I've written about buckwheat hull pillows before on my blog and about how much sleeping on one has helped sleep better at night. In this article, I hope to provide some information about other types of pillows where buckwheat hulls might be used as well as why buckwheat might be superior to other fillers.
Before I start, I want to give out a little disclaimer: Buckwheat is a natural product and as such if you are prone to allergies, might not be for you--so 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.
If you like a cool pillow then buckwheat hulls are an excellent choice. Unlike goose down which is how geese stay warm, even in the water, even in the dead of winter, buckwheat stays cool. As for the geese, if it keeps them warm, it's going to do the same for you. Polyester batting and memory foam hold the heat as well.
If you're looking for something that changes it shape to fit your head then buckwheat is perfect, unlike goose down which compresses terribly. And although memory foam is excellent at molding to your body's shape, the larger the pillow and the more expensive the price. Polyester batting does a little better job than goose down but not remarkably so.
With all the worries about chemicals and how they affect the body, many people claim that products derived from oil, like memory foam and polyester, give off gases from their manufacturing process. So if you want a natural alternative, both goose down and buckwheat hulls provide you with one.
What are some of the benefits over other fillers versus buckwheat pillows? Here are a couple of types of pillows were buckwheat hulls out perform other materials used as fillers.
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.
Because both types of neck pillow are required to cradle the "parts" they're under, buckwheat hulls are an excellent choice for either one.
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.
For a long time, the Japanese buckwheat hull pillows have had a reputation as the best ones to buy but recently, I've noticed some small scale producers in the United States and Canada turning out really nice quality organic buckwheat pillow. So not only can you buy more locally, but additionally a lot of pillows made in Japan are actually coming out of China so they're not really "Japanese" at all. I'm sure that people living in Europe or other parts of the world can also find a local producer.
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've been using a buckwheat hull pillow for many years ever since a trip to Japan. Since then, I've acquired a few more and have them around the house and at work. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, one could be the answer you're looking for, for a good night's sleep.
Before I start, I want to give out a little disclaimer: Buckwheat is a natural product and as such if you are prone to allergies, might not be for you--so 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.
If you like a cool pillow then buckwheat hulls are an excellent choice. Unlike goose down which is how geese stay warm, even in the water, even in the dead of winter, buckwheat stays cool. As for the geese, if it keeps them warm, it's going to do the same for you. Polyester batting and memory foam hold the heat as well.
If you're looking for something that changes it shape to fit your head then buckwheat is perfect, unlike goose down which compresses terribly. And although memory foam is excellent at molding to your body's shape, the larger the pillow and the more expensive the price. Polyester batting does a little better job than goose down but not remarkably so.
With all the worries about chemicals and how they affect the body, many people claim that products derived from oil, like memory foam and polyester, give off gases from their manufacturing process. So if you want a natural alternative, both goose down and buckwheat hulls provide you with one.
What are some of the benefits over other fillers versus buckwheat pillows? Here are a couple of types of pillows were buckwheat hulls out perform other materials used as fillers.
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.
Because both types of neck pillow are required to cradle the "parts" they're under, buckwheat hulls are an excellent choice for either one.
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.
For a long time, the Japanese buckwheat hull pillows have had a reputation as the best ones to buy but recently, I've noticed some small scale producers in the United States and Canada turning out really nice quality organic buckwheat pillow. So not only can you buy more locally, but additionally a lot of pillows made in Japan are actually coming out of China so they're not really "Japanese" at all. I'm sure that people living in Europe or other parts of the world can also find a local producer.
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've been using a buckwheat hull pillow for many years ever since a trip to Japan. Since then, I've acquired a few more and have them around the house and at work. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, one could be the answer you're looking for, for a good night's sleep.
About the Author:
Bobbie "Bob" Barkley has been troubled by insomnia, going back to yearly bouts as a youngster, and as an adult, with back pain. He found relief with with buckwheat pillows and lumbar support pillows.
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