Health Benefits of Humidifiers

There are many types of humidifiers, some with a specific purpose or feature. Cool and warm mist humidifiers, as well as those with medicinal cups for inhalants, are available in most pharmacies and home stores. Humidifiers can alleviate cold and allergy symptoms, increase the warmth and humidity in your home and even benefit your skin.

Function

• Humidifiers are filled with water, which is then converted into a cool or warm mist. The fine water droplets, either in the form of steam or cool mist, are propelled outwards to add moisture to the air you breathe.

Types

• Cool mist humidifiers dispense room temperature water droplets into the air. Warm mist humidifiers or steam vaporizers, however, emit heated steam . Because of the heating properties, warm mist humidifiers have little to no risk of bacterial growth.

Special Features

• Some steam vaporizers include a medicine cup into which inhalants are then poured. These inhalants may contain camphor and/or eucalyptus oils, which release vapors that help relieve congestion due to colds, sinus problems or allergies.

Positive Effects

• Humidifiers provide relief from dry indoor air during cold weather. The humidity then helps keep your home warm by adding moisture to the dry air, which retains heat.

Health Benefits

• Having moisture in the air keeps skin softer and more moisturized, and can relieve asthma and dust allergy symptoms.

Fun Fact

• Some humidifiers have built in nightlights to help soothe you to sleep.