8 Best Buckwheat Pillows of 2021 Review: Cool Pain Relief

Choosing between the best buckwheat pillows can be difficult, but I have made this easy for you.

Skim through the list, find the size you want, and the covering that you prefer. If the price is right, you can’t go wrong.

Buckwheat pillows have been used in East Asia for hundreds of years. As of recently, they’ve blown up in popularity across America, and for good reason.

What Makes Buckwheat Pillows The Best?

These Asian-born pillows are filled with the outer casings of buckwheat kernels, called buckwheat hulls. Giving the pillows a flexible and firm quality, similar to heavy beanbags (yet much comfier).

Buckwheat pillows usually include cotton or organic cotton covers, making them one of the best choices for eco-friendly shoppers.

The reason these pillows have been used for hundreds of years is that they offer incredible health benefits.

If you suffer from neck pain, back pain, or have difficulty getting to sleep, they might be the best option for you.

Buckwheat pillows conform to the shape of your neck, head, and shoulders wonderfully. Plus, they also help keep your spine in alignment and relieve pressure points where needed.

Plus, if you can’t handle hot pillows, you’ll love the feel of buckwheat pillows. They have wonderful airflow compared to typical pillows, and best of all… they keep you cool.

So what type of buckwheat pillow should you get? Well, they’re not all created equal, as they all have different fabrics, varying amounts of hulls, scent, sturdiness, and much more.

Thankfully, you don’t have to go searching night and day for the perfect buckwheat pillow, as we’ve done all the research for you.

Here are the top 8 buckwheat pillows on the market today.

1. Best Sizing: Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow – Japanese Size (14 inches x 20 inches)

Main Features

When it comes to picking the right pillow size, it’s not always easy.

Choosing the right size is essential to make sure you have the most supportive and comfortable sleep.

Sadly, many buckwheat pillows have a very limited selection in sizing. Beans72, on the other hand, has a wide variety of sizes to choose from.

The Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow offers five different sizes: Travel/Child (11” x 16”), Japanese (14” x 20”), Twin/Standard (20” x 26”), Queen (20” x 30”), and King (20” x 36”).

This wide variety of sizes ensures that anyone can get the right fit for them, as everyone has different sleep preferences.

Why Buy It: If you aren’t sure what size to get, Beans72 has you covered. Plus, the Beans72 Organic Buckwheat Pillow is encased in an unbleached, breathable cotton cover, allowing for a cool sleep.

Plus, if you want to replenish your buckwheat hulls, or simply add a bit of firmness to your pillow, they also sell buckwheat hulls in bulk.

What We Think of it: Beans72 provides a great solution for families in that everyone can get a buckwheat pillow that’s the right size for them.

But not only that, this pillow is great for keeping you cool in the night. Which can be a big issue for hot sleepers who deal with tossing and turning from the heat.

  1. PROSCONS
    ♥ 5 different sizing options  ♦ May be too firm for some
    ♥ Firm♦ Fabric isn’t the softest
    ♥ Adjustable loft 
    ♥ Replenishable buckwheat hulls 
    ♥ Unbleached cotton cover 
    ♥ 30-night trial 

Click Here to get your Beans72 pillow.

2. Best Budget-Friendly Comfort: Sobakawa Traditional Buckwheat Pillow, Updated Standard

Main Features

Do you get stressed out often? Do you deal with anxiety or have trouble sleeping at night?

Self-proclaimed as “The One and Only”, this Sobakawa Traditional Buckwheat Pillow was created with stress relief in mind.

The Pennsylvania company has created a great pillow to help ease your muscle, back, and neck pains, allowing for an easy sleep. Plus, it’s a great bang for your buck and one of the cheapest on our list.

This buckwheat pillow is made from 100% organic cotton from the US. There isn’t a zipper, as this pillow is a one-size, one-firmness fits all pillow. It features a thin, yet soft cotton cover and is 20” x 15” in size.

Why Buy It: If you want a comfortable pillow that is also supportive, then this might be the pick for you. It’s made to relieve stress, and has a one size fits all.

If you don’t want to spend a ton of money, but want a solid buckwheat pillow, then this might be your best bet.

What We Think of it: Considering how affordable it is, it’s quite comfortable. It offers good support on the neck and back.

One major downside is there isn’t any zipper. So if you wanted to adjust the firmness of the pillow by adding in or removing hulls, you won’t be able to. But considering the price, it’s a great overall buckwheat pillow.

PROSCONS
♥ Budget-friendly♦ Only one size  
♥ Great value♦ No zipper to add or remove hulls
♥ Good for side sleeping♦ A bit noisier than other pillows
♥ Great for neck and back 

Click here to see the Sobakawa buckwheat pillow budget friendly price.

