not contain any chemicals Cotton batting provides extra cushioning and softens the fill Chambered design allows you to customize support levels. What Is a Buckwheat Pillow? Related Reading. Pros Cons Buckwheat pillows can be adjusted for loft by adding or removing hulls from the interior.
These pillows are ideal for anyone who prefers a thicker pillow one night and less loft the next. The hulls are quite durable, ensuring a longer-than-average lifespan for buckwheat pillows.
Most brands sell extra hulls in bulk, as well. Buckwheat pillows offer unparalleled support thanks to their adjustability and the natural firmness of their hull fill. The hulls promote consistent airflow to maintain a comfortable core temperature, making these pillows ideal for hot sleepers.
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