Known as “sobakawa” or “Japanese pillows” in Japan, buckwheat pillows have been used for centuries. They are celebrated for their ability to provide firm support and maintain their shape, making them an excellent choice for people who suffer from neck pain or prefer a more supportive pillow.
The problem is that they're not always comfortable for everyone. Some people find them too hard, while others complain about the noise of buckwheat hulls. For some people, due to these reasons, it takes time to get used to it. Traditional pillows are filled with synthetic materials that clump and flatten over time.
Rice husk will form around your head and has natural airflow, keeping things cool throughout the night. Rice husk pillows or buckwheat pillows which have recently gained popularity for their ability to support posture and spinal alignment have been household fixtures in Japan for centuries.
Dakimakura are similar to Western orthopedic body pillows, and are commonly used by Japanese youth as "comfort objects".
On the flip side, buckwheat pillows can last for many many years. Up to 20 if you care for them properly! (More on that below.) The reason why they have such a long life is due to the buckwheat itself; hulls are really sturdy, and take many years before they break down.
After a year or two, the buckwheat hulls will become polished with use. This is good for them, but the pillow will be lower in volume than when you first received it. Around this time, you will want to add some hulls to your pillow. You will only need to do this once.
To sit on a zabuton, you first sit in kiza position behind the cushion, with knees folded under and heels raised, and then transfer onto it by moving forward one knee at a time.
Natural "buckwheat hulls" have long been a common material for pillows in Japan. Generally, buckwheat hulls are what remains after buckwheat is harvested and dried in the sun for several days to remove the fruit.
Ceramic pillows in China were first produced during the Tang dynasty (618–907). They became a popular domestic item among middle- and upper-class families during the Song dynasty. Ceramic pillows were used not only by the living but for burial as well.
Most people do not report much of a smell for buckwheat pillows, although some report a mild, earthy aroma, which typically dissipates over time.
Ancient Japanese lighting from a traditional Japanese hearth, oil lamp or candle (20–30 lux) could be healthier for children and adolescents because rapid and clear increase in melatonin concentration in blood seems to occur at night under such dim light, thus facilitating a smooth falling into night sleep.
Taking off your shoes before entering keeps dirt from your shoes at the door, which, in turn, keeps the inside of the home or business cleaner. This is especially relevant in Japan, where traditional tatami mat flooring can be easily damaged, easily soiled, and difficult to remove stains from.
But makers of buckwheat-filled pillows say the hulls resist dust mites and help reduce aches and pains by conforming perfectly to your body contours.
Some chiropractors recommend buckwheat pillows for their ability to maintain natural spinal alignment, prevent neck pain, and enhance sleep quality, making them a preferred choice for many sleepers.
Unlike your traditional box store pillow, organic pillows are crafted from nontoxic materials, like pesticide-free cotton or chemical-free natural latex, so you'll never have to worry about your health (or the health of the planet) while sleeping.
In Japan, where living spaces are often small, the futon allows for a multifunctional living space that can be easily transformed throughout the day. By sleeping on the floor, you can simplify your living space and embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.
The MICROWAVE! 2 minutes in the microwave kills most bugs. Put your inner pillow in the microwave for 2 minutes. The buckwheat hulls will steam.
Known as “sobakawa” or “Japanese pillows” in Japan, buckwheat pillows have been used for centuries. They are celebrated for their ability to provide firm support and maintain their shape, making them an excellent choice for people who suffer from neck pain or prefer a more supportive pillow.
Makura: No bed is complete without a pillow! Traditional Japanese pillows, or makura, were often small and firm, filled with buckwheat hulls. However, modern versions come in various shapes and materials. Tatami: While not strictly part of the futon itself, tatami mats are often used as a base for the shikibuton.
'proper sitting') is the formal, traditional way of sitting in Japan. It involves a specific positioning and posture in a kneeled position so as to convey respect, particularly toward elders. It developed among samurai during the Edo period and was later widely adopted by the public.
The Pillow:
Claims: The Sobakawa Pillow is filled with 100-percent buckwheat hulls. It has been used extensively throughout the Orient for hundreds of years and is still the pillow of choice in Japan. Buckwheat hulls are believed to offer therapeutic benefits far superior to traditional foam and feather pillows.
Since it is an organic plant material, buckwheat should never come in contact with water or be submerged in it- this can ruin the hulls by causing them to soften and lose shape, and can cause mold growth. The best way to clean buckwheat hulls is by laying them out in the sun for a few hours.
Pricing and Sizing
This pillow costs between $68–$98 and is offered in standard and traditional (Japanese) sizes. Read more in my full ComfyComfy pillow review or click here for our best deal. For breathable and non-buckwheat options, see our roundup of the best pillows for neck pain.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.