A Buckwheat Pillow Might Give You The Best Bang For Your Buck (With Proper Care)

Drifting to sleep with your head resting on a pillow of shells probably doesn't sound very comfortable. Most of us are used to the soft, fluffy nature of down, memory foam, and polyester cushions. But if you're looking for a top pillow to get your money's worth, a buckwheat one might be the best option. A buckwheat pillow can last for years when properly cared for. Furthermore, refreshing the fill and washing the cover is all you need to do to maintain this pillow and drift soundly to sleep on top of the seed-filled cushion for decades.

There are a few things to consider when picking pillows for your bed. Cost, comfort, and durability are all top factors. If you're a fan of firm support, then you might want to make the switch to a buckwheat pillow for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise coziness. The headrest is filled with buckwheat hulls: the shell from the plant's seeds. It is a naturally firm pillow that is moldable, cool, and all-natural. Best of all, it can be the leading choice to save you money.

The average cost for a buckwheat pillow is roughly $50, which is comparable to other options like memory foam, cotton, and feathered pillows, though they can greatly vary in price. You can find buckwheat pillows for even cheaper, such as the Lofe Organic Buckwheat Pillow for $25 on Amazon. The low cost is even more delectable because the pillow can last for decades. You don't need to buy a new one every couple years like with other material cushions; you only need to replace the buckwheat fill. The compostable hulls last for years but slowly break down overtime. The smaller pieces are still usable, but they won't have the same support or cooling properties. When you feel them flatten, simply add or replace the hulls in your cover to adjust the pillow to meet your fullness needs. It will return the headrest to new without having to buy a brand-new pillow. A 5-pound refill of buckwheat hulls from Organic Cotton Plus on Amazon costs $26.

Even though you'll need to replace or add more buckwheat filling to your pillow every few years, a well-made pillow cover with a sturdy zipper and stitching that can withstand the pounds of buckwheat inside can last a long time. However, if you want your pillow to live for decades, you'll need to keep it clean. Sweat, oil, dirt, and other elements take years off your pillow's lifespan. Fortunately, caring for and cleaning your bed pillows is easy.

Preventing your pillow from getting dirty is the first step in keeping it in tip-top shape. Using a protector and pillowcase can give you extra layers of defense and reduce how often you need to wash your pillows. However, as with any item you use every day, dirt is inevitable. To clean your buckwheat pillow, first empty the hulls into a separate container. Turn the cover inside out to ensure all the shells are removed. If the pillow cover is machine washable, throw it in the washer with mild detergent and cold water. Otherwise, you can hand wash the fabric with the same products. Add it to the dryer on low or let it air dry.

Most importantly, don't wet the buckwheat hulls. That will ruin your pillow and you'll have to toss the fill into the compost bin or use it as mulch. If you're having breakfast in bed, ensure you're cautious to prevent any spills. You can't wash the hulls, and leaving the soiled shells in the pillowcase can lead to mold. However, if the hulls are damp from water, you can let them sun-dry. Spread the buckwheat flat onto a baking tray and place it in sunlight. Stir the shells every few hours until they are completely dry. Even if the shells aren't damp, some believe that doing this twice a year can also disinfect them and help maintain their freshness. Then, you can enjoy your pillow like it's new.