How Wool and Buckwheat Help Combat Indoor Air Pollution for a Healthier Home

Most of us spend the majority of our lives indoors, up to 80-90% of our time, according to the UK Parliament. But while we may cherish the comfort of our homes, the air we breathe inside can sometimes be more polluted than outdoor air. From invisible toxins to allergy-triggering particles, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can have significant health consequences.

Your choice of bedding plays a surprisingly large role in your home's IAQ. Let's explore how synthetic bedding can release toxins and trap allergens, why natural wool fibres absorb and neutralise pollutants, and how choosing hypoallergenic 100% British wool and organic buckwheat pillows could help asthma and allergy sufferers breathe easier.

The Hidden Dangers of Synthetic Bedding

Did you know that your mattress, pillows, and upholstered furniture could be silently compromising your health?

Many synthetic materials used in home products are laden with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that emit gases over time, degrading IAQ and posing health risks.

For instance, formaldehyde, a common VOC in synthetic foams and adhesives, is known to cause headaches, respiratory irritation, and long-term exposure may lead to more serious conditions. Add to that the potential for synthetic fibres to attract and hold onto allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, and you've got a recipe for persistent congestion, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms.

See also - Sleep Naturally: How Organic Bedding Can Transform Your Health

Allergens in Synthetic Bedding:

• Dust mites thrive in synthetic mattresses and pillows, feeding on skin flakes and multiplying in humid environments.
• Polyester and foam fillings trap allergens and lack the breathability to regulate moisture, which can worsen dust mite infestations.
• New synthetic pillows and mattresses have “off-gas” VOCs, often causing chemical odours and potential irritation.

These issues can be especially problematic for asthma and allergy sufferers, for whom clean air is critical.

Tip for Immediate Improvement:

If replacing a mattress or entire bed setup feels daunting, start small by swapping out your pillows or adding a mattress topper designed with natural, breathable materials.

How Natural Wool Fibres Absorb and Neutralise Pollutants

Choosing natural materials, like 100% British wool, can revolutionise your home's air quality. You’ve probably heard of wool’s insulating and moisture-wicking qualities, but it also offers a unique, little-known benefit for indoor air health.

Wool vs. Pollutants:

Wool contains keratin, a naturally occurring protein that interacts with airborne pollutants, including harmful VOCs like formaldehyde. The wool absorbs and neutralises pollutants, effectively locking them away. This means wool products don’t just passively sit in your home, they actively purify the air, creating a healthier environment for years to come.

See also - Wool and Interiors - British Wool 

Key Benefits of Wool:

• Traps VOCs for Decades
  Research shows that wool carpets can reduce VOC levels for up to 20 years. Imagine this same purifying quality in your bedding!
• Does Not Support Bacteria Growth
  Unlike synthetics, wool resists bacteria and mould growth, minimizing other irritants that can exacerbate allergies.
• Moisture Absorption
  Wool absorbs up to 33% of its weight in moisture without compromising comfort, reducing the likelihood of mould and dust mites.

If improving IAQ is a top priority in your household, investing in natural wool-based products, from carpets to bedding, will pay off in more ways than one.

To experience the benefits firsthand, check out our Hypoallergenic Wool Pillows, uniquely crafted for clean and comfortable sleep.

See also - Master the Art of Sleeping Well: 6 Essential Tips

Why Hypoallergenic Wool and Buckwheat Pillows Are Perfect for Asthma and Allergy Sufferers

The pillows you sleep on can significantly impact your respiratory health. For asthma and allergy sufferers, selecting a pillow with hypoallergenic properties is critical to creating an environment where they can breathe easier. This is where 100% British wool and buckwheat fillings excel over synthetic alternatives.

100% British Wool Pillows:

• Hypoallergenic by Nature
  100% British Wool repels dust mites, bacteria, and even small particles like pollen that trigger allergies.
• Regulates Temperature
  100% British Wool’s moisture-wicking properties keep pillows cool and dry, creating an environment that doesn’t support allergens.
• Air-Purifying Qualities
  Thanks to its ability to neutralise pollutants, 100% British wool bedding contributes to cleaner, fresher bedroom air.

British Wool Duvet - 100% Cotton Cover - 8-14 Tog

First time I've knowingly slept under a wool duvet and I've never slept better. No more overheating and no losing most of the duvet to my husband. It sits more evenly than a down or synthetic duvet and, although I thought I might have made a mistake when I felt the weight of it when it arrived, I'm more comfortable under it than its lightweight predecessors. I'm a complete convert! - PC

Organic Buckwheat Pillows:

• Natural Grain Fillings
  Organic buckwheat husks are less likely to harbour allergens compared to soft synthetic fillings.
• Customizable Support
  The ability to adjust husk levels provides ergonomic support for better breathing during rest.
• Breathable and Cool
  The natural airflow between organic buckwheat hulls ensures comfort and dryness, reducing humidity where allergens thrive.

A unique option for better health and sleep, the combination of 100% British wool’s purifying properties and organic buckwheat’s hypoallergenic comfort creates the perfect solution for families seeking clean indoor air. 

Explore our wide range of hypoallergenic wool and organic buckwheat pillows to find your ideal fit.

See also - How Buckwheat Pillows Stay Sanitary and Eco-Friendly

Harnessing Small Changes for a Healthier Home

When it comes to improving IAQ, replacing synthetic bedding with healthier alternatives is a small yet impactful step. Here’s a quick action plan:

1. Replace High-Traffic Items First
   Start with pillows, as they’re pressed against your face and are replaced often. Consider Putnams’ Hypoallergenic Wool Pillows for the ultimate combination of comfort and cleaner air.

2. Add Fresh Air Circulation
   Support wool’s purifying capabilities by using air purifiers or ventilating rooms during low pollen hours.

3. Clean Regularly
   Vacuum wool surfaces to remove trapped VOCs, dust, and allergens.

4. Layer Your Bedding
   If a wool mattress isn’t practical, opt for a wool mattress topper paired with organic buckwheat or wool pillows for cleaner, allergen-free sleep.

By making eco-conscious changes to your sleep environment, you’re investing in something invaluable, your health. Choose 100% British wool and organic buckwheat, maximize indoor air purity, and breathe with greater peace of mind.