by A recent research states that Buckwheat is a highly nutritional crop. It has multiple health benefits that positively impact the human body. Nowadays, Buckwheat is available in the market in quite some forms. You can use it in the form of flour, pasta, and many other foods.
Other than that, the empty shells of Buckwheat are very beneficial. Currently, they are popular for being used as a filling in pillows, seats, and even mattresses. However, some recent research work has highlighted that these hulls can create therapeutic mattresses and pillows that help people relieve back pains and head disorders (check 10 amazing mattresses for back pain).
The one thing that concerns its user is that as a crop, Buckwheat pillows or products can infest by bugs.
Let’s us find out if bugs can infect the empty hulls filled in the headrest and how to prevent a case of infestation.
What Is A Buckwheat?
Buckwheat, or Fagopyrum esculentum, is a beneficial plant widely famous as a food crop. A highly nutritious crop, this is an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. Buckwheat is eminent to have nutraceutical compounds that help alleviate health conditions. It helps control obesity, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Food provides a lot of nutritional value and maintains blood sugar levels.
What Is A Buckwheat Pillow?
Like the name suggests, a pillow stuffed with the hulls of Buckwheat is called a Buckwheat pillow or Sobakwa Pillow. These are a wonderful alternative to your regular pillows and are far more effective. They were first introduced in Japan and then gained popularity worldwide. It became famous due to its multi-health benefits and its eco-friendly composition.
Benefits of a Buckwheat Pillow
Some of the major benefits these pillow offers are:
- It gives a firm surface and gives the right amount of support to your head and neck.
- A natural, environment-friendly, and non-toxic option for you and your family.
- Adjust the firmness by removing or adding buckwheat hulls according to your preference.
- You can customize the size of your pillow according to your need. Add or remove the hulls according to the size you need or prefer.
Why Should You Use A Buckwheat Pillow?
Some of the most prominent features that make this pillow a treat for your sleep time are as follows:
Malleable
The most important feature of this headrest is its malleability. These amazing cushions mold themselves according to your head and neck diameter. Therefore, you get balanced support for your body shape to have a peaceful sleep.
Eco Friendly
One more reason to invest in these pillows is their environmentally friendly feature. No toxins or chemicals are involved as the pillows are filled with a natural ingredient, “the Buckbeak empty shells.” Their organic nature does not threaten your health, and you can sleep without fear of inhaling harmful substances (check the top rated organic pillows).
Excellent At Temperature Regulation
These extremely breathable pillows are known for their remarkable temperature regulation. When you lie down on these firm pads, it allows air to circulate, keeping you cool in summers and warm in winters.
Convertible
One more popular reason you should opt for these buckwheat-filled pillows is their convertibility. Since these shells are easily removable, you can convert your big pillow into a soft cushion. Keep removing the empty shells till you have the size you want.
Longlasting
If taken properly, this pillow can last up to ten to twelve years. The hulls are empty shells that maintain their shape for the longest period. Ensure you do not wet the pillow or the hulls, as it can decrease the pillow’s shelf life. Other than that, regular cleaning and washing of the case and exposing the hulls to the sun’s heat can increase the durability of the headrest.
Cost-Effective
Unlike other pillows available, Buckwheat pillows are the most cost-effective option for your pocket. They save you money as they don’t need to be replaced as much as your regular pillows. You can buy empty buckwheat shells from the market and refill the pillow. In other words, you only need to invest once in this pillow, saving you a lot of money for the upcoming years.
Does Buckwheat Attract Bugs?
If we talk about flour and other dietary items made from Buckwheat, they can attract bugs, pests, or rodents. As for their hulls, it is a baseless myth that buckwheat can attract any bug.
The reason is that these hulls do not provide any nutritional sustenance to bugs, insects, or rodents. They do not have any moisture content that further encourages these bugs to create a liveable habitat.
Will My Buckwheat Pillow Have Bugs?
The chances that your pillow might infest by bugs are rare. You should buy this pillow from an eminent brand as they ensure the filling goes through several steps before filling the case. These seeds go through a de-hulling process, in which they are washed, cleaned, and passed through different sieves. This ensures that all the impurities and husk are removed. The bugs are not attracted to the empty shells, which provide zero nutritional value.
Can Buckwheat Pillows Get Moldy?
These pillows are naturally hypoallergenic. It means they are naturally resistant to mold.
In normal pillows, the stuffing invites dust allergens, which cause different types of allergies and asthma. However, since the shells from buckwheat are dry and have non-existent moisture content, they do not breed any bugs or allergies.
So, naturally, it is an excellent sleeping option for people always suffering from allergies. It helps them with a wonderful sleeping experience that is free of allergies.
How Do I Keep Bugs Out Of My Buckwheat Pillow?
If, by any odds, your filling infests by bugs, you can do any of the following steps.
- You can contact the manufacturer and exchange the bug-infected pillow for a new one.
- If that’s not possible, you can sun dry the hulls while washing the cover properly.
- You can throw away the big infested hulls, buy new ones, and fill them in your case.
How Do You Clean Buckwheat Pillows?
A clean pillow ensures you get a night of healthier and deeper sleep. To clean Buckwheat firm pillows, you need to follow these easy steps.
