Beans72 vs Hullo Buckwheat Pillow
Compared from manufacturer specifications and our research — neither pillow has been hands-on tested yet · See how Mr. Squish tests pillows
Beans72 Signature Buckwheat Pillow
Beans72 · Buckwheat · Firm
Choose it if: Choose Beans72 if you want the most accessible way into buckwheat, with organic hulls at a lower price.
Manufacturer specificationsListed from $80; check size and current offer
Read the full review
Hullo Buckwheat Pillow
Hullo · Buckwheat · Firm
Choose it if: Choose Hullo if you want the sturdier cover and plan to keep the pillow for many years of hull adjustment.
Main trade-off: You want a light, quiet, plush pillow.
Manufacturer specificationsListed from $79; check size and current offer
Read the full reviewBuckwheat pillows are a niche with a devoted following: firm, cool, endlessly mouldable, and completely unlike foam. The two names that dominate the category are Beans72 and Hullo, and their differences are subtle — hull sourcing, cover fabric and how much fill you get for the money.
The comparison below is based on manufacturer specifications and owner reports rather than physical testing by Mr. Squish.
Side by side
| Beans72 Signature Buckwheat Pillow | Hullo Buckwheat Pillow | |
|---|---|---|
| Fill | Organic buckwheat hulls | Organic buckwheat hulls |
| Adjustable | Yes — unzip and remove hulls | Yes — unzip and remove hulls |
| Cover | Cotton | Cotton twill |
| Firmness | Firm | Firm |
| Cooling | Excellent — air moves between hulls | Excellent |
| Noise | Audible rustle | Audible rustle |
| Best positions | Side, back | Side, back |
What they share
Both are firm, both breathe far better than any foam pillow because air passes between the hulls, and both are adjustable in the most literal way possible: unzip and pour hulls out until the height is right. Keep the removed hulls — you will want them back if you change mattresses.
Both also rustle. It is a soft shifting sound rather than a crunch, but light sleepers and their partners should know about it in advance.
Where they differ
Hullo tends to be praised for cover construction — a heavier cotton twill that stands up to years of unzipping. Beans72 is generally the cheaper entry into the category and is widely available, which matters if you want to try buckwheat without committing at the top of the price range.
Fill weight varies by size on both; check the listed weight rather than assuming, because hull quantity is what determines how tall and firm the pillow can go.
Living with a buckwheat pillow
Neither pillow is washable — the hulls must be emptied out before the cover is laundered, and hulls must never get wet. Air them in the sun occasionally instead. Both are heavy compared with foam, and both need a shape-and-punch routine each night rather than a fluff.
Before you choose either pillow
- Match the listed model, size, and height to the item in your cart. Similar names can refer to different products.
- Check the height while lying on your own mattress. Advertised loft is not a measurement under your head.
- Read pillow-specific return terms, including opened-product eligibility, fees, and the seller’s policy.
- Check cover and inner-fill care separately. Cooling materials do not establish all-night cooling.
Mr. Squish may earn a commission from the following price links. This does not determine our recommendations. Prices vary by size, seller, and promotion.
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Our verdict
These are close enough that either is a reasonable first buckwheat pillow. Beans72 wins on price and availability; Hullo wins on cover durability. Both dramatically outperform foam on airflow.
See the full shortlist
Best Buckwheat Pillows
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Frequently asked questions
Are buckwheat pillows too firm?
They are firm, but removing hulls softens and lowers them considerably. Start by taking out more than you think you need.
Do buckwheat pillows smell?
New hulls have a faint earthy, tea-like smell that fades within a couple of weeks.
Can I wash a buckwheat pillow?
Only the cover, after emptying the hulls. Hulls must stay dry or they will break down.
How long do the hulls last?
Several years. They gradually compress, and replacement hulls are sold separately for both brands.