The harm and benefits of a humidifier: the pros and cons of using appliances in an apartment

Features of operation in the children's room

There are several myths that an ultrasonic humidifier can be harmful to children. We will analyze them as far as they are true.

Myth 1. Waterlogging

Air humidity must be kept at a comfortable level of 40-50%, and to combat acute respiratory infections, raise it to 70%. But it is impossible to increase humidity uncontrollably, since there is a risk of creating a bath effect, which will lead to dampness and warping of hygroscopic objects.A greenhouse-soaked room is the perfect environment for mold to grow. A hygrometer will help control the humidity level. Some models of humidifiers are already structurally equipped with it.

Myth 2. Carries dust

The fog emitted from the unit does not pose a danger, on the contrary, small drops bind dust, purifying the air. But the design feature is that water is broken into particles mechanically, and not as a result of boiling. Therefore, all impurities in the form of salts, microorganisms, mold spores are in the air and enter the lungs. This is what can cause allergic reactions, complications of acute respiratory infections, bronchitis. Mineral salts settle on hard surfaces in the form of a white powder (plaque), get inside devices and equipment, and can cause damage. This will not happen if water enters the ultrasonic chamber:

There are models with a built-in filter, which must be changed at least once every three months.

If it is more important for you to clean the air from dust and allergens, then look at other types of microclimatic equipment: a photocatalytic purifier and an air washer - these devices are specially designed for this purpose.

Myth 3. Helps exacerbate asthma and allergies

The opinion that after the use of an ultrasonic air humidifier in children asthma attacks and allergies worsened is not unfounded. But these processes are not associated with the impact of the resulting aerosol suspension on the lungs. The reason is that water does not undergo heat treatment, so pathogens do not die, but spread along with moisture. The second reason is the spores of mold fungi that grow in a damp room.To avoid deterioration of health instead of helping in recovery, you should strictly adhere to the rules for operating ultrasonic humidifiers:

• change the water regularly to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth;
• clean the tank and ultrasonic chamber from plaque;
• maintain humidity around 50% and temperature no higher than 22 ° C, so that mold does not start;
• drain the remaining water if the unit is not supposed to be switched on.

Ionizers are designed to improve air quality, and ultraviolet lamps are designed to fight infections and mold, if unpleasant odors bother you, then ozonizers or special odor removers are more effective to solve this problem.

Myth 4. Inefficiency

Complaints about the humidifier running all night and the hygrometer showing a slight increase in humidity can be completely justified. There are several reasons for this:

• the range of household units is no more than 1.5 meters, therefore, in large rooms, the efficiency decreases - in this case, you need to put the humidifier closer to the bed;
• insufficient volume of the water tank - for full-fledged work all night, at least 5 liters are required;
• there is no convection, so the fog "hangs" in one part of the room, in which case the fan must be turned on.

Myth 5. Harm of ultrasound

The most common and at the same time the most groundless myth. Ultrasound has become an assistant in many areas of medicine: diagnostics of internal organs, nebulizers, use in therapy and surgery. In humidifiers, ultrasound is converted into mechanical oscillations of the plate, aimed at breaking large drops into small ones. There is a transition of water from one state of aggregation to another without boiling.There are no other radiations, so ultrasonic humidifiers are safe.

With all the useful aspects of using forced humidification, it cannot replace simple but effective daily ventilation. No modern climatic complexes with ionizers will turn exhaled carbon dioxide into oxygen.

