Pros and cons of a humidifier for a child: a real assessment of use

What humidifier is needed - how to choose: Komarovsky advises

Komarovsky always advises a healthy microclimate

ultrasonic device. Silent operation is a weighty argument in its favor. Other positive features include:

• safe operation;
• analysis of air parameters in automatic mode;
• making adjustments;
• the possibility of using an additional option - air purification.

The operation of an ultrasonic device is based on the splitting of water coming from a special storage tank into small particles.At the same time, the built-in air blower takes it out of the room and feeds it into the freshener for mixing. There is saturation with moisture. The wet composition is then fed back into the room.

The ultrasonic device today is considered the most expensive, but also the most effective. Consumes electricity economically. To make the air in the children's room really useful, to refill the humidifier, you need to use water:

• distilled - the best, but also the most expensive option;
• bottled product;
• liquid purified by household filters, especially a reverse osmosis system;
• boiled and settled liquid, freed from precipitated hardness salts.

Varieties of humidifiers

There are many types of humidifiers. They have different parameters, as well as certain pros and cons. The classification of such equipment is made according to the principle of operation of the device.

Traditional Models

This category includes adiabatic and cold devices. They include a fan and a special cartridge (filter mechanism). In this case, the outgoing air is saturated with water. Such a device can provide 60% humidity. Adjustment is made naturally. When the air is dry, the device begins to humidify the room more.

With this option, it is worth noting the advantages:

• low consumption of electrical energy;
• filters help to clean the air flow from wool, dust and fluff;
• small price;
• you can use fragrance.

Disassembled traditional model

The disadvantage of the design is the constant need to replace filters.And to maintain the optimal moisture level, the device must be turned on all the time.

Ultrasonic mechanisms

There is a lot of controversy regarding the ultrasonic humidifier, for example, parents are interested in its possible harm to children. An important design detail is the piezoceramic membrane. Under the influence of current, it begins to move with the frequency of ultrasound. Water is transformed into an aerosol, which is already moving into the room. In this case, the water comes out in the form of a cool mist. Such a device is able to provide humidity of 70-80%.

The ultrasonic variety is worth noting the following advantages:

• equipment safety for children;
• silent operation and energy saving;
• built-in hygrostat allows you to maintain the desired humidity indicator;
• the presence of a remote control;
• Ease of controls.

Complete set of ultrasonic model

Many devices have ionizers. The disadvantages include the need to change cartridges.

Steam structures

When deciding which humidifier is better than ultrasonic or steam, it is worth considering both options. The steam option should not be installed in the nursery. The model works like this, water turns into steam when heated to 100 degrees. A child may tip over the unit or touch the steam with their hand, causing burns. It is also worth noting that the device consumes a significant amount of electricity. In addition, while working, such a device produces noise.

The advantages of the device are:

• you can use tap water;
• affordable cost;
• lack of filters that need to be changed;
• hydration in no time.

The steam device is best placed in the adults' room.

Air wash

When deciding which humidifiers for children are better to choose, you should not forget about this option. Air washers are a technologically improved model of traditional options. The design includes rotating discs that are placed in the water. After passing through the discs, the air flow is well cleaned and moistened. Some designs have an ionization option. All dust particles penetrating the device are deposited on special traps.

The device has the following advantages:

• lack of consumables;
• use of tap water;
• safety;
• high-quality cleansing and moisturizing.

Compact version

Ultrasonic humidifiers and their application in the nursery

This type of humidifier has the highest efficiency. The principle of their operation is the evaporation of water due to the oscillatory movements of a special membrane. Immersed in a water tank, it causes water to turn into steam, which does not heat up above room temperature. This is a plus - cold steam will not be able to burn a small child who, out of curiosity, came very close to the unit.

And do not believe the allegations that ultrasound from these devices has a negative effect on people and pets. The humidifier uses absolutely safe frequencies. But what is really harmful is the electrostatic radiation emitted by television screens and monitors. It is better to take them out of the children's room - it will really be useful. A humidifier, by the way, partially compensates for this negative effect by reducing electromagnetic radiation.

