It might seem weird to ask how to use a pillow but it's a question we get asked a lot! A buckwheat pillow is different from a conventional pillow so it's understandable to wonder if it should be used differently. The short answer is No. It's not necessary to treat this pillow any different. But there are some techniques you can use to get more out of it.
A buckwheat pillow works best when you shape it to fit your head and neck.
The hulls move easily when you first lie down, so you can nudge the pillow into the shape that feels most comfortable. Once the hulls settle, they stay in place and give you steady support through the night.
Fluffing the pillow helps the hulls move more freely. A quick shake or a gentle lift from both ends loosens the hulls so they can settle into a fresh shape. Many people do this each night before bed, especially if they prefer a taller or more supportive feel.
Before you first lay your head down, pick the pillow up by the end furthest from your shoulder. Give it a gentle shake so the hulls gather at the bottom, closest to your shoulder, then lay it back down on the bed.
Once the pillow is on the bed where it belongs, push your shoulder into the bottom of the pillow while simultaneously laying your head down, then relax your shoulder. The hulls will shift and move to shape to your head before locking in place.
View the video or hover (tap on mobile) to view the animation.
If your buckwheat pillow is too thin or you have a competitor's pillow without a zipper so you can't adjust it, you can make the pillow taller by picking up the pillow from the side and folding the fabric underneath. This is a simple way to add extra loft without changing the amount of fill. It works especially well for side sleepers who need a little more height to keep their head level with their spine.
View the video or hover (tap on mobile) to view the animation.
The zipper lets you fine tune the fill level to match your body and your mattress. Adding hulls will make the pillow taller and firmer. Removing hulls will lower the pillow, but it will not make it softer. If you prefer a gentler feel, you can place a thin, flat pillow or folded towel inside your pillowcase on top of your buckwheat pillow.
Your sleeping position also affects how you shape the pillow. Side sleepers often like a small ridge of hulls under the neck. Back sleepers usually prefer a flatter, more even surface. Stomach sleepers tend to use very little fill so the pillow stays low and comfortable.
When using an extra pillow, it is recommended to remove 1/2 pound of hulls to compensate for the height difference. Adjust to suit.