Recently updated on June 4th, 2018 at 10:44 am
FitMe Pillow: A Much Needed Modern Adjustment to the Traditional Buckwheat Pillow
Buckwheat pillows, as a stand alone product, most likely do not excite the typical consumer. They aren’t soft and fluffy like most items we associate with when we think of the word “pillow,” so what makes them appealing to a consumer? Why would people buy them in the first place and how is the FitMe Pillow different?
There’s no doubt that a plethora of individuals have given up comfort in search of a healthier pillow, one that can yield substantial neck and head support. It can be difficult to find a pillow that can provide optimal spinal alignment, allowing one to minimize neck pain, muscle spasms and general cramping from incorrect sleeping positions. There’s a reason why the Japanese have been sleeping on buckwheat pillows for the past 600 years. For Americans however, the concept is still one we are trying to wrap our heads around.
Overview of the FitMe Pillow
When it comes to the FitMe Pillow, the inventor strove to do something different and that is blend the comfort of foam pillows with the support that buckwheat pillows have been proven to provide. This idea may seem overly basic to some but in reality, it’s pretty innovative as it hasn’t really been executed before..
Construction of the FitMe Pillow
This FitMe Pillow contains two main materials: buckwheat hulls and foam. It’s that simple. The inventor calls this combination an interlocking filling. While the buckwheat provides support, the foam provides loft and is also able to lock in the buckwheat hulls so that they stay in place.
This is all then packed in a pleasant quilted bamboo pillow cover.
The ability to customize the pillow, with additional foam and buckwheat (which come included), also gives it more appeal.
A single Fitme Pillow retails for $49.95 on their official website, while a double-pack sells for an awesome discount of $75.
My FitMe Pillow Findings
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They’re natural and they’re even considered to be hypoallergenic
This makes buckwheat pillows a great option for people with allergies.
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They have a cooling effect
Because organic buckwheat is resistant to pressure, air is able to pass through the pillow, allowing you to sleep cool and not wake up in a sweat
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They provide support
Because buckwheat hulls do not compress, the pillow is designed to form around your head and neck like a mold.
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They’re adjustable
This means that if it isn’t perfect the first time around, you can easily try again and adjust the pillow to your liking.
Now that you know the benefits, you might be wondering, “Wait a minute, what exactly is buckwheat anyway?”
Buckwheat is a plant cultivated for its grain-like seeds and as a cover crop. Despite the name, buckwheat is not related to wheat, as it is not a grass. Instead, buckwheat is related to sorrel, knotweed, and rhubarb. Because its seeds are rich in complex carbohydrates, it is referred to as a pseudocereal. (Wikipedia)
It’s used in food as well as beverages such as beer, whiskey and tea, and of course, as the occasional upholstery filling. Because buckwheat is gluten-free, it has been used in the same way as barley to produce a malt that can form the basis for what will be a gluten-free beer.
(Due to the reasons above, only the exterior cover of the pillow can be machine washed. If the buckwheat hulls are soaked, they need to be replaced.)
My FitMe Pillow Recommendation
The story behind the creation of the pillow is pretty interesting. Many people are aware of how overly firm buckwheat pillows are and the FitMe Pillow creator not only echoed that but decided to offer a solution. He strove to make it a softer pillow but of course, not too soft (otherwise the support would be lost.)
If you’re not convinced of the health benefits of it, which are chronicled to excess all over the web, I think it’s an interesting buy nonetheless just for the sheer novelty of the product. In truth, there are genuine reasons why buckwheat pillows have developed a fan base and why they are seen to be effective but it may just take your own trial to become convinced.
The one thing I will point out regarding this pillow is that it’s typical for the buckwheat hulls to fall to the bottom of the pillow, while the foam rests near the top. That being the case, it’s probably a good idea to give it a bit of a shake and turn so that both materials can be nicely mixed.
And lastly: keep this away from your children, or at least keep them ignorant of the fact the pillow is customizable unless you want a mess. 🙂
Hullo Pillow Review
Recently updated on March 7th, 2023 at 05:27 am
Editor’s Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. For full details visit the disclosures page.
