Buckwheat husk is an amazing, environmentally friendly pillow filling that gives the product orthopedic properties. This material is not yet very widespread and is only recently gaining popularity. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of a buckwheat husk pillow, what are the benefits and harms of the product, and who can use it.
Natural filler made from buckwheat husks
The benefits and harms of a pillow with buckwheat
A pillow with buckwheat husk allows you to keep your spine in perfect shape and relax well during sleep.
Buckwheat husks are small hollow pyramids; they allow air to pass through well and create a temperature suitable for sound sleep. Small sharp tips impact the skin through the napkin.
Buckwheat husk is a natural product of plant origin without added impurities
This effect has a beneficial effect on the blood circulation of the head; the fine husk performs acupressure. Thanks to the effect on the skin, it becomes radiant, and micromassage of the hair follicles promotes increased hair growth. The crumbly natural material takes on an anatomical shape, relieving the tone of the head and neck, allowing the body to relax and completely rest.
Such products take a shape identical to the contours of the body
Thanks to this, problems such as:
- headache;
- insomnia;
- scoliosis;
- pain in the spine;
- osteochondrosis;
- snore.
Useful properties when using a buckwheat husk pillow
A buckwheat husk pillow with an orthopedic effect not only ensures quality sleep, but also promotes recovery. It is recommended even for those who have undergone injury or surgery.
Buckwheat husk is considered one of the best pillow fillings
There is no harm from the product as such, but it is worth paying attention to such points.
- The husk pillow is quite heavy, so it may be uncomfortable for children and the elderly.
To be able to use such a pillow without any problems, you should first get used to resting on it. - Some people are allergic to buckwheat.
From a medical point of view, harm from using a pillow may include allergic reactions to the husk - After a certain time (3-5 years), the eco-pillow must be replaced, since buckwheat can release harmful substances after the expiration date.
Otherwise, this material does not pose any harm.
Properly processed material is absolutely safe for everyone
Tips on how to choose a pillow with buckwheat husks
Today, price is not an argument in favor of choice, however, a very low cost should suggest that not everything is good with this item. The cost of a buckwheat pillow varies from 400 to 900 rubles, depending on the size, shape and manufacturer.
So, when choosing a pillow with buckwheat husk, we focus on our eyes, ears and hands, they will help us make the right choice. How do we use our eyes? We look at the color of the cover; if it is white or light shades, then this will allow us to see that the husk is clean. The dark color disguises yellow stains from dirty husks. The fabric for the cover should be made of satin, since its density ensures that the sharp edges of the pyramids will not break through it.
We choose a pillow with a cover with a zipper, this will allow you to see the contents and visually evaluate its quality. If the diamonds have smooth edges and match their shape, then the service life of the pillow will be longer. If we notice a high percentage of broken sides of diamonds in the filler, then we have a defective husk, and such a pillow will not last long.
The presence of a zipper in the cover will allow us to change the density by pouring out some of the filler if sleeping on the pillow seems hard. We can just as easily add husks to the product when we clean the filler
Now the hands: by lifting the pillow we can assess the degree of padding. The best option is considered to be: when we take it by one corner and lift it up and pour the filler into the other, we will be left with an empty case in our hand. This will show us that there is free space in the pillowcase where the husk will disperse when we put the pillow on the bed.
Before going to bed, it is better to make a depression in the pillow for the head, because buckwheat is dense and difficult to push through. If this is not done, then the contact surface will be small, which means the back of the head or ear will quickly go numb.
Our ears in assessing the quality of the pillow will allow us to hear how dry and clean husks are poured into the cover when we turn the pillow over. This is an additional quality assessment criterion. These are the little tricks that will help us choose a buckwheat husk pillow that will benefit our health.
Buckwheat pillow: service life, can it be washed
You cannot wash or wash a buckwheat pillow. If the cover is very dirty, pour out the filler and wash the cover. In the meantime, we ventilate the husk itself and dry it on the balcony, preferably in the shade. Here it becomes possible to evaluate the appearance of the husk.
