How does it defeat the purpose? I use shredded paper for bedding and..The only thing I smell is the puppy poop from the living room. Four fish tanks of varying size. All have mice in them, all have shredded paper for bedding.

Pine and aspen shavings collect ammonia insanely fast. I don't have the money to be going into town every weak to get pine shavings, nor do I want to be cleaning every week. THe mice love the paper bedding. They shred it further, make nests, hide in it, etc.

Don't knock it until you've tried it.