Buckwheat pillows, or also known as Sobakawa Japanese pillows, are eco-friendly and organic products that you’ll find in the market, which makes it perfect if you want to have a green home. For centuries, people in Asian countries, especially in Japan, have been using these pillows. Today, western countries are becoming aware of the benefits of using this product. That’s why, if you’re in the market for an alternative replacement to your standard pillow, continue reading this article to learn more about Japanese pillows and their benefits.

What Are Japanese Pillows?

Traditional Sobakawa Japanese pillows are natural products loaded with hulls containing buckwheat seeds. The pillow is a little springy under pressure. However, the product also offers steady support for your neck and head alignment. If you’re curious about how Japanese pillows look, check out this video 

1.) Long-lasting Material

With optimal care, a Buckwheat pillow may last up to 10 years. Note, though, that this fact may depend on the material's quality since buckwheat hulls may break down over time.

For this purpose, rugged zippers and well-sewn seams are essential in securing the hulls. They must be sturdy to ensure they can carry the weight of the material since they’re heavy. Of course, as mentioned earlier, the buckwheat hulls wear down in time. However, you can easily replace them by buying hulls made for your pillow.

2.) Diverse Use

Meanwhile, these pillows aren’t only suitable for sleeping. For instance, Millet hulls pillows, which contain smaller hulls, may be convenient to relax your aching back when you're sitting on your office chair. Some Japanese pillows with various shapes may likewise be fitting for long car trips or if you want to rest on the beach. There are also smaller buckwheat pillows that you can use to support your wrist while you're working.

3.) Hypoallergenic

Furthermore, take note that buckwheat hulls are inedible materials. Additionally, they don’t draw in insects or any types of bugs, and they’re likely to accumulate allergens. For this reason, Japanese pillows are dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic.

The hulls feature triangular and cupped shapes that produce small air pockets for superb airflow. Because of this, it'll help users avoid possible allergens. However, in case you're allergic to specific plants, you may consult your healthcare provider before using this pillow.

4.) Flexible

When you rest your head on a Japanese pillow, the buckwheat hulls inside naturally adjust to your movement during the night. The hulls, in short, adapts to the form of your neck and head. Hence, it’ll offer excellent support to your body frame.

Since Japanese pillows help you retain proper posture at night, it’s essential for optimal neck, spine, and head alignment. What's more, you can remove or increase your Japanese pillow's buckwheat hulls to achieve the correct moldability

5.) Minimizes Snoring

One of the reasons for snoring is poor sleep posture. Of course, Japanese pillows don’t suggest they can answer all your snoring issues, most especially if you’re experiencing sleep apnea. However, as mentioned, since buckwheat pillows allow for proper posture while sleeping, they may help open your airways, allowing better breathing at night.

Understand that if your head doesn’t have proper support while sleeping or your neck muscles are straining while you sleep, these circumstances may result in snoring. But if you use a pillow that can keep your posture aligned, it may help minimize snoring.

6.) Natural Odor

Lastly, you may notice that standard pillows are either odorless or they sometimes smell like chemicals. In contrast, Japanese pillows feature an earthy scent that can help you feel comfortable. Some may even say that it doesn't have any smell.

However, take note that the intensity of the buckwheat smell may differ based on the type of pillow you own. More often than not, Japanese pillows boast a fresh scent that won’t overwhelm your sleep and may assist in stress management.

Takeaway

Given the above points, Japanese pillows have plenty of benefits that are worth considering. While adjusting to its use may take days, the various rewards may boost your total well-being. Some users say they took three to five days to adjust to the pillow, but, eventually, they become accustomed to it.

With the product claiming health advantages, like lessening snoring and enabling proper posture while sleeping, Japanese pillows are certainly worth giving a shot.