Then you can sift the filler through a large sieve, but losses are inevitable, and it’s good if you have a supply of husks that you poured out when the pillow was new. If there is no stock, then we go to the store and buy a smaller product with buckwheat, and use its filler to add to an old and favorite pillow. There is another option to reduce the size of the cover by sewing it on the opposite side of the zipper.
Or we buy a new pillow, and don’t throw away the old filling, but pour it into a clean bag and put it in the closet. This supply will definitely come in handy when the time comes to wash the cover and sift the husks, while part of the filler will go to waste.
We remember that the service life of a buckwheat husk pillow is 5–6 years, when the health benefits are obvious, then a complete replacement is required.
There is no point in drying the husks in a stove or oven, as they will dry out and become brittle, which will shorten their service life. In the best case, when it seems to you that the pillow is damp, place it closer to the radiator so that the warm air displaces the damp air from there.
Routine care is that after sleep we shake the buckwheat husk pillow for its benefit. We don’t crush or beat, but rather shake, allowing the husk to return to its shape and fill with air.
Buckwheat husk cushion for seat
Now they are producing seats with buckwheat husks on chairs for office workers and drivers. I understand that this is very good, because a person spends 8–10 hours behind the wheel, and at the same time he has a comfortable, and most importantly well-ventilated seat. Because stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs and their overheating leads to serious health problems.
Considering the properties of buckwheat husk, which we discussed above, it is good to have a seat cushion with such a filling. To do this, you don’t have to look for a special seat, but use a product measuring 45x45 or 50x50 cm, having previously reduced the volume of the filler.
All that remains is to sew a pillowcase from a fabric stronger than satin, the main thing is that the fabric is 100% cotton, I think denim is good for this. Here is such a universal product - buckwheat: cook the porridge and use the husk for the benefit of people. It’s not for nothing that people love this cereal!
What to look for when choosing a buckwheat pillow
But in order for the product to be beneficial and enjoyable to use, you need to choose the buckwheat pillow wisely.
Criterias of choice
When purchasing products made from buckwheat husks, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer - the quality of the pillow and your health depend on it
Bed material. The fabric of the cover must be natural so that the environmentally friendly filler can breathe. At the same time, special density is required, because the husk is a rather hard and sharp material. It is not recommended to choose synthetic fabrics - they do not breathe. Thin calico breaks easily and does not last long, while teak has poor hygroscopicity. The best option is a satin cover; it is durable, dense, and made of natural threads.
The fabric from which the case is made should be natural with a sewn-in zipper for convenient use.
It is advisable that the cover have a zipper or Velcro to make it easier to replace the filler and regulate its volume. It is recommended to choose a light-colored fabric on which the buckwheat dust will be visible if the filler suddenly starts to spill out. It is better to choose products with a double cover.
Filler. Buckwheat husks should flow well and be springy; for this, they are calibrated and thermally treated, cleaned of impurities, debris, and twigs. Heat treatment not only disinfects the husks, but also extends their service life. If the pillow is too heavy and hard, then this may indicate poor quality of the husk. There are also combined types of pillows, when synthetic winterizer or holofiber is combined with buckwheat, but this type negates the beneficial properties of the filler. But adding aromatic herbs to buckwheat husks, on the contrary, is beneficial and increases its beneficial properties. Additional components may include mint, lemon balm, lavender, oregano and others.
If the husk is cleared of debris, then the pillow springs when touched and restores its shape well
Form. Buckwheat pillows are made in a variety of shapes, however, the most useful and comfortable are rectangular ones. The optimal dimensions are 60x40 cm, and for children 50x40. Square and round products are not so convenient. There are models with an elongated shape or in the form of a roller; such accessories add comfort on the road.