3. Best Budget-Friendly Versatility: JOERRES Buckwheat Pillow 100% Organic Coarse Cloth Package

Main Features

If you want a versatile buckwheat pillow that you can use on the bed, on the couch, or even in the car on the way to work, then you’ll love this pillow.

The JOERRES Buckwheat pillow is our most versatile, budget-friendly pillow. It has a unique shape of 20.5” x 7.9” and provides excellent neck support.

This is a firm pillow that includes a zipper so you can adjust the firmness to your liking.

It’s great for using on your neck and head while you sleep, but it’s also great for other purposes. You can use it on your knees, or even as a simple couch pillow while watching TV.

Why Buy It: If you want an affordable buckwheat pillow that you can use in just about any situation, then it’s a great fit.

Its unique shape allows you to use it for your neck and head while you sleep, in between your knees, or for your back while on the couch.

It’s budget-friendly and you can adjust the hulls to get the perfect firmness.

What We Think of it: It’s a great pillow that you can keep on the couch, or on your bed. You could even keep it in the car while you drive.

The size isn’t for everyone, as it is a unique shape (it’s not as square as most pillows). It also can take some time to find the right firmness.

Overall, it’s a great value for what you’re getting.

PROSCONS
♥ Budget-friendly♦ Can be noisy
♥ Versatile – on neck or knees♦ Takes time to get the right firmness  
♥ Sturdy construction 
♥ Adjustable filling 

Click here to get this versatile JOERRES Buckwheat Pillow.

4. Best Cooling: PineTales Premium Organic Buckwheat Pillow with Designer Bamboo Pillowcase

Main Features

If you can’t handle the heat at night, and you’re always flipping your pillow in search of a cooler side, then you’ll want to check this buckwheat pillow out.

Buckwheat pillows generally sleep quite cool, but this one is probably the best at cooling in the night.

The PineTales Premium Organic Buckwheat Pillow comes in two sizes: 20” x 26” and 14” x 20”.

It has great circulation and provides something most other buckwheat pillows don’t: a cotton and rayon cover made from bamboo.

It’s light, breathable, and perfectly complements cotton’s natural cooling abilities.

Plus, the cover is waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about waking up sweaty in the night.

Why Buy It: If you are in search of a cool pillow, this is it. The cover provides extra cooling relief and is most ideal if you struggle to handle the heat in the night. Plus, the design is quite nice on their cotton and rayon blended cover.

What We Think of it: It’s a bit more expensive than the average buckwheat pillow, but it provides great support, firmness, and most of all, great cooling.

Plus, they include the extra outer cover which is a nice bonus that most buckwheat pillows don’t provide.

You can test this pillow out with a 30-day trial to see if it’s the right fit for you.

PROSCONS

♥ Great cooling

♦ Some may find it too soft
♥ 30-Day Trial♦ A bit more expensive  
♥ Free Returns 
♥ Inner and outer cover 
♥ Softer than most buckwheat pillows 

The PineTales buckwheat pillow is waiting for you, Click Here Now.

5. Best Firmness Versatility: Lofe Buckwheat Hull Pillow for Sleeping with Organic Cotton Cover

Main Features

One main concern with purchasing a pillow online, like a mattress, is that you can’t test it out first.

Everyone has different needs, different preferences, and prefers different levels of firmness.

Thankfully, Lofe has solves this issue by offering a dual-firmness pillow.

The 20” x 28” Lofe Buckwheat Hull Pillow is unique in that it offers 2 sides for different comfort levels.

It has a buckwheat layer to provide extra firmness and support to relieve neck and back pain.

Plus, if you flip it over, it has a soft layer filled with premium polyester gel microfibers to provide a softer sleep.

Why Buy It: If you want to get 2 pillows in one, then this might be the best bet for you.

Trying to figure out what the right firmness is can be a real challenge.

Lofe provides two different levels of firmness making it easy to get the right level of comfort for nearly anyone.

What We Think of it: This Lofe Buckwheat Pillow is a great option for those who are unsure about picking the right firmness. If you try out the buckwheat side and find it’s too firm, just flip it over.

PROSCONS
♥ Best firmness versatility♦ Buckwheat side may be too firm  
♥ Premium polyester gel microfibers 
♥ Great cooling 
♥ Affordable 

Click here to get the dual density Lofe Buckwheat Hull Pillow.

6. Best Value: Zen Chi Buckwheat Pillow – Organic Twin Size (20” x 26”)

Main Features

The Zen Chi Buckwheat Pillow is one of the best on the market.

It comes in 4 sizes: Japanese Size (14” x 20”), Twin Size (20” x 26”), Queen Size (20” x 30”), and King Size (20” x 36”).

