Buckwheat, one of the ancient world’s most precious crops, is used in not only delicious pancakes, but sleep products, too. In fact, more recently, they’ve been popularized in Japanese culture for their therapeutic nature. And while the best buckwheat pillows appear to have a pretty simple equation (pillow case + buckwheat hulls = buckwheat pillow), I’ve tested these bad boys myself and beg to differ.
A lot goes on behind the scenes of the seemingly simple construction, all for you to have a restful night’s sleep. If you’re on the market for one, this article will break down some of my personal favorites from my six-week testing stint. Read on to find more about what makes these pillows so special, and which of these options is the best buckwheat pillow for your needs. And you’ve got a hunger to learn more, see our comprehensive buckwheat pillow guide.
Best Buckwheat Pillows
- Best Overall – Hullo
- Best Runner-Up – Beans72
- Best Buckwheat Pillow for Neck Pain – ComfySleep
- Best Value Buckwheat Pillow – Sobakawa
Best Overall – Hullo
ComfySleep Buckwheat Pillow
The ComfySleep buckwheat pillow is a natural, organic alternative to firm and supportive pillows. With a 100% buckwheat fill and organic cotton cover, this pillow offers a vastly different feel than most traditional latex / memory foam pillows. Additionally, this pillow is fully adjustable, giving the sleeper the opportunity to remove some (if any) of the fill to bring it down to their desired loft. Back sleepers, as well as some side sleepers will find this pillow most enjoyable.
Read Full ReviewIf you’re looking for my favorite buckwheat pillow that I’ve tested, I’d have to go with the Hullo pillow. While lying on it, I felt it was just the right balance of comfort and support, and the buckwheat hull to pillowcase ratio somehow managed to be sturdy but light at the same time. All of the materials to make the pillow are carefully and thoughtfully sourced, and was the least noisy pillow out of the bunch. But don’t just take my word for it; there are over 300 reviews on Amazon totaling 4.3 out of 5 stars to back me up.
Materials
With a fill entirely from buckwheat hulls and 100% organic cotton cover, this pillow is naturally cooling. It boasted a firmer feel but again, I felt it had the best ratio and most comfort out of the bunch.
Why It’s a Good Pick
- Being my top choice, it’s obvious one of the reasons the Hullo pillow was my favorite was because of its ability to combat head and neck pain. Once I found the perfect shape, my back muscles were able to completely relax, and stress on my spine disappeared.
- This pillow is adjustable. To find the ideal buckwheat fill for my preferred sleeping position, I simply unzipped the cover and added/removed hulls to my heart’s content.
- Hullo really emphasizes the quality of their buckwheat hulls. Each hull in every pillow is harvested in the USA, rather than imported.
Pricing and Sizing
This pillow costs between $69–$169, and comes in small, standard, and even king sizes.
Read more in my full Hullo pillow review or click here for our best deal. For more of our favorite options, see our roundup of the best pillows.
Runner-Up – Beans72
Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow
Filled entirely with organic buckwheat hulls, the Beans72 pillow is firm and ultra-supportive.
Sleepopolis Score
4.40 / 5
Undoubtedly, Beans72 came at a close second. The self-proclaimed “Rolls Royce-quality pillow” isn’t too much of an exaggeration, in my opinion. The pillowcase was comfy and well put together, and there’s a generous amount of hulls inside. I also appreciate that it comes in seven different sizes, although make sure that you adjust your size preferences on Amazon before you check out.
Materials
USA-made and pesticide-free, this pillow maintains a traditional construction of a buckwheat fill and cotton cover.
Why It’s a Good Pick
- This is an extremely durable option. Many customers mentioned in reviews that they’ve been using the pillow since 2018, and it’s still going strong.
- Side sleepers seemed to flood the review section with positive comments. We think this is because of its generous hull count. This results in a higher loft and firmer feel, two things that side sleepers need in a pillow.
- Even if you’re not a side sleeper, this pillow is adjustable, so you can remove hulls to accommodate your back-sleeping or stomach-sleeping needs too.
Pricing and Sizing
This pillow costs $60 for its 14″ x 20″ Japanese size, but it offers six other sizes in separate Amazon listings, including twin and king.
Read more in my full beans72 pillow review or click here for our best deal. For breathable and non-buckwheat options, see our roundup of the best cooling pillows.
Best for Neck Pain – ComfyComfy
Hullo Buckwheat Pillow
The Hullo Buckwheat Pillow is made with all-natural materials, making it feel cool and comfy.
Read Full ReviewPain and sleep create a vicious cycle when your pain is too bothersome to fall asleep, and your lack of sleep only worsens your pain. If you’re having issues with an achy or sore neck, we recommend the ComfyComfy pillow. It’s firm, well put together, and contoured nicely to my neck and back while testing (so much so that it relieved the minor aches I was experiencing beforehand).
Materials
Like other pillows on this roundup, there’s a buckwheat hull fill and cotton cover that can be machine washed.
Why it’s a Good Pick
- Reviewers had a lot of positive things to say about how cooling this pillow is, and for a buckwheat pillow, this is no surprise. The hulls leave lots of room for airflow, and the cotton cover only makes it more breathable.
- ComfyComfy is a woman-owned and family-run business. I thought the personalized packaging was a nice touch.
- This pillow is adjustable, so you can figure out the hull fill level to best support your neck and relieve your neck pain.
