Heavy, but Adjustable
I love this pillow and recommend it for the eco-conscious.
I really disliked the thought that something I’d sleep on for a few years would end up in a landfill for 500 years. So I decided to try this.
It is heavy. This helps me keep it on my side of the bed, and thus keep my head on my side of the bed. (It was not uncommon for me to have my pillows *off* the bed.) However, moving the pillow or getting it in the pillow case can be a bit more work than you’re used to, as it is 13 pounds (5.8kg). You can adjust the weight by removing some or all of the hulls. If you live alone and have arthritis or other impairment, just know it might be a bit of an adjustment.
It is loud compared to other pillows, but it’s still quiet compared to everyday sounds. And, of course, it’s only noisy when you move.
There is a bit of firmness, but it’s also adjustable. I think it’s great as is.
While there is a premium price for this product, it is a quality product, and it’s the best pillow I’ve ever owned.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
May 6, 2023
Great Neck Support
I bought the small buckwheat pillow and absolutely love it. I removed some of the buckwheat – sleep with my upper body elevated and needed a small supportive pillow. BINGO. The Hullo pillow is perfect. I can adjust it to support my neck and yet it doesn’t further raise my head. I was concerned at first about the noise the buckwheat makes when you sleep on it but it was never an issue. I highly recommend this pillow.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
March 1, 2023
Christopher H.
Mahwah, NJ
5 Years Strong
I heard about this pillow years ago on a podcast with John Gruber and made an impulse purchase that changed my sleep. I have had my Hullo pillow for over 5 years and it has held up very well and is used every night.
I have now started to feel the need to add some hulls, but this is the first time I have needed to since owning it.
My wife and son are jealous of my pillow and I plan on getting them their own when I order more buckwheat for my pillow.
For some this pillow may feel heavy, so you may want to try the smaller version if that is an issue. You may also hear that the buckwheat hulls can seem loud. I had this same reaction at first, but after a few nights i didn’t notice the sound anymore; now it’s kind of soothing.
Thank you for making this product, it has changed how I sleep.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
January 26, 2023
Awesome Pillow!
I have tried dozens of pillows, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Every single one was a serious disappointment, especially the expensive ones because who wants to pay a lot for something that’s awful? I was beyond desperate. Why…WHY is it so impossible to make a firm pillow?? My head sunk to the mattress with every pillow I tried. So, not only no support, but the ends would pop up around my face. Uncomfortable and annoying! I stacked them…two, three, even four. That just made it annoying in layers.
I came across your product and thought it couldn’t hurt to try one more. I cannot possibly express how happy I am that I tried a Hullo Pillow. It’s a dream come true. I am not exaggerating. I had a bit of doubt that I’d like it when the noise of the hulls was mentioned. I should not have hesitated for a second. It’s very quiet, certainly doesn’t wake me up when I move during the night, and was very easy for me to get used to as I fall asleep.
Anyone struggling to find a good, firm pillow needs to try a Hullo. I have told every single person I know about this amazing pillow. I’ve even made a few people lay on it to see how great it is.
I am unable to thank you enough for making this pillow. I’m definitely going to buy more, for each side of the bed and for the couch, as I fall asleep there a lot.
Thank you,
Lisa Pence
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
January 14, 2023
Cara Harth
Stony Brook, NY
Can’t Believe I’m Sleeping on Buckwheat but I Love It
I love this pillow. Can’t believe I took the plunge but I really love it. I was worried it would be “noisy”, it’s not.
I don’t have to do weird things at night or figure out where to put my hand or tuck the pillow under my head “just so” anymore. Also, it’s great for reading in bed because it doesn’t “collapse” like other pillows do.
