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Tuck Sleep > Bedding > Best Buckwheat Pillows – Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide

Best Buckwheat Pillows – Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Keith Cushner

Quick Overview

First popularized in East Asia, buckwheat pillows have earned a strong following among U.S. sleepers in recent years. These pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls, the outer casings of buckwheat kernels, which give the pillows a firm yet flexible quality that has been likened to heavy beanbags. Most include covers made of cotton or organic cotton, making them an eco-friendly option for shoppers.

There are other benefits of buckwheat pillows, as well. They conform closely to the sleeper’s head, neck, and shoulders, which helps align the spine (particularly for side sleepers) and alleviates pressure points in their most sensitive areas. Most buckwheat pillows also offer adjustable loft; owners simply add or remove hulls to increase or decrease the thickness, and many manufacturers sell hulls in bulk to owners who need to replenish their supply. These pillows have good airflow and sleep fairly cool, as well.

This guide will explore the characteristics and benefits of buckwheat pillows. Below you will find our choices for the best buckwheat pillows sold today. Our picks are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

Best Buckwheat Pillows

The Best Buckwheat Pillows – Reviewed

Editor's PickHullo

Editor's Pick – Hullo

Highlights

  • 'Firm'
  • Organic-cotton twill cover
  • Adjustable loft
  • Sleeps very cool for most
  • 60-night sleep trial
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Hullo pillows are available to Tuck readers at the lowest price
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Editor's PickHullo

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Our Editor’s Pick is the Hullo buckwheat pillow from Hulltex LLC. This pillow is a standout for several reasons. For one, it sleeps exceptionally cool even by buckwheat pillow standards. In addition to good air circulation within the interior, the pillow comes with a cover made from breathable organic-cotton twill. The cover is machine washable, as well, and the hulls never need to be cleaned.

Pressure relief is another key strength of the Hullo. It conforms very closely and alleviates aches and pains quite effectively. The pillow’s loft is completely adjustable. Hulltex LLC sells buckwheat hulls in bulk; a 10-lb. bag is $49 and a 20-lb. bag is $89.

The Hullo is offered in a Standard size for $99 and a King size for $149, making the pillow a good pick for shoppers with bigger budgets. Hulltex LLC offers free shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S., as well as a 60-night sleep trial for the pillow.

Good for:

  • Side and back sleepers
  • Sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups
  • Neck and shoulder pain sufferers
  • Those who tend to sleep hot

Best Value Buckwheat PillowZen Chi Buckwheat Pillow

Best Value Buckwheat Pillow - Zen Chi Buckwheat Pillow

Highlights

  • 'Firm'
  • Organic-cotton cover
  • Adjustable loft
  • Close conforming and pressure relief
  • 30-night sleep trial
Zen Chi Buckwheat Pillows are available to Tuck readers at the lowest price
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Best Value Buckwheat PillowZen Chi Buckwheat Pillow

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The Zen Chi Organic Buckwheat Pillow, our Best Value pick, is available in four sizes: Standard, Queen, and King, as well as a smaller ‘Japanese’ size suitable for reading, watching television, or traveling. Comparatively, other buckwheat pillows usually have a more limited size selection – and all options have lower-than-average price-points. The pillow also conforms exceptionally well to reduce aches and pains in the neck and shoulders. Good airflow also allows it to sleep fairly cool, as well. Zen Chi sells replacement hulls in two-pound quantities for $19.95.

This pillow is a good eco-friendly option, as it is crafted with organically-grown hulls and an organic-cotton cover. Zen Chi offers a 30-night sleep trial for the Organic Buckwheat Pillow; the pillow is also sold on Amazon.com and through other third-party retailers, which may offer different sleep trial options.

Good for:

  • Every type of sleeper (side, back, stomach, combination)
  • Sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy)
  • Those who tend to sleep hot
  • Eco-friendly shoppers

Best Cooling Buckwheat PillowPineTales Pillow

Best Cooling Buckwheat Pillow - PineTales Pillow

Highlights

  • 'Firm'
  • Varying cover materials
  • Adjustable loft
  • 30-day return period
  • Innovative design options
Tuck readers get the PineTales buckwheat pillow at the lowest price
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Best Cooling Buckwheat PillowPineTales Pillow

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Buckwheat pillows generally sleep cool; air circulates well throughout the interior, and most models have breathable cotton or organic cotton covers. PineTales is our Best Cooling pick because the brand’s pillows have covers crafted from a blend of cotton and rayon made from bamboo; although it is a synthetic material, rayon made from bamboo is a light, breathable fabric that complements the natural cooling properties of cotton. The covers are waterproof, as well, and can help wick away moisture from the sleeper’s body when temperatures rise.

