I recently tested the Hullo Pillow, a buckwheat pillow that has developed a cult following online. If you have visited the Yawnder showroom in Encinitas, you know I typically steer people toward adjustable latex or memory foam options. But buckwheat is a different beast entirely. It’s not soft, it’s not fluffy, and it makes noise when you move.
So why do people swear by it? Support and airflow. As someone who tracks my sleep metrics and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) religiously, I know that heat retention is the silent killer of deep sleep. Buckwheat hulls allow for more airflow than almost any foam on the market. Here is my straight-talk review on whether the Hullo is worth the adjustment period.
Overview & Unboxing
The Hullo Pillow is made in the USA and ships simply. The first thing you will notice is the weight. This isn't a light and airy down pillow; a Standard size weighs significantly more than you’d expect (around 8-10 lbs) because it is packed with organic buckwheat hulls.
The cover is a high-quality organic cotton twill. It feels durable—more like a sturdy pair of chinos than a silky sheet. This durability is necessary because the hulls inside have hard edges that would wear through thinner materials over time. There is a hidden zipper on the side that lets you add or remove hulls to customize the loft.
Video Review
The History: What is "Sobakawa"?
While Hullo is an American company, the concept is ancient. In Japan, these are known as Sobakawa (buckwheat leather) pillows. They have been used for over 600 years, originally by the wealthy who could afford silk pillowcases to hold the hulls.
The Japanese philosophy behind this is Zukan-Sokunetsu, which translates to "cool head, hot feet." Traditional medicine dictates that keeping the head cool and the feet warm promotes better blood circulation and deeper sleep. Unlike Western pillows that prioritize softness (often leading to a hot, sweaty head), Sobakawa prioritizes airflow and rigid support.
Hullo vs. The Cheap Stuff (Roasted vs. Air-Washed)
Not all buckwheat pillows are created equal. If you look on Amazon, you will see "Sobakawa" pillows for $30. Here is the difference:
- Roasted Hulls: Many cheaper, imported pillows use roasted hulls (often to kill pests before export). These are brittle, break down into dust faster, and can smell like burnt toast.
- Air-Washed Hulls (Hullo): Hullo uses US-grown hulls that are cleaned using strong air currents. They are not roasted. This makes them more durable, less dusty, and they don't have that cooked food smell.
My Personal Findings
I committed to sleeping on the Hullo for two weeks to get past the initial "weirdness" of the material. Here is what I found:
1. The Adjustment Period
Straight talk: The first night was rough. It felt like sleeping on a bag of hard seeds—because that's exactly what it is. It was noisy and hard. But by night three, something clicked. I realized I could mold the pillow to fill the exact gap between my neck and the mattress. Once I set it, it stayed there. For back sleeping, the cervical support is unmatched. My neck pain, which flares up when I test too many soft pillows, vanished.
2. The "Ear Nest" Technique
As a combo sleeper, side sleeping on buckwheat can be tricky because the hulls don't compress. If you just lay your head down, it can feel like a rock against your ear. I developed a technique I call the "Ear Nest." Before laying down, I use my fist to create a small divot in the center for my ear. This creates a cradle where my ear isn't being crushed, while the surrounding hulls support my neck perfectly.
3. Cooling & HRV
This is the Hullo's superpower. The hulls are hollow and irregular, creating thousands of tiny air pockets. Warm air from your head dissipates instantly rather than being trapped in foam cells. Living in Poway, where it can stay warm into the evening, this made a noticeable difference. My Oura ring data showed consistent body temps and solid deep sleep scores.
Comparison: Hullo vs. Competitors
| Feature | Hullo Pillow | Beans72 (Budget) | PineTales (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hull Origin | USA Grown & Milled | USA Grown | USA Grown |
| Processing | Air-Washed (Durable) | Often Roasted (Brittle) | Air-Washed |
| Cover Material | Organic Cotton Twill | Standard Cotton | Bamboo or Cotton |
| Adjustment | High Quality YKK Zipper | Zipper (Basic) | Zipper |
| Price (Standard) | ~$129 | ~$60 | ~$100 |
Yawnder Verdict
Pros:
- Unmatched Airflow: The coolest sleeping surface available.
- Adjustable Support: You can add or remove hulls to change the loft (though you'll need a place to store the extra hulls).
- Organic & Non-Toxic: No chemical off-gassing or mystery foams.
- Made in USA: Quality construction with organic cotton.
Cons:
- The Noise: It crunches. If you need silence, this isn't for you.
- Firmness: This is not a "cuddly" pillow. It is firm, heavy, and functional.
- Weight: It is heavy and harder to move around during the night compared to a poly-fill pillow.
Final Thoughts: The Hullo isn't for everyone. If you want a plush, cloud-like experience, skip this. But if you are a hot sleeper looking for rigid neck support to improve your posture and recovery, the Hullo is a tool that works. The 60-night trial gives you enough time to get past the initial "crunch" phase and decide if it helps your sleep quality like it did mine.