Do Buckwheat Pillows Smell? – The Bedding Planet

Do Buckwheat Pillows Smell?


This post is a part of the complete buckwheat pillow buyers guide

Are you searching for a new pillow? Multiple pillows of different sizes and firmness levels are always great to have on your bed. Nothing says snug and comfy more than soft, comfortable pillows all over the bed.

If you’re searching for your next pillow, you may want to consider buckwheat pillows.

But, one question people have when considering buying buckwheat pillows is if they smell. Do they? Buckwheat pillows have a natural earthy smell that is considered aromatic and calming. Some people have described the smell as amazing. The smell of the pillow can help you feel relaxed and energized when you wake up in the morning.

This article will cover a few facts about buckwheat pillows, including their origination, which will help define their natural odor.

What is Buckwheat?

Buckwheat is a seed-like grain native to Asia. Farmers used buckwheat to feed their animals, but it has also been stapled as a fruit for human consumption, as it grows within the hull – a shell-like casing that protects the seed as it matures.

Today buckwheat is grown on many continents as its nutritional benefits and hull use has spread. The hulls, which are not edible, have been used to fill pillows and have become very popular on the market.

What is a Buckwheat Pillow?

A buckwheat pillow, also known as a Sobakawa, is a traditional Japanese pillow filled with hulls that encase buckwheat seeds. The seeds are removed from the hulls, and the hulls are cleaned and used within a material casing.

Buckwheat hulls are smaller than a dime, and the natural material is extremely supportive. The pillow feels like a heavy bean bag. The buckwheat shells give firm, flexible support, deeply conforming to the head, neck, and shoulders.

The contouring properties align your spine and alleviate pressure points. The hulls allow air to pass through the pillow without restraint, maintaining a constant neutral temperature.

The casing, made from natural fibers such as cotton and silk, plays a large part in the pillow’s long-lasting durability. Buckwheat pillows are known to last as long as ten years.

Throughout its lifetime, the hulls in a pillow can be adjusted – added, removed, or refreshed at any time.

Do Buckwheat Pillows Smell?

Unlike most traditional pillows, buckwheat has a natural earthy smell that is considered aromatic and calming. Some people have described the smell as amazing. The smell of the pillow can help you feel relaxed and energized when you wake up in the morning.

As with most new bedding products, the smell may be a bit strong when you first open the pillow due to storage techniques. The good thing is it does air out and dissolves easily.

The longer the pillow is left out, the lighter the scent will become. It’s possible the smell may not be that noticeable at all, especially if the hulls have been roasted. Roasted hulls do not have an odor.

What if The Earthy Smell Is Too Strong?

Many pillows are laden with chemical filling. The good thing about buckwheat pillows is that because it is made with all-natural materials, and nothing else, it is chemical-free.

However, it is possible that you’re not a fan of the earthy smell. Don’t worry. If you air the pillows frequently, the smell will quickly go away.

A recommended appeal is to consider putting some lavender essential oil in the pillow with your buckwheat. The natural scent combined with the oil will make your pillow smell amazing and help you to relax.

Related Questions

Are Buckwheat pillows washable?

Buckwheat pillows are washable, but it’s not recommended to put the buckwheat pillow itself in the washing machine. First, you should pour the hulls into a container.

This step in itself is easy to do if you’ve purchased a buckwheat pillow with a zippered opening. Otherwise, you have to undo the stitching and sew it back up when you are finished.

Make sure every single hull is out of the pillowcase. Turn the fabric inside out to ensure all of the hulls have been removed. This way, none will get into your washing machine.

Wash your pillowcase as you normally would. Once the case is completely dry, pour the hulls back into it. That should help alleviate some of the smell.


Buckwheat Pillows: A Complete Buyers Guide – Parts:

1. Why Use a Buckwheat Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks
2. How Long Do Buckwheat Pillows Last? (How to Make Them Last Longer)
3. Do Buckwheat Pillows Attract Bugs And Dust Mites?
4. How to Sleep on a Buckwheat Pillow
5. Can Buckwheat Pillows be Heated up?
6. Best Buckwheat Pillows of 2022 – Compete Review
7. What Does a Buckwheat Pillow Feel Like? (Comfortable, Weird?)
8. Can Buckwheat Pillows Cause Allergies?
9. How to Clean and Dry a Buckwheat Pillow: Step by Step Guide
10. Do Buckwheat Pillows Stay Cool All Night?
11. Do Buckwheat Pillows Smell?

Niklas Lampi

My name is Niklas and I'm the author and content operator at The Bedding Planet. I've always had a big interest in bedding and more specifically sleep. If I find something that makes me sleep better, whether that's a lifestyle change or a better bedding environment, I'm ready to share it with the world!

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