About 40 years ago I thought the buckwheat pillow was just a fad that would fade away.
Boy, was I wrong.
They aren’t for everyone, that’s for sure.
However, some people can’t sleep without them.
The feel and comfort for your head and neck just can’t be matched.
Also, anyone who is chemically sensitive should consider this pillow too.
If you’re looking for a more comfortable and restful sleep, you may want to consider switching the type of pillow you have. While most people are quick to fault their mattress or bed for a poor quality of sleep, that may or may not be the most critical factor.
It’s surprising just what a difference the pillow could make to your entire sleep experience. And the best part is, you can test it (and often solve the problem entirely) by spending just a fraction of what a new bed would cost.
Why You Should Give This Buckwheat Pillow A Try
If you haven’t tried a buckwheat pillow before, it may be time you did exactly that. For stability and support – they’re hard to beat. Add to that the cool comfort you get from a “breathable” pillow and it starts to make a lot more sense to make the switch.
The Hullo Buckwheat Pillow scores a respectable rating from at least 36 customer reviews (as of this writing). It’s made in the USA and it comes in the standard size of 20″ x 26″- which suits most queen size beds and pillowcases.
A Healthy Alternative To Memory Foam Pillows
Hullo pillows contain no chemical-based foams or bird feathers. Instead, what’s inside is a natural product – actual buckwheat hulls – grown and milled in the United States.
What’s interesting about buckwheat is that it promotes cool air flow, so you stay cool all night – without having to flip your pillow. That’s not all. Where this particular pillow really excels is the support buckwheat hulls provide your neck and head.
These hulls are breathable and yet firm and highly adjustable. You can make this pillow fit to your body contour perfectly. This in turn provides a level of comfortable all natural support that’s tough to beat.
The fact that it’s also cool to sleep on (since it does not retain heat) like most pillows do is an added plus.
The Buckwheat Pillow Supports Your Head vs. The Average Pillow That Falls Down
Most pillows are just too soft. That’s why you need to puff them up again and again – all night long.
In fact, I’d venture to say that the average pillow fails to provide adequate support to the head and neck. This can’t be a good thing since it can cause the neck and back muscles to strain, and even pinching of the nerves.
Which causes that shooting pain, that not only interrupts your restful sleep, but can make your day quite uncomfortable too.
The trick with the Hullo buckwheat pillow is to find your zone. This means locating that sweet spot where your head is comfortably and fully supported. That way the stress on your neck and spine is relieved and your muscles can fully relax.
Buckwheat Holds Its Shape So Your Head Can Rest Easy
Hullo Buckwheat pillows form naturally to your body’s shape.
An average pillow creates air pockets – spaces where there is no direct support underneath. This can strain the muscles causing stiffness and soreness.
It can also prevent you from completely relaxing.
But the Hullo pillow eliminates these common problems for the most part. It supports the neck and head, cradling them while it helps keep the spine straight too.
You Won’t Overheat – Even On Those Hot, Muggy Nights
What causes most pillows to get too hot is the lack of air flowing through them. But with the Hullo, all buckwheat pillow, airflow is consistent – preventing the heat buildup we all know and dislike.
The result is that your pillow remains at a comfortable temperature – all night long – even on the those hot, sticky nights.
Chances are, you won’t awaken in the middle of the night due to your pillow overheating, forcing you to flip it over time and again. So your sleeping pattern won’t be disrupted needlessly.

Natural and Partly Organic
Every Hullo Pillow is encased in a cotton twill fabric that is 100% organic. And while the buckwheat hull filling is not organically grown – it is a natural product that’s carefully sourced from farmers in the United States.
With no chemical foams inside, you don’t have to worry about any nasty fumes being released in your home.
It’s A Heavier Pillow
The standard size for the Hullo Buckwheat Pillow is 3 inches thick by 20″ x 26″.
Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic about this (or any other buckwheat filled pillow) pillow is the substantial weight.
This one weighs in at about 8 1/2 – 9 pounds (depending on the amount and particular shipment of hulls contained therein) which is heavier than virtually every other pillow on the market.
Apart from the minor inconvenience when moving these pillows around, the weight is actually a good thing. It’s what give this pillow its substance and support.
Cleaning and Maintenance
While the cover of the buckwheat pillow is washable, it’s not the most convenient pillow to clean. Why? Because you will need to bag the buckwheat that’s inside, in order to wash the outside cover. Once you’ve done it once or twice, it’s no big deal. Just an extra step – that’s all.
It’s a good idea to use a quality, breathable pillowcase on top of the twill cover.
This will help protect your Hullo longer. With care, there’s no reason why you should not get a number of years of service from your buckwheat pillow – without any problem whatsoever.
You will have to replace those buckwheat hulls eventually however. As the buckwheat slowly breaks down, it loses its effectiveness and the pillow becomes flatter and less supportive.
But you can replenish the buckwheat hulls (replacement bundles are readily available) inside and instantly fluff up your pillow again – just like it was new. Replacement bags of buckwheat hulls are available directly – in either 10 or 20 pound quantities.
Who Benefits Most From Buckwheat?
While anyone can find strong support and comfort from a buckwheat-filled pillow, those who tend to be stomach sleepers and side sleepers seem to like it even more. That’s no doubt due to the added support for the frame that only weighty buckwheat hulls can provide.
If you’re a frequent stomach sleeper, you may find that a certain amount of the filling needs to be removed first. This helps you to find that optimum level of support and elevation, so your head is not positioned too high on the pillow to cause any excess strain or tension in the neck.
