How To Make Buckwheat Hull Pillows

These instructions are for sleeping pillows, not the microwaveable heating bags.

Supplies needed

organic, pillow grade buckwheat hulls
zippered cotton pillowcase liner
regular pillowcase

Directions

Fill the zippered pillowcase liner with buckwheat hulls. Fill to your preference, but you don’t want them so full that the pillow will be hard or stiff while sleeping on it.
Place the zippered pillowcase liner inside a pillowcase by putting the zipper side in first. In case the zipper opens a bit and lets a few buckwheat hulls out, you’ll be able to feel it inside the pillowcase rather than having rogue buckwheat hulls swimming around in your bed.

That’s it! Whenever you need to launder the pillowcases, all you have to do is remove the buckwheat pillow from the pillowcase and empty the contents into a clean pail. Launder the pillowcases and dump the hulls back into the zippered case.

Buckwheat Hull Buying Tips

Try finding organic, roasted, pillow grade buckwheat hulls. You’re sleeping on this, so keep the chemicals out. The roasted hulls are better than the vacuum method because there’s lest dust in the product (which can trigger allergies).
For a standard size pillow, shoot for about 7 lbs of hulls. You can add more or less as you prefer (another nice thing about the zipper).
Shop online or check around with local health food stores. If they don’t have it in stock, they may be able to get it for you from one of their suppliers.

Caring For Buckwheat Pillows

Launder both the pillowcase and the liner frequently, as you normally would. Once in awhile, set the zippered case filled with hulls out in the hot sun to freshen things up if needed. Never wash the hulls.

Pillow Stuffers

Make a sachet of dried lavender to pop in with the hulls. Lavender is a natural sleep and calming aid.

Outer Pillowcase Tip

You can make your own or buy one, but use a thicker cotton of good quality, high thread count. This gives a nice finish and evens out the texture of the pillow a bit.

Buckwheat pillows may take a little getting used to because the hulls do rustle a bit inside the pillow as you move your head (and make a little noise), but they are recommended to help in a variety of situations: allergies, headaches, migraines, orthopedic reasons, sleep apnea, etc.

These pillows are a little pricey to make, but they last for years and years.

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