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Buckwheat hull pillows are a terrific alternative to traditional pillows. These organic pillows are made from 100% cotton and natural buckwheat hulls. Many people find them extremely comfortable to sleep on since they offer a lot more neck and head support compared to your average pillow. The fact that these pillows can easily last 10 – 20 years is also a very attractive benefit. The only thing that might keep you from trying this pillow for yourself is the rumor of buckwheat pillow bugs.
Some believe that these pillows attract bugs, while others believe that they are naturally bug-free.
In this handy guide, we’ll help you uncover the truth about this alternative bedding option.
Do Buckwheat Pillows Attract Bugs?
The short answer is no. Buckwheat hull pillows don’t attract insects because they are filled with empty hulls. All the hulls included in these pillows are emptied and contain no edible substance that might attract insects.
Your organic pillow is not going to attract tiny crawling beetles or bed bugs to your bed because there’s nothing for the insects to consume. It’s very rare for any type of bug infestation to show up in buckwheat hulls especially since grain beetles and bed bugs require high humidity levels and a specific temperature to develop.
Buckwheat is very breathable and cool which significantly reduces the chances of getting a bug infestation in your pillow filling.
Dust mites, however, are a whole different story because they don’t feed on plant matter. Instead, these microscopic creatures prefer to feed on dead skin cells that your body might deposit onto a pillow.
No type of bedding or pillow is immune to dust mites because microscopic pieces of skin are constantly flaking off your body and continuously drop onto upholstery, carpets and bedding.
Some people can develop negative reactions like skin irritations or asthma-like symptoms to dust mites if they are allergic. But, luckily, dust mites don’t bite humans.
Any type of pillow, fabric or foam can attract dust mites if these items aren’t cleaned regularly. There are some companies that also claim that their pillows are dust mite resistant but this isn’t true either. No type of bedding can ever be dust mite resistant because dust mites will always be attracted to any surface that contains dead skin cells.
How to Avoid Dust Mites
You can’t see dust mites. These microscopic organisms are too small for the human eye to see and, unless you are allergic to them, you will probably never know if they are really there. Here are some steps you can take to avoid getting dust mites in your bed.
Get a Dehumidifier
Dust mites prefer humid environments. By reducing your bedroom humidity, you can reduce the appearance of dust mites on your linen. A humidity level of lower than 50% is naturally dust mite resilient. The easiest way to achieve this is by getting a dehumidifier for your bedroom.
Use Protective Covers
A pillow protector for your buckwheat pillow is one of the best ways to protect from infestations and to keep your expensive pillow in great condition. You can choose to get a waterproof cover that will block out any traces of bacteria or dust mites on your pillow, but be aware that this could affect the breathability of your bedding.
A simple cotton pillow cover will keep most dust, dirt, dust mites and contaminants off your pillow.
Get a Testing Kit
You can buy a dust mite testing kit to determine if there are dust mites on your pillow. These tests are easy to use and should give you a good indication.
Wash Pillow Covers Regularly
By washing your pillow covers regularly in hot water, you can reduce the chances of infestations in your room.
Vacuum Often
Vacuuming your bedding and pillow is a great way to extract dirt, dust and microbes like dust mites from your bedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s only natural to be worried about your personal health when you’re investing in new home accessories, that’s why we’ve answered your most commonly asked question below.
Should You Be Concerned About Dust Mites If You Do Not Have Allergies?
Most people don’t need to be concerned about dust mites. They’re not too likely to take up residence in your bed because the circumstances need to be just right for them to invade. The breathable and cool nature of buckwheat pillows also reduces the chances of them invading your bedding.
Bottom Line
Buckwheat pillow bugs are not very likely to bother you at all because these pillows do not attract bugs. The chances of getting dust mites on buckwheat pillows are just as high as with any other type of bedding, but these infestations can be eliminated with regular washing
