Once you’ve set up your bed with one of the best mattresses you can buy online, it’s time to think about the rest of your bedding, like sheets, mattress pads, and pillows.
With the right pillow under your head, your spine will be better aligned and your shoulders, neck, and head will have the support they need. This support can help prevent or alleviate pain in your neck, back, and hips, as well as help you sleep better.
However, with a large variety of pillows to choose from, how do you choose the best pillow for you? Let’s compare two popular options, buckwheat pillows vs. down pillows, to help you understand which type will be your best bet.
Buckwheat Pillows vs. Down Pillows
While the majority of pillows once contained foam, today you can buy pillows made from latex, grains, down, feathers, and many other options. People often wonder about buckwheat pillows vs. down pillows, and while both are fantastic options, they’re quite different.
That’s why it’s important to understand the reasons people choose to buy buckwheat pillows vs. down pillows, so you wind up with the one that will make you most comfortable.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each kind of pillow.
Buckwheat Pillows
A buckwheat pillow is filled with the hulls of buckwheat, a cereal grain that can be eaten whole or ground into flour. That means many buckwheat pillows are made from all-natural materials.
Buckwheat pillows are quite firm, which provides contouring and keeps your spine properly aligned. This alignment of your back, neck, and head helps reduce strain and prevent or relieve aches and pains. In fact, many people combine a buckwheat pillow with one of the best mattresses for back pain.
Pros
One of the major benefits of buying a buckwheat pillow is the fact that they are very durable. Buckwheat pillows can easily last as long as 20 years.
And while they last for years, buckwheat pillows are also known to keep their shape. This is an important benefit, as many other kinds of pillows tend to sink and lose their shape over time.
This type of pillow offers adequate airflow, which can help it smell fresher. It also retains heat very well, which is useful during the winter months when you want your bed to feel warm and cozy.
When comparing buckwheat pillows vs. down pillows, another factor to consider is price. Buckwheat pillows are usually more affordable than down pillows, especially ones that are made with 100% down and no feathers.
Cons
The major drawback of buckwheat pillows, especially when comparing them to down pillows, is their firmness. While buckwheat pillows are great for people who like a firm surface for their heads, they can be too hard for some people. It’s important to consider whether you’re interested in a firmer surface, or whether you might be better off with a softer option.
Another problem that many people mention about buckwheat pillows is the fact that they can be quite noisy. This is because the hulls inside the pillow rub together and make noise when you roll over or move around at night. It’s not overwhelming, but it might be annoying for some people.
Cleaning a buckwheat pillow can also be inconvenient. You can’t simply put the whole pillow in your washing machine like you can with some other kinds of pillows. Instead, you need to remove the hulls and then wash the pillowcase on its own, then replace the hulls once the pillowcase is fully dry.
Down Pillows
Down pillows are quite different from buckwheat pillows. They are filled with light, fluffy down, creating a luxuriously soft pillow. Many people who struggle with neck pain enjoy sleeping on down pillows.
However, when you’re shopping for a down pillow, make sure to check whether it includes 100% down or whether it also includes feathers. A higher feather content can reduce the cost of your pillow, but it may also mean it’s a lower-quality product that may not last as long.
If you’re looking for a high-quality down pillow with a low feather content, you should expect to pay more. However, a higher-quality down pillow will likely last longer.
Pros
The softness of a down pillow is one of its major benefits. Luxurious and cuddly are two terms to describe sleeping with a quality down pillow. After a bit of shaping, they mold well around your neck and head to offer comfortable support.
Down pillows are also machine washable, and you do not need to take the down out of the pillowcase before washing your pillow. This makes them much easier and more convenient to clean, which is an important consideration when comparing buckwheat pillows vs. down pillows.
Down pillows are also relatively durable, and with proper care, they can last for years.
Cons
Down pillows can be quite expensive, especially when you start to look at heavier ones with a larger percentage of down filling and fewer feathers.
Some people are allergic to down or feathers, so they would likely not enjoy sleeping on a down pillow.
The airflow of a down pillow is also more restricted compared to a buckwheat pillow. If you tend to sleep hotter, a down pillow might cause you to overheat in the night.
Down pillows don’t automatically contour around your head’s shape, so it might take a little bit of effort to get the right amount of down under your head and neck. However, this is usually fairly easy.
While down pillows are durable, there are limits. Many people find that they have to replace their down pillows every five years. This is a much shorter lifespan when you consider down pillows vs. buckwheat pillows.
Buckwheat Pillows vs. Down Pillows: What to Buy
Both types of pillows offer excellent support and comfort, but since they’re quite different, you need to consider your own preferences and needs when comparing buckwheat pillows vs. down pillows.
If you’re looking for a pillow that will offer dependable support for decades, and you like a firmer surface, a buckwheat pillow might be a great fit for you.
If your goal is luxurious, fluffy comfort and you prioritize easy maintenance, a down pillow might be a better option.
