Best Buckwheat Pillows

Buckwheat pillows originated in Japan, but today they’re used across the globe. These pillows are filled with, as the name implies, buckwheat hulls (the hard outer casings of buckwheat seeds). They have a firm feel but conform closely to the head and neck — many people liken them to firm, dense bean bags.

If this type of pillow sounds comfortable — or at least intriguing — check out our best buckwheat pillow guide below. We’ll discuss the origin and evolution of sobakawa pillows, how they are constructed, how well they perform in different categories, and what to expect in terms of sizing and pricing.

How We Test: Rigor, Data, and Sleeper Feedback

Our team has years of experience testing pillows and other types bedding, and we choose our top product picks based on extensive in-house testing. To evaluate buckwheat pillows, we assess their comfort and breathability. We also examine other qualities like additional materials and adjustability. Our process consists of four primary stages.

What Is a Buckwheat Pillow?

Known as sobakawa in their home country of Japan, buckwheat pillows are filled with, as the name implies, buckwheat hulls (hard outer casings of buckwheat seeds). Hulls can be added to or removed from the interior to adjust the loft, or thickness. This makes buckwheat pillows highly customizable and suitable for both side and back sleeping.

How to Choose a Buckwheat Pillow

Before deciding which buckwheat pillow to purchase, we recommend comparing different brands and models to see how they stack up in terms of construction, size, and price. Most buckwheat pillows sold today are fairly similar to one another, but there are some important distinctions to take into account.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Buckwheat Pillow

For most people, the biggest draw for buckwheat pillows is how easy the are to adjust. Hulls can be added or removed to change how thick and supportive the pillow feels, and most brands offer bulk hull shipments at reasonable prices when you need to refresh your fill.

But be sure to check for certifications if you encounter a buckwheat pillow that’s advertised as organic. The Global Organic Textile Standard and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are two of the most prominent certifying organizations for products made from organic materials.

You should take other claims about buckwheat pillows with a grain of salt, too. Some brands claim that adjusting the loft will also change the pillow’s firmness, but this is a bit misleading. While buckwheat pillows can be adjusted for loft, they’ll maintain a firm to very firm feel due to the natural hardness of the hulls. Buckwheat pillows are also less than ideal for many stomach sleepers due to their thickness and firmness, despite some brands that claim their pillows are suitable for all sleep positions.

Rather than relying on claims and assertions from buckwheat pillow sellers, we recommend focusing on the following factors instead.

Loft
Most buckwheat pillows are designed for adjustable loft. Their designs include a zippered outer cover that allows access to the interior and a lined pouch to house the hulls. This level of customization is especially helpful for people who sleep in different positions, since side sleeping generally requires more loft than back sleeping.

Support
Buckwheat hulls are quite firm, so these pillows provide excellent support for most side and back sleepers. The hulls mold to the body without sinking too much, ensuring a solid foundation for the head and neck. Adjusting the loft by adding or removing hulls can make the pillow feel more supportive depending on which sleep position you prefer.

Firmness Level
Most buckwheat pillows are considered firm to very firm. Some sleepers love how hard and supportive the pillows feel, while others find them excessively stiff and bulky. Exceptions include pillows filled with a blend of buckwheat hulls and softer material that provides more cushioning.

Pressure Relief 
Side sleeping usually requires more pillow loft to ensure the head and neck are aligned with the spine. With a high volume of hulls, buckwheat pillows alleviate pressure for side sleepers well. Back sleeping promotes spinal alignment, so this position doesn’t need as much loft to reduce pressure.

Shape
Like other types of pillows sold in North America, buckwheat pillows are typically sold in standard, queen, and king sizes. Some brands also offer smaller sizes inspired by traditional sobakawa pillows from Japan. Body pillows with buckwheat hulls are very rare, but they are available through select brands.

Price
The average buckwheat pillow in a queen or king size costs between $50 and $150. Shoppers can usually save some money by choosing a smaller, traditional sobakawa size. When buying hulls in bulk, you’ll usually pay $5 to $15 per pound; in some cases, you’ll pay less per pound by buying shipments of 10 pounds or more.

Quality Materials 
Buckwheat hulls are very durable, but the pillows will eventually flatten, so you’ll likely need to make at least one bulk hull purchase before the pillow reaches the end of its lifespan. Also, be sure to check the cover composition. Common materials for buckwheat pillow covers include standard cotton, organic cotton, and rayon from bamboo.

Moldability
Since the hulls are so small, the pillow will contour quite closely to the head and neck to deliver enhanced support and pressure relief. Many liken the feel of a buckwheat pillow to that of a very firm beanbag.

Temperature Regulation
Temperature neutrality is a major strength of these pillows. The hulls promote steady airflow throughout the interior and don’t trap body heat like other fill materials (such as foam). Most buckwheat pillows have breathable cover materials, as well.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Buckwheat Pillows?