This pillow is one of the best for conforming to your head and neck to relieve pain in the night. It is also great for your shoulders, or if you sleep on your side.

If you want to add extra firmness to your pillow, Zen Chi also sells replacement hulls that you can fill your pillow even more.

It’s an eco-friendly option since it’s made from organic hulls and organic cotton.

The overall comfort is incredible for the price.

Why Buy It: If you struggle with neck, back, or shoulder pain, and want a pillow that will help relieve your pressure points in the night, this is one of the best available.

This buckwheat pillow comes in 4 sizes and lets you adjust the firmness by adding or removing buckwheat hulls. Making it easy for anyone to achieve the perfect comfort level.

What We Think of it: It’s very affordable considering what you’re getting. You can feel the difference Zen Chi offers with their buckwheat pillows.

The eco-friendly pillow provides incredible support around the neck and can be used on the knees as well.

It’s the best value pick on our list considering how comfortable it is.

PROSCONS
♥ Best value♦ Some complaints about the smell of the organic buckwheat  
♥ Eco-friendly  
♥ Adjustable loft 
♥ Great for neck and shoulders 
♥ Wonderful pressure relief 
♥ 30-night trial 

The Zen Chi Buckwheat Pillow provides the best overall value, Click Here

7. Best Overall: Hullo Buckwheat Pillow (Standard Size – 20” x 26”)

Main Features

If money isn’t an issue for you, and you just want the best buckwheat pillow available, then this is it.

The Hullo Buckwheat Pillow is the most luxurious pillow on our list.

The premium buckwheat provides excellent support and circulation in the interior of the pillow.

Made from breathable organic-cotton twill, the machine-washable pillow cover is very breathable, soft, and provides excellent cooling.

The biggest benefit of this pillow is the pressure relief. If you struggle with serious neck, back, or shoulder pain and need something that will help relieve the pain in the night, this might be your best option.

The Hullo pillow conforms very well to the neck and back to alleviate soreness, pressure points, and stiffness, providing a comfortable sleep.

Why Buy It: If you deal with ongoing neck and back pain and struggle to sleep at night, then you should consider picking up the Hullo Pillow.

It’s not cheap by any means, but it’s made to support those who need deep pressure point relief.

What We Think of it: You can tell by feeling it that it’s made with care. The manufacturers really took the time to craft a premium buckwheat pillow.

It’s a firm pillow that provides excellent support. Plus, Hullo offers the best trial period on our list of 60 days.

PROSCONS
♥ Best overall♦ Most expensive on our list  
♥ High-quality materials 
♥ Durable 
♥ 60-night trial 
♥ Great pain relief 
♥ Great for side or back sleeping 

Get the best, the Hullo Buckwheat Pillow, click here now.

You can read my full Hullo Buckwheat Pillow review here.

8. Best Comfort: ComfyComfy Buckwheat Hull Pillow (Traditional Size – 21” x 14”)

Main Features

You probably could have told by the name that this company has set out to make the comfiest buckwheat pillows.

And they may have succeeded.

We’ve rated this pillow with the best comfort as it is filled with 4 pounds of US-grown buckwheat hulls, providing superior neck, back, and shoulder support.

This 21” x 14” ComfyComfy Buckwheat Hull Pillow is versatile in its firmness, as you can add or remove buckwheat hulls if you like.

Unlike most buckwheat pillows, you don’t need to purchase additional hulls if you want to increase the firmness. This pillow includes 2 extra pounds of hulls, allowing you to adjust it to your comfort level immediately.

Why Buy It: If you’ve struggled to find the right pillow that perfectly matches your comfort level, then you should consider picking up the ComfyComfy Buckwheat Hull Pillow.

The extra 2 pound bag of buckwheat hulls lets you adjust the pillow to your liking without having to buy more hulls.

What We Think of it: It’s one of the comfiest buckwheat pillows on the market. We love that ComfyComfy anticipates the needs of their customers from the get-go and provides an extra bag of hulls.

Everyone has different comfort levels so they make it possible for their customers to get the perfect firmness right away.

PROSCONS
♥ Best comfort overall♦ Some may find it too firm
♥ Great airflow♦ A bit more expensive  
♥ USA-grown buckwheat 
♥ Organic cotton 
♥ Great value 

ComfyComfy Buckwheat Hull Pillow, Get It Here Now

Buckwheat Pillows: Buyer’s Guide

Buckwheat pillows can provide incredible benefits for those looking for an eco-friendly, extra firm alternative to a typical cotton-filled pillow.

If you deal with chronic neck, back, shoulder, or head pain, you need to make sure you pick a good pillow that allows you to sleep at night.

