J-Life Black Ultra Sateen Buckwheat Hull Pillow
J-Life Black Ultra Sateen Buckwheat Hull Pillow
SKU: RECT-BLACKULTRASATEEN-MATCH
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Save 10% when you order both unscented pillow styles (Neckroll & Rectangular) as a set!
The J-Life Soba Gara Makura
The J-Life Buckwheat Hull Pillow, or Soba Gara Makura, adheres to centuries of Japanese tradition by creating a pillow that is simple, comfortable, and durable. In Japan, the most popular type of pillow is not filled with down feathers or synthetic fiberfill. It is filled with buckwheat hulls- the tiny seed casings of the buckwheat plant.
This buckwheat pillow features solid black fabric with a slight sheen.
Why Switch to Buckwheat?
Buckwheat husk pillows create a sleep surface that is firm yet cushioned, so it conforms perfectly to the curvature of the neck and head in any position. This can be particularly beneficial for people who suffer from neck or back pain, as the pillow helps to align the spine and improve sleep posture.
Buckwheat husk filling is also naturally hypoallergenic, breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps keep you cool and dry throughout the night.
The buckwheat hulls we use in our pillows are 100% organic, double cleaned, and grown here in the USA. They contain no toxic chemicals from fumigation unlike imported buckwheat hulls.
Traditional Japanese Comfort
Our buckwheat pillows are available in two styles: the buckwheat neckroll pillow and the rectangular buckwheat pillow (sold separately). Faithful to Japanese tradition, your buckwheat husk pillow set is composed of:
- An outer sheath that functions like a pillowcase and is available in White Ultra Sateen or in the same matching fabric as the outer case. In Japan, the color white is considered sacred and is associated with purity, humility, and cleanliness. It holds great significance in the Shinto religion.
- An outer case made with 100% cotton imported traditional Japanese fabric.
- 100% organic buckwheat hull filling.
You can also choose to add the calming, sleep-inducing fragrance of organic French lavender to your pillow.
All of our buckwheat sleeping pillows are handmade by skilled craftsmen and designed to last for many years. After you try it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Rectangular Buckwheat Pillow: 13" x 18" - 3.8 pounds
Buckwheat Neck Pillow: 3.5" x 15" - 1.2 pounds
Visit our blog to learn more about the Japanese tradition of Soba Gara Makura and to view our care guide.
- Reviews
- Questions
United StatesBest Pillow Ever!
I will never need another pillow now that I have this one! I definitely recommend taking some of the filling out because the pillow comes packed with the stuffing. I took enough out so I could press my hand into the pillow to make a little dip for my head. Of course, this pillow is super firm. Its like sleeping on a bean bag. I enjoy the how firm the pillow is. I don't wake up with a stiff neck or shoulders anymore! There's no way I'm going back to sleeping on soft plush pillows anymore.
United StatesHole appeared in the first week of use, needs additional pillowcase
The thread broke and a hole appeared that I had to sew up within first week of use, just using it normally (to rest my head on at night for sleeping, no other use). Not sure how the thread broke, but I would recommend avoiding putting too much force on the pillow (the buckwheat hulls don't compress much and I suspect somehow force on the pillow might be what caused the thread to break). I also recommend putting the pillow in a "normal" pillowcase, as the outer cover that comes with the pillow doesn't cover the full length, and drool and other stains will end up on the inner case, requiring you to empty the pillow fully to wash the case, an inconvenience that can be avoided by keeping the pillow inside another pillowcase and simply then washing that pillowcase as needed. Buckwheat hull pillows can be really useful for maintaining structure and support while you sleep, and being able to remove or add hulls helps adjust the pillow to your specific needs. They are also much cooler to sleep on than pillows made out of foam or other insulating materials, and much cleaner (you can empty the hulls from the pillow and put them in the sun and wash the case - something that can't be said of normal pillows). For those reasons I highly recommend buckwheat pillows, and this pillow seems good enough - I especially like that it isn't large, as I have found smaller buckwheat hull pillows are better - easier to adjust where the hulls are and maintain the valleys and peaks.
United StatesOne of the Better Pillows
Pillow is amazing and high quality aside from a few setbacks. The support given is immense but because it is so firm, it is nearly impossible to use when laying on the stomach, and can hurt your ears if on the side. Further, it is not very versatile in the sense that you can't put it anywhere else for your body except your head. Finally the case covers maybe 90% of the pillow, so a little spot staining from drool can happen on the sides. Otherwise, very nice smelling, feeling, and firm pillow that offers a lot of head support in the correct position. It's also very pleasant to look at (if it isn't drooled on).
United StatesSo Much Support
This pillow is very supportive, and after a couple months of using it in combination with the rest of the J-Life bedding system, I have seen a marked improvement in neck and back pain when getting out of bed in the morning. I had to take about 1/3 of the contents out to make it more comfortable to sleep on. The natural woody smell of the buckwheat is really pleasant.
United StatesVersatile might pillow!
I have the rectangle pillow and I am surprised by how versatile it turned out to be. I’ve never had a buckwheat hull pillow before so I read up on it first. I took a hot bath before I used it for the first time and since I already know I like thin pillows, I took a considerable amount of buckwheat hulls out. This is recommended to adjust to your preference. After the bath I just sank into the pillow and let myself rest for a few minutes. It was wonderful and gave me a chance to adjust the amount of hulls. Sleeping on this pillow means no tossing and turning for me. I have used this pillow to compliment yoga poses, also my acupressure mat, and to support my lower back when I’m in my office chair. I got used to the sound of the hulls, they are a nice reminder that it’s organic material in my home and not more foam full of chemicals. I’m sensitive to chemical smells and found no issues using this pillow.