PineTales also offers a pillow filled with organic millet hulls; millet hulls tend to be smaller and smoother than buckwheat hulls, making this pillow a good option for those who find buckwheat models too lumpy and uneven. Additionally, PineTales sells pillows containing a combination of buckwheat hulls and shredded memory foam for added pressure relief. The PineTales pillow containing crushed lavender and buckwheat hulls is suitable for sleepers who enjoy scented aromatherapy, as well. PineTales backs each pillow with a 30-day trial and free returns.

Good for:

  • Side and back sleepers
  • Sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy)
  • Hot sleepers
  • Those who find 100% buckwheat pillows uncomfortable

Best Pressure ReliefSachi Organics Pillow

Best Pressure Relief - Sachi Organics Pillow

Highlights

  • 'Firm'
  • Organic-cotton canvas cover
  • Adjustable loft
  • Cylindrical shape
  • 30-day return period
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Best Pressure ReliefSachi Organics Pillow

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A high-quality buckwheat pillow provides consistent conforming to the head and neck, which can alleviate aches and pains while preventing new pressure points from forming. The Sachi Organics buckwheat pillow offers extra pressure relief thanks to its supportive, cylindrical shape. The pillow is designed to elevate the head and cradle the neck, making it ideal for those who experience chronic discomfort in these areas. The pillow can also be used as a leg or knee bolster for sleepers with lower body pain.

The Sachi Organics pillow has a smooth and breathable organic-cotton canvas cover that allows it to sleep fairly cool for most. All buckwheat hulls contained in the pillow are organic and U.S.-grown. To adjust the loft, simply add or remove the hulls; a zippered opening allows owners to make easy customizations. Sachi Organics offers a 30-day return period for all buckwheat pillows.

Good for:

  • Side and back sleepers
  • Sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy)
  • Those with chronic neck and shoulder pain
  • People who prefer sleeping with a pillow under their legs or between their knees

Best Size SelectionBeans27

Best Size Selection - Beans27

Highlights

  • 'Firm'
  • Unbleached cotton cover
  • Adjustable loft
  • 5 sizing options
  • 30-night sleep trial
Tuck readers get a Beans27 buckwheat pillow at the lowest price
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Best Size SelectionBeans27

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Finding the right pillow size is essential for comfortable and supportive sleep; unfortunately, many buckwheat pillow brands offer a limited selection. Beans27 is a notable exception. Customers may choose from five different sizes: Travel/Child (11W” x 16L”), Japanese (14W” x 20L”), Twin/Standard (20W” x 26L”), Queen (20W” x 30L”), and King (20W” x 36L”). This range ensures most buyers can find a suitable size for their sleep needs and preferences.

In addition to standard 100% buckwheat pillows, Beans27 also offers an aromatherapy pillow containing buckwheat hulls and crushed lavender. All Beans27 pillows are encased in a breathable, unbleached cotton cover, which makes them suitable for hot sleepers. They also provide adjustable loft; Beans27 sells buckwheat hulls in bulk for those who need a replenishment. These pillows have price-points that are below-average compared to similar models from other brands. Beans27 also offers a 30-night sleep trial and issues full refunds for all returns.

Good for:

  • Side and back sleepers
  • Sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy)
  • Hot sleepers
  • Value seekers

Best Travel PillowT2pillows

Best Travel Pillow - T2pillows

Highlights

  • 'Firm'
  • Organic-cotton cover
  • Adjustable loft
  • Compact and fairly lightweight
  • 60-day return period
Tuck readers get the best price on T2 pillows
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Best Travel PillowT2pillows

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Buckwheat pillows make great travel accessories, especially for sleepers who experience head and neck pain while flying. However, most buckwheat pillows are too heavy and cumbersome to transport comfortably. T2pillows remedies this problem with its buckwheat travel pillow, which measures 10W” x 16L” and weighs one and a half pounds. The pillow is equipped with a cable tie, which can be used to attach the pillow to suitcases and other luggage for easier carrying.