The Hullo Pillow is the second buckwheat pillow that I have reviewed. The first buckwheat pillow I slept on was the Bucky. While both of these pillows are basically the same, there are some significant differences that may sway you in a particular direction.
The Hullo Pillow is as the name implies is made with a buckwheat hull fill. Sleeping on a buckwheat pillow is a completely different sensation than any traditional or memory foam pillow. The main advantage is that you can easily mold it to the perfect position and it will stay there the whole night as opposed to a traditional pillow that will sink or shift throughout the night requiring some readjustment.
Buckwheat pillows are ideal for side sleepers, stomach and back sleepers probably won’t get much benefit from them but are always worth a try if you are looking for a pillow that can give you adequate neck support.
Here’s a quick clip of the inside of the Hullo pillow and the buckwheat hulls.
As you can see they are tiny enough to be conforming. One of the biggest complaints about buckwheat pillows is that they make noise. This is true, whenever you adjust the pillow you will hear the hulls settling into place. It takes some getting used to so give it a few days before making a judgement. After about 5 days sleeping on one, became acclimated.
Buckwheat has a nice smell to it. You can also add other scents such as lavender to the pillow as well. Since it has a zipper and the hulls don’t absorb odor and breathe well, they are the perfect vessel for all sorts of different fragrances.
I really like the case for the Hullo pillow. It is made of organic cotton, it’s thick, nice stark white color and has a quality zipper. You can also get a Bucky pillow with an organic cover but I just think the Hullo is a bit more substantial.
One advantage the Bucky pillow has over the Hullo is that the Bucky comes with extra buckwheat to adjust the level of firmness. However, I think most of it may be unnecessary since when it came i didn’t need to add any to get my level of firmness.
Both of these pillows are fair priced. It’s a bit hard to compare them since they vary in dimensions. You can save money getting a smaller Hullo pillow.
In conclusion the Hullow pillow is so far my favorite buckwheat pillow. You can get a Hullo pillow from Amazon.
The Bucky Pillow Review
Recently updated on January 19th, 2019 at 05:26 pm
Ever tried sleeping on buckwheat? Me neither, until I was given an organic buckwheat filled pillow from Bucky. Bucky Inc. is based out of Seattle, WA and has been in business since 1992. According to their website, their manufacturing is increasingly done in the USA. Like bamboo, buckwheat is a sustainable material that Bucky Inc. has made available in the USA.
If you have neck soreness or pain when you wake up in the morning, it could be due to your pillow. I have found this to be especially true with traditional pillows that are filled with down or even foam. A typical nights sleep on these pillows starts out just fine but then I often find myself shifting positions and readjusting my pillow because it has sunk or shifted during the night.
With the Bucky pillow, I was able to mold the perfect support for my head and neck and noticed there was no sinking. Obviously you will still notice some shifting during the night if you change sleep positions but it is very easy to get the pillow back into your favorite position. Sleeping on buckwheat takes some getting used to. The Bucky pillow felt too hard at first, especially against my ear, but after a few more uses I grew accustomed to it. To alleviate this minor discomfort, I could have used a sleep mask to provide another layer of softness. I have already acclimated after just 2 nights with the pillow and it has become my favorite by far.
I had a great night’s sleep with my Bucky pillow. My wife gave it a try the following night with the same results although she also mentioned that it was a bit hard. However, that’s a small price to pay for alleviating neck soreness. And, like I said, the hardness sensation goes away after a few uses. Buckwheat pillows seem to be ideal for back and side sleepers as they provide good spinal alignment.
Aside from the amazing support, the Bucky pillow does not trap heat like a memory foam pillow. This would be a great pillow for people that sleep hot or live in warmer climates. Since it is filled with buckwheat, the pillows are on the heavier side but I see that as a plus since they won’t move around as easily. It also has a pleasant smell since it is made from all natural material. You can even add your own scents such as lavender to the pillow by unzipping the cover and putting in the desired amount.
If you’re in the market for a new pillow and are a side or back sleeper give the Bucky pillow a try. It is a completely different sensation compared to traditional pillows and may be the last pillow you ever need to buy!