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Why are buckwheat husk pillows changing the way we sleep?
Jan
In 2023, products made from buckwheat were added to our linen family. The expansion of our range of products was an explicit result of the valued properties of buckwheat hulks, which support our health and peaceful sleep. We hope to prove these words in our new blog post, once again demonstrating that the inside (of the pillows) matters!
WHAT ARE BUCKWHHEAT PILLOWS?
Buckwheat husk pillows, known in Japan as sobakawa pillows, are a type of a pillow filled with natural buckwheat husks. After the seeds are removed, these husks are cleaned and dried, and then used as a stuffing.
In Japan, where they have been known for more than 600 years, they were initially a symbol of luxury that was only available to the affluent part of the society. Over time, however, they have become more accessible, gathering fans around the world. It is believed that these pillows were used not only for their sleeping comfort, but also for their healing properties attributed to them.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUCKWHEAT PILLOWS?
- Neck and spine support. Unlike traditional pillows that can collapse or ‘clamp together’, buckwheat husk pillows maintain their shape throughout the night, preventing neck pain and stiffness and supporting proper sleeping posture.
- Thermoregulation. Thanks to its structure, the husk allows air to circulate inside the pillow, helping to maintain an optimal temperature – both in winter and summer. We know that our customers are keen on putting the pillow in the oven, thus creating a natural compress and heating pad (with hot-water bottle function) – so pleasantly soothing during winter nights or reducing muscle ailments that can occur.
- Hypoallergenicity. A husk is naturally resistant to dust mites and other allergens, making it a safe choice for people with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems.
HEALTHY SLEEP AND THE BUCKWHEAT PILLOW
Pillows filled with down, foam or synthetic fibers often collapse under the weight of the head and do not provide adequate support, which in turn can lead to neck and back pain. Buckwheat husk pillows, on the other hand, maintain their shape throughout the night, providing constant support. In addition, ‘traditional’ pillows may contribute to overheating of the body and moisture accumulation, which is a breeding ground for microorganisms and bacteria.
Experts [1] indicate that proper neck and spinal support is pivotal to prevent and alleviate chronic pain, as well as to improve overall sleep quality. Studies have also shown that people using buckwheat husk pillows report fewer sleep disorders [3] – this is because of cervical complaints, migraines and also numbness in the limbs [2] that are sometimes the cause of a sleepless night. The latter problems can result from a spine misalignment or pressure on the cervical nerves – from C5 to C8, up to the Th1 thoracic segment.
Remember that we’re on INSTAGRAM!