The T2pillows travel-size buckwheat pillow is also easy to clean. The pillow is constructed with an inner zippered pouch, allowing owners to add or remove hulls to adjust the loft, and an outer cover made of organic-cotton that can be removed for machine washing. Because the hulls are all-natural, the pillow is a good choice for eco-conscious shoppers who support sustainable products. Customers can also choose from four color options. T2pillows offers a 60-day return period will full refunds.

Good for:

  • Those who feel uncomfortable sleeping on planes or in cars
  • Hot sleepers
  • Eco-conscious individuals
  • Value seekers

Buying Guide – Shopping for the Best Buckwheat Pillow

Buckwheat is a plant that yields edible seeds used as a cover crop in some countries. Additionally, the hard husks that protect buckwheat seeds — known as hulls — are used to fill some pillows made today. Buckwheat pillows are exceptionally dense and tend to be on the firmer side, but they are supportive and moldable enough to offer a conforming fit that alleviates some pain and pressure. Buckwheat pillows are hypoallergenic, and are associated with longer-than-average lifespans.

However, there are some drawbacks to using buckwheat pillows. The hulls tend to clump, causing the pillow to lose shape, and this may require adjustments during the night. Buckwheat pillows are also heavy, with most Standard-size models weighing 10 pounds or more, and this makes them relatively difficult to move and maneuver. And in terms of price-point, buckwheat pillows tend to be significantly more expensive than most other pillow types.

Read on to learn more about buckwheat pillows and how they stack up compared to other pillow types.

How to Choose a Buckwheat Pillow

The best buckwheat pillow for you will depend on what loft (height) is most comfortable for you and your budget. A few other things to consider before buying are how to clean the pillow and what the return policy and warranty include.

What Is the Makeup of a Buckwheat Pillow?

Buckwheat hulls are the hard, round outer husks of buckwheat kernels. The average hull is smaller than a dime, and a typical buckwheat pillow contains hundreds of individual hulls;  depending on the size, buckwheat pillows may weigh anywhere from five to 10 pounds. Most models feature zippered covers, which allow owners to remove or add hulls as needed to achieve their optimal loft settings.

What Sizes Are Available for Buckwheat Pillows?

Buckwheat pillows are commonly available in the following sizes:

  • Standard: Standard is considered the most compact non-specialty pillow size. This size is the most popular in terms of sales, and is generally associated with the lowest price-points.
  • Queen: Queen-size pillows are roughly four inches longer than Standards, making them ideal for people who find Standard sizes too compact, as well as those who toss and turn or shift positions during the night.
  • King: The King is 10 inches longer than the Standard. In addition to offering sufficient space for people who move or rotate positions in their sleep, King-size pillows also serve as suitable headrests or backrests for people who sit up in bed to read to watch television.
  • Specialty Sizes: In addition to the sizes listed above, some buckwheat pillow makers offer smaller sizes that match those used in countries where buckwheat pillows are most popular, such as Japan and South Korea. Typically, these pillows are at least five inches narrower than Standard, Queen, or King sizes, and may five to 10 inches shorter as well.

The table below features approximate measurements for each of the pillow sizes discussed above.

Pillow Size Dimensions
Standard 20W” x 26L”
Queen 20W” x 30L”
King 20W” x 36L”
Specialty Average: 15W” x 20L”
Varies by manufacturer

Pros and Cons of Buckwheat Pillows

Pros of buckwheat pillows include:

  • Support: Buckwheat pillows offer exceptional support due to their stable yet adaptable surface that contours to the head, neck and shoulders and helps sleepers maintain spinal alignment.
  • Lifespan: Buckwheat hulls are naturally hard and durable, and buckwheat pillows have longer-than-average lifespans as a result.
  • Sleeping Cool: Buckwheat pillows retain little body heat due to a fair amount of airflow within the interior of the pillow, and many owners say they sleep relatively cool.
  • Allergies: Buckwheat hulls are naturally hypoallergenic, unlike other pillow materials like down, feathers, and latex.
  • Moldability: With the exception of non-adjustable high-loft models, most buckwheat pillows are fairly scrunchy, allowing sleepers to mold them in order to create the most comfortable shape.
  • Snoring Aid: Because they are so supportive, buckwheat pillows offer a stable surface that keeps the head upright and helps prevent snoring for some sleepers.

