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
Buckwheat pillows are interesting, not only for the sleep benefits they provide but for all the other purposes it’s used for.
They’re natural and they’re even considered to be hypoallergenic
This makes buckwheat pillows a great option for people with allergies.
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
They provide support
Because buckwheat hulls do not compress, the pillow is designed to form around your head and neck like a mold.
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. 🙂