I didn’t want to spent the $ on the King size pillow so I’m using a standard on my King size bed and that’s fine. Plus the larger pillow would’ve been super heavy.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
January 8, 2023
Helpful, but not Super Soft and Comfy
The product gets 5 stars for meeting expectations. The pillow is exactly as explained. I have cervical stenosis and arthritis and nothing will remove the discomfort. Still, the texture from the hulls places my head at a perfect height to let me sleep comfortably on my back. I tend to sleep on my side, and so the edges provide less support than I want, or need. When I turn, I wonder if the crunchy sound might wake my spouse—he says it does not. And if I’m sound asleep, it doesn’t bother me either. I also think the hulls allow a definite cooling, which is great. I miss the softness of hypoallergenic polyester, but not the plastic, and certainly not the head-in-a-hole feeling. The Hullo pillow does what it says. And the smell is very very very faint and pleasant.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
July 31, 2022
Meg Girty
New Kensington, PA
I Won’t Use Anything Else
I first started using a buckwheat hull pillow over 20 years ago under a brand name. When it came time to replace them I found this site Hullo Pillow because I searched for just the hulls in order to make my own rather than pay over $70 each for a replacement. I bought the 10 lb bag of Hullo. I also bought smaller (may be for a crib but they’re slightly smaller than standard sized) zippered pillow cases and waterproof zippered standard pillow cases on another site. I wound up with 3 nicely stuffed pillows. It sounds like a lot of cases but my dog likes to lick pillows for some reason. I stuffed each small case with Hullo and then put into a waterproof case before putting all into my regular cases that go with whatever sheets I’m using.
At first they’re crunchy but you get used to that and it’s fantastic to have a firm and cool pillow under my head and shoulders that doesn’t shift or go flat as I move around. One little push or pull and it’s readjusted. No waking up to fluff and readjust like with poly fill, foam, etc. It’s also so much cooler especially in the summer time. These 3 new ones will last me a long time and I’ve recommended Hullo to several friends with neck and shoulder problems who have tried out mine and swear by using buckwheat pillows now.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
July 9, 2022
Love This Pillow
I bought this pillow because I sleep with a CPAP machine for sleep apnea and wasn’t able to sleep on my side with a regular pillow. I’ve been sleeping like a champ (on my side) and getting a great night’s sleep with my Hullo pillow! I saw reviews complaining that the pillow is noisy, but that’s not an issue for me.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
April 10, 2022
Pillow is Terrible
I got a recommendation from a patient for this pillow, but after the first night, it caused extreme head, neck, and shoulder pain! It was as hard as a rock. And it was also very loud every time you move to change positions to try to get comfortable with it. It is definitely not the pillow for us to sell to our patients when it causes extreme pain. The return policy is very misleading since the company gives you 60 days to return the pillow for a full refund, but when you ask to return the pillow they email you and ask you not to because of the impact on the environment. The pillow and the box weigh almost 15 lbs which will cost over $50 to ship back, and I will pay that to get the remaining refund. Companies that are misleading in the verbiage on their websites, or do not disclose that they do not pay for shipping on a return, and just leave out the information that your refund is minus your return shipping costs, is not a company my healthcare facility will do business with. The www.hullopillow.com website on returns is misleading.
Note from Hullo: We try to be clear with our return policy, which states return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. Return shipping cost depends on the carrier/service, but typically is nowhere near $50 for one pillow via standard ground shipping. As a small business, we do our best to balance value to our customers with operating expenses and our ecological footprint.
April 1, 2022
Great Product!
Skeptical at first. All of my life I have preferred super soft goose downy pillows. I ended up with a Hulo pillow and did not think I would like it at all. It seemed way to firm and noisy for my pillow tastes. I threw it on my bed with the rest of my tried and true super soft pillows. I figured that it might act as a foundation. Slowly but surely I ended up pushing the old pillows aside for the Hulo pillow. Much to my surprise, I now prefer the buckwheat hulls over goose down. Although firmer, the hullo pillow has just the right amount of give while supporting my head and neck positions. Gone are the sore necks, kinks and pinched nerves. Thanks Hullo for a great product!!!
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
February 9, 2022
First Pillow I’ve Ever Loved!
I love that it holds it’s shape and stays cool. I no longer flip my pillow throughout the night to puff up feathers or get the cool side. The only small complaint I can make is that it’s louder than a normal pillow, but since I don’t have to continuously flip it it doesn’t bother my wife.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
January 5, 2022
LOVE My Hullo!
I LOVE my Hullo (14 x 20). I’ve had buckwheat and millet pillows in the past, but the hulls weren’t as fresh as these are, which actually makes a big difference. If you haven’t used a buckwheat pillow before, they are somewhat firm. They are also adjustable in two ways – the first way you can adjust these pillows is by adding or subtract hulls so that your head is cradled just right. The amount I took out seems minimal, but it made a huge difference for me. I played around with it quite a bit before settling on the right amount, and I kept the extra hulls around in case I need them later.
