Humidifiers

Humidifiers are common appliances found in many homes across the United States.  The only purpose of a humidifier is to add moisture to the air.  Many people use them to help keep their nose, throat, and skin from becomming dry during the cold winter months.

Humidity and Breathing

By the time air reaches the alveoli (air sacs) in our lungs, it must be warmed to body temperature and humidified to a level of 100% relative humidity.  Most of this process takes place in the nose, throat, and upper airways of the lung.  As the air passes through the nose and down deep into the lungs, it picks up moisture.  Any secretions, such as phlegm or mucous, in the respiratory tract can become dry, thick, and very difficult to cough up.

Types of Humidifiers

Humidifiers come in all shapes and sizes from small portable units that can be moved from room to room or larger units that can be installed in the central ventilation system of a home or building. The two most common types of portable room humidifiers use very different ways to add moisture to the air.  The first type, an impeller room humidifier, uses a spinning disc to produce tiny water droplets.  The second type, an ultrasonic humidifier, is preferred by many people because of it's ability to create extremely small water droplets.  Smaller water particles can evaporate into the air easier than large drops of water which simply fall to the ground or furniture around the humidifier.

Water for the Humidifier

Humidifiers should be filled with distilled or demineralized water. Tap water generally has minerals in it that do not evaporate into the air like water does.  This can cause a build up of white dust in the area where the humidifier is used.  Furthermore, the minerals in tap water can lead to a build up of scale inside the humidifier.  Be sure to change the water once a day to prevent build up of bacteria and mold.  Always empty the water resevoir when the humidifier is not in use.

Cleaning a humidifier

Portable humidifiers should be cleaned about every 3 days.  Don't forget to unplug it from the wall before cleaning.   Use a brush or scrubbing pad to clean interior surfaces and be sure to remove any scale or film that may have been formed.  If detergents, bleach, or other chemicals are used to clean the humidifier, be sure to rinse several times with clean water to ensure none of these agents are left.  Always follow any special cleaning instructions suggested by the manufacturer.  Wipe dry all surfaces of the humidifier before using it again or storing it away.