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The Best Traditional Humidifiers for a Baby's Room

STADLER FORM OSKAR O-020	BONECO AIR-O-SWISS E2441A
Served area (sq.m)	40	40
Power consumption (W)	18	20
Water consumption (ml/h)	300	200
Water tank capacity (L)	3,5	3,8
Hygrostat
Low water indicator
Aromatization
Noise level (dB)	26	25

STADLER FORM OSKAR O-020 - the best functionality

+ Pluses STADLER FORM OSKAR O-020

1. Very stylish cubic design, compact.
2. Hydration is adequate.
3. Unpretentiousness to the water poured inside.
4. There is a scale for filling the tank, as well as a hygrostat.
5. It is possible to use flavoring.
6. Night mode available.
7. Little water and electricity is consumed.
8. It is convenient to wash a flat pallet.
9. The device can automatically turn on (when the humidity is low) and turn off (when the optimum level is reached).
10. Quiet sounds during operation resemble the sound of the sea and have a calming effect.

— Cons STADLER FORM OSKAR O-020

1. Filters (which, according to the instructions, need to be changed every three months) are quite difficult to get. And they are quite expensive.
2. Inconvenient topping up of water (this is easy to do only from a bottle with a narrow neck, for example, one and a half liters).
3. The top grate quickly becomes clogged with dust, and it is difficult to clean it.
4. The performance is not too high. In practice, a device is enough for ten to fifteen square meters.

Results.This sink is a good budget option for a not too spacious nursery. It does not make noise, does not interfere with the child's sleep, well raises the humidity in a natural way. The device is intended for continuous operation, capable of working on ordinary tap water. But there is one “but” - when you need to change filters, it requires time, nerves and money.

BONECO AIR-O-SWISS E2441A - ease of use

+ Pros BONECO AIR-O-SWISS E2441A

1. Very nice design, a bit futuristic.
2. Low cost.
3. Compact dimensions for a traditional humidifier.
4. Extraordinary ease of use. You just need to pour three liters of water into the tank and put the switch in the desired mode, choosing one of the two.
5. Night mode is very quiet.
6. Dismantling and washing the device is easy. After all, this is, strictly speaking, just a beautiful plastic bucket with a built-in fan and a filter floating in the water.
7. The fan is at the bottom, so there is no rattling and vibration (as in sinks).
8. Natural evaporation of water is a guarantee of the absence of white plaque on furniture.
9. It is very convenient to fill the tank with water.

— Cons BONECO AIR-O-SWISS E2441A

1. At night, in quiet mode, it is not very effective - it evaporates only sixty grams of water per hour.
2. The device is suitable only for small rooms - already on an area of ​​\u200b\u200bthirty square meters it copes with difficulty.
3. The evaporative filter quickly becomes clogged with salts contained in the water (due to which the performance of the humidifier is noticeably reduced). And in the store this spare part, which is desirable to change every two months, is difficult to buy.
4. Special air purification (except for the removal of some large dust particles) should not be expected.

Results. This inexpensive device is suitable for a small nursery (up to twenty-five square meters), provided that the problem is only in dry air, and not in its severe pollution. Quiet operation will not interfere with the child's sleep - the device can be placed even very close to the crib. But, parents may have to run around looking for a filter that is not always found.

Why is too dry air dangerous?

Too dry indoor air is contraindicated primarily for allergy sufferers and people with respiratory diseases. Dry air does not bind dust, the smallest particles of which enter the lungs with every breath.

As a result, even in a healthy person, symptoms such as:

• labored breathing;
• sore throat;
• constant thirst;
• desire to clear your throat

The central heating of apartment buildings dries out the air in cold winters. In order to avoid this, you need to purchase a humidifier.

Dry air is especially dangerous in old houses, the ventilation system of which is far from ideal. The central heating of high-rise buildings also "dries" the air.

Closed, and sometimes sealed windows and electric heaters in old apartments only worsen the situation. In such apartments it literally becomes difficult to breathe. But discomfort is only part of the problem.

What is the humidity in your house?

Humidity of 40-60% is considered normal for a person. If it differs by 10-15% from these parameters, then you should not worry either.

To measure humidity there is a special device called a hygrometer. If not, then an ordinary glass will help.This method will not show the exact value of humidity, but it is quite simple and it is safe to say that everything you need to measure humidity is in every home. A glass, some water and a refrigerator are all you need.

