Benefits of Buckwheat Pillow and its Drawbacks
Also known as Sobakawa, a buckwheat pillow is a traditional Japanese pillow which is filled with the hulls encasing buckwheat seeds. These pillows tend to be springy when compressed, but they do tend to provide users with a firm, contouring support which will give proper rest to the position of your neck and head.
Since the buckwheat pillows are popular for easing tension and strain through spinal alignment, they have come to be regarded as essential sleep support aides for those who face a challenge in getting a good night’s sleep.
Because these pillows have a simple and straight design, they offer fairly straightforward benefits and side effects. This guide is all about buckwheat pillows, what buckwheat is, the benefits of buckwheat pillows and some of its major drawbacks as well. So with that said, let’s dive right in:
What Is Buckwheat?
Natively found in Asia, Buckwheat is basically a seed-like grain. It has been used as a staple for human consumption as well as to feed housetrained animals for several hundred years. As a matter of fact, this seed is reckoned as fruit and grows within a husk, which is a shell-like case protecting the seed until its infancy to maturity. While the plant is considered okay for consumption, a part of it remains inedible which is then used in different ways, one of which is a long-lasting, strong filling for mattresses and pillows.
Companies making pillows have included the benefits offered by buckwheat products into their offers, making them more popular and consequently, more readily available! These companies remove the seeds from the hulls. Then, the hulls are cleaned to be used within a material casing.
Benefits of Buckwheat Pillow
How buckwheat pillows benefit and provide positive effect varies from person to person, yet these benefits are all substantiated by hundreds and thousands of satisfied consumers who were relieved from their pain because of this pillow. Here are some of the most widely acknowledged benefits of the buckwheat pillow
Provides a Peaceful Sleep:
Because of their support for the proper posture and spinal alignment, buckwheat pillows have become an extremely useful and popular sleep product. You will need a thin pillow to hold your head level between your shoulders while providing support to the gap made by the arch of the neck when you are on your back and stomach!
For side sleepers, they need to have their heads held high between their shoulders, and there is also the need for a proper material fill that will fill the gap created between their head and shoulders.
Malleable and non-shifting, the buckwheat pillow comfortably allows for contouring to your unique body shape and resting needs. Because of buckwheat pillow, the important cervical alignment happens successfully, allowing your body to relax and rest better through an uninterrupted sleep session.
Helps in Reducing Snoring:
Snoring is arguably the most common problem faced by millions of sleepers all over the world. In most cases, this occurs because of poor sleep posture. This pillow does not make any assertive claim to bring all your problems to an end. The least it can do is to influence a better posture so as to allow your airways to be remained open through the night.
Buckwheat pillow offers little help with a snoring disorder which is not caused by changes in your posture. For that, you may want to consult a doctor.
Provides a Proper Support to Muscles:
Did you know that the leading cause of pain in the neck and back is not associated with any injury or illness? Actually, it is associated with a poor sleep posture. A buckwheat pillow will help you correct the posture by lending support to your neck and head so your spine can get proper support as well. Because of this pillow, the muscles and other soft tissues in your body will collaborate to keep your spine aligned as your spine happens to be the key support of all your nervous system facilitating your entire body to function.
Since these muscles tend to be fatigued during the night, buckwheat pillow will lend them support so that they don’t have to compensate for one another.
Offers Breathability to Maintain Cool:
Not only do these pillows support your airways but they also have an excellent airflow of their own to ensure that you enjoy a cooler night’s sleep. Buckwheat hulls happen to be cupped slightly, have a triangular shape and are smooth, thereby creating thousands of tiny air pockets between them.
The best thing about the buckwheat hulls is that they will never compress. Upon applying more weight, they will only fit more closely. These hulls neither radiate nor hold heat. This property makes them an ideal choice for those who sleep hot!
May Help In Relieving Migraines:
Several studies have been conducted on migraines and what causes them. There are varied causes of migraines that differ from person to person. Fortunately, however, there are reports of reduction in migraines with the use of buckwheat pillow. It’s mainly because of how well the pillow lends support to soft tissues and airways while at the same time it also provides soft pleasure against specific points on your neck and skull. From these pressure points, relaxation stems as the blood is regulated through the brain, releasing endorphins which is a feel-good hormone.
Has Hypoallergenic Properties and Also Resists Dust and Mites
It is good news that buckwheat pillows are made of materials which are not a food source for any bugs or insects. This means they won’t attract any nor will they create a pro-allergen environment. Buckwheat pillows are excellent hypoallergenic and offer amazing resistance against allergens because they provide you with an outstanding airflow. However, it is still recommended to consult your doctor if you are sensitive to certain plants, especially the ones used for animal consumption.
Can Last for Several Years:
With proper care, you can use buckwheat pillows for up to ten years! However, their life is often determined by the quality and thickness of the material you are using for covering as the hulls are likely to wear faster against the thin material.
