Moister indoor air equals better health— here's why
Can humidifiers improve your health? It should be known that humidity acts as a natural moisturizing agent. Humidity is also known to relieve dryness and it’s this reason why investing in a good humidifier can improve your health. From dry skin, dry throat, bloody noses, nose irritation, and sinus congestion, humidifiers are a great remedy. When the air in your home is dry, you are prone to these discomforts.
Health benefits of humidifiers
During the summer months, some people experience respiratory symptoms when the weather is hot. This air contains more allergens and a cool air conditioner can circulate dry air through the room. A humidifier is greatly beneficial during this season.
Benefits for the home
Moisture from a humidifier is helpful to any home. Houseplants may become more vibrant, and the moisture also helps maintain furniture and wood floors. Humidifiers are also known to prevent wallpaper from collapsing and cracking. They also help prevent static electricity from building up.
Helps snoring family members
Family members can be greatly helped by having moist air to breathe thanks to humidifiers. Moist air helps reduce unwanted noise from family members who sore regularly. It also helps family members with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems to breathe easily. A precaution to be noted is choosing a humidifier which is not prone to spreading bacteria. This can be done by cleaning the humidifier regularly.
If you or your partner snores, a humidifier is a great remedy. People tend to snore more when their sinuses and throats are dry. A moist environment is warm and more comfortable which encourages a good night’s sleep.
Help babies sleep well
Most pediatricians believe babies sleep comfortably when a humidifier is in the room. Caution is thrown to users to choose a humidifier which is cool or has vaporizer features.
Reduce growling morning voice
Do you have family members who sound like bears in the morning? This is caused by dry air getting into their vocal cords. Make sure you sound like your normal self when you sleep overnight with a humidifier in your bedroom.
Reduced heating bills
Most people don’t know moist air feels warmer than dry air. This is entirely true! If you add a little moisture to the air, it will feel warm. And this will be reflected on your heating bills this and every other winter.
Keeping the skin and hair moist
Most people notice their hair, lips, and skin become dry and fragile during the winter. Most heating units pump hot, dry air which makes the skin dry, flaky, or itchy. Cold air outside will also dry out the skin. Make sure to use a humidifier to add moisture to your indoor environment. This helps reduce the occurrence of dry and cracked skin.
Making a cough more productive
Dry air causes many people to have a dry and unproductive cough. Adding humidity to the air gets moisture into your airways. This makes coughing more productive which helps release sticky or trapped phlegm.
Preventing Influenza
A recent study revealed humidifiers might reduce the risk of catching the flu. This research was based on adding the influenza virus to the air with the help of a stimulated cough. Research found humidity levels above 45 percent rapidly killed the virus particles. This made the host less likely to be infected.
Controlling humidity levels
Although adding humidity to the air is beneficial, too much can be risky as well. High humidity levels can greatly increase respiratory problems and create dampness in the air. Once this happens, it encourages the growth of dust mites, harmful bacteria, mildew, and mold.
Researchers recommend humidity stay between 30 percent and 50 percent. A good way of knowing the amount of humidity in your home is by using a hygrometer. Most central humidifiers have already installed hygrometers. You can also purchase one at the nearest hardware store.
Make sure to test the humidity daily, especially if one member of the household has allergies or asthma.
Bottom Line
When used properly, humidifiers can make a huge difference when it comes to dry skin and airways. This should be noted as a home remedy and not guaranteed medical treatment. If you have continued symptoms that don’t improve, call your doctor. Symptoms can also get worse because of the humidifier.
Resources— Healthline, Medical News Today, Plos One Journals, Bewell, Allergy Consumer Review
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