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Buckwheat pillows (also called Sobakawa pillows) are pillows that use buckwheat husks as the fill in the pillow. Since buckwheat husks don't have any nutritional value, they aren't perishable and don't attract bugs, while providing a completely natural and safe filling. Additionally, Buckwheat pillows are popular with sleepers of all positions because of their ability to support the head and align the spine. We'll go through the best buckwheat pillow options below.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Material Quality: 9.3/10
Comfort: 9.2/10
Support: 9.3/10
Cooling: 9.2/10
Odor: 9.2/10
Price: $23-$59
Buckwheat pillows are becoming a very popular pillow type, which is an eco-friendly and all natural alternative to down and foam pillows. The benefits of buckwheat include non-toxic and all natural fill, and the unique supportive and adjustable feel. Those that love these pillows get excited about the way the pillow supports the head and neck and doeesn't require regular fluffing.
Because there has been more demand for buckwheat specific products, there have also been an influx of lower quality knockoffs and tricks sold to eager customers online. Recently, there have been more sellers on popular buying sites that have sold low quality products, which is why we only recommend buying from trusted retailers for guaranteed quality. Also, popular 'as seen on TV' options are oftentimes not as high quality as other buckwheat brands.
We'll go through the top 5 buckwheat pillows below, rated highly by customers:
The Outside: This Buckwheat pillow is one of the most overstuffed versions, which is ideal for those that need more support. Its cover is 100% cotton with a zipper for easy adjustment of the fill inside. This is ideal for those that may want a flatter pillow, but don't know the level of support they may need.
The Insides: The insides of the pillow are made of loose buckwheat hulls. These are hypoallergenic and all-natural.
What Customers Say: This pillow is one of the best rated buckwheat pillows because it is overstuffed, making it ideal for side sleeping. But also, it is ideal for those that want to adjust their pillow down and don't know what kind of supportiveness they need.
The Rating : 9.7 / 10
Get Your Alwyn Rebecca Buckwheat Pillow
The Outside: This buckwheat pillow is less stuffed and better for those that are back sleepers. On the surface it looks like a medium-stuffed traditional pillow. It comes with a zippered 100% cotton cover that is easy to adjust fill to something flatter, which would be ideal for stomach sleepers.
The Insides: The insides are high quality buckwheat hulls that are all-natural and hypoallergenic. They are generously packed and easily adjusted.
What Customers Say: These pillows are best for back and stomach sleepers as there are some that report that they don't have the kinds of support that are necessary for side sleeping. That said, customers report a high quality buckwheat pillow with hulls that are high end.
The Rating : 9.6 / 10
Get Your Latitude Imazio Buckwheat Pillow
The Outside: The Alwyn Ginsburg Buckwheat pillow is a lower profile pillow that is best for back or stomach sleepers. With less fill than other options, it is less expensive as it doesn't have as many hulls within. From the outside, it is a flatter and less fluffy option. The outside is a zippered 100% cotton cover.
The Insides: The inside of the pillow is filled with less buckwheat hulls than many other options. This means that it is less supportive than others, but still comes with all the positives of hypoallergenic and all-natural fill.
What Customers Say: The biggest challenge of these pillows are the supportiveness. There are some customers that wish they had more support, which is why we oftentimes recommend the Rebecca pillow above for those that sleep on their side or need more support.
The Rating : 9.4 / 10
Get Your Alwyn Ginsburg Buckwheat Pillow
The Outside: The Hermell Softeze Buckwheat pillow comes with an overstuffed design, which is firmer and more supportive than other options. These pillows are packed more tightly and can be adjusted with a zippered cover that is a cotton blend fabric.
The Insides: The insides of the pillow are what they describe as down alternative buckwheat hulls. This is somewhat different than buckwheat hulls in their actual form and provide a more even comfort.
What Customers Say: Customers that aren't used to buckwheat and desire a more traditional pillow may like this pillow as an entry into the benefits of buckwheat. The biggest complaint from customers is that they were hoping for full buckwheat hulls.
The Rating : 9.3 / 10
Get Your Hermell Softeze Buckwheat Pillow
The Outside: This pillow is more of a support pillow for either the legs or neck and comes in a cylindrical design. The pillow's exterior is made of a zippered 100% cotton cover that is machine washable and fully adjustable (by removing some of the fill within).
The Insides: The insides of the pillow are made of buckwheat hulls that are over packed for a firm and supportive pillow. This can be adjusted by removing some of the hulls for a softer, flatter pillow.
What Customers Say: This is more of a specialty pillow with less interest from customers that are looking for a buckwheat sleeping pillow. Overall, these pillows should do a good job for customers that are interested in more support and lower body uses (such as between or under the legs).
The Rating : 9.2 / 10
Get Your Kai Hull Buckwheat Pillow
Each of these pillows come with the ability to adjust the fill within. However, some come overstuffed for a more 'fluffy' and supportive profile. Above, you can see which are more supportive. The best pillows for side sleepers will be the overstuffed options, while those that are back or stomach sleepers will prefer the flatter options. Those that don't know which to get should choose the overstuffed versions so they can remove some of the buckwheat fill to the support level for them.
Buckwheat pillows are best for those that have chemical sensitivies and want something that is more supportive than a traditional pillow. Although most sleepers prefer shredded foam designs, these pillows do a better job at long term firm support, which is ideal for some.
My husband is thrilled to have a Buckwheat pillow back. It took us about 10 minutes to adjust to them to again. There is something about these pillows that we don't have to play with to get them comfortable, they just are. I'm sure they aren't for everyone but everyone should at least give them a try. Many will be surprised at the the comfort level.
I was pleasantly surprised when I receive this. This is probably the best buckwheat pillow ever owned. It has a nice canvas cover with a good wait so you don’t feel the buckwheat through the fabric. I bought the standard Japanese eyes and it’s perfect.
Bought this for my pop and he absolutely loves it! He doesn't use regular pillows and this is great for neck support and maintaining posture and spine alignment while you sleep.
Best buckwheat pillow out there, my husband loves it. He said he’s never slept better.
It’s great! I replaced my old pillow from a different company but this one is good too. Not as big as the last one could use some more fill but otherwise I love it!
It needs more buckwheat hulls
This pillow is helping to get my neck and back feeling better! It does take time to get used to, but after using it for a few weeks this is now my favorite pillow. It forms to your head and neck to provide support and keeps your neck at a good angle.
So, what you need to realize when you consider this item is that it is a sleeping pillow. You dont put a decorative sham on it, although you should put another pillow case on it. It is a sleeping surface. I have had a difficult time finding a comfortable pillow that is very firm and flat, as I am a side sleeper. From the very first night I slept on it there was no problem at all. It is firm, comfortable, and I woke up with no neck pain at all. Great pillow! Highly recommended for side sleepers!
Okay. I prefer actual buckwheat hulls. This pillow is not as "full" as my last pillow, but does work and helps with neck pain.
Just wish it was bigger!
My husband loves these pillows and hadn't had one in years, so he was happy to receive it.
Love this pillow. Take it with me when I travel.
My husband loves this pillow! He has not had any issues at all with it!
Don't hesitate to buy this pillow!
I am still working on the transition from my existing pillow to the new feel of the buckwheat pillow.
This pillow worked out great for me and is comfortable.