Buckwheat pillows offer adjustable loft, strong support, and great overall durability. However, many people find these pillows excessively firm. Here are a few other pros and cons for buckwheat pillows:

Pros

Cons

Buckwheat pillows can be adjusted for loft by adding or removing hulls from the interior. These pillows are ideal for anyone who prefers a thicker pillow one night and less loft the next. The hulls are quite durable, ensuring a longer-than-average lifespan for buckwheat pillows. Most brands sell extra hulls in bulk, as well. Buckwheat pillows offer unparalleled support thanks to their adjustability and the natural firmness of their hull fill. The hulls promote consistent airflow to maintain a comfortable core temperature, making these pillows ideal for hot sleepers. Most buckwheat pillows are also encased in breathable cotton or rayon from bamboo covers, too.

The most common complaint about buckwheat pillows is that they feel too firm. Unlike the pillow’s loft, you won’t be able to adjust the firmness by adding or removing hulls. Odor potential is high for new buckwheat pillows; the hulls carry a distinct, earthy smell that may persist for several days after you unpack the pillow. Buckwheat pillows also have high noise potential. The hulls produce a rustling sound as they mold to the head and neck, and some sleepers find this disruptive. Compared to other pillow types, buckwheat pillows are a bit pricey. The average standard and queen size models cost between $50 and $150.

Who Is Best Suited to a Buckwheat Pillow?

Anyone who wants exceptional firmness and strong support for their head and neck is very well suited to a buckwheat pillow. Since these pillows have adjustable loft, you’ll be able to customize how thick your pillow feels on a nightly basis. Other sleepers who are or are not well suited to buckwheat pillows include the following:

• Side Sleepers: By molding to the head and neck while maintaining strong support, a lofty buckwheat pillow can promote spinal alignment for side sleepers. Flatter pillows can negatively affect spinal alignment, so side sleepers typically feel more pressure when using them.
• Back Sleepers: Back sleepers tend to feel most comfortable on buckwheat pillows with medium loft. This ensures their head and neck lie on an even plane with the rest of their body, which can cut down on pressure points and prevent pain from developing around the shoulders.
• Those With Allergies: Buckwheat pillows can serve as comfortable alternatives for people with allergies to latex, down, feathers, and other pillow fill materials. Some people have buckwheat allergies, but this condition is fairly rare.
• Hot Sleepers: Buckwheat pillows sleep exceptionally cool. The hulls won’t absorb and trap body heat like foam or down, and air circulates freely throughout the interior. Most of these pillows also include covers made from breathable fabrics.

Who’s not suited:

• Those Who Prefer Plush Pillows: Even when the hull fill is supplemented with softer materials such as wool or cotton batting, buckwheat pillows generally feel quite firm. Many people love the exceptional firmness and support, but others find the pillows uncomfortable and excessively stiff.
• Stomach Sleepers: Most stomach sleepers prefer low to medium loft for their pillow. If the pillow is too thick, it can force the head and neck to rest at an uncomfortable angle. Some stomach sleepers find buckwheat pillows quite comfortable, but they are in the minority.
• Light Sleepers: The pillow will produce a soft rustling sound as the hulls contour to the head and neck. This can disrupt sleep for people who awaken easily due to noise.

Which Buckwheat Pillow Sizes Are Available?

Most buckwheat pillow brands offer a selection of sizes, including western and traditional options. At the same time, buckwheat pillows are not as widely sold as most pillow types and you may be limited to a small number of sellers based on your budget. Sizes for buckwheat pillows include the following:

• Standard: A standard rectangular pillow typically measures 20 inches wide by 26 inches long, though there’s some variability from brand to brand. One of the most popular pillow sizes, the standard is ideal for people who mostly remain still while sleeping and don’t toss, turn, or change positions too often.
• Super Standard: A super standard measures 20 inches wide by 28 inches long. This size is best suited to people who enjoy the standard size but want a couple extra inches of space. But super standards are not particularly common.
• Queen: A queen size pillow usually measures 20 inches wide by 30 inches long. Queens, like standards and kings, are quite popular and widely available. This size is a good “middle of the road” option if you find standards too narrow and kings too wide.
• King: Most king size pillows measure 20 inches wide by 36 inches long. This size is optimal for people who toss and turn or change sleep positions rather frequently. If you share your mattress with someone, you will need a wider bed to accommodate two king size pillows.
• Body: Buckwheat body pillows are quite rare, but they’re available through certain sellers. Since the hulls mold closely, these pillows are actually quite conducive to side sleeping and snuggling with a pillow. However, buckwheat body pillows are very heavy and can weigh more than 20 pounds when full to capacity.
• Specialty: In keeping with the traditional sobakawa design, many buckwheat pillow brands offer “Japanese” or “personal” sizes that are a bit smaller than the standard. They can be used for sleeping if you don’t need much width, and they also work well as knee and leg bolsters.

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If you’re still not sure you’ve found the perfect pillow — or you’ve decided a buckwheat pillow just isn’t for you — take a look at some of our other recommendations based on material.