White Lotus sent me the greatest samples of their pillows stuffed with organic cotton, buckwheat and kapok. Hand-sewn and hand-stuffed, they all have organic cotton casings. They're all incredibly comfortable in different ways: the cotton is stiffer and more traditionally plump; the kapok is more giving but still holds shape well; the buckwheat is, as always, my total favourite.
Buckwheat pillows conform to the shape of your neck and head, but because of the peculiar sand-like properties of buckwheat, once it's settled into that form, it tends to stay pleasantly that way. It provides excellent support and ameliorates many spine-related complaints in a far better manner than memory foam. Plus, unlike traditional pillow fill, buckwheat hulls don't harbour dust mites, and if they get a bit flat with use, you can just add in another handful or two - generally available in your health food store. White Lotus wool pillows are also available in baby sizes, perfect for travel, which means you can conveniently take it along and be spared the usual overstuffed (or flat) hotel pillow. If you ever suffer from insomnia, the solution may be as simple as a new pillow. Ranges from $30 to $90 with baby size for a very modest $15. [GT]
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