Fill a glass of cold water and place it in the refrigerator for several hours until the temperature of the water in the container cools down to 5 ºС or so. Then place a chilled glass of water in the room where you want to determine the humidity. The place should be away from heating appliances and not in a draft.

• If the surface of the glass was first covered with condensate and fogged up, and then completely dried up within 5-10 minutes, the air in the room is very dry;
• If within 5-10 minutes, after you placed the glass in the room, large drops of condensate formed on its walls and they began to flow down the walls of the glass, then the air in the room is very humid;
• If after 5-10 minutes the surface of the glass has not dried up, but it has not flowed either, then the air in the room is of medium humidity.

At high humidity, mold can appear, which is much more dangerous than dry air. It is necessary to increase humidity by any methods only when there is no doubt that the air is too dry.

How the device works

The main task of a humidifier is to saturate the air with water. Different types of appliances do this in different ways.

• A "cold" humidifier evaporates water naturally, without heating it. Water is poured into the tank, from which it enters the sump, and from there to the evaporative elements.
  The air driven by the fan through the cartridge is cleaned of dust.Such a device can itself regulate the humidity in the room, increasing the power if the air is too dry, and reducing it if the humidity is normal. You need to fill the humidifier with filtered water, otherwise the cartridge will quickly become dirty.
• A steam humidifier provides the evaporation of water by heating it. The principle of its operation resembles the process of a kettle: a heating element brings water to a boil and evaporates. In the absence of liquid in the device, an automatic shutdown occurs. The steam humidifier has an air humidity sensor that will turn off the device if its level reaches the set value.
• An ultrasonic humidifier provides for a set of water in a tank, from where the liquid is transported to a platform vibrating with an ultrasonic frequency. From there, the liquid in the form of a fine mixture is sprayed outward by means of a fan. A light, moist and cool "fog" is created. The ultrasonic humidifier is virtually silent. The use of ordinary tap water is detrimental to the device, so it is worth pouring filtered or bottled water into it.

How to reduce the risks and negative effects of air humidifiers

In most cases, the negative consequences of the use of climate technology are associated with a violation of safety regulations and improper operation of devices.

Together with steam, the humidifier can spray pollutants into the air.

• when buying a device, it is necessary to carefully study the technical parameters, because the device must fully comply with the size of the room and the needs of the people living in it. Even the climatic conditions of the premises at the time of purchase, the presence of animals, children and other related factors in the house are taken into account;
• Read the manufacturer's instructions before starting operation. And not only the section on the use of the humidifier, but all the information that the manufacturer saw fit to put in the document;
• clean the device in a timely manner to prevent the growth of bacteria;
• change the water in the tank more often;
• as necessary, replace filters and other replaceable elements that wear out and become contaminated during operation;
• maintain a normalized level of humidity in the room, i.e. no more than 50%;
• take into account the needs of people with asthma when adjusting the operation of the device;

The hot steam of the humidifier neutralizes bacteria and allergens

• regularly ventilate the room and monitor the temperature. The optimal parameter of the air temperature in the living room is 20-24°C;
• in case of deterioration of health, you should immediately consult a doctor;
• Do not repair the device yourself.

Buying a modern device with great functionality will save you from many problems. On sale there are models equipped with a hydrostat, indication, special filters that provide additional water purification, ionization, etc. "Air washers" and climatic complexes greatly facilitate the process of monitoring indicators, although they are much more expensive than conventional models of devices.

How does hydration work

In general, the humidification method can be described as follows. Air is taken from the room, it is saturated with moisture in some way and sprayed back into the room. What does it change?

Immediately after, it becomes noticeably fresher. Breathing becomes easier, swelling of the nasopharynx subsides. There is less dust in the air.It ceases to be "volatile" and settles on surfaces from which it is easy to remove. The allergy recedes.