Having purchased an ultrasonic humidifier, you should know that it is best to put it somewhere higher.Let it be, for example, a bedside table or a stable shelf. Such placement is a guarantee of a faster spread of steam in the airspace. As for care, there is one caveat here - the unit does not accept hard water, giving out a white coating along with steam because of it. Therefore, it is required either to buy softening cartridges every three or four months, or to fill in special water - purified, passed through filters.

1. Clean humidified air.2. Water tank.

3. AG - cartridge.4. Dry air.

5. Vaporization chamber.6. Ultrasonic membrane.7. Fan.

When to buy an ultrasonic type humidifier for a baby:

• If the air in the room is too dry, and the batteries are very hot in winter and cannot be adjusted. A powerful device can easily cope with this problem and will achieve comfort for a small family member.
• If your child's sleep is very sensitive, and the slightest noise can wake him up. This type of humidifier works very quietly (gurgles and whispers a little, releasing steam), it will not disturb anyone even at night, when there is silence around.
• If the baby's room is large enough, the power of the ultrasonic device is sufficient to process solid volumes of air.
• If often enough it is required to quickly achieve an increase in humidity to the optimum level.
• If periodically there is a need to transfer the unit to other rooms.
• If you are not a burden and not expensive to buy purified water or special cartridges to soften it.

Principle of operation

The first models of humidifiers worked by forcing air with a conventional fan through a filter that was constantly humidified by a special water tank.

Such devices of the classical type had a number of advantages: low noise level, safety, low cost, low power consumption. The simplicity of the device created a number of disadvantages: the lack of functionality for cleaning and filtering, the inability to adjust, and the rapid contamination of humidifying filters.

Steam models increase the humidity of the surrounding air due to the boiling of water and the formation of steam. Steam treatment of the atmosphere in the room allows not only to increase the water content in the air, but also to sterilize it due to heat treatment. The device has a built-in hygrometer (a device for measuring the level of humidity). When a certain level of liquid content is reached, the device switches off automatically.

Advantages of a steam appliance:

• High rate of room humidification.
• The presence of adjustment modes of operation.
• The absence of filters reduces the cost of maintaining the device.
• Additional features: use as an effective inhaler.

Cons of a steam humidifier:

• Formation of scale on the elements of the device.
• A plaque containing elements of salt settles on the furniture.
• High noise level.
• Substantial electricity consumption.
• Risk of burns if not handled carefully.

More common models today are ultrasonic humidifiers. The advantages of the device include the following indicators:

1. Safety.
2. Low noise level.
3. Minor power consumption.
4. "Fine", detailed setting of humidification parameters.

An ultrasonic humidifier for a child is expensive

The disadvantages of an ultrasonic device include: the need for frequent replacement of filter cartridges, the significant cost of the device. Devices of this particular type are usually supplemented with the functionality of cleaning and disinfection.

All types of humidifiers may have additional air purification functionality. Cleaning is carried out by installing various filter cassettes on the model. The built-in air purifier can have several levels of filtration.

UV lamps are often used for disinfection. They allow you to destroy bacteria and microorganisms. When using such devices, it is worth remembering that ultraviolet cleaning can only be done when there are no people in the room. This rule should be especially strictly observed when using a humidifier in children's rooms.

A number of high-quality models are available with the functionality of air ionization and ozonation. The ionizer will saturate the space with negatively charged ions - anions. They saturate the air with oxygen, create conditions for the rapid settling of dust and other particles. In addition, the ionizer serves as an additional means of disinfection.

The ozonator splits oxygen atoms due to the electric discharge of great force, which are combined into ozone molecules. In small concentrations, ozone is very effective in killing bacteria and microorganisms. When carrying out ionization and ozonation, there should be no people in the room; after the procedure is completed, children should be allowed in only after 20-30 minutes.

How to reduce the negative effects of a humidifier

In most cases, the harm from the use of household humidifiers is associated with a violation of safety regulations, errors in the operation of equipment and the wrong choice of device.

