We’ve made the switch to organic bedding, but I know organic pillows can cost a lot. A more budget-friendly option I’ve discovered is making our own organic buckwheat pillows. They’re stuffed with organic buckwheat hulls and even optional herbs for a very cozy and natural feel.
If you can sew a relatively straight line, you can make these pillows, which I actually find more comfortable than regular ones. You can also create neck pillows and eye masks with buckwheat hulls!
Besides being a cheaper alternative to store-bought organic pillows, buckwheat pillows have additional perks. Unlike options like memory foam, buckwheat is breathable, meaning it stays cool and airy for a better night’s sleep. Plus, they are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic fillings and don’t poke through the fabric like down feathers can.
If you make a whole pillow, it’s firmer than your usual soft pillow, which helps with neck support and might even alleviate neck pain. Many people also swear by these for back pain relief and improved spine alignment. You can craft a lumbar pillow or neck roll from buckwheat, too, for strong back and neck support.
Buckwheat pillows offer great support while allowing generous airflow to keep them cool. They’re more moldable than most synthetic pillows, adjusting to your head and neck. They’re quite similar to millet pillows, which are also a healthy option.
While some believe buckwheat pillows are hypoallergenic, that might not always be true. A 2004 study in Korea compared new synthetic pillows with popular Korean buckwheat pillows. It found that the buckwheat ones had more endotoxins and dust mites over time, likely due to the presence of leftover buckwheat flour.
This flour residue happens because in Korea, the husks aren’t typically cleaned thoroughly. Manufacturers there generally brush off the fine dust without using detergents or washing them. However, in the U.S., buckwheat husks used in pillows are usually well-cleaned.
This residue can feed dust mites, which is why choosing high-quality organic buckwheat hulls is key when making your own pillows. Speaking of which, one downside of these pillows is they’re not machine washable, so I always keep them covered with a clean pillowcase.
I don’t recommend these for toddlers in potty training since buckwheat and moisture don’t mix well. From time to time, I air them out in the sun to ensure they stay dry and to let the sun naturally kill any bacteria.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation advises replacing pillows every two years because they accumulate sweat, dirt, and dust mites. Luckily, these homemade buckwheat pillows last for several years, which aligns with that recommendation.
Interested in the benefits of a buckwheat pillow but not up for making one yourself? While it’s cheaper to DIY, you can find high-quality organic versions available for purchase. These pillows are traditionally popular in Asian countries, like Japan, so finding smaller Japanese-size pillows can be pretty easy.
The first step is to decide how big or small you want your pillow. You might go for a standard or travel size, which works great for toddlers too. Some even use buckwheat hulls to make bean bags! Standard pillows are 20×26 inches, Queen size is 20×30 inches, and a typical Japanese-style pillow is smaller at 14×20 inches. I chose organic cotton fabric, but organic cotton twill is another great choice. After making the pillow, use a cotton pillowcase to keep it clean.
The amount of pillow fill you need depends on how you sleep. Back sleepers can use thinner pillows, while side sleepers need more support. I found that a 5-pound bag of buckwheat hulls was perfect for a pillow slightly smaller than a regular one, which fit well in a standard-size pillowcase.
I often add lavender to homemade rice heat packs for a soothing scent. Herbs work wonders in these DIY buckwheat pillows for a relaxing night’s sleep. I added about half a cup each of lavender, chamomile, and yarrow for a gentle scent and their calming aromatherapy benefits.
For an easier project, consider making a neck pillow that works with a regular pillow, or an eye mask infused with herbs to enhance sleep and block out disruptive light.
Have you tried making your own pillows? Planning to give it a shot? Let us know!
