Conventional pillows are often filled with a poly fill made from plastic. Couple that with the fact that they can be doused in chemicals to make them flame retardant and you may have a reason why you have trouble sleeping, have allergies, or have headaches, among other potential issues. Mainstream pillows can also be filled with noxious materials including; a).polystyrene (styrofoam) b). polyurethane foam (petroleum-base poly-fill) and c). polyethylene terephthalate (PET): which is used to make plastic drinking bottles. Some pillow makers brag about how their pillow is filled with recycled plastic water bottles but that thought does not appeal to me at all. Sweet dreams should not involve breathing a chemical soup each night.
Pillows made with pure and natural materials will have a remarkable impact on your sleep environment and your ability to get a good night’s rest. Some of the favorites are wool, natural latex, organic cotton, and the type highlighted in this post… Buckwheat Pillows.
Buckwheat pillows are often times filled with certified organic buckwheat hulls and wrapped in organic cotton. They are comfortable and supportive while being safe for you to sleep on. Sleeping on the hulls can help relieve muscle tension but it can take some time getting used to as well. Since hulls are irregularly shaped, air circulates around them and dust mites and microbes have a hard time taking root. No need for those antimicrobial sprays. To clean, remove the hulls from the pillow and rinse in a tub of cool water. Lay out to dry. Machine wash the empty case in hot water twice a month.
Most of them have a life span of 5-10 years and you can even order replacement buckwheat hulls on the Internet. Here are some links for helping to find the perfect buckwheat pillow:
Makura Miracle Natural Buckwheat Pillow – Traditional Size – An authentic Japanese buckwheat pillow. Hulls are locally grown and harvested, and they have been cleaned using a triple cleaning process to remove dust, buckwheat flour, and debris. 100% organic, grown totally without pesticides or herbicides and are considered hypo-allergenic. Absolutely-no additives. 100% unbleached cotton fabric for the pillow case, and luxury 3 layered quilted cotton pillow cover for comfortable texture, very durable yet very smooth to sleep on. Also, this pillow includes a zipper to allow you the option of removing hulls and adjusting the pillow to fit your exact needs. Cost: $49.99
Organic Buckwheat Pillow – Queen Size – Filled with 100% US Grown Organic Buckwheat Hulls and 100% Natural Unbleached Cotton. Will conform and adjust perfectly to your head, neck, and spine. It will NOT collapse like foam. The buckwheat hulls allow air to circulate throughout the pillow. Cooling it off quickly. The Buckwheat pillow is a natural alternative to anyone with foam and feather allergies. Cost: $62.97
You might also try making your own pillow… just add buckwheat!
Organic Buckwheat Hulls 5 lbs – 100% Organic, US Grown Hulls. Triple cleaned and roasted. Excellent for Pillows and Crafts. Cost: $29.99
What are you sleeping on?
Recommended: Get Your Dream On Without Toxins | Natural Pillow Types and Comparison
I’ve even seen some gorgeous ones on Etsy.com. The artisan community has discovered their benefits too.
Good to know!
I love your blog! I just found it as I was researching for a post for my own. I will definitely sign up to add it to my RSS reader. Great stuff on here!
I will definitely try these!
And here I was thinking it was the shape /softness of the pillow (well it figures into the neck/shoulder pain) But the sinus headaches? This explains so much! Will definitely look into this. Oh-and unrelated, but we’ve been making your mojito paletas here for the last two weeks, they are a big hit with the kids! (and the parents) (I also grew up in a border town, in TX) Thank you for everything!
Thank you for the information and inspiration about the importance of a good pillow. I just made a organic buckwheat pillow for the total cost of $6! I used leftover fabric, and 4-1 pound bags of organic buckwheat that cost about a $1.58 each at Vitamin Cottage in Colorado. I am super excited about sleeping on this bad boy tonight! Thanks again for all your information and hard work that goes into this blog, love it!
Blessed Nest (http://stores.blessednest.com/StoreFront.bok) also makes great buckwheat nursing pillows. Some of the more popular nursing pillows are covered with flame retardants, I know I didn’t want my little boy laying his head on one of those up to 10 times a day! I want to learn how to sew because they are a bit pricey.