Warm mist humidifiers relieve symptoms associated with dry air, such as dry skin and sinus headaches. Learn what to look for in a humidifier.
Humidifiers come in two basic styles: warm mist and cool mist.Either one can help ease the troubles caused by dry air.Cool mist humidifiers work by blowing air over or through a wick in water, while warm mist humidifiers create humidity by heating water to convert it to steam.The warm mist is comfortable during the cold winter months when heating dries out the air.
Having a humidifier in a room where a baby sleeps is good for keeping the little one's nasal passages clear.Care must be taken not to have the mist blowing over the baby's bed in such a way that the blankets get damp.In addition, the unit should be kept out of reach of children.
Humidifiers provide for restful sleep.They reduce cold symptoms and help moisturize dry, itchy skin.A humidifier will also relieve chapped lips.
In the home, a humidifier can reduce shocking from static electricity.In addition, wooden items, such as musical instruments, and leather furniture can crack in very dry conditions, and are preserved more adequately in the presence of a humidifier.Many houseplants, as well, appreciate an environment with higher humidity. Some furnaces have whole house humidifiers built in, but they must be cleaned regularly or they do more harm than good.For this reason, a portable is usually preferable.
A good warm mist humidifier should have a humidistat built in, which measures the humidity.Set it between 30 to 45%.The humidistat should be equipped with an automatic shut off if the humidity goes too high, or if the unit runs out of water.
In addition to the humidistat on the humidifier, humidity in a room can be measured with a device known as a hygrometer, which you can buy at a hardware store. If it goes over 60%, moisture may condense on indoor surfaces where bacteria and fungi can grow.It can also increase problems with dust mites.These organisms make breathing more difficult, especially for those with asthma.A small hygrometer and thermometer combination with LCD display can be purchased for around $40.
Some humidifiers are designed to clean the air as well as add humidity.In any case, warm mist humidifiers must be kept clean according to the manufacturer's directions.
Some major suppliers of warm mist humidifiers are Slant-Fin, Bemis, Hamilton Beach, Hunter, and Holmes.Slant-Fin humidifiers have an excellent reputation, producing clean mist with quiet operation.They feature ultraviolet light as a germicide for the water.They need occasional filter replacements and lack a digital humidistat, but do have a manual humidity level control.
Bemis makes whole house humidifiers, as well as humidifier/air purifier combination units.They require weekly cleaning and occasional filter replacements.Hamilton Beach humidifiers are economical, and the parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher.They also feature a digital humidity indicator.Hunter humidifiers need only once-a-month cleaning.Some models feature a digital humidistat, as well as a "nite-glo" option, which lets the unit substitute as a night-light.
Holmes makes a warm mist humidifier that does not require changing filters.They treat their humidifiers with an antibacterial agent called "Micro-Ban." These humidifiers feature an LCD control panel, and are available at discount stores.
Prices for warm mist humidifiers range from around $50 for the units from Holmes to $130 for the nicer Slant-Fin units.The larger humidifiers from Bemis, which serve multiple rooms, are more expensive.Less expensive units from other companies may be found in drug stores and discount houses.
When choosing a warm-mist humidifier, an important consideration is the capacity of the unit.This can be measured in the number of gallons of water the reservoir holds or the number of square feet of indoor space the unit can serve.Small tabletop units serve one room, while larger console models can humidify the air in several rooms.
A humidifier can spread contamination if the following guidelines are not followed.Change the water every day, emptying the entire tank each time.Use pure, soft water in the unit.This can be purchased distilled water or purified water.Clean it immediately anytime you notice a scum forming inside.Clean the unit anytime you store it, and again when you get it out.If the unit has filters, change them regularly.
Tap water is fine for cleaning, but not for filling.If you don't have cleaning instructions with the unit you are using, 3% hydrogen peroxide makes a suitable cleaner.A special cleaning solution for humidifiers is available at drug stores. Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the inside of the tank.
If the unit is turned so that the mist is hitting a wall, curtain, or other item, that item will get wet.Make sure the mist is aimed toward the center of the room.Setting the unit on a towel or placemat will protect the surface underneath from any drips that might occur.
A steam vaporizer is similar to a warm mist humidifier except the mist is hotter.These units are usually designed to blow the steam over eucalyptus oil or a similar medication.This places the vapor from the oil into the air.The oil or medication is not to be put into the water, but into the cup designed for it.It is very soothing for a patient with a cold or other chest congestion.In many cases, however, medication is not necessary for the steam to relieve cold symptoms.Steam vaporizers and warm mist humidifiers can cause burns, and should always be kept out of the reach of children.
In summary, a warm mist humidifier can make a home more comfortable during the dry winter months.It can help clear up breathing problems, moisturize dry skin, preserve belongings, and nourish plants.A good humidifier will be worth the investment.
