Recently, the "Beijing Evening News" reported on a study conducted by the Beijing Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The research focused on common pillow fillings such as buckwheat hulls, fluffy cotton, down, and tea stalks. After a 24-hour bacterial culture experiment, it was found that buckwheat hull pillows had the highest bacterial count, suggesting they are the dirtiest option. On the other hand, down-filled pillows were identified as the cleanest. This revelation has shocked many consumers who previously believed that buckwheat husk pillows were the most "awake" and healthy choice.
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Curious about these findings, the reporter contacted a company in Qingdao, Shandong, which has been manufacturing pillows for over a decade. The company was asked about the hygiene standards of their buckwheat hull pillows sold both online and in physical stores.
Mr. Zhang, from the company’s e-commerce department, explained that their buckwheat hull pillows are marketed as “ecological flower pillows.†These are filled with buckwheat hulls and wrapped in materials like pearl cotton and lavender to promote relaxation and better sleep.
Regarding bacterial growth, the company said that all their buckwheat hull pillows can be sent back for free disinfection. It is recommended to disinfect them every two months during summer and extend the interval in winter or use sun exposure for sterilization. However, they advise replacing the pillows after two years, even if they are regularly cleaned.
Additionally, sales staff warned that in high-humidity areas like coastal regions and southern China, extra care is needed. Buckwheat hull pillows should be aired out at least once or twice a month. Although the hulls are sterilized before being used, they must be kept away from new insect sources to prevent infestation. When storing, the pillows should be placed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area with humidity below 50%. During wet seasons, regular drying and disinfection are essential to prevent mold growth.
The company’s representatives believe that the main reason for the high bacterial count in the study is due to improper cleaning and maintenance by consumers.
Consumers Care More About Comfort
The reporter visited a kindergarten in Daxing District, Beijing, where children are given bedding and buckwheat hull pillows upon entering. Many parents mentioned that while they can request new pillows, they often keep using the old ones. Some even reuse them when their kids move to primary school.
This trend isn’t limited to kindergartens—it also occurs in elementary, middle, and even university dormitories.
Most parents interviewed said they clean the pillowcases regularly but rarely replace the actual pillows. Some even admitted that after their children graduated, they kept using the same pillows for the next child, despite knowing they could be unhygienic.
According to the report, comfort and sleep quality are more important to consumers than the health risks associated with buckwheat hull pillows. Some even purchase raw buckwheat hulls from the market and fill their own pillows without prior sterilization.
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