Whether a humidifier is needed in the apartment, each person decides for himself. Demand creates supply and the market is saturated with various models. If you already know what it is for, you will have to decide what it will be. Not everyone lives in spacious apartments, but everyone wants their home to be comfortable in addition to a comfortable climate.

Steam

The principle of operation and design resemble a boiling kettle. Water is heated inside the container, and at a certain moment it is released with a hot jet of steam. Exactly hot! The temperature ranges from 52 to 63 degrees Celsius. Where should the humidifier be placed? The device must be placed away from places where children, animals and even adults can be.

The air is humidified and heated at the same time, which cannot be said about the first two devices. The big disadvantage is the high energy consumption and rather loud noise. Nothing can be done about it. One of the main (and perhaps the only) advantages is the possibility of using it as an inhaler for colds and prevention. Special nozzles are sometimes sold as a set.

Filters and the principle of operation of traditional air humidifiers do not allow heavier fractions of water, primarily salts, to enter the atmosphere. And the hot steam of old models of steam humidifiers “raises up” everything that is dissolved in water.

This may cause:

1. Allergic reactions.
2. Ingestion of harmful salts or other hazardous substances into the lungs.

In addition, steam, the temperature of which at the outlet of the humidifier can be 60 degrees, is quite easy to get burned.

Steam humidifiers even outwardly resemble something like a coffee maker or a kettle. They should be positioned so that the risk of scalding from the hot jet of steam is minimal.

Unlike cold-type humidifiers, steam humidifiers can theoretically raise the humidity to 90% or more.

At the same time, humidity even at 65% is already considered excessive and can:

• lead to headaches
• cause a runny nose;
• negatively affects the functions of the stomach.

High humidity in combination with high temperature is strictly contraindicated for both hypertensive and hypotensive patients. It can cause discomfort in healthy people, especially when combined with exercise.

People suffering from hypertension should be especially careful to control the humidity in their home. Both excess and insufficient humidity can cause a crisis.

It is no secret that the “tropical effect” contributes to dehydration: a person sweats, but due to the humid environment, the skin does not cool. The body, deceived in this way, continues to sweat. Body temperature rises, the amount of fluid in the body decreases.

Among the consequences of wet overheating can be:

• nosebleeds (with a predisposition to them):
• jumps in blood pressure (with a predisposition to them):
• fainting (with a predisposition to them).

It is especially dangerous to turn on a steam humidifier and a heater at the same time, especially if it is winter outside and all windows are closed. At risk, in addition to people suffering from chronic diseases, are the elderly and young children.The temperature and humidity in the room should be controlled.

Excess moisture does not disappear without a trace. She settles on the walls, floor and ceiling. And promotes the emergence of dangerous bacteria and mold fungus. Their colonies, which thrive in warm, humid environments, are not the best neighborhood.

As a rule, black mold first appears in the corners of the room, under furniture and flooring. That is, without a hygrometer, you may not even notice a potential health hazard. Such an environment is an ideal breeding ground for wood lice, cockroaches and other insects.

Black mold, which occurs due to too much humidity, is very difficult to remove. Reproducing, it eats into building structures and decoration, as a result destroying everything on which it lives.

At the same time, fungus and bacteria absolutely do not care how expensive renovation is in an apartment: colonies of microorganisms feel great on Italian tiles, and mold can develop under French skirting boards. But only mold can cause:

But only mold can cause:

• muscle pain;
• nausea, diarrhea:
• vision problems.

A number of models of steam humidifiers can be used in an alternative way - as an inhaler. Moreover, in the configuration of some models there are even special nozzles. It is not just good for health, it is a full-fledged medical procedure.