In addition to traditional rectangular products, children's pillows, neck cushions in the form of a horseshoe or a regular round shape are made
Buckwheat seat cushion
Orthopedic cushion made of buckwheat husk for sitting
It turns out that a pillow with buckwheat is produced not only for sleeping, but also for sitting. Such products can be placed on a sofa, chair, car seat. Such accessories are distinguished by original colors and designs. Buckwheat husk has a positive effect on the reproductive system, promotes good blood circulation, relieves fatigue, and tones. It is recommended to use buckwheat seating cushions for people associated with a sedentary lifestyle: office workers, drivers, those who spend a lot of time at the computer, and so on.
People who spend a lot of time at the computer, in the car, or in the office can look for a buckwheat husk cushion for sitting.
Buckwheat husk: what is the filler?
Buckwheat husk is a product that is obtained from cereals at the last stage of its processing. After harvesting, buckwheat is washed and thoroughly dried, after which it is threshed. As a result, the scales are separated from the kernels. They are collected and used as pillow fillings.
Useful properties of the pillow
What exactly is a pillow for? – To ensure a sound, comfortable sleep throughout the night. However, not all of them fulfill their intended purpose, and proof of this is insomnia, from which quite a few city residents and those who have sedentary jobs suffer. Of course, the state of the nervous system is largely influenced by lifestyle and the frequency of stressful situations, but at the same time, the quality of sleep accessories also plays a huge role.
Down and feather products are known for their ability to collect and accumulate dust, which often negatively affects the well-being of people with bronchial asthma and those prone to allergies. Buckwheat pillow does not have similar qualities. This was proven back in 2004 through scientific research.
If you snore, then a buckwheat husk pillow can solve this problem. Thanks to the fact that the head and shoulder area are in an optimally comfortable position, you sleep soundly and at the same time do not interfere with the rest of the rest of the household.
Buckwheat husks have sharp peaks, thanks to which during relaxation you also get a wonderful massage, which in its effect is similar to acupressure. As a result of careful study of bioactive points, which are located both on the neck and shoulders, headaches go away and blood microcirculation is improved in all parts of the brain. In addition, such a massage helps normalize blood pressure, relieves fatigue and helps you relax as much as possible. Plus, you get a unique opportunity to take care of your appearance simply while you sleep. And this is again thanks to acupressure, as a result of which the skin becomes fresher and more youthful, as fine wrinkles are smoothed out, and the hair is shiny and strong, which is due to the effect of the thin corners of the husk on the hair follicles.
The structure of buckwheat husk is such that air circulates freely through it. This allows the pillow to be very comfortable and comfortable even in summer - it absorbs sweat and does not create a thermal effect, and therefore it is not hot on it.
Disadvantages of buckwheat pillow
At first, a buckwheat husk pillow may seem quite uncomfortable, and all because of the specific filler. Buckwheat hulls are quite hard and also noisy. And despite the fact that a high-quality pillow is not capable of causing any harm to health, some refuse to use it precisely because of these disadvantages. Let's look at them in more detail.
- The buckwheat hull pillow is noisy. The noise effect is created due to the fact that the husks rub against each other, and it will be especially bright when a person sleeps on his side, that is, directly with his ear to the pillow.
- The accessory is very hard. Similar complaints are usually heard from those who are used to sleeping on their stomachs or, again, on their sides. In such situations, the ears and cheeks “suffer” the most. But at the same time, those who sleep mainly on their backs experience practically no discomfort.
- And lastly, a lot of weight. It all depends on the size and height of the pillow you choose. Its weight can reach five kilograms, and this is really quite a lot, especially when children or elderly people have to cope with such a sleeping accessory.
Buckwheat pillows for children
Pillows filled with buckwheat husks are useful not only for adults, but also for children. Hard filler has significant advantages.
- Prevents abnormal development of the cervical spine.
- Serves as a preventative against childhood scoliosis.
- Prevents skull deformation.
- Provides proper and restful sleep.
- Relaxes muscles and reduces tone.
