When it comes to sleep, quality starts at the source—and for us, that means obsessing over every buckwheat hull that goes into our pillows. Unlike many companies that use raw or minimally processed fill, we put our buckwheat hulls through a strict 4-step cleaning process to ensure purity, safety, and long-term performance.
Most companies selling buckwheat pillows skip both washing and UV treatment—leaving dust, bacteria, and residue behind in the fill. We don’t cut corners, and neither should you.
Here’s exactly what we do—and why it matters.
1. Triple Screening: Removing Debris and Getting the Best Hulls
Before anything else, we run our buckwheat hulls through a triple-screening process using industrial-grade sifters. This removes oversized debris, plant matter, and any irregular hulls that don’t meet our standards.
Why this matters:
It ensures consistency in texture and shape—so the hulls shift smoothly and supportively inside the pillow, without clumping or poking.
2. Heat Treatment: A Natural Solution to Pests
Next, we subject the hulls to a high-temperature heat treatment, which naturally neutralizes any potential pests or insect eggs without using chemicals or fumigants.
Why this matters:
It’s a safe, chemical-free way to ensure the hulls are hygienic and pest-free—important for long-term use and peace of mind.
3. Washing: Eliminating Fine Dust and Residue
After screening and heat treatment, the hulls are thoroughly washed with clean, filtered water to remove the fine dust particles that can collect during harvesting and processing.
Why this matters:
Dust not only causes irritation for sensitive sleepers—it also reduces the airflow inside the pillow. Washing the hulls gives you a cleaner sleep surface and better breathability.
4. UV Treatment: Final Step for Bacteria Control
Finally, the washed and heat-treated hulls go through a UV sterilization process to reduce microbial presence and inhibit bacterial growth.
Why this matters:
Buckwheat is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, but UV treatment adds an extra layer of protection—especially helpful for humid environments or sensitive people.
Why We Do All Of This
Most companies selling buckwheat pillows, don’t talk about how they clean their buckwheat hulls—if they clean them at all. But at PineTales, we’re not interested in shortcuts. Clean hulls last longer, smell better, provide better airflow, and give you a healthier sleep environment from day one.
Our 4-step process is one of many reasons customers—and chiropractors—trust our pillows to deliver consistent, long-lasting comfort.
Want to Feel the Difference?
Try a PineTales pillow and see how clean, breathable, overstuffed buckwheat support feels when it’s done right.