The second way the Hullo is adjustable is that you can move the hulls around so they best cradle your head each time you move.
There is a rustling noise as you adjust the pillow and the buckwheat settles into place. It might bother some people, but I find it very relaxing.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
June 23, 2021
Years-Long Hullo User
I could sell these all day long. It’s like a mold around your head and neck. Sometimes if I get up in the night I might push on the hulls a bit and they just fill in the “neck gaps”, again, like a mold. Yes, the pillow is heavy’ish and it has some sound to it, but it’s the best pillow I’ve ever had. I’ve been using one for years and feel the same way. Just recently bought the smaller travel pillows (my partner feels the same way) so that’s why I got a review request. People who complain that it’s hard as a rock need to take out of the hulls. They are malleable so they naturally push down in, but you may have to take some out. I guess it’s not for everyone, but if you end up loving like we do you’ll be so glad you bought it.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
May 2, 2021
Nathaniel Palmer
Greenville, SC
Sleep On It
The Hullo pillow is comfortable and provides better support than the synthetic filling pillows I’ve used in the past. I have’t used it through the summer yet, but it seems to stay cool without having to turn it over constantly. It’s definitely noisier than other pillows but that hasn’t been an issue now that I’ve gotten used to it. The only downside I’ve found is that since it’s essentially a sack of buckwheat hulls it can’t be neatly propped up against a headboard and it can look lumpy if you don’t flatten it out. Those are entirely aesthetic issues though and only matter if you’re particular about making your bed.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
May 1, 2021
Hard as a Rock!
An acquaintance recommended this pillow for my shoulder pain, but my goodness – it is hard as a rock. And loud. I hate it. But failed to read the return policy and fear it would cost too much to return ship, since it would be akin to shipping a cinder block. Expensive lesson.
April 22, 2021
Love My Pillow
I’d never been happy with a pillow before discovering this. They were all too soft and too bouncy. The buckwheat hull pillow is just right. It’s supportive but malleable, and I like the rustling, crunchy sound.
Thanks, Hullo!
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
March 28, 2021
Love It
This small pillow is perfect for me. I sleep on my side and on my back and this pillow provides the right amount of support for constant switching. I also like the noise the buckwheat pillow makes when moved. Wish I got it a long time ago.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
February 8, 2021
1st thought…buckwheat pillow?…SOUNDS WEIRD…after 1st night…OMG I LOVE THIS THING!
OK let me start by saying I’ve never even considered a buckwheat pillow before. I’ve either used foam or feather pillows in the past. But there is a point after so many nights of wrestling with your pillow you get desperate and are willing to try anything.
COST:
I would not call the buckwheat pillows from “hullo” cheap and I’m sure you can find bargain pillows online. That being said my personal option is if I’m trying something different I want to try the best and get the clearest idea if it’s right for me.
QUALITY:
The quality of material from “hullo” is wonderful. I don’t have any other buckwheat pillows to compare but I would say without question I’m totally satisfied with what they sell and can’t think of anything else I would want or expect.
FIRST NIGHT:
From my research on buckwheat pillows I had expected it to be a bit loud. This is small hulls right next to your ear after all. But I have to say it really isn’t that loud and one thing to remember is it only makes noice when your moving around on your pillow not when your resting still. That leads me to my biggest revelation with this pillow. After only a few minutes I realized…with a buckwheat pillow you literally are able to “sculpt” a custom pillow for your head every time you use it. With a buckwheat pillow every time you move you get a whole new pillow custom to you.
After the first night my wife said my snoring was almost zero. Everyone’s experience is obviously different but lets just say I was impressed…VERY impressed after the first night.
COMPLAINTS:
We don’t live in a perfect world and most things in life can be improved on. In the case of the Standard 20″ × 26″ Bed Pillow I purchased from “hullo” I would say only one thing stands out as needing improvement. The amount of buckwheat they provide in their pillows. Don’t get me wrong it’s not like they rip you off or anything on the fill amount. And yes, every customer is likely to have a slightly different amount of “ideal” fill. All I’m saying is I wish they would provide you MAX filled pillows and explain to the user that you will likely need to remove some to reach your ideal fill. This would save your customers the extra $50 cost required for extra buckwheat filling. Then again it’s a business and profit is required.
