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using vaporizers and humidifiers

overview

humidifiers and vaporizers add moisture to the air, making it less drying to your mouth, throat, and nose. a humidifier blows cool to lukewarm mist into the air, and a vaporizer puts out hot steam. a cool-mist humidifier is better for children.

the mist from a humidifier may be more comfortable to breathe than hot steam. but humidifiers are noisy, produce particles that may be irritating to some people, and need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. cleaning is especially important for people who have mould allergies. follow the directions for cleaning the machine.

a vaporizer's hot steam is germ-free and may feel good when you have a cold. but the hot water can burn anyone who overturns or gets too close to the device.

credits

current as of: august 6, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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