When buying a humidifier, consider:

• the area of ​​the room (this parameter determines what volume of the tank the device should have);
• noise level during operation;
• handling characteristics;
• the presence of additional functions (for example, humidifiers with the function of air purification help to eliminate various allergens from the house and are suitable for families with allergies);
• power consumption settings.

In this case, it is not recommended to keep the humidifier constantly on. Dr. Komarovsky advises turning on the device only when the air humidity drops below 50%.

If you believe the words of Komarovsky, then numerous respiratory diseases in a child can be avoided if a normal microclimate is achieved at home.

The water in the device should be changed once a day or every time the unit is turned on. It is impossible to use the same filter for longer than 30-40 days. Typically, the manufacturer indicates the approximate life of one filter in the accompanying documents for the device.

In addition, you need to pay attention to other parameters of the microclimate in the room. When the humidifier is actively operating, batteries and other heating devices should not work to their fullest.

High air temperature in the home, together with high humidity, can create the effect of "tropics", which will make it uncomfortable to stay at home.

If the apartment or room is too hot and humid, it becomes difficult for the child to breathe, and he begins to suffocate

To reduce the likelihood of this effect, it is recommended to reduce the heating of heaters. Ordinary cast-iron batteries in an apartment can be closed with a special casing or screen. It is also worth ventilating the room more often.

Why is a humidifier harmful?

If used improperly, harm can be obtained from any household appliance. As for the evaporator, the following points are distinguished:

• From the steam evaporator, you can get burned by contact with the steam. The downside is the increase in temperature in the room during operation, which is undesirable in hot summers. The steam can harm any object it hits.
• The harm of a cold humidifier is to infect the air. Such a nuisance occurs if the filter is not changed in time.
• An ultrasonic evaporator can be harmful if untreated water is used. Solid impurities will quickly settle on the surface of all objects in the room.

Subject to the rules of use, household assistants receive only benefit.

Is it possible to catch a cold and get sick from a humidifier

Colds most often appear with the onset of damp weather. The same thing happens when using a humidifier. When the evaporator maintains the norm of air humidity, the respiratory tract produces the required amount of mucus. With strong waterlogging of the air, the amount of mucus increases. Bacteria begin to multiply. A cold appears, which can end in a sore throat.

Humidifier for bronchitis

Bronchitis lasts a long time, especially in a dry room. The lack of moisture affects the appearance of clots of mucus.The patient has difficulty breathing. Dry mucus cannot be coughed up. If the humidifier maintains the level of air humidity in the normal range, the patient recovers faster. However, you can not overdo it with moisture. With high humidity, a patient with bronchitis is at risk of getting pneumonia.

Is an ultrasonic humidifier harmful?

The operation of ultrasonic evaporators is carried out at a frequency of 20 kHz, which is completely safe for the entire living environment. However, the device, along with the benefits, brings harm. Perfectly clean water for pouring is impossible to find. Harmful impurities must be present. Together with spraying, they settle not only on objects, but also enter the human body through the respiratory tract. Ultrasound models can be harmful in the form of asthma, colds, bronchitis, allergies.

Attention! Do not use an ultrasonic humidifier near a pacemaker.

Types of humidifiers: how to choose the right one?

All devices are quite easy to use and do not make loud noise during operation. They can be used in any room. There are three types of humidifiers:

• Traditional (they are also called cold);
• ultrasonic;
• Steam.

The principle of operation of a steam humidifier is based on “hot” evaporation, when water is heated to the limiting temperature at which it acquires a gaseous state - steam. The range of such devices is quite wide. The features of steam humidifiers include their ability to increase humidity by more than 60%, as well as maximum performance. About 700 ml can evaporate in an hour. water. The device itself has an indicator that determines the remaining water in the tank.

The steam humidifier has a housing made of heat-resistant plastic, which gives it reliability and guarantees a long service life. The device is absolutely safe, which is confirmed by the presence of a triple protection system. For example, the appliance will not start working if the lid is not tightly closed. If all the liquid has evaporated, the unit switches off automatically.

