Cool Mist Vs. Warm Mist Humidifiers - Which to Choose?

For those who live in cooler areas, increasing humidity levels in the home can also increase one’s comfort levels. Indoor humidity levels in the winter should be around 30 to 40%, as winter air holds moisture, and when it is heated indoors, it becomes dryer, which then causes skin irritation, sinus attacks, and dry eyes. Using a humidifier can also be of benefit by doing the following:

1. Relieving dry sinuses
2. Reducing the possibility of winter infection by keeping the mucous membranes moist
3. Reducing static electricity shocks
4. Preventing valuables and furniture from cracking and warping

However, in the past, humidifiers were often loud appliances which had a tendency to expel particles in the air such as mineral dust. The good news is that the humidifiers now being produced are easier to maintain and relatively quiet. There are generally 2 types of humidifiers: cool mist and warm mist, and which one you choose generally boils down to a matter of taste, as both types of humidifiers raise humidity levels and will make you more comfortable. Here are some Pros and Cons of cool mist and warm mist humidifiers:

Cool Mist Humidifiers:
Cool mist humidifiers such as the Air King 9915 work by making water vapor though a rapidly turning disk within the water of the unit. Because this vapor is not heated, there is no risk of burning. A filter is also used to trap minerals and impurities, and a cool mist is then evaporated into the air. Cool mist humidifiers also include evaporative humidifiers, impeller humidifiers, and ultrasonic humidifiers such as the Eva-Dry 2500i Ultrasonic Humidifier.

Pros:
- More comfortable in warm climates
- Cool mist is easier to breathe
- Relatively easy to clean
- More effective in large areas
- Safe to use around young children

Cons:
- Due to the fan noise (with the exception of ultrasonic humidifiers), cool mist may be noisier than warm mist units
- The wicks in evaporative humidifiers can get dirty and develop mold

Warm Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers produce a soothing, warm mist and they include steam humidifiers and vaporizers. Although these types of humidifiers are less like to grow mold and bacteria, they can cause burns. Vapor is made in these units by a steam-causing heat element. Because this method does not cause minerals to be deposited into the air, tap water can be used. However, because of the high temperature of the water, they’re not recommended for those with young children.

Pros:
- Effective for treating colds and flu
- Quieter than cool mist units
- More comfortable in cooler climates and in the winter
- Cleaner mist than cool mist units

Cons:
- Covers smaller area when compared to cool mist humidifiers
- Can leave a room feeling muggy
- The hot steam can be dangerous and extremely hot

Winter is Here - Tips to Stay Healthy During the Cooler Months

While winter is a joyous season filled with holiday parties, family gatherings, and gift-giving, it can also be one of the deadliest times of the year. Weather-related injuries and illnesses afflict millions during the cooler months, as people may fail to take adequate health and safety precautions. The likelihood of injury or illness often depends on factors such as the temperature both indoors and out, humidity levels, air quality, and one’s age and state of health. To ensure a safe holiday season in the face of imminent winter hazards, following these tips:

Keep Warm
While this may seem obvious, hypothermia is one of the biggest causes of death among the elderly and children, as their bodies cannot adjust well to cold weather. When venturing outdoors, be sure to dress appropriately. In order to adjust to changing weather conditions, dress in layers, and avoid overdressing or overexertion, as this can lead to heat illness.

For indoor warmth, be sure to adjust your thermostat and make use of your central heating system. To spot heat areas or add supplemental heat, consider purchasing an inexpensive space heater to cost-effectively boost the temperature of your home.

Ensure Proper Humidity Levels
Colder weather means drier air, and improper humidity levels can damage furniture, increase heating costs, and even worse, impact your health. Studies have shown that incorrect humidity levels can cause ailments such as scratchy dry throat, increased allergy symptoms, frequent colds/infections, increased chemical sensitivity, and dry skin and throat. To help humidify the air, consider using a humidifier to increase moisture and to help keep comfortable.

Breathe Clean Air
Because most people keep their windows and doors closed during the winter, this can decrease the ventilation in the home. This in turn also decreases the overall air quality, and can cause increased allergy and asthma symptoms, colds, hay fever, and other respiratory disorders. Also, carbon monoxide poisoning due to poorly maintained furnaces and fireplaces kill roughly 500 Americans each year. To keep the air clean, use an air purifier and consider using an electric fireplace instead of your standard wood-burning or gas fireplace.