Buckwheat pillows are designed to provide that extra bit of ample support that regular pillows are lacking.

Plus, buckwheat pillows are able to conform to the shape of your head and neck, allowing for a comfortable sleep.

However, it’s important to note that buckwheat pillows can vary in quality, shape, and comfort, and some have other features that you may or may not need, depending on your preferences.

Is a Buckwheat Pillow Right For You?

Buckwheat pillows aren’t for everyone. Some find them too firm or expensive, while others love the support and pain relief they provide.

Here’s How To Tell If A Buckwheat Pillow Is Right For You:

  • Do you sleep on your back or side? Buckwheat pillows provide great conforming capabilities and a stable surface allowing for great support for side and back sleepers
  • Are you a HOT sleeper at night? If you can’t get to bed easily or wake up often in the middle of the night because you’re too hot, then you will benefit from the natural cooling that a buckwheat pillow provides
  • Do you snore? Because buckwheat pillows provide excellent head support, they help reduce snoring.
  • Do you have allergies? Buckwheat is a great non-allergenic alternative to other materials like feathers, down, or latex.

Here’s How To Tell If A Buckwheat Pillow May Not Be Right For You:

  • If you like to snuggle with a softer, squishier pillow, buckwheat pillows aren’t the right pick. They are firmer and are best used for support.
  • Do you wake up easily from noise? Buckwheat pillows can be a bit noisier than regular pillows.
  • If you want a lightweight pillow. Buckwheat pillows are very heavy and can weigh up to 10 pounds

PROS & CONS of Buckwheat Pillows

Buckwheat pillows are made differently than typical pillows, which means they’re not for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:

PROS

  • Great support: They offer excellent support as they are stable and can conform to the shape of your neck, head, back, and shoulders.
  • Long Life: Buckwheat pillows are generally much more durable than normal pillows, and able to last a lifetime.
  • Cool sleep: They retain very little body heat, unlike cotton, as the air can move freely between buckwheat hulls, providing a cool sleep.
  • Great against allergies: Buckwheat hulls are non-allergenic
  • Moldable: You can mold your buckwheat pillow into different shapes and sizes to match your perfect comfort level
  • Snoring Reduction: Because of the support provided, buckwheat pillows allow your head to stay supported, preventing snoring

CONS

  • Expensive: Buckwheat pillows typically cost between $30-$60, making them much more expensive than an average pillow.
  • Heavy: They’re much heavier than most pillows. Buckwheat is heavier than cotton, so it can be hard to move them around from place to place.
  • Shape: Some buckwheat pillows can clump in areas if they are molded often
  • Noise: Buckwheat pillows make noise when they move. This tends to get better over time.
  • Potential Odor: Some newer buckwheat pillows may give off a slight smell from the buckwheat hulls, but gets better over time

How to Choose the Right Buckwheat Pillow

The right buckwheat pillow for you all depends on the loft, the comfort level, and your budget. Here are a few tips to make sure you pick the right one for you.

Size

It’s important you check the size of the buckwheat pillow you’re purchasing.

Some are only 1 size, and buckwheat pillows can often be smaller than typical pillows. Make sure you double-check what size they offer.

Most will offer Twin-King size pillows, but they may vary.

Zippers

Most buckwheat pillows come equipped with a zipper on the cover, allowing you to add or remove buckwheat hulls to match your comfort level.

Double-check that your pillow provides a zipper, otherwise, you may not be able to get the right firmness level.

Firmness

Buckwheat pillows are typically on the firmer side. Some people say that they are too firm, but it’s important to check reviews to see what customers are saying about the firmness level.

It’s important that you’ll be able to adjust the firmness with a dual sided pillow, a different cover, or a zipper in case it is too soft or too firm for you.

30 Day Trial

Generally speaking, the majority of buckwheat pillow retailers will offer a 30-day trial to test out your pillow. Just like mattress retailers, it’s hard to tell if something you sleep on will be the perfect fit.

So, they offer a period to test it out, and return it if it doesn’t work. The Hullo Buckwheat Pillow offers a 60 day trial period.

The Cover

Make sure you check to see what type of cover is on the buckwheat pillow.

Many are made from cotton, others are organic cotton, but some buckwheat covers can be coarse.

You will want to double-check that the cover is breathable, durable, and machine-washable before purchasing your pillow.

Concluding Remarks On The Best Buckwheat Pillows

There is no clear cut winner between these 8 best buckwheat pillows.

Any one of them is a good choice.

However the ComfyComfy pillow comes with the extra buckwheat hulls. Which you will eventually need, because the hulls do rub against each other, and the volume of the pillow is slowly reduced.

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