If you struggle with respiratory issues, you'd do anything to make breathing easier. While there's many useful medications on the market, what do you do if they don't offer enough relief or if you'd prefer a homeopathic option? That's where humidifiers come in! A humidifier is a valuable device you can use at home, the office, or even while traveling to help you breathe easier. Let's explore the best time to use a humidifier to get the relief you deserve.
What is a Humidifier?
A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air, also called humidity. There are numerous types to choose from, including ultrasonic with cool and warm mist, steam vaporizers, and evaporative. The type of humidifier you use generally depends on your respiratory issues, with each option having its own pros and cons.
For example, ultrasonic humidifiers emit high frequencies through a metallic diaphragm to moisten the air. They are silent and perfect for allergy and asthma sufferers; however, they tend to be on the pricier side. Cool mist options are great for summer months or for those living in a warmer region, but they can accumulate bacteria and must be cleaned regularly. Warm mist models are perfect for boosting humidity as they heat the water, vaporizing it and creating a finer mist. While great for the winter months, these humidifiers can develop mineral deposits, making them more complicated to clean than cool mist alternatives.
Vaporizers come cool mist varieties and allow you to add inhalants, which is great for treating respiratory infections. However, they are often more expensive and pose a burn risk, making them not recommended for use near children. Evaporative humidifiers are similar to cool mist options and use a fanning system to circulate the humidity. They're an affordable option but can be noisy. Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of humidifiers, let's explore some of the many benefits they offer.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Humidifier?
Everyone, at some point, can benefit from using a humidifier. These handy devices are an excellent addition to any respiratory routine.
Soothe and Prevent Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections can be a nightmare, making breathing a challenge. Humidifiers can help soothe symptoms or even prevent infections from occurring. They do this by moistening the air, which can reduce inflammation and irritation in your airways and help your body fight pathogens. The moisture in the air also makes virus particles heavier, reducing your chance of inhaling them.
Prevent Dry Skin
Dry skin can cause itching and irritation, especially during the winter months or for those living in dry climates. Humidifiers reintroduce moisture to the air, helping soothe dry skin. They're excellent for those who suffer from conditions like eczema and psoriasis, as they help keep the skin moisturized.
Reduce Snoring
Snoring isn't only annoying, but it can affect your quality of sleep. Often, dry airways make snoring worse and cause irritation to the throat. Humidifiers help coat the airways, acting like lubrication that can reduce or eliminate snoring altogether. Breathing better at night can help you sleep more soundly and wake refreshed.
Improve Sleep
Speaking of sleeping better, humidifiers can improve sleep in adults and children as they reintroduce lost moisture to the air, making your sleeping conditions more comfortable. Not only will you feel better, but as you breathe easier, you'll enjoy sounder, more refreshing sleep.
Manage Asthma Symptoms
Asthma can be a devastating disease that restricts the airways. Humidifiers are ideal for asthma sufferers since they soothe the airways, which lessens the chances of having an attack. They also filter the air, clean it, and improve air quality, ensuring you can breathe easier.
Lessen Allergies
As humidifiers reintroduce moisture to the air, the water droplets grab hold of allergen particles, weighing them down. They keep them from floating, reducing your chances of inhaling them. Humidifiers also filter out airborne contaminants, removing them from the air, which can lessen allergy symptoms.
When is the Best Time to use a Humidifier?
Humidifiers are great for year-round use whenever you feel like your air is dry.
Winter
During the winter, heating systems dry out indoor air, worsening respiratory symptoms and drying out the skin. Humidifiers reintroduce moisture, coating your airways, moistening skin, and making you feel more comfortable.
Summer
Depending on where you live, the summer months can bring hot, dry air. Many people use humidifiers to increase indoor humidity levels, making it easier to breathe. Humidifiers can even make your cooling system feel more effective! Just be careful when adding moisture during hotter months, as it could lead to your home feeling muggy or even promote mildew or mold growth.
Spring/ Fall
Shifting seasons can lead to dry conditions one day and more humid ones the next. These fluctuations can worsen respiratory symptoms and make breathing more challenging. A humidifier can help even out seasonal transitions, making it easier on your body. They'll keep your home or office more comfortable as the weather changes.
At Night
Nighttime is one of the most popular times for humidifier use, as people benefit from the added moisture while they sleep. Using a humidifier in your room can make you more comfortable and make breathing easier.
During the Day
While they're great at night, humidifiers work equally well during the day. Many people choose to run them as they work and relax at work, at home, when traveling, or whenever they feel the air around them is too dry.
To Manage Your Home's Moisture Levels
If you live in a dry climate, you may choose to run a humidifier during the day and night to manage the moisture levels in your home. Keeping the air moist is a great way to protect kids and pets from the discomfort of dry air and to make it easier for everyone to breathe.
Humidifiers are an essential device for any home, helping your entire family feel their best. Whether you use them seasonally, during the day, or at night, humidifiers will help you maintain a healthy, happy home!