The benefits and harms of an air ionizer

• Improves overall well-being;
• Increases the body's resistance to various diseases;
• Reduces overall morbidity;
• Eliminates fatigue;
• Increases efficiency and concentration;
• Strengthens immunity;
• Eliminates insomnia;
• Strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves blood microcirculation;
• Improves mood;
• Eliminates hypoxia;
• Improves the condition and enhances the effectiveness of treatment in people with allergies, mild pneumonia, mild asthma or bronchitis, and inactive tuberculosis;
• Increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues;
• Accelerates and normalizes metabolism;
• Prevents malignant neoplasms;
• Neutralizes the negative impact of electrical appliances (TV, computer, etc.).

fungusin addition to the undoubted beneficial properties, air ionizers can also bring harm.electric shocksmokingpharyngitishigh body temperatureheart attackdepressionasthmaarthritismalignant neoplasms

Normal air humidity in the apartment

Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air as a percentage of the maximum possible. This parameter is invariably associated with the microclimate in the room.

Normal humidity in the room is a guarantee of safety for the health and well-being of a person of any age. Comfortable can be considered humidity in the room about 40-70%. Reduced humidity leads to dust accumulation on furniture and appliances, exacerbation of allergies and an increase in susceptibility to various viruses and bacteria.

A couple of decades ago, people tried to increase the humidity in the children's room by daily wet cleaning, arranging water containers and regular airing.

But standard cleaning (both general and daily) cannot provide a normal level of humidity in the apartment. Very little time passes, and dry air again accumulates in the room.

Even the most thorough general cleaning with the use of special cleaning products does not guarantee the normalization of the microclimate in the children's room.

But all folk remedies fade against the background of the use of a conventional household air humidifier. This device is able to create a comfortable microclimate in the room in a short time.

All humidifiers can be divided into:

1. Traditional - devices, the principle of operation of which is based on natural (natural) evaporation of moisture. They consume little electricity and are ideal for aromatherapy.
2. Steam - devices that operate on the principle of evaporation. With their help, you can quickly achieve the desired humidity levels.
3. Ultrasonic - modern silent units that allow you to set the desired level of moisture. Ultrasonic devices are ergonomic, compact and easy to use.

When properly used, these air humidifiers do not have any negative effects on children. Regardless of the model, humidifiers should be used both in summer and in winter. In winter, the air in the room dries up due to batteries, and in summer the moisture in it evaporates due to the air conditioners.

The choice of a humidifier for a child's room depends on the parameters of the room, the age of the child and the purchase budget.

Classification depending on the principle of operation

Before you buy this product, you should understand how it works. Consider the main types of humidifiers that are currently used.

1. With natural evaporator (traditional).In this case, the air masses are blown through a special tube with a wet filter, while not only increasing their relative humidity, but also partially cleaning. Such an air humidifier has the following pros and cons: silent operation, low power consumption, high safety, some modifications have humidity sensors and hydrostats, are inexpensive and do not require the involvement of third-party specialists for maintenance. The negative point is that it is mandatory to clean the filter weekly.
2. With hot carrier. It works on the principle of a conventional evaporator, bringing the water in the tank to a boiling point. Thus, moistening here occurs due to the distribution of steam. It should be noted that during the boiling process, the water undergoes additional purification, so the device can work in rooms where there are children. It is advisable to purchase such a humidifier with a built-in humidity sensor that will automatically turn off. In this case, it will not be necessary to monitor the water level. The main disadvantage is that you can get a thermal burn with steam, so you should be vigilant and keep the device away from children.
3. using ultrasound. In this case, humidification occurs due to the spraying of suspensions from the smallest drops of water. They are formed in a special compartment of the humidifier due to the directed action of ultrasonic waves. Such devices, as a rule, already have all the necessary indicators and are well automated, which simplifies their operation and does not require special control. Their undoubted advantage is their high performance and compact dimensions.The unpleasant side of the coin is that in the process of work, the lime contained in the water suspension settles on the surfaces in the room. Therefore, manufacturers recommend pre-treatment.

Summarizing the above, we note the following points that need to be considered when choosing and deciding on the purchase of a humidifier.

The obvious advantages of the most popular and modern models are:

• increasing the level of humidity and saturation with ions;
• high efficiency;
• partial air disinfection;
• ease of maintenance and operation;
• large assortment and flexible prices.

