Along with fall leaves and cooler weather, many people also begin to experience dry skin, chapped lips and sinus headaches from over-dry air. One solution to the problem is a portable humidifier, which can increase indoor moisture to soothe skin and alleviate cold symptoms. These humidifiers generally come in one of two types: warm air and cool mist. The major difference is that only the warm-air varieties create steam with a heating element. Both accomplish the goal of increasing humidity, but they also have their own advantages and drawbacks.
Types
The EPA studied four types of humidifiers: Ultrasonic humidifiers use vibrations to create a cool mist; impeller humidifiers use a high-speed disk to vaporize the water; evaporative humidifiers have a fan that blows air through a wicking filter; and steam humidifiers feature a heating element that boils the water. The warm-air machines cool the vapor before blowing it out into the room.
Warm Air
Many years ago, there was only one kind of humidifier: hot. Although the warm, soothing vapor helped relieve cold symptoms, it did pose safety problems. Kids received severe burns from getting too close to the steam. Manufacturers responded by finding ways to produce lower-temperature water vapor. While still heating the water high enough to kill bacteria and mold spores, some modern steam humidifiers now release the air at a cooler temperature, producing a warm mist too cool to scald anyone. In the cold months, the warm vapor can feel comforting.
Cool Mist
Cool-mist humidifiers have no heating element, so they use less electricity to operate than a warm-air variety. Without a heating element, there is less risk of burns or a malfunction leading to fire. Ultrasonic, impeller and evaporative humidifiers all produce a cool mist, but with different results. The EPA found that ultrasonics and impellers were more likely to release minerals and microorganisms into the air than either evaporative or steam humidifiers. The minerals produce a fine white dust that shows up on furniture and floors around the humidifier. The dust is small enough to be inhaled, which the EPA says creates a serious health risk.
Cautions
Mold and dust mites both thrive in high-humidity environments. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exposure to mold can produce a range of health problems, including allergies, asthma, wheezing and coughing. Dust mites produce allergic reactions in some people.
To prevent mold and mites, the AAP recommends keeping indoor humidity less than 50 percent. You can use a hygromter to monitor the humidity level inside your home. Some humidifiers come with built-in hygrometers, and will turn the mist on and off as needed. You can also buy a hygrometer at a home improvement store.
Safety
The Mayo Clinic recommends always using cool mist humidifiers for small children due to the risk of burns. Either type of humidifier must be properly maintained to prevent growth of bacteria and mold. Whichever type you choose, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.
References
- Environmental Protection Agency: Use and Care of Home Humidifiers
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Division: CPSC Issues Alert About Care of Room Humidifiers
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Division: Portable Humidifiers Need Regular Cleaning During Winter Months
- Mayo Clinic: When Should I Use a Cool-Mist Humidifier vs. a Warm-Mist Humidifier for a Child With a Cold?
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Spectrum of Noninfectious Health Effects From Molds
