How to use a Buckwheat Bed Pillow
Video Guide
Because of their unique fill, buckwheat pillows often require a few simple adjustments—like removing some of the hulls or even tweaking your mattress setup—to help them deliver their full benefits. Watch our videos and follow the step-by-step instructions below to get the most out of your buckwheat pillow. You can also review our full buckwheat pillow guide to learn more.
Add or Remove Hulls
We generously fill every buckwheat hull pillow so you can fine-tune the firmness to fit your needs. You'll likely need to remove a handful of hulls to get the best results—proper alignment of your head, neck, and spine. This customization makes these pillows truly adjustable and extra firm if needed. Learn more about how buckwheat pillows work here.
Adjusting the fill is easy. Just use a cup or small container to remove the hulls. Then, store them in a zip bag or any container you have on hand. No special method is required—just go with what’s convenient. You can also check our size guide to select the right pillow for your needs.
Give it some time
Your body may need up to 10 days to fully adjust to a buckwheat pillow, similar to how it adjusts to a new mattress. For long-term comfort, it's important to also understand the pros and cons of buckwheat pillows.
Spinal alignment is key to restful sleep and long-term comfort. Even the best sobakawa buckwheat pillow won’t work its magic if your mattress lacks support or throws off your posture. Take a little time to make the pillow work with your body, not against it.
Generally, the better the mattress, the higher your pillow should be. The softer the mattress, the lower your pillow needs to be.
If you sleep on a very soft mattress, you'll likely need to remove more hulls to maintain a neutral alignment between your head and spine.
How Much Fill Do You Actually Need?
Every body is different—so the perfect amount of hulls depends on your sleep style and mattress firmness. Here's a general rule of thumb to help you find your ideal level:
- Side Sleepers: Keep your pillow about 90–95% full. You need more loft to fill the shoulder gap.
- Back Sleepers: Aim for 75–85% fill. Enough support without pushing your chin down.
- Stomach Sleepers: Go as low as 50–65%. This reduces neck strain.
You can remove hulls in ½-cup increments until your head feels level and relaxed. Keep any extra hulls in a container—many people reuse them later as their sleep needs change. For best long-term care, read our cleaning guide.
Troubleshooting: When Your Pillow Still Feels “Off”
Still not getting the comfort you expected? Here's how to identify and fix common buckwheat pillow issues:
- Neck feels strained or angled upward: Your pillow is likely overfilled. Remove ½ to 1 cup of hulls and test again.
- Head sinks too deep or lacks support: You’ve removed too much. Add back some hulls until your head stays level with your spine.
- You’re tossing and turning: Mold the pillow into a supportive shape and give your body time to adapt. Your muscles may just need a few more nights.
- Still stiff in the morning: Double-check your mattress firmness. Softer mattresses require lower pillow lofts for proper alignment.
How to Know When It’s “Just Right”
Wondering if you’ve nailed the perfect setup? Here are signs your buckwheat pillow is properly adjusted:
- Your neck feels neutral, not flexed or extended
- You stay in one position longer without needing to shift
- You wake up with less stiffness, not more
- Your head and neck feel supported without being pushed upward
It’s okay to make small adjustments over time. Many customers find their sweet spot by tweaking fill every few days until it clicks.
Advanced Customization Tips
Already comfortable but want to go next-level? Try these optional adjustments:
- Use a folded towel or yoga block under the pillow to elevate it slightly for better side sleeping support.
- Adjust the outer bamboo cover’s padding — spread it flat for more structure or bunch it slightly for softness.
- Add a lavender or cedar sachet between the pillow layers for calming nighttime aromatherapy (avoid direct contact with hulls).
These subtle tweaks can make a surprising difference in your comfort and sleep quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people adjust within 5–10 nights. Your body may resist the change at first, especially if you're switching from soft pillows, but proper support pays off quickly.
No. Buckwheat pillows are designed to work alone. Adding another pillow underneath can throw off alignment and reduce their benefits.
Yes, mild soreness can occur as your muscles adapt to improved alignment. It usually fades within a few nights and is a sign your posture is improving.