Buckwheat Hull Pillows - FAQs

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a pillow. For many sleepers, buckwheat pillows provide unbeatable night time comfort while being eco-friendly. Buckwheat pillows are ideal for side and back sleepers. The height can be adjusted by removing and replacing hulls.

Putnams answers all of your buckwheat pillow questions.

What is a buckwheat pillow?

A buckwheat pillow, also called a sobakawa pillow, is a traditional Japanese pillow that’s filled with small buckwheat hulls. Buckwheat hulls come from the grain-like buckwheat seed that’s naturally found in Asia.

Organic buckwheat hulls are firm, heat resistant and allergen resistant. So they’ve become a popular natural alternative to traditional pillow fillings like polyester, memory foam, microbeads and shredded latex all over the world.

Why should you use a buckwheat pillow?

Buckwheat pillows offer a lot of amazing benefits that can improve your sleep quality and protect the environment.

From a comfort standpoint, many back and side sleepers love the firm support that buckwheat pillows provide. They’re also naturally cooling and breathable, so it helps to regulate your sleep temperature and wick away excess moisture for greater peace and comfort in bed.

Buckwheat is grown globally, and many people love it as a natural alternative to bedding materials like latex and memory foam. And since it’s both renewable and sustainable, you can enjoy this eco-friendly pillow filling without worrying about the planet.

It’s true that a rare few people can be allergic to buckwheat. But it’s often a good solution for people who suffer from allergies to cotton, latex and down, or who struggle with asthma.

How long does a buckwheat pillow last?

Buckwheat pillows are incredibly durable. Some people have had their pillows for 10 to 20 years!

You can extend the life of your buckwheat pillow by periodically replacing the buckwheat hulls and regularly washing the case.

What does a buckwheat pillow feel like?

A buckwheat pillow is firm but still easily conforms to your head and neck. The husks inside feel slightly like a beanbag, and they crinkle slightly when you move around.

Can buckwheat pillows relieve pain?

Unlike regular pillow fillings, buckwheat hulls don’t collapse under the weight of your head.

Instead, they remain firm yet comfortable and adapt to the shape of your neck and head, spreading your weight evenly.

This lets them provide excellent support that can prevent excess stress on your muscles and help relieve neck and shoulder pain while you sleep.

Do buckwheat hull pillows make noise?

When you’re fluffing your pillow or moving it about, a buckwheat hull pillow can make a lot of noise. And when you first put your head on it, you may hear a little crunching as the hulls move under the weight.

However, once the hulls lock into place (which only takes a few seconds) the noise will stop. That means you can sleep comfortably and peacefully without worrying about noise.

How do you clean/wash a buckwheat pillow?

Buckwheat hulls should never go near water.

If you need to wash your pillow, remove the cover and follow the care instructions on the label. You can lay the hulls in the sun to air them out or bag them up and put them in the freezer. Both techniques kill bacteria.

Do buckwheat hull pillows ever get mites, fungus or mould?

Buckwheat hulls are non-nutritive and inhospitable to pests such as dust mites. And they naturally resist fungus, mould, mildew and other common allergens.

As long as you keep the outer pillow casing clean, you can enjoy safe and sanitary sleep.

How do you adjust a buckwheat pillow?

Quality buckwheat pillows come stuffed pretty full, which can be a little too much of a good thing for some sleepers. To adjust the pillow, simply remove some of the buckwheat filling until you achieve a comfortable level.

Hold on to the extra hulls to refill your pillow in case you ever want to revive it.

What is the best buckwheat pillow?

According to our customers, the best option is the Putnams Organic Buckwheat Hull Pillow.

This handmade pillow is made with 100% organic buckwheat husks with two 100% natural cotton covers (one to hold the buckwheat and an outer cover for regular washing). It’s easy to adjust, offers firm support and comes with two zipped covers.

Our buckwheat pillows are filled to the brim. So when yours arrives, you can remove some hulls and store them for future use to achieve your ideal thickness.

Free shipping is available to all UK mainland addresses, with express options to get your brand new buckwheat pillow even faster. We also guarantee our Organic Buckwheat Hull Pillow for one year to give you total confidence.

Where can I buy a buckwheat pillow?

Buckwheat pillows have become extremely popular. Putnams has received a lot of interest and many orders since our Japanese buckwheat pillow first launched. We offer free standard delivery to mainland UK.