- Empty the pillowcase of hulls by transferring them into another pillowcase, a shopper, or a container.
- Turn over the empty case and give it a vigorous shake so the rest of the casings tumble out from the cover.
- You can now wash the cover in a machine or hand wash it according to the quality of the fabric of the cloth or your convenience.
- Make sure you wash it thoroughly and air dry it. Drying the pillowcase in sunlight is better, as slight dampness can invite mold to invade the empty buckwheat shells.
When to Change Your Buckwheat Pillow
Changing the pillow at the right time is also necessary for a good lifestyle. After long use, these comforting pillows become worn out and lose effectiveness. Some signs that you need to invest in a new Buckwheat head-rest are:
- You wake up with a stiff neck or shoulders.
- You are uncomfortable during the whole slumber time.
- Change in the shape and width of the cushioning.
- You wake up feeling hot and sweaty.
- Tossing and turning the pillow the entire night.
All these signs, or even just a few, conclude that you need to change your padding. Ignoring these signs can lead to some serious health or sleep issues.
Key Takeaways: Navigating Buckwheat Pillow Bugs and Infestation
Buckwheat Pillows: A Natural Choice
Buckwheat pillows, also known as Sobakawa pillows, are filled with the hulls of buckwheat. They offer a firm yet adjustable support to your head and neck, making them an eco-friendly and ergonomic choice for better sleep quality. The malleable nature of these pillows allows them to mold according to your head and neck diameter, providing a tailored comfort.
Bug Infestation: A Rare Occurrence
Contrary to common fears, buckwheat hulls do not provide a conducive environment for bug infestations as they lack nutritional sustenance and moisture that bugs seek. High-quality buckwheat pillows from reputable manufacturers undergo a thorough cleaning process to ensure they are free from impurities, making the chances of bug infestation rare.
Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity and Hygiene
The longevity of buckwheat pillows, which can last up to ten to twelve years, can be ensured through proper maintenance. This includes keeping the pillow dry to prevent hull degradation, and periodic cleaning by emptying the hulls and washing the pillowcase. Sun drying the hulls and pillowcase can further deter mold and bug infestation, promoting a hygienic sleeping environment.
Replacement Indicators: When It’s Time for a New Pillow
It’s crucial to acknowledge the signs of a worn-out buckwheat pillow to continue enjoying the benefits. Indicators such as a stiff neck, discomfort during sleep, change in pillow shape, or excessive sweating suggest that it might be time to invest in a new buckwheat pillow or refill the existing one with fresh buckwheat hulls.
Invest Wisely: Opt for Quality
Investing in a buckwheat pillow from a well-known manufacturer ensures you receive a product with properly treated hulls devoid of hazardous chemicals or pesticides. This investment not only supports a restful sleep but also contributes to a healthier and allergy-free sleeping experience, thanks to the hypoallergenic and mold-resistant properties of buckwheat hulls.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a firm, supportive, and cost-friendly headrest, look no further. The buckwheat-enclosed pillows have therapeutic properties and are quite an effective way to rid stiff necks and shoulders.
Always opt for these pillows from a well-known company. They ensure their headrests have properly washed and vacuumed hulls without any traces of hazardous chemicals or pesticides.
These treated hulls ensure that bugs, pests, or rodents do not infect your pillows. The empty hulls are mold-resistant and offer a night free of allergins or dust. Invest in a product that provides you with optimum support and lets you rest to the fullest.
Recources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26270637/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7922527/
https://www.agriculturejournals.cz/publicFiles/01448.pdf
Buckwheat pillow bugs FAQs
What Insects Does Buckwheat Attract?
Buckwheat’s superficial and white blossoms are very pretty and beneficial. They attract insects that attack pests like aphids, mites, and many others. The insects include;
• Hoverflies (Syrphidae)
• Predatory wasps
• Minute pirate bugs
• Insidious flower bugs
• Tachinid flies
• Lady beetles
How Often Should You Replace A Buckwheat Pillow?
These amazing pillows are quite popular for their durability. If properly taken care of, this buckwheat can last up to a whooping of 10 years. You can always put in new ones if you feel the shells are burned out after excessive usage. This way, you won't need to replace the whole pillow, just the broken shells that no longer cushion your head.
What Happens If A Buckwheat Pillow Gets Wet?
Although buckwheat filling in a pillow is durable and lasts long, one thing can lessen its stability. If you spill any liquid on the headrest, it can destroy the empty shells. They become brittle and start breaking apart. This causes them to lose their shape and decrease their credibility.
Take proper care of your firm pillow and keep it away from all types of liquid. In case of an accidental spill, remove all the hulls and expose them to heat or sunlight. This is the only way to ensure your pillow imbued with buckwheat lives its life to the fullest.
How Long Does Buckwheat Headrest Last?
The best thing this pillow offers is its durability. If taken with ample care, the amazing firm cushions last up to ten years. Despite this, you should keep some things in mind before investing in buckwheat.
• Ensure the case is made of durable and breathable fabric, so it doesn't rip or tear after continuous usage and washing.
• A strong zipper that doesn't break open after little or no usage.
• Strong threading on the zipper and the fabric to ensure the buckwheat remain encases within the pillow
• Keeping it clean and washing the pillow from time to time also lengthen the life of these firm and supporting cushions.