It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of buckwheat hull pillows and how you can sleep better using one. Well today, I’ll be talking about other kinds of pillows where buckwheat hulls might make a better choice that some other/newer kinds of fillings.

Buckwheat is a natural product and my not be appropriate for people with allergies. Please use this information at your own risk.

Now that that’s been said, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of why buckwheat makes such a great filler. Because unlike other fillers, buckwheat hulls have some unique properties.

Looking to stay cool at night–buckwheat hulls are what you want. In geese, it’s the goose down that keeps them warm even in cold waters. If it keeps them warm, it’s also likely that it’ll keep you warm too. Memory foam and polyester batting also retain heat.

It’s form fitting–something that goose down is terrible at. Memory foam is really great at this but pillows made from memory foam tend to be on the expensive side. Batting, also not very conforming.

Buckwheat is a natural product and so is goose down. Memory foam and polyester batting are petroleum derived and some people think prone to outgassing after manufacturing. I generally shy away from topics like that but I have heard of people feeling ill after new carpets and things have been installed from the foam outgassing–the so-called sick building syndrome.

So these are some of the benefits that buckwheat holds over other types of fillers and pillows. Here are some places where buckwheat hulls are especially suited. Note that this list probably is 100% comprehensive.

Buckwheat Neck Pillow – Neck pillows which are also known as cervical pillows are generally found in two varieties. One style is meant for use when you travel and so is also called a travel pillow. This type looks like a horse shoe and is meant to go around your neck as you fly or ride in a car. In addition to keeping your head from flopping around, they also help you remain upright while you sleep and the “U” shaped keeps the pillow where it should be instead of ending up in the isle. The other type of neck pillow looks like a tube and is used to support the neck while sleeping in your bed.

Both types of pillows need to be able to conform to your body and that’s why buckwheat is so great.

Buckwheat Lumbar Support Pillow – Lumbar support pillows are a lot like cervical pillows because they have the job of supporting the spine but in this case the spine of the lower back. If you’re in a chair all day working or driving, you’ll appreciate how cool the hulls stay as well as how nicely your pillow molds to your back.

Although buckwheat and soba have been used for a long time in Japan, giving the Japanese a reputation for making the best buckwheat pillows, recent small companies in America and Canada are producing some really high-quality pillows. And to tell you the truth, as globalization progresses, more and more Japanese products are being produced in China. Sadly, that includes most of the pillows produced.

Another nice thing about the local manufactures is that they are producing a true organic buckwheat pillow which means that not only are the hulls organic but the cotton used for the cover is organic as well.

I tried a buckwheat hull pillow years ago while on a trip in Japan and since then have bought quite a few more for use at work. Hopefully this article will have you convinced to give one a try yourself. Sweet dreams.