Cons of buckwheat pillows include the following:

  • Price: The average buckwheat pillow costs between $50 and $75, making them significantly more expensive than most other pillow types.
  • Weight: Buckwheat pillows can be exceptionally heavy; the average model Standard model contains 10 pounds of hulls. This can make them difficult to move and adjust during the night for some.
  • Shape: Some buckwheat pillows — particularly low-loft models — are prone to clumping when hulls shift.
  • Noise: New buckwheat pillows often produce soft cracking sounds when bearing weight, but this issue tends to improve over time.
  • Odor Potential: Buckwheat hulls may produce unpleasant smells, especially in newer pillows.
  • Availability: Buckwheat pillows are somewhat hard to find compared to other pillow types, although shoppers will find additional options by browsing companies based in East Asia.

Who Is a Buckwheat Pillow Good For?

Generally speaking, buckwheat pillows are best suited for the following people:

  • People who sleep on their back or side. The stable surface and above-average conforming capabilities of buckwheat pillows provide adequate support for most back and side sleepers.
  • People who tend to sleep hot, since buckwheat pillows retain minimal body heat and usually sleep cool.
  • People who snore. Buckwheat pillows are stable enough to keep the head fully supported and help minimize snoring.
  • People who have allergies to other pillow materials like down, feathers, or latex.

However, buckwheat pillows may not be suitable for the following people:

  • People who prefer to snuggle with pillows, since buckwheat pillows can be somewhat rigid, and typically work best as primary sleep pillows.
  • People who awaken easily due to noise, since buckwheat pillows can be quite loud.
  • People who struggle lifting or moving heavy pillows. Most Standard-size buckwheat pillows weigh at least 10 pounds.

Buckwheat Pillow Ratings

Criteria Buckwheat Pillow Rating Explanation
Affordability Poor to Fair The average buckwheat pillow costs between $50 and $75. By comparison, down alternative, latex, memory foam, feather, and polyester pillows are all cheaper.
Durability Good to Very Good Most buckwheat pillows perform for at least three years due to the natural durability of buckwheat hulls.
Support Very Good to Excellent Buckwheat pillows provide a stable, supportive surface for the head neck and shoulders that helps align the spine and minimize pressure buildup.
Noise Poor to Fair Buckwheat pillows often produce noise when bearing weight, and are considered one of the loudest pillow types.
Weight Poor to Fair Buckwheat pillows often weigh 10 pounds or more, making them much heavier than other pillow types on average.
Odor Fair to Good Buckwheat pillows may emit unpleasant smells when new, but these odors tend to dissipate with time and use.
Washable Poor to Fair Most buckwheat pillows require owners to manually remove all of the hulls and wash the case separately, which can be a time-consuming process. Buckwheat hulls should never be cleaned.
Firmness/Loft Options Good to Very Good Most buckwheat pillows feature zippered cases that allow owners to adjust the loft to meet their preferences.
Availability Poor to Fair Buckwheat pillows are considerably hard to find compared to other pillow types.

Buying Tips for Buckwheat Pillows

Buckwheat pillows can be hard to find for shoppers. In the United States, they are sold through a small number of brick-and-mortar and online home goods retailers, as well as exclusively online retailers like Amazon.com and Overstock.com. Shoppers may find more options by browsing companies based in Asian countries like Japan and South Korea, where buckwheat pillows tend to be most popular.

Buckwheat pillows typically cost between $50 and $75, though some models cost more than $100. This makes them less expensive than pillows made from other natural and organic materials, such as down or organic cotton. However, buckwheat pillows are priced higher than most other pillow types.

In order to properly clean most buckwheat pillows, owners will first need to remove all of the hulls and wash the cover separately. Buckwheat hulls cannot be cleaned; owners can typically order more hulls from the pillow manufacturer.

The graph features average price-points for buckwheat pillows and seven other popular pillow types.

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