This time of year, I get a lot of questions about humidifiers. As temperatures drop outside, we turn up our thermostats for relief. But that warm air is dry, leaving our skin, hair and mucus membranes parched.
Add in a cold or flu, especially a sick baby, and you’ll be temped to run out and buy the first humidifier you can get your (very dry) hands on—but wait!
The humidifier market is crowded with products–cool-mist and warm-mist humidifiers; big units, small units, and whole-house humidifiers; cute humidifiers for baby; humidifiers with “air washing” and UV features; etc. When I started researching humidifiers and saw all of these options, I understood why so many readers and clients ask me for help choosing one!
You may have also heard about some of the health risks associated with humidifiers. They can over-humidify a space, which may lead to the growth of mold and bacteria in your home. If not cleaned regularly, the humidifier itself can be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
And warm-mist humidifiers, also knows as vaporizers, come with a burn risk because they heat water to create steam. Many pediatricians warn against using these units near children.
All that said, a good humidifier could become your best friend this winter. Here are my top tips for humidifiers–what kind to choose, and how to use it to maximize benefits and eliminate drawbacks:
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Tags:Illness & Medicine,
Water & Air Filtration,
Wellness Guides
