If you are plagued by allergies, nosebleeds or frequent colds, then using a humidifier or vaporizer can provide you with relief from your discomfort. Both machines emit moisture into the air, which may make dry nasal passages and congestion more bearable. However, there are important considerations in choosing one over the other, so it's best to evaluate the benefits and considerations of each before making your purchase.
Significance
A humidifier and vaporizer increase moisture in the air. Low humidity, especially in the winter, can dry out your mucous membranes, your skin and even the wood in your home. Dry skin can lead to itchiness and cracked skin while dry mucous membranes may lead to nosebleeds. Either one of these devices help people with allergies, colds or respiratory problems.
Features
A humidifier is an appliance that releases cool moisture into the air. There are single-room humidifiers or whole home humidifiers. Single-room humidifier offer a soothing cool mist, but can often be noisy. A whole house humidifier works with your home's heating and cooling system, and is typically installed by a professional. On the other hand, a vaporizer emits hot steam rather than a cool mist into the air by boiling water. Medications can be added to many types of vaporizers to ease congestion and breathing.
Treatments
Humidifiers and vaporizers offer benefits in relieving the discomfort associated with nasal and sinus congestion as a result of colds and allergies. Both devices help to relieve nasal dryness, make coughs more productive and relieve itchy skin due to dry air. A dry, sore throat can be relieved with cool mist, reports MedicinePlus website. A humidifier or cool mist vaporizer can help you to breathe easier when dealing with the symptoms of the common cold, according to the Center for Disease Control. If you are prone to nosebleeds due to dry household air, then a vaporizer or a humidifier can help.
Warnings
A humidifier must be maintained properly or it can make you ill, warns the MayoClinic.com and Humidifier Health. First, humidifiers need to be cleaned frequently to avoid the breeding of mold and bacteria. Second, humidity levels should be maintained around 30 percent to 50 percent. Too low humidity can cause dry skin, make eyes itch, and cause your throat and nose to be irritated. Too high humidity levels can trigger asthma and respiratory problems due to growth of bacteria, mold and dust mites, further reports MayoClinic.com. People that have asthma or allergies should speak to their doctor prior to using a humidifier.
On the other hand, vaporizers release warm moisture into the air that has been boiled. Because the water has been boiled, there is less buildup of bacterial and mold. However, keep the hot steam of a vaporizer away from children due to the risk of burns, reports MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
If you are considering an appliance to add moisture into your home's air, a humidifier or a vaporizer will do the job. A single-room humidifier requires careful cleaning and maintenance, but the cool moist can be soothing. A whole-house humidifier is a more costly initial investment, but requires less maintenance than a single-room humidifier. A warm mist vaporizer can increase the temperature in the room, but requires less cleaning. Medications can be added to a vaporizer.