Prepare for Long Winter Nights
While seemingly harmless, short days and long nights can influence the well-being of millions of Americans. According to the January 2007 issue of the Harvard Health Letter, time changes and the length of days can throw heart-related hormones off and cause heart problems. Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of clinical depression, can also affect people during the winter. In order to reduce or prevent SAD symptoms, you may want to try increasing the lighting in your home and exercise more, as this can increase both your dopamine and energy levels.

Keep Your Humidifier Germ-Free

During the cooler months, many people often use humidifiers to increase the moisture in a single room or in the entire home. These household appliances are often necessary during the winter or in colder climates where continuous heating will make the air extremely dry, which results in uncomfortable air and physical discomforts of skin, lips, dry nose, and throat. As well, increased static electricity, peeling wallpaper, and even cracks in paint and furniture can occur as a result of dry air.

Evaporative humidifiers are one of the most common types of humidifiers, and these consist of a few parts: a reservoir, wick, and fan. Other types of humidifiers come in the form of vaporizers (steam humidifiers), impeller humidifiers (cool mist humidifiers), and ultrasonic humidifiers. Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have shown that when used improperly, ultrasonic humidifiers can disperse materials such as microorganisms and minerals from their water tanks into indoor air, as microorganisms can often grow in stagnate water contained in these humidifier tanks.

At this time, although there is little information on the correlation between microorganism growth and the dispersal of these organisms by home humidifiers, proper cleaning and care of these types of humidifiers can drastically reduce exposure to microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. Inhalation of mist containing these microorganisms can make one susceptible to respiratory problems and lung inflammation. To decrease exposure to microorganisms and minerals when using a humidifier, follow these steps:

1. Use bottled water labeled "distilled" in the humidifier tank as opposed to tap water.
2. Empty the tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and wipe all surfaces daily to reduce the growth of microorganisms.
3. Do not humidify to indoor relative humidity levels exceeding 50 percent, as higher humidity levels may encourage the growth of biological organisms.
4. Do not permit the area around the humidifier to become wet, and turn the output volume down accordingly.
5. Purchase a humidifier with an anti-bacterial filter to help sterilize the water in the tank, such as the NewAir AU-100.

While the federal government has not concluded that dispersal of these microorganisms or minerals pose a serious health risk, it may be prudent to reduce the potential for personal exposure to these particulates in order to prevent any health problems from occurring.

Breathe Easy - Steps to Ensuring Healthy Lungs

Every day, we breathe roughly thirty pounds of air (3,500 gallons). The respiratory system is an often neglected area of our body, but perhaps one of the most vital, as humans cannot live without air for more than five minutes. The respiratory system is a complex network of tubes such as bronchi which carry air to the lungs, where gas exchange takes place. The oxygen that travels from the lungs to the cells in the body provides fuel for these cells. This entire process is essentially an exchange of gas via an automatic and unconscious system. In addition to gas exchange, the respiratory system also acts as either an air conditioner or furnace, helps moisturize the air for proper humidity, and protects the body from harmful substances by filtering out pollutants, sneezing, or by alerting you through your sense of smell.

In order to keep your respiratory system functioning healthily and effortlessly, proper lung care is absolutely crucial. The lungs need to be protected from injuries and exposure to airborne pollutants such as chemicals and dust. While aging undoubtedly has an effect on your lungs, these simple steps can help you keep this vital organ healthy:

1. Control your breathing environment:
- Provide your lungs with air that is at the right temperature and humidity levels, and clear your air of airborne particles.

2. Be aware of the dangers of modern technology on your lungs:
- Avoid airborne occupational or household contaminants such as dust, dander, asbestos, gravel, carbon monoxide, and radon.
- Be smoke-free by not smoking.
- Use household cleaners and chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
- Have chimneys cleaned regularly to assure safe operation.
- Provide your vehicle with regular tune-ups to keep the air cleaner longer.

3. Ensure the health of your lungs by getting appropriate health care:
- Make sure you and your family members have been tested for tuberculosis.
- Cover coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria.
- Get influenza vaccines on a yearly basis and immunize your children against childhood diseases.
- Properly humidify and ventilate your air through the use of humidifiers and/or air purifiers.

By making a conscious, health-wise effort to keep your lungs healthy, you can help prevent respiratory conditions such as emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma attacks from affecting the way you breathe. With a little effort, you can have a healthy set of lungs for years to come.