Just saying….hullo…if your reading this…and let’s be honest it’s a review on your own site…your reading it…please just consider erring on the side of caution and put more filling in your pillows:)
LAST WORDS:
Did I spend $150 (including my purchase of extra fill) on one pillow? Yes I did…and I would do it again in a second! I love my hullo pillow…enough to even write a lengthy review praising it.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
January 28, 2021
Gave It a Good Try
I’ve given up on the Hullo pillow for a number of reasons. 1. If I was having a restless night the sound became annoying. 2. I subtracted hulls and added hulls but never achieved lasting comfort. 3. Where do I find pillow cases to fit? Unfortunately, I passed the return window of 60days, so I may turn into several small bags to heat for sore muscles.
November 8, 2020
Too Noisy
I wish my husband liked it but he said it was too noisy for him, every time he shifted it was a bunch of crunching in his ear.
November 2, 2020
Thank You Hullo
I love my Hullo pillow. It was a rather expensive but well purchased pillow, worth its weight in gold. I have been having severe neck and shoulder pain. It was so bad that I was actually screaming. My neck is degenerative, and I had a huge knot across my shoulders. My doctor ended up putting me on muscle relaxers. I knew I needed more neck support for when I slept. I have looked at so many different pillows online trying to figure out the one that I thought would suit my needs. I have several friends that have tried buckwheat pillows but did not care for them. What my friends didn’t tell me or couldn’t tell me which which buckwheat pillow they tried. One of my friends claimed about how noisy it was. After reading all the reviews and taking weeks and maybe a number of months, I decided to break down and get the Hullo pillow It was the best pillow purchase I have ever made. The first thing I did when I got it, was listen for the noise that my friends had complained about. This pillow had minimal noise. There’s no smell or odor. The casement for the buckwheat is superb. When I got my buckwheat pillow i opened it up because I wanted to actually feel buckwheat. It really surprised me because it is so soft. When I finally laid down on it it was like instant relief and support for my neck. The first night I slept on it my body did not move at all. Between my Hullo pillow and my weighted blanket, I have the best sleep experience. I also have Tourette’s syndrome, so this has been the a huge help. TS has caused much of my neck problems. Thank you Hullo for helping me.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
August 11, 2020
Would Recommend!
I’ve been sleeping on a buckwheat pillow for 10+years. This one is the best I’ve found. Casing is durable. Nice that the hulls are washed. Allergies much reduced over cheaper buckwheat pillows I’ve had in past. Love the zipper for adjusting fill or for washing. I’m a side sleeper & this pillow had the right amount of fill right out of box. Keeps my neck pain away. If you are new to buckwheat, the pillow does make noise when adjusting during night. Has never bothered my partner & doesn’t wake me. Definitely recommend the Hullo pillow!
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
August 10, 2020
Won’t Sleep Without My Hullo!
From the night I received my Hullo, my sleep routine was forever changed! I’m a small, petite individual, so I opted for the smaller sized pillow for my first test run, and has found that this size works perfectly for me. I had no issue, or adjustment period as some reviews mentioned – I wasn’t bothered at all by the light sound of the buckwheat. The Hullo pillow truly cradles my neck. I create a little indent, then nestle in for a fabulous night’s sleep. I’ve tried a memory foam pillow, and botanical latex pillows that are a healthier version supposed to mimic down pillows. My Hullo is by far the most supportive for my neck, out of all pillows I’ve tried.
This felt like such a quality purchase. The packaging was modern, clean, and used an absolute minimum amount of plastic, just shielding the pillow itself. I also love supporting businesses who care about where they source materials from, create clean products for consumers, and who fully produce & operate in the US. I just purchased a Hullo for my mom for her birthday. I’m so happy with my purchase. Thanks Hullo!
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
July 27, 2020
The Best Pillow I’ve Ever Had
It’s amazing most pillows either fall off the bed or deflate over time but Hullo makes it enjoyable to sleep again. I personally punch the contents of the pillow when I feel anxious or need noise to fall asleep. I love every thing about this pillow.
I would recommend Hullo to a friend.
July 19, 2020