Could This Be The Answer For Migraine Sufferers?
Some migraine sufferers who claim to have tried virtually every available pillow, tend to favor this one.
This may be due to the fact that it’s an all-natural product that doesn’t get too hot.
Or it could be that this pillow is firm and provides more than adequate support, keeping the head in the proper position all night long.
Neck pain is one of the more common ailments of the 21st-century.
But what a lot of people don’t realize is that it could be caused by the pillow you’re using.
Most pillows aren’t firm enough or flexible enough to securely support the head and neck. Which can lead to frequent neck and back pain as well as headaches. The Hullo Buckwheat pillow solves that problem.
All Night Long Head And Neck Comfort
If you like to sleep comfortably in one position all night, you need a pillow that is up to the task. Most standard pillows with different fills tend to compress, leaving your head and neck unsupported – and that can’t be good for your comfort level or overall wellness.
With the buckwheat pillow, once you find that sweet spot of support, you’re good to go until morning. This kind of restful sleep can make a world of difference in your well-being and your effectiveness on a day to day basis.
While they do eventually wear down, you simply replace the buckwheat hulls inside and your pillow is like new again offering full support.
It Takes A few Nights To Get Used To It
Due to its design and the materials used, it’s much firmer than a normal pillow. Therefore, it takes most people a couple of nights to get used to. But once accustomed to it, new users tend to be thrilled with their overall sleep.
There’s no question about it, it takes some getting used to when you switch from a goose-filled or standard foam filled pillow. That’s because the difference is substantial. But overall, the quality of sleep is significantly better for a lot of people who do make the switch.
What makes this pillow superior for a quality supportive sleep is that it completely cradles the neck and head and shoulders with no noticeable gaps in between. This means your body’s weight is evenly distributed. So the pressure is taken off of the spine and your muscles can relax.
You can move around the buckwheat hulls to make your pillow softer or firmer and to mold it into the exact shape you require. You may find that it’s a little too dense when it’s brand new and removing some of the hulls can help soften it and enhance your overall experience.
It’s really a matter of playing around with it until you get a comfort level that’s just right for you. Ideally, the pillow will contour perfectly to your head and neck, resulting in a much deeper and peaceful sleep. You’ll awake well rested and renewed, ready for whatever they day ahead brings.
What Buyers Love Most About Hullo Pillows
- All natural. It’s a 100%-natural product that is completely animal-free.
- Firm and supportive. The Hullo pillow doesn’t sink or collapse easily, providing strong support to ease tension in the muscles and allowing for a relaxing sleep. It gives where it supposed to give and it provides support where it’s supposed to support.
- You can adapt it to suit. The shape is totally adjustable by punching the pillow to fluff it up and provide firm support to your head or body.
- Adjustable level of fill. The thickness is of the pillow is adjustable by adding or removing the hulls. This way it is adaptable to different positions, which can be especially useful after injury or surgery recovery.
- Good for various sleeping positions. You can easily switch from sleeping on your back to sleeping on your side to sleeping on your stomach. With a simple adjustment of the pillow -you’re good to go and it gives solid and full support.
- There’s no annoying chemical smell inside. It’s a pleasant relief from all the memory foam that’s out there that needs to be aired out prior to using.
- Holds up well. The Hullo pillow maintains its shape to however you position it. So you’ll get the support you need as you sleep, without having to readjust your pillow in the middle of the night.
- Quality product. It’s very well-made. The pillow’s shell is made of superb quality, organic cotton fabric that should last for years.
What Some Buyers Didn’t Like
- Not quite as easy to wash as some pillows. It’s a bit of a hassle to wash the cover since the hulls need to be dumped out into a container or bag.
- Can be somewhat noisy. The hulls can be little noisy as they move around before settling. It’s nothing outrageous, but it does take some getting used to. Usually after a few nights, you’re fine.
- Heavy weight. The pillow is heavy from 8.5 to about 9 pounds in weight. There’s no way around it – it is a heavier pillow than most.
- Takes at least a couple of nights to get used to. It can feel hard until you get used to it
- It’s a bit on the expensive side. No doubt about it the Hullo is slightly more costly than many pillows. You would expect to pay more for a product manufactured in the US than something made where labor rates are ridiculously low and basic human rights often neglected. And if it helps you get a better sleep, is the difference in price going to matter much?
The Verdict
Any stomach sleeper, side sleeper or chemical avoiding person should seriously consider this pillow.
Overall, this is a quality, well-made product, that can help you get rid of neck and shoulder pains. It can even alleviate headaches and migraines.
If you’re having trouble finding that right level of support for a comfortable, pain-free sleep, you should try the Hullo buckwheat pillow.
Because this pillow is so dense with buckwheat hulls – it’s on the heavier side. But it really snuggles and cradles the head, providing a level of support few other pillows can match.
Click here to get your next favorite pillow.
If you need a bigger pillow…take a look at these body pillows.
I’m really enjoying your blog. It’s very informative and helpful. Your efforts are very much appreciated. However, I read from my iPhone, and your mobile site is not displaying properly. The navigation section at the top takes up half my screen. I checked to make sure it wasn’t make accessibility settings on my phone affecting the display, but they seem to have no effect. I would be happy to send you a screenshot if it would help in resolving this issue. Thanks for all your hard work. I look forward to exploring the rest of your site. Take care.
I see what you mean. Thanks for letting me know. It may take sometime to get it fixed. I’m glad you like the website. Feel free to suggest topics you are interested in TIA!