Pricing and Sizing
This pillow costs between $68–$98 and is offered in standard and traditional (Japanese) sizes.
Read more in my full ComfyComfy pillow review or click here for our best deal. For breathable and non-buckwheat options, see our roundup of the best pillows for neck pain.
Best Value – Sobakawa
Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow
Overall, we find the Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow worth the investment due to its affordability, its versatility, and because it relieved neck and low back pain when tested.
Sleepopolis Score
4.20 / 5
If you’re new to the world of buckwheat pillows and want to try one out to see if it’s for you, I think this is one of your best intro options. It is, in my opinion, the best value pillow on this roundup, or the best quality for the lowest price. And I’m not the only one; this pillow is currently Amazon’s Choice. Supportive and cooling, this buckwheat pillow helped my body align in a natural and restful way. Sobakawa comes with instructions for the many ways you can use this pillow and get the best bang for your buck.
Materials
This pillow uses natural muslin cotton (known for its softness and breathability) and, of course, a buckwheat hull fill that’s easily adjustable.
Why It’s a Good Pick
- This pillow is not only marketed for sleep, but also for yoga and meditation.
- I found this pillow great for driving and sitting at the office.
- Several reviews rave about how this pillow is helpful for allergies and night sweats.
Pricing and Sizing
Read more in my Sobakawa pillow review or click here for our best deal. For breathable and non-buckwheat options, see our roundup of the best affordable pillows.
Who Should Buy a Buckwheat Pillow
We’re starting with the best of things, so here are some buckwheat pillow pros.
Hot Sleepers
There’s definitely space in between buckwheat hulls to provide lots of airflow throughout the fill. And since many models (including all in this roundup) are made with breathable cotton covers, buckwheat pillows can be a relief for anyone who overheats at night.
Folks With Neck Pain
Buckwheat pillows are naturally very firm, with its nothing-but-buckwheat-hull filling providing a feel that’s both sturdy and moldable for your head. You can move the hulls to shape the pillow how you want it, providing relief for neck pain while aligning your spine.
Eco-Conscious Shoppers
Because they’re often made with a cotton cover and filled with buckwheat hulls only, these pillows often make a great animal-friendly and world-friendly option. There are are no chemical fillings in buckwheat pillows, meaning you’re not potentially breathing in harmful chemicals or toxins sometimes found in traditional foam and feather pillows.
Those Wanting a Durable Option
With proper care, buckwheat pillows can last up to 10 years and can consistently maintain their shape throughout the night. This is by no means something that the vast amount of other pillows on the market can do.
Those Who Have Tried Everything Else
Buckwheat pillows offer a firm and customizable feel that’s vastly different from more traditional options on the market, such as latex pillows or down pillows. If you’ve tried lots of different pillows in the past, maybe it’s time to give buckwheat a shot.
All of these buckwheat pillows in this roundup have zippers, too, so you can add or remove filling through its zippered opening to adjust the thickness based on your sleeping preferences.
Cons of Buckwheat Pillows
We’re not saying you should throw out all your pillows and replace them with buckwheat. Like any other pillow construction, there are cons to choosing a buckwheat fill.
Light Sleepers
Given their fill, which is made of buckwheat hulls, these pillows can make a lot of noise when you move around on it. So, if you’re easily disrupted while sleeping, we recommend you choose a quieter option. The best down pillows, while not as animal-friendly, are much quieter.
Memory Foam Fans
With a notoriously firm feel, buckwheat pillows are far from the contouring and slow-sinking feel of traditional memory foam. If you’re attached to that hugging nature, see our roundup of the best memory foam pillows, which could be more your speed.
Anyone Wanting Lots of Size Options
Most options on the market are offered in a size that’s roughly 14″ x 20″ called the Japanese pillow. Considering the dimensions, this means it’s smaller than the average pillow. However, like some of the brands in this roundup, there are a few options on the market that offer standard size pillows, or even king size pillows.
Die-Hard Washable Pillow Fans
In order to clean buckwheat pillows, you need to remove the buckwheat hulls. This does add a few extra steps, as well as extra time, to the overall cleaning process.
FAQ
Should I buy a buckwheat pillow?
If you’re wanting a firm, cooling, and durable mattress, we think buckwheat pillows can be a stellar choice. However, they do have quite a unique feel, so ensure that you purchase a model that allows a sleep trial. That way, you can test it out before fully committing.
What are the disadvantages of buckwheat pillows?
These pillows have quite a unique feel, and if you’re looking for something super soft and cushioning like memory foam, you won’t find it in a buckwheat fill. These pillows can also be pretty noisy, so if you’re a light sleeper or a sleeper who switches up their sleeping position at night, this could be an annoyance.
Are buckwheat pillows good for back pain?
Yes, buckwheat pillows can be great for relieving pain. They possess a special firm yet moldable quality that helps the spine to find a more neutral alignment. Plus, many models come with an adjustable fill so you can pinpoint your comfort. However, we definitely recommend discussing with your doctor first before testing out for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these pillows. Remember that buckwheat pillows really come down to your preferences. If you like really soft and fluffy pillows, buckwheat pillows might take some extra time getting used to. But for those wanting something new, I do think it’s worth a try. It’s helped me with neck and back pain, and I’m now a total convert. Give it a go, and do let us know what you think!
