Finding strange items in your home can sometimes lead to curious discoveries, especially when they seem mysterious at first glance. The small, seedlike objects appearing in your roommate’s bed might not be an oddity of nature but a clue to a unique and cozy relic of late-night TV history: the Sobakawa pillow.

Sobakawa pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls—the tough outer shells of buckwheat seeds. These hulls are lightweight, sturdy, and, most importantly, adjustable, conforming to the contours of your head and neck for an ergonomic sleeping experience. Buckwheat pillows have been used in Japan for centuries and gained popularity in Western markets due to their comfort and breathability.

The discovery of buckwheat hulls in unexpected places, such as beds, can occur if the pillow has developed a tear or worn out over time, spilling its unique filling. If your roommate owns one of these pillows, it’s likely due for a replacement or a patch job.

These pillows became particularly popular during the era of late-night infomercials, with the Sobakawa brand being a household name in the 1990s and early 2000s. Their quirky advertisements touted health benefits, including improved posture, reduced snoring, and relief from neck pain.

So, if you spot these curious “seeds” in your home, you might not have a mystery but rather an opportunity to explore the quirky, comforting world of buckwheat pillows. And if you’re intrigued, you can still find these pillows today—just ensure to keep them intact to avoid a buckwheat bed invasion!