It has a small drawback - a large consumption of electricity, but with all its advantages, it seems insignificant.

You can use a steam humidifier for inhalations and aromatherapy, you just need to add an infusion of useful herbs to the water and inhale the evaporated healing air. And if you add a little aromatic oils, you can enjoy the smell of your favorite flowers, exotic fruits. This has a positive effect on the emotional sphere. Steam devices are very often used in greenhouses and greenhouses, where high humidity is necessary for the normal functioning of plants. Ultrasonic humidifiers are considered the most popular among analogues. When they were created, only the most modern technologies were used. Under the influence of high-frequency vibrations, the liquid turns into a kind of cloud of air and water microparticles. The appliance's fan draws in dry air, which, as it passes through this cloud, comes back into the room moist and cold.

Ultrasonic humidifiers are completely harmless and even children can use them. Such humidifiers have many advantages, namely:

• Automatic switching on and off with a hydrostat that maintains the humidity at the right level.
• The filter is engaged in water purification from unnecessary impurities, so the air is supplied to the room clean.
• Low noise level of the device during operation.

Similar to the steam model, ultrasonic humidifiers are used in ordinary apartments, winter gardens, greenhouses. Humid air is required for antique items: furniture, parquet, paintings, dishes and others.

The only drawback of ultrasonic models is their high cost, but it is more than covered by their high performance, small size, economy and long service life. Paying once, you can get the ideal indoor climate for a long time.

Traditional air humidifiers are based on the principle of “cold” evaporation. It is based on the use of an evaporator through which dry air passes and is humidified in a natural way.

These models are characterized by low power consumption, ease of use and low noise level. The necessary humidity in the room is maintained automatically. If you need to increase it, you just need to place the humidifier near the heater. Evaporation will become more intense, and the air will be clean and saturated with water vapor. Even after intensive wet cleaning of the room there will be no such effect.

The device is designed in such a way that it is possible to control the level of liquid in the tank. You can install such a humidifier even in the bedroom, it has a special night mode of silent operation. Like other types of humidifiers, traditional models are also suitable for aromatherapy sessions. This function is very necessary when you need to relax after a hard day and relieve stress, even just to maintain the microclimate in the house.

Traditional humidifiers are often used in offices, even in children's rooms. All thanks to the safe operation of such devices.The disadvantage of traditional models is the limitation of the humidity level (up to 60%), so they are not applicable in greenhouses and greenhouses.

Benefits of a humidifier for children

Air humidifiers are able to optimize the processes of thermoregulation of the child during sleep and wakefulness. In a room with humidified air, a person feels well-rested and cheerful. Air humidifiers can positively affect the condition of human skin, hair and nails.

A comfortable indoor climate helps to cope with acne, teenage acne and other irritations on the face. Also, a humidifier favors the narrowing of pores on the face and soothes the skin after sunburn.

The use of a humidifier is necessary during outbreaks of acute respiratory infections and influenza. Dirty and dry air in the room can lead to the development of rhinitis, bronchitis and even asthma in a child if any bacteria enters the child's body.

The dried air in the room leads to the drying of mucus, which usually removes various pathogenic microorganisms from organs and tissues. Because of this, the risk of complications increases. Even a banal acute respiratory disease can develop into pneumonia or meningitis.

Dry air in a room can be deadly for a child’s body, so it’s worth putting a household humidifier in the room.

The air humidifier weighs down microparticles of dirt, dust, animal hair and pollen, preventing them from rising up. And steam units completely destroy harmful bacteria. Thanks to this, the child's risk of allergic reactions is reduced. In addition, it improves the quality of sleep.

In a stuffy room, a child is often tormented by nightmares, and because of this, he screams at night and even urinates in the bed (we are talking about kindergarteners and elementary school students).

If the room has a normal microclimate, such problems will disappear. The baby will be able to wake up at night without any problems and go to the toilet on his own. In fact, a humidifier helps to cope with nocturnal enuresis.

