We researched dozens of buckwheat pillows and read countless reviews to make sure we found the best options for a wide array of needs. Additionally, we spoke with sleep consultant Kelly Murray to get expert insight into what the benefits are of a buckwheat pillow, and who could use one. Our pick for the best overall was Hullo’s Buckwheat Pillow. This 100 percent US-made pillow is premium every step of the way, and it comes fully filled with buckwheat hulls to allow you to customize its fill level. Check out our top picks for the best buckwheat pillows. Adjustability elevates this pillow to the next level. It comes filled fully with buckwheat, so you can remove as much as you need to find your perfect level of support. The buckwheat hulls Hullo uses are also premium and promote breathability all night long while you sleep. Price at time of publish: $109 for a Standard size However, this pillow is not adjustable; you can’t alter the amount of fill, only the placement of it. There is no zipper, so you can’t remove the cover to wash it, either. Even with the limited adjustability, the pillow still boasts plenty of perks, the standout of which is its budget-friendly price. Price at time of publish: $30 for a Standard size However, this buckwheat pick is a bit pricier than the others on the list, making it a splurge. But it’s certainly worth the money. After using it, one reviewer said, “I’ll never go back to a regular pillow again.” Price at time of publish: $90 for a Standard size Inside, the buckwheat hulls are 100 percent US-grown, and they don’t lump together like other pillow fill materials. However, some customers found this pillow to be a bit noisy for them. Price at time of publish: $70 for a Japanese size One drawback for this pillow is it doesn’t come with a cover and seems to get dirty quickly, making it tough to clean. Overall, though, it really does the job to help with neck pain, with one reviewer saying it “really helped calm my neck pain at night. I’ve been able to sleep through the night instead of waking up or tossing and turning constantly.” Price at time of publish: $41 One drawback for this pillow in particular is the smell. There seems to be a natural odor that comes with it that’s not overpowering, but still present. Plus, this pillow runs a bit small; it’s a few inches shorter than your typical standard-size product. Overall, however, it’s well-built and made to last. Price at time of publish: $47 A drawback of this pillow is the cover isn’t removable, which makes it difficult to clean. Additionally, for some sleepers, it falls a bit flat in terms of the level of filling. You may need to move the filling around to find just the right arrangement for your comfort. Price at time of publish: $30 for a Traditional size One mild drawback to this pillow is that it needs to be hang-dried, but that hasn’t prevented it from boasting 4.3 out of 5 stars in reviews. Customers love it for its incredible level of comfort. Price at time of publish: $40 There are some customers who’ve complained that this pillow doesn’t come with enough filling to meet their needs. However, there are plenty of others who love it for making their travel dramatically more enjoyable. Price at time of publish: $45 for a Travel size While it is a larger investment, the quality of the hulls means this buckwheat pillow will last you much longer than alternatives. Unfortunately, there’s just one size option on the company’s website, which is a bit limiting. Price at time of publish: $76 for a Traditional size One drawback for this pillow, however, is the sound. Moving the buckwheat as you toss and turn can create some noise. Most people get used to it, though, and have no issues after a few nights. Price at time of publish: $120 for a Standard size
Firmness level
Much like loft and support, firmness is going to be a highly individualized need. While buckwheat pillows tend to be more firm than other materials, the hulls will conform to your own shape. So while there’s really only going to be one firmness option, the adjustability comes in the shape of hull removal. We recommend beans72’s pillow for this; weighing in at 5.5 pounds, it provides plenty of firmness.
Shape
Buckwheat pillows are naturally adjustable. By shifting and removing/adding hulls, you can essentially create the shape you need; or rather, the pillow will shift itself depending on your personalized needs. However, if you’re looking for a particular shape, there are different sizes and shapes available. For example, if you need a neck pillow, some brands do manufacture those specifically, like Sachi Organics.
Pressure relief
A pillow that doesn’t conform to your needs will not help alleviate achy pressure points. When shopping for a buckwheat pillow, it’s important to look for one with plenty of hulls so you can adjust accordingly. When you do adjust it, though, the pressure relief can be astonishing, according to Murray: “There are even reports that this pillow may help those who experience migraines. The reason it is believed to help is that it supports soft tissue and airways. It also provides soft pressure against your skull and spine. These pressure points help trigger relaxation and the release of endorphins.” Our choice for this is The Bucky Natural Cotton Bed Pillow because its ability to keep your spine neutral will also alleviate pressure points.
Temperature regulation
The good news about buckwheat pillows is they’re naturally temperature-regulating. According to Murray, “The hulls move around in the pillow, which allows for proper airflow to help prevent overheating.” If the hulls aren’t enough to ensure a proper night of cool sleep, make sure to purchase a buckwheat pillow with a breathable cover. Materials like cotton do their part to help you sleep through the night feeling cool. For us, it’s hard to beat Pinetales when it comes to a great cooling buckwheat pillow.
Lifespan
Buckwheat pillows outlive many other kinds of pillows. The durability of the hulls themselves promotes a longer lifespan. When considering pillows, you can see them as investments. Expensive pillows that only last three to five years aren’t necessarily wise to purchase. Meanwhile, buckwheat pillows with proper care can last you upwards of a decade. If you want one that’s especially durable, we recommend the Sweet Zzz Buckwheat Pillow.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Jack Byram is a commerce writer who has written about and tested countless pillows and other sleep-related products. For this article, he diligently researched buckwheat pillows and read countless reviews to find the best ones on the market for specific needs. He made sure that he included a variety of prices to reach all sleepers, while also addressing durability and brand reputability. He also interviewed sleep consultant Kelly Murray to get expert input on who could best be served by a buckwheat pillow.
