Dirty humidifiers can especially cause problems for people with asthma and allergies. But even in healthy people, dirty humidifiers have the potential to trigger flu-like symptoms or even lung infections when the contaminated mist or steam is released into the air.
The problem, says Dr. Deterding, is that they turn everything that's in the water into mist, too. "Bacteria, chemicals, minerals, mold — they aerosolize all that stuff to the right particulate size that you breathe it right into your lungs, and it can be toxic," says Dr. Deterding.
While using a humidifier can help with dry sinuses, it can also cause harm. Dust mite and mold growth is promoted more in humid environments, so if people are allergic to dust and mold, or if they have asthma, using a humidifier could aggravate these conditions.
The short answer is yes: it is healthy to sleep with a humidifier in your room. Sleeping with a humidifier can have several health benefits, even if you don't have asthma.
Despite all the health benefits, there are also some risks associated with using a humidifier. For example, it is actually possible that a room can have too much moisture. If your humidifier is set too high, it can result in the proliferation of dust mites which can trigger allergy symptoms.
Overall, humidifiers are safe to keep overnight when you're asleep. It's beneficial and helpful in many ways. It'll help your skin, lowers infection risk, and you'll sleep better at night.
While a humidifier can add moisture to the air, it is not designed to remove pollutants or allergens. If you want to improve the air quality in your home or office, an air purifier is a better choice.
How Long Should You Run a Humidifier at Night? You can run a humidifier throughout the night, which is typically about 8 hours. This is particularly beneficial if the air in your room is dry, or if you're experiencing dry throat, skin, or respiratory symptoms.
Your humidifier run time is typically about 10 to 15 minutes, which is the average length of a heating cycle. If you notice condensation on windows or surfaces indoors over the winter, this is an indicator that there is too much humidity and you will want to adjust to prevent excess moisture.
Specifically, we recommend that you keep your humidifier at a distance of around 3 feet from your bed – although there's no inherent harm in placing it closer, if you're restricted on room. This distance is recommended for a variety of reasons.
Many people automatically use tap water in a humidifier as it is easy and accessible but this does not come recommended by manufacturers. This is because tap water contains many invisible minerals, including magnesium, which can create buildup in your humidifier, resulting in limescale and mould.
The type you choose is ultimately up to you, but in general, cool mist humidifiers are the safest option (especially if you have children or pets around), according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Warm mist humidifiers, meanwhile, run hot and have the potential to cause burns if you get too close.
Using a humidifier while you sleep has some health benefits that are apparent. For example, you will notice that you struggle less with dry skin, sinus problems, bloody noses, and cracked lips. You may also feel some relief from congestion if you have a cold. There are less obvious benefits as well.
Using a humidifier for sleep helps reduce dryness and inflammation in the throat and nasal passage and soothes irritated airways, which can help lessen snoring. Adding moisture to the air may not eliminate snoring, but it can significantly reduce the noise and associated discomforts.
The simple answer is no; you cannot put Vicks VapoRub in a humidifier. Vicks VapoRub is a greasy substance that can clog and damage a humidifier's components. It was not designed for use in a humidifier, and ignoring this fact could result in a clogged and potentially ruined appliance.
The best place for a humidifier in your bedroom is the center. Preferably, it should be 3 feet away from your bed. You can also use a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels in different spots in your room and then place it where the numbers are quite low.
If you're monitoring the humidity levels in your home, it's relatively safe to run your humidifier around the clock. You should take special care not to leave anything running while you're out of the house. However, just because it's safe doesn't mean that it's necessary.
The humidifier can operate for up to 24 hours on the lowest setting, and automatically shuts off when the tank is empty. This Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier utilizes Ultrasonic Technology for whisper-quiet operation that won't disturb sleep and it has an optional color changing nightlight.
High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and can cause condensation on walls, floors and other surfaces. Condensation can trigger the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites and molds. These allergens can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergy and asthma flare-ups.
Using a humidifier in the home can help relieve a stuffy nose and can help break up mucus so you can cough it up. Humidified air can relieve the discomfort of colds and the flu.
The higher up off the floor the humidifier is placed the better. It produces a mist that has to get mixed with the air. When the humidifier is placed on the floor, the mist has no chance to get mixed with the air and it causes wet floors. Try to put it on a nightstand or a table.
Static in your hair or the sparks that fly when you touch someone or something in winter are sure signs the air in your house is too dry. Setting up a humidifier is your best bet for improving indoor air quality and your breathing, says pulmonologist Kathrin Nicolacakis, MD.
Though an air purifier cannot help an existing cold, it might ease your symptoms by removing other respiratory irritants from the air. According to the NIH, a humidifier may help relieve a stuffy nose and the discomfort of colds or flu. The right level of humidity may also provide a protective benefit from viruses.
Using a hygrometer is the easiest way to measure the humidity in your home. The device measures humidity and temperature and is easy to use as a simple thermometer.