Is A Buckwheat Pillow Better For Sleeping? Our Review Guide
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When we think of buckwheat, we usually think of hard husks. There's nothing about them that suggests they could be used as pillow stuffing. However, it might be time to rethink our ideas about pillows.
Many people like buckwheat hull pillows because the hulls shift to fit the curve of the neck and hold that shape through the night. Comfort is personal, though, and no pillow is proven to treat neck or spine problems. They 're naturally pesticide-free (unlike most cotton pillows), hypoallergenic and water-resistant, but they are not allergy-proof. People allergic to buckwheat can react to the hulls; one case report described asthma caused by a buckwheat pillow that cleared once the pillows were removed.
Hulls also don't compress and go flat the way polyester fill does, so the pillow keeps its loft longer.
Want to know if a buckwheat pillow will help you sleep better at night?
The short answer: it can, if you like a firm, moldable pillow. Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, so a pillow you find comfortable is worth choosing with care.
We've explained and reviewed the best pillows on the market, just for you.
Organic Buckwheat Pillow by Beans72
Beans72 markets its organic buckwheat pillow for comfort and neck support. Claims that a pillow relieves headaches or muscle pain have not been tested, so see a clinician for ongoing pain.
Because of the buckwheat hulls, this pillow also circulates air particularly well, so the pillow stays cool throughout the night.
Buckwheat pillows are heavy compared with fiber pillows, so expect a sturdy feel. Consumers also stated that these pillows are well filled and leave no gaps when you rest them.
Buckwheat Pillow by Balance Living
This Balance Living BW is made in regular and travel size, so you can take comfort with you wherever you are. The listing describes it as organic; check the product page for current certification details.
The contours of this pillow are helpful regardless of whether you sleep on your side or your back, providing support for a stiff back, neck, or spine.
Some consumers said that the travel size pillow worked well as a regular pillow for stomach sleepers as well. It also does very well keeping its shape and supporting the user’s neck and back while they sleep.
Buckwheat Bed Pillow by ZMDREAM
The hulls in the ZMDREAM Buckwheat Bed Pillow have been washed and air dried to provide cleanliness and comfort.
This pillow provides ample support for your neck and back, allowing it to properly do its job to keep you comfortable. This pillow also comes with a cotton cover with a decorative floral design.
Consumers have said it offers plenty of support and, because of the colorful design, it even works well as a couch pillow.
Buckwheat Pillow by ComfySleep
ComfySleep markets its pillows as made in the USA. Check the current listing for where the hulls and covers come from.
You can add or remove hulls to adjust the height and firmness. The design follows the traditional Japanese buckwheat pillow.
These pillows are also offered in a variety of sizes.
Buckwheat Hull Pillow by Makura
Makura designs this pillow to support the neck and keep the spine aligned while you sleep. It is not a treatment for neck or back conditions, so see a clinician about ongoing pain.
If you have a buckwheat allergy, choose a different fill.
Consumers have said that they appreciate that the pillow doesn’t lose its shape as a traditional pillow does and some say their neck feels more comfortable.
Conclusion
So, now you've seen five of the best buckwheat hull pillows on the market. Their main appeal is firm, adjustable support that molds to your head and neck.
They conform to your head without flattening the way polyester fill can, and you can adjust the hull level for back or side sleeping.
Because they hold their shape so well, they also offer a longer lasting pillow that can save money. If neck pain, snoring or poor sleep continues, talk with a clinician.
Sources
- Buckwheat pillow-induced asthma and allergic rhinitis, Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (PubMed)
- How Much Sleep Is Enough?, NHLBI
