Vaporizers and Humidifiers
Your child has one of the many colds he will get this winter. You’re off to the drugstore to find something to help relieve his congestion. You are faced with an aisle of vaporizers and humidifiers. Cool mist, warm mist, ultrasonic, mentholated — what to choose? Which is best to help alleviate your child’s sore throat, stuffy nose and irritating cough?
Both vaporizers and humidifiers put more moisture into the air. Humidifiers use cool water to create a fine mist or spray that it releases into the air. Warm mist humidifiers use warmer water but it cools before it is blown back into the room. Steam vaporizers first boil water and then release moisture into the air. Which is better?
All vaporizers and humidifiers are effective in adding humidity to the air and providing relief from congestion, sore throats and even nose bleeds. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the use of the cool mist humidifier or vaporizer. A warm mist humidifier or steam vaporizer can cause burns if the child gets too close. As long as the product is a “cool mist,” whether you choose a vaporizer or humidifier is up to your personal preference.
Regardless of whether or not the water vapor started out warm or cool, by the time it reaches your child’s airways it is the same temperature. It’s best to go with the cool mist and protect your child from accidental burns.
Tips for choosing and maintaining your humidifier or vaporizer
Here is a handy guide to get you through cold season:
- Choose one that is the right size for your child’s room. Humidifiers and vaporizers are rated for coverage area in square footage. Take measurements to determine the correct room size you are looking for. If the humidifier or vaporizer is too large for the room, condensation could cause bacteria and mold to form.
- Look for a model with an automatic shut-off feature should the water reservoir run dry.
- Use filtered or distilled water in the humidifier and vaporizers. Tap water contains many minerals that can provide a breeding ground for microorganisms inside your humidifier or vaporizer.
- Keep you unit very clean! Clean your humidifier or vaporizer every two to three days of operation, as recommended by the manufacturer. Soak the tank and all parts that are exposed to water in a 10 percent bleach solution (one part bleach to 10 parts water). Before storing (and before its first use after coming out of storage), clean the machine and its parts thoroughly. Empty the water tank and dry interior surfaces every time you turn off the machine; use fresh water every day.
Reviewed by: Patrick S. Pasquariello Jr., MD
Date: January 2013
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