Other benefits of using a humidifier include:

• the destruction of unpleasant odors in the room (due to the fact that all particles that can smell bad fall down along with the moisture that binds them);
• improvement of blood circulation of the brain (due to this, the attention and performance of the child at school will increase);
• strengthening immunity;
• elimination of edema and dark circles under the eyes;
• prevention of eye problems (due to dehydration, conjunctivitis or other inflammatory eye diseases may begin).

But it is important to remember that a humidifier is not a magic tool that cleans the room of dirt in one fell swoop. The device affects only the humidity of the air, it does not absorb or destroy viruses with microbes

In the apartment, you still need to clean up, wipe the dust, evaporate the curtains, clean the sofas and vacuum the carpets. You should also ventilate the room daily.

A household air humidifier is a universal device that can improve the microclimate in a child's room in a matter of hours.

However during work humidifier is better not to open the window, so as not to negate its useful properties. Indeed, with open windows and vents, the humidity indicators in the room immediately begin to fall.

Types of humidifiers

Modern humidifiers come in three main types:

1. steam;
2. ultrasonic;
3. with natural hydration;
4. nano humidifiers.

Steam

A steam humidifier is the simplest and most uncomplicated. Humidification in it occurs due to hot steam, which appears as a result of heating water. It is able to moisturize very quickly even a decent area.

However, it has several significant drawbacks. Firstly, it is very dangerous, because it evaporates hot steam, which can burn the baby. And if the baby manages to knock over this device with boiling water, it’s scary to imagine what kind of injuries it can turn into!

Secondly, a steam humidifier is very energy intensive, which will affect meter readings and electricity bills. And given that it is reasonable to keep the device turned on around the clock during the heating season, this will cost a pretty penny.

Therefore, I would definitely not recommend a steam humidifier for a child.

With natural hydration

Such devices are essentially a container with water and a built-in fan that blows out moisture and produces the so-called natural evaporation.

What can I say, judging by customer reviews, these devices have the least efficiency. Many complain about the unreasonably high price of such a unit, and also talk about the fact that later they had to purchase a second device, since the first one could not cope with the humidification function to normal levels.

And there is nothing surprising in this. The very concept of "natural" hydration does not inspire confidence in advance, because we know that basins of water and wet towels are ineffective, although they are typical examples of "natural" hydration.

Ultrasonic

This is a leader in terms of price, quality, ease of use.

How does he work? Completely safe, unlike their steam counterparts. Water at room temperature is poured into a special bowl, the device is turned on, and humidification occurs due to steam broken by ultrasound. These are very small grains of moisture at a neutral temperature. The kid can touch this steam with his hands, inhale it, it's completely safe!

What is nice, the device spends very little electricity, 13 times less than a steam unit, and without any fear for the wallet can work around the clock.

In addition, the ultrasonic air humidifier is completely silent, and even when turned on, it does not interfere with the sensitive sleep of the baby and his parents.

The price of such a humidifier is its next advantage, because it starts from 500 rubles.

Nano Humidifier

This is a kind of novelty, the last word in technology, they are also called climatic complexes. Undoubtedly, this is the most expensive humidifier in terms of cost, but is it worth overpaying for it?

This device is able to break water into even smaller particles than an ultrasonic humidifier. According to the manufacturers, such particles are not capable of carrying the bodies of bacteria and viruses.

However, as you and I know, if the air in the room is humid, cool and moving, then viruses and bacteria cannot survive in it in principle. Therefore, I would say that this statement is nothing more than a publicity stunt, and not a real competitive advantage.

As a rule, nano-humidifiers are equipped with an air purification function. How it works? Everything is simple.Dirty air is forced inside with the help of a special fan, cleaned, and released back - already cleaned of dust and other harmful impurities.

Among the shortcomings, one can note a rather high price for this type of device, from 4000 rubles.

So that you do not boil porridge in your head from the knowledge gained and be able to answer the question of which is better to buy a humidifier, we will collect all the pros and cons of these devices in the table.

Thus, weighing all the pros and cons, we see that the ultrasonic humidifier is the leader in the rating and the best in all respects. Actually, it is this type of humidifier that I recommend for installation in a children's room.