Humidifier - benefits and harms, reviews and opinions of doctors
In this article we will talk about such a household item, as a humidifier. This is nothing new, after all, this device appeared a long time ago. But it has gained wide popularity only recently. And only because, that it is recommended by doctors. Like, dry air is harmful to health. And in the house, where there are children this should not be allowed… Humidifier benefit or harm? Or maybe it's conspiracy theory at all? Let's understand.
Arguments for the humidifier
Dry air in the apartment is harmful. Especially for children. As you remember from the anatomy course, in infants the metabolic process is much faster, than an adult. As a result, they produce more heat. Temperature control, for the most part, occurs through the lungs and partly through the skin.
Well, if the air is not enough moisture, what then to regulate these bodies? Here is the following. The child loses a lot of fluid with sweat, the blood thickens, and this can lead to various diseases. Residents of "dry" apartments can also earn asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, etc..
To keep you and your baby healthy, doctors recommend installing humidifiers. Of course, the level of humidity in the room is extremely important, but so are useful units, supporting it?
Arguments "against" the humidifier
Why install a humidifier? Reviews say, that the benefit is. But there are drawbacks. Let's talk about them.
- Steam humidifiers. Extremely dangerous object. Firstly, you can get a burn. Secondly, it emits warm air, which in combination with the heater raises the room temperature, making it "hot" and "wet". Something is being created in the walls of your apartment, similar to a tropical climate. And it can hurt you too, and your family. Third. Such a unit requires special placement. If you put it against a wall, you can immediately say goodbye to your wallpaper.
- Cold humidifiers. This is a classic of the genre. They are considered the best option. This device moisturizes the air, and cleaned. The process of operation of the unit looks something like this. The device takes air from the room, passes it through filters and by means of the fan gives back already damp. But often the owners of such devices forget, that living organisms begin to multiply on the filters over time, which with this moist air settle on a mucous membrane and get to lungs. Therefore, these same filters need to be changed periodically. How often? But this is written in the passport of the device.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers. This is a completely unique range of devices, which, frankly, striking in its absurdity. Moreover, an ultrasonic humidifier can be harmful. And that's why. Humidification is by means of ejection of water from the unit. Yes Yes. And together with water particles, which flies in all directions, everything gets into the air, that is contained in that water. After all, you pour water from the tap into the device, which is even undesirable to wash, and even more so to drink.
Borrowing a home humidifier, you bought another "headache", which requires constant monitoring. After all, humid air is good, but only moderately humid. So now you will need to constantly monitor the humidity level in the room, otherwise your apartment will turn into a mushroom nursery (and that's at least).
Myths about humidifiers
To buy or not to buy a humidifier? What are the benefits and harms of this device? Reviews and opinions of doctors about the device and its necessities? These questions are constantly spinning in everyone's head, who cares about their health. And if the benefits and harms of the device are more or less clear, then here are the reviews of experts… Let's see, what myths about humidifiers filled the information field and what experts say about it.
Myth 1. Humidifier causes sore throat
The humidifier itself does not cause sore throat. But the humidity is higher 80% - So. The optimal level of humidity in the room - 45-60% for an adult and 50-70% for a child.
Myth 2. The unit does not cope with the task
Of course, humidifier will not do any good, if you pick it up incorrectly. Choose a device by power and compare it with the area, which needs to be moisturized. If it is written in the passport of the unit, that it optimizes the climate in the area 15 sq.m, then in the room on 25 sq.m it will be completely useless.
Myth 3. Humidifiers are dangerous for children
Only one type of humidifier is dangerous - steam. The child may get burned by hot steam. Therefore, such a unit must be in the zone, out of reach for kids.
Myth 4. Humidifier - not a cheap pleasure
The device itself is not expensive, but consumables (filters) can cost you a penny. Yes Yes. This will not get you anywhere. Filters need to be changed. Another question, with what frequency. Read the instructions and plan your budget in advance. Remember, health above all.
Humidifier and baby
Humidification is one of the main responsibilities of a good parent. After all, for the full development of the baby requires optimal humidity. But many parents are abandoning this device, considering it a useless and dangerous acquisition.
How to use, so as not to harm
If you bought a humidifier, first, all you need to do is read the instructions. Once you have fully studied the necessary documentation, switch on and use the appliance. And don't forget to save this article, suddenly forget the basic rules of operation. By the way, here they are:
- get acquainted with the documentation;
- new generation devices, usually, equipped with a humidistat - device, which helps to control the level of humidity in the room. If not, buy a hygrometer. And remember, optimal humidity in the room - 45-70%.
- even if you have a humidifier, do not forget to ventilate the room. AND, by itself, maintain the temperature 20-24 degrees.
- the humidifier needs to be taken care of. Wipe off dust, change filters.
- install steam humidifiers out of the reach of children.
On this, apparently, all. Humidifier benefit or harm - the issue is resolved. If you want to buy the right unit for you, you should not make a choice, based on user feedback. Although you can learn something for yourself. Enjoy your shopping.