Disadvantages for various modifications are manifested in the following:

• there is a possibility of getting burned by steam;
• noise during operation;
• the need for frequent replacement of filters and water treatment.

Practical benefits

According to doctors, the question of whether a humidifier is needed at home is not worth it. They clearly believe that it is necessary.

• The main practical benefit of it is to improve the health and quality of life of one's own, one's loved ones. Doctors believe that with dry air, not only the mucous membrane and skin suffer, but also the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
• The correct microclimate will extend the service life and ensure the safety of household items, furniture, parquet, household appliances. It is much easier to clean indoors with normal humidity. The use of these devices will make the house cleaner and safer for its inhabitants.
• Significantly less charges of static electricity will accumulate on all surfaces of your home and your body. I would like to say more about this.

Is a humidifier useful in an apartment?

Benefits of a home humidifier in that it ensures the maintenance of an optimal microclimate. Dry stagnant air leads to a lack of fluid, a decrease in the protective functions of the body. People have dry skin, perspiration, cough, increased susceptibility to disease.

Doctors say that a dry climate causes a lot of harm to the body. In a room that is rarely moistened, the work of the respiratory channels and organs of vision worsens, drowsiness and fatigue occur. In the presence of moisturizing equipment, a healthy favorable microclimate is created.

Important! The optimal indicators of humidity in the living room are considered - 40-65%

For the child's body

In the children's room, you can put a steam humidifier, which has benefits:

providing a protective barrier of mucous membranes. Moisture in insufficient quantities leads to violations of the structure of tissues, creating a favorable environment for the entry and development of pathogens and pathogens of rhinitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, conjunctivitis;

• acceleration of recovery. Humid air is necessary for dry cough, bronchitis;
• prevention of allergic reactions. Humidification of pet hair and dust blocks their accumulation in the air;
• regulation of heat exchange processes in newborns. Evaporators exclude hypothermia, drying out in the larynx and throat, prevents difficulty in breathing;
• sleep normalization. Optimal conditions and a comfortable microclimate in the house lead to a healthy, full sleep.

Provides a protective mucosal barrier

Parents of infants and preschool children are increasingly choosing an ultrasonic silent humidifier, but is it harmful to young children? A device with a hygrometer allows you to control humidity, does not tolerate dust, but it is best to pour only clean water into it.

Important! The water is not heat treated, so there are risks of developing asthma and allergies

During pregnancy and lactation

Moisture sprayers have a beneficial effect on the body of the expectant mother:

• immunity increases;
• drying of the skin, mucous membranes is prevented;
• dehydration is prevented;
• the work of all systems is normalized;
• allergic reactions are excluded.

From the lack of moisture in the room, not only people suffer, but also pets, plants

Therefore, it is very important to monitor the maintenance of a comfortable environment in the house.

The benefits of a humidifier for an apartment

The lack of the required level of humidity in the room is fraught with serious problems for a living organism. Skin diseases, respiratory diseases, reduced immunity - this is an incomplete list of what dryness in the room can lead to. Especially dangerous is the lack of humidity in the house for young children.

The air humidifier creates comfortable conditions for human life, normalizing the microclimate in the living environment. Low humidity also carries risks for pets. The reason for this is the high temperature of the bodies of pets and their increased heat exchange with the environment.

A low humidity ratio is also detrimental to interior furnishings. Wooden furniture, paintings and books quickly become unusable if dry air prevails in the room for a long time.

A humidifier neutralizes the above threats. The advantages of most types of such a device include the following parameters:

• Compact dimensions allow the humidifier for the home to fit in a small area of ​​​​space.
• Relatively quiet operation that does not interfere with comfort even at night.
• Safety of use, thanks to which adults do not have to worry about the lives of children and pets.
• Low energy consumption and no extra costs in the family budget.
• The presence of additional options that can simplify the operation of the device and maximize its benefits.