How Often Should You Replace a Buckwheat Bed Pillow?
Renowned for their robust nature, buckwheat pillows can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, making them a smart, long-term investment in your sleep—provided they’re cared for properly.
We recommend to replace the pillow if any of the following applies:
❌ The pillowcase starts to leak hulls
❌ The Zippers don't work as smooth anymore as they used to
❌ The pillow just doesn't feel right anymore despite you replacing the hulls when needed, as outlined below
❌ When you feel the efforts or maintaining the pillow are higher than just buying a new one
Like any standard pillow, a pillowcase can attract stains and dirt, so regular cleaning is essential. Remember, with buckwheat pillows, you only need to wash the pillowcase—not the entire pillow.
Be careful not to soak the hulls; excess moisture makes drying difficult and can cause them to lose their unique 3D shape.
So when should you replace the Buckwheat Hulls?
During cleaning, you may notice that the hulls no longer look as they once did. While all hulls gradually break down over time, their long lifespan means you don’t need to replace them immediately unless you see clear signs of significant wear.
Here’s when you should ideally replace them:
- If the pillow stops holding its shape, indicating that the hulls have lost their flexibility and grip.
- If the hulls become noticeably less soft.
- If reduced spacing between flattened hulls limits proper air circulation.
- If the pillow no longer provides the support you require.
- If you observe a significant reduction in hull volume over time.
- If the pillow feels flatter than it once did.
Typically, these changes occur gradually over several years, and proactive maintenance can help extend your pillow’s performance even further.
Tips to care for your Buckwheat Bed Pillow:
- If you’re using a cotton pillowcase, wash it in cold water to prevent shrinkage.
- Air dry your pillowcase instead of using a dryer to help maintain its quality.
- Have a family member hold the case when refilling the hulls to avoid over-stretching and damaging the stitching.
- Use standard laundry detergents for cleaning your pillowcase.
- For a complete clean, run both the inner and outer pillowcases on a normal cycle—or hand wash if the fabric is particularly delicate.
- Avoid soaking the hulls, as excessive moisture can lead to mold and mildew.
- Allow your pillow to air out in sunlight for a couple of hours before washing.
- Rest assured, buckwheat hulls naturally deter pests since they offer no nutritional value to bugs.
- Consider keeping an extra pillowcase on hand so you always have a fresh set ready for use.
You don’t have to replace the entire pillow when maintenance is needed; simply refilling it with new hulls can restore its supportive feel. For refill options and to explore our extensive range of eco-friendly, ergonomic buckwheat pillows, please visit our website.