Strange Seeds in the Bed? It Could Be a Sobakawa Surprise

Stumbling across bizarre little items throughout your home can feel eerie — especially when they show up in surprising places, like your roommate’s bed. But those small, seed-looking bits may not be anything creepy or natural. Instead, they may be a hint at the near-forgotten gem of a souvenir from the golden age of late-night television that you were lucky enough to miss: the Sobakawa pillow.

What Is a Sobakawa Pillow?

Sobakawa pillows are filled with the hulls of buckwheat, which is the hard outer shell of the buckwheat seed. They are lightweight and breathable but also firm and very supportive. Instead of fluffy pillows or memory foam pillows, buckwheat pillows mold to the shape and size of your head and neck, so ergonomic sleep enthusiasts have taken quite a shine to them.

It’s a style of pillow that Japan has been sleeping on for centuries and that has slowly started to find its way into homes in the west, with some acclaim for being so comfortable and breathable.

When Pillows Spill the Beans

You may also find buckwheat hulls around the house, particularly in beds or on floors; this probably means your pillow ripped or wore out. They are harmless, these small hulls, but they can be very flingy, so it can seem as if someone else has just scattered seeds on your sheets. If your roommate has a Sobakawa or other brand of buckwheat pillow, perhaps it’s time to patch or replace it.

A Star of Late-Night Infomercials

Sobakawa pillows found particular favor in the 1990s and early 2000s when late-night infomercials were at their heyday. These quirky ads pledged all sorts of wonders — improved posture, less snoring, less neck pain, a cooler night’s sleep. The science varied, but the comfort won people over. The brand was a household name during the TV industrial complex.

A Nostalgia Hit That Hits the Spot

So if you find curious little “seeds” in your home, stay calm. Perhaps it isn’t a mystery you’re solving, however, but rather a hunk of comfort history. Buckwheat pillows are still available, and many enthusiasts sing their praises. Just make sure the seams are tight unless you want your own buckwheat invasion.