Everything to Know About Humidifiers
Everything to Know About Humidifiers
Dry sinuses, bloody noses and cracked lips are all problems caused by dry indoor air that humidifiers can help soothe. In addition, cool-mist humidifiers may help ease symptoms of a cold or other respiratory condition. However, proceed with caution. Although useful, humidifiers can make you sick if they are not maintained properly or if humidity levels stay too high. Make sure to monitor humidity levels and keep your humidifier clean. If you have asthma, talk to your doctor before using a humidifier.
What are Humidifiers?
Humidifiers are devices which emit water vapor or steam to increase moisture levels in the air, creating humidity. There are several types including:
- Central humidifiers are built into home heating and air conditioning systems and are designed to humidify the whole house
- Ultrasonic humidifiers produce a cool mist with ultrasonic vibration
- Impeller humidifiers produce a cool mist with a rotating disk
- Evaporators use a fan to blow air through a wet wick, filter or belt
- Steam vaporizers use electricity to create steam that cools before leaving the machine. Avoid this type of humidifier if you have children; hot water inside this type of humidifier may cause burns if spilled
Ideal humidity levels
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. The amount of humidity varies depending on the season, weather and where you live. Ideally, humidity in your home should be between 30% and 50%. If it goes too low or too high, it could cause problems.
- Low humidity can cause dry skin, irritate your nasal passages and throat, and make your eyes itchy
- High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and can cause condensation on walls, floors and other surfaces that triggers the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites and molds. These allergens can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergy and asthma flare-ups.
How to measure humidity
The best way to test humidity levels in your house is with a hygrometer. This device, which looks like a thermometer, measures the amount of moisture in the air. Hygrometers can be purchased at hardware stores and department stores. When buying a humidifier, consider purchasing one with a built-in hygrometer (humidistat) that maintains humidity within a healthy range.
Humidifiers, asthma and allergies
If you or your child has asthma or allergies, talk to your doctor before using a humidifier. Increased humidity may ease breathing in children and adults who have asthma or allergies, especially during a respiratory infection such as a cold, however dirty mist or increased growth of allergens caused by high humidity can trigger or worsen asthma and allergy symptoms.
When the air's too damp: Dehumidifiers and air conditioners
Just as air that's dry can be a problem, so can air that's too moist. When humidity gets too high — common during summer months — it's a good idea to take steps to reduce indoor moisture. There are two ways to reduce humidity:
- Use an air conditioner
- Use a dehumidifier
Tips for keeping your humidifier clean
To keep humidifiers free of harmful mold and bacteria, follow the guidelines recommended by the manufacturer. These tips for portable humidifiers also can help:
- Use distilled or demineralized water
- Change humidifier water often
- Clean humidifiers every 3 days
- Always rinse the tank after cleaning
- Change humidifier filters regularly
- Keep the area around humidifiers dry
- Prepare humidifiers for storage
- Follow instructions for central humidifiers
- Consider replacing old humidifiers
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Speak to your medical professional or pharmacist for more information.
The material in this blog was sourced from: mayoclinic.org; travel.gc.ca; cdc.gov/travel. It is intended for information purposes only and should not be used in place of consultation with a healthcare professional. Participating retailers/pharmacies, vendors, and/or agencies are not responsible for errors, omissions, or inconsistencies with respect to the information contained in this flyer and do not accept liability whatsoever for reliance by the reader on the information contained herein.