A lot of people keep them on paper and they are fine. Mine have been on newspaper for years.
As for the mites, wood mites are different than reptile mites. Although, I'm a firm believer in getting mites from pet stores that keep the bedding anywhere near the reptiles. Mites get everywhere, and I don't doubt that they could get in the bedding and wait to come home with you. I freeze any bedding I get from the pet store for that very reason. Also, snake shows are another easy way to pick them up.