A humidifier is a device that produces either cool or warm mist, keeping the air moist and hydrated. Humidifiers can help with a host of health problems and prevent dry skin during harsh, dry months. While both warm and cool-mist humidifiers are equally effective, cool-mist humidifiers are a better choice for children than warm-mist humidifiers, as children can easily be burned by the hot vapors emitted by a warm-mist humidifier according to MayoClinic.com. Additionally, cool-mist humidifiers tend to be more cost effective because you may save money on energy and you do not have to pay for the heating element.
Breathing Difficulties
According to MayoClinic.com, humidifiers can help ease breathing difficulties, coughing and congestion from colds. Some commercially-prepared cold and flu relief fluids containing beneficial ingredients such as eucalyptus oil are specially-made for use with humidifiers. By adding moisture back to the air, humidifiers can help solve other respiratory-related problems such as dry sinuses and bloody noses. However, if your humidity levels become too high or you do not regularly clean your humidifier, you run the risk of developing certain illnesses due to bacteria or mold.
Dry Skin
Skin tends to lose moisture in dry winter months or after exposure to harsh weather conditions thereby making it flaky and chapped. Dry skin is often exacerbated from indoor air due to factors such as home heating. You may experience conditions such as chapped lips or hands or extremely dry facial skin.
Humidifiers can help ease these dry skin conditions by adding moisture to the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated and moist. Adding a few drops of a skin-softening essential oil such as lavender or chamomile to the reservoir of your humidifier can provide additional skin softening benefits and a pleasant aroma.
Sinus Headache
Sinus headaches and sinus inflammation generally cause painful symptoms such as pressure in your face by your nose, cheeks and eyes; difficulty bending over; postnasal drip and difficulty breathing. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, using a humidifier can reduce both the inflammation that often underlies sinus headaches and the amount of congestion in your sinuses. When you are recovering from a sinus headache or infection, you may find it useful to use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to promote better breathing while you sleep.