It is important to remember that a pillow with husk is recommended for children over two years old. It is necessary to monitor whether the child is allergic to buckwheat. It is better to get accustomed to an unusual pillow gradually; the amount of filler also needs to be adjusted from smaller to larger volumes. You can use a buckwheat eco-pillow for a child not all the time, but, for example, only during daytime sleep or illness.
These pillows can be used by children, but it is better not for everyday sleep.
How do you get the husk?
Pillows filled with buckwheat husks are produced industrially. At the same time, the process itself is quite labor-intensive, because it is known that the grains of this plant are quite small, and the husk itself is weak. In general, the entire production process can be divided into the following stages:
- Exfoliation. At this moment, the husk itself is separated from the solid core of the grain. This is done using special production combines.
- Steam treatment. It helps to moisturize the husk and increase its elasticity and strength.
- Sifting the husks through large but fine sieves. This is done with the aim of selecting high-quality material from dented and substandard ones, because only whole, high-quality and durable husks can act as a filler.
- Air purification. This is necessary to remove the slightest particles of dirt, dust and remove foreign substances. This procedure is performed by exposing the material itself to a fairly strong air flow.
- Final cleaning procedure. At this stage, any particles of foreign origin must be removed, and the buckwheat husk itself is thoroughly cleaned again.
Do dust mites grow in a pillow with buckwheat?
A buckwheat husk pillow does not collect dust and does not harbor dust mites.
The filler has a structure that prevents dust mites from appearing and multiplying, unlike products made from down and feathers. However, some consumers still doubt these properties of the product. For complete safety, experts advise keeping the product in the freezer for several hours; dust mites cannot survive at sub-zero temperatures.
Cleaning Rules
Like any product, a buckwheat pillow requires periodic cleaning. Caring for this accessory requires compliance with the rules.
- Such a product cannot be washed together with the filler or subjected to wet processing;
- The cover is removed and washed separately, the husk is sifted and dried.
- The pillow needs to be vacuumed 1-2 times a month.
- In summer, the product is ventilated in the shade. Under no circumstances should you place a pillow with husks in direct sunlight.
It is important to know that the filler loses its shape over time and collapses. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically check it, sift it and, if necessary, add a new one. The beneficial properties of the product and its health-improving effects depend on the correct selection of the volume of husks. If you follow the rules of care for the accessory, an eco-pillow made of buckwheat husk will last a long time, delighting you with its quality and beneficial properties.
You can make a buckwheat husk pillow yourself if you find a suitable filler
Natural material will always outperform synthetic analogues, which is why more and more people are choosing orthopedic pillows with buckwheat filling. Breathable material provides a healthy microclimate and does not interfere with oxygen access to the scalp. Small particles of husk have an orthopedic effect, relaxing muscles and having a beneficial effect on the spine. The number of positive aspects significantly outweighs the negative ones, so the eco-pillow with buckwheat is deservedly gaining more and more popularity.
Popular manufacturers
In order to be confident in the high quality of the purchased product, you should give preference to goods that were produced by well-known and recognized companies among customers.
The well-known cosmetics company Faberlic, which in recent years has begun to actively produce both goods and clothing for the home, also produces such pillows for sale. The “Healthy Sleep” buckwheat husk pillow fully lives up to its name. It is distinguished by high quality, durability, excellent anatomical properties and affordable cost. The size of this product is 60x40 cm and the weight is more than 2.5 kg. This means that the level of rigidity of the product is quite high, and its service life is long.
The domestic brand “Lika” is also engaged in the production and sale of such sleep accessories with natural buckwheat filling. The distinctive features of such products are a wide range of models and sizes, a huge number of different colors, as well as an affordable price. Buyers note the ease of use of all products in everyday use, as well as their high quality.
Another brand, Ecotex, also produces and sells such products. The assortment of this brand includes several varieties of these pillows. They are distinguished by high quality, durability, natural cotton pillowcase and attractive appearance.
It is these three manufacturers that have established themselves as the most reliable, and their products are considered to be of the highest quality and at the same time very affordable.
For a more detailed review of buckwheat husk pillows, see the following video.