Highly Adjustable:
One of buckwheat pillows’ distinguishing features is their astounding adjustability. It means that you can add to or remove hulls depending upon your comfort needs. This feature is really important to ensure proper placement of your head and neck. Depending upon the body type and need, the pillows will cater to different needs. Side sleepers generally demand a higher pillow, whereas those who fall on their back or stomach need thinner choices. Stomach sleepers especially require a non-existent lift and the removable hulls are perfect for this purpose. This is why they happen to be the most favorite pick by a variety of sleepers!
Shortcomings/Drawbacks of Buckwheat Pillows
Just as with everything, the buckwheat pillows come with their own shortcomings and drawbacks. The most typical ones are listed as below
You May Need Some Time to Get Used to Them:
Buckwheat hulls are quite different from typical softer fibers, foams, and feathers that are commonly used as stuffing in other pillows. These pillows will give you cushioning and contouring but they are too stable to be felt and they won’t shift with your body. Instead, they hold you in place. You’ll need to give it some time to be able to figure out the exact amount to fit your comfort needs. This definitely requires patience and may even give you a few uncomfortable nights. So, keep this mind!
Temporary Natural Odor:
Buckwheat pillow has a natural earthy smell which is a little aromatic and calming. Because of its rough storage techniques, the smell may feel really strong. Or, you may not even notice it if the hulls were roasted at the time they were being prepared for consumers. Despite the fact that the odor dissipates and air out easily, some consumer may not like it at all!
Crunching and Rustling of Hulls
Upon being moved and laid, the hulls tend to create a slight resulting and crunching noise. However, you can mute it easily and get used to it in a short time. As your head will be held in place, the noise is not noticeable when you are sleeping on the pillow. But it could cause a problem for any restless sleeper.
You Cannot Wash Them:
Avoid washing buckwheat at all costs! True, that the pillow will not absorb water, yet the water will still ruin the hulls’ strength and weaken them, making the hulls less durable. However, you can wash the removable casings and be sure to wash them regularly as per manufacturer’s directions!
Can Be Heavy for a Pillow:
Buckwheat pillows tend to be fairly heavy. They can weigh as much as 12 pounds. Note that these pillows are not fit to lean against to watch television as the hulls will be dragged to the bottom out of their casing. No pillow fights unless your defense is ready and strong!
Conclusion
Conclusion
Both the pros and cons of buckwheat pillows are varied, and they are most certainly worth the consideration. These pillows provide excellent comfort, and they offer you benefits that will improve your overall health. Even though the pillows tend to take some time to get used to, most customers were able to adjust with them within 3 to 5 days only!
If you are seeking something to help you achieve a good night’s sleep. These pillows are certainly worth it!
Here are our top 3 Buckwheat pillows to consider
PineTales, Buckwheat Hulls Pillow with 100% Organic Filling – Fully Adjustable – Hypoallergenic with High Performance Cover
- The one thing I like a lot about this one is that it is Handmade with in Phoenix, AZ
- Filled with 8.7 lbs 100% Organic Buckwheat Hulls (Naturally Gluten Free). The unique structure of buckwheat hulls is known to create enhanced air circulation. Air circulates better than with any other material on the market.
- We only use the Highest Quality Buckwheat Hulls. Guaranteed Odor and Pesticide free. All our hulls are triple screened and heat treated for maximum safety. Bugs in organic material are no fairytale!
- Super soft high performance cover with enhanced air flow technology. Unbeatable hygienic and machine washable. You don’t need to buy any additional pillow covers. Fully adjustable with durable zippers on both covers(outer cover has a hidden zipper) allow you to easily remove or add filling.
- Good for all sleeping positions and specially for people with posture issues. Superior support and adjustability over other filling materials. Your back will thank you.
Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow Free Pillow Protective Cover-Standard Size-AS Seen On Tv
- Each Sobakawa Pillow is Filled with 100% Buckwheat Hulls: The only pillow that provides adjustable support and keeps your head cool!
- Sobakawa Buckwheat Hulls Provide Adjustable Support for Your Head & Neck: Adjustable support comforts pain of the neck, back, and head
- Sobakawa’s Natural Buckwheat Keeps Your Head Cool: The buckwheat hulls repel heat allowing air to flow between husks.
- Lifetime Guarantee: Truly the last pillow you will ever have to buy.Measurements:20 x 15 inches
- Standard protective pillow cover with zipper Included as a bonus! Use with a pillowcase or sham to protect from dirt and oils; not machine washable
Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow Free Pillow Protective Cover-Standard Size-AS Seen On Tv
- Each Sobakawa Pillow is Filled with 100% Buckwheat Hulls: The only pillow that provides adjustable support and keeps your head cool!
- Sobakawa Buckwheat Hulls Provide Adjustable Support for Your Head & Neck: Adjustable support comforts pain of the neck, back, and head
- Sobakawa’s Natural Buckwheat Keeps Your Head Cool: The buckwheat hulls repel heat allowing air to flow between husks.
- Lifetime Guarantee: Truly the last pillow you will ever have to buy.Measurements:20 x 15 inches
- Standard protective pillow cover with zipper Included as a bonus! Use with a pillowcase or sham to protect from dirt and oils; not machine washable
