What Are the Benefits of a Humidifier for Your Home?
Humidifiers are often talked about as magical health machines. Manufacturers promise improved well-being and prevention of flu and colds, and cosmetologists recommend humidifiers for people with dehydrated skin.
Low humidity values are below 30% and high humidity values are more than 60%. Anything in between these values is the norm. It is easy to measure the level of humidity in your apartment: you can buy the cheapest hygrometer or a smart home weather station. In urban apartments, humidity is often below the recommended norm, and during the cold season, it reaches a critical low.
When should you use a humidifier?
Humidity actually has a direct effect on our well-being and the risk of catching airborne illnesses. For example, at 40-60% humidity, flu viruses die faster than in dry air, and the unpleasant symptoms of respiratory diseases (stuffy nose, shortness of breath) are relieved.
Air humidity also affects the number of mites and fungi: the higher the humidity in the room, the more likely it is to share it with these questionable neighbors. But here, too, the recommended value is within the range of 40-60% - most fungi cannot grow at values below 60%.
If we talk about the condition of the skin, then again, everything points in favor of the optimal level of humidity. When the air is too dry, the skin loses moisture and its barrier function is damaged. At very low values of humidity in the skin, inflammatory processes occur. At the same time, there is no benefit in excessive air humidity for dry skin: at 70% humidity such skin starts to secrete significantly more sebum, but the level of moisture in it does not increase. This means that after sleeping in a room with high humidity your skin will be pretty oily - but the dehydration is not going anywhere. After washing, the number of lipids will return to normal.
A humidifier is a unique device. It is necessary to create an optimal microclimate in the room.
More important functions of this device can include:
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Maintaining the right level of humidity in the room;
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Elimination of static electricity charges (they can occur in the over-dried air);
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Purification of air from dust and dirt, microparticles, etc.
Air humidifiers prevent the development of various diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. They have a beneficial effect on the skin, hair, and nails, preventing aging processes. They can also be used to prevent nosebleeds in adults and children.
Is it good to have a humidifier in your house?
Humidifiers are designed to control the normal level of humidity in a room while eliminating the harmful effects of dry air on humans. The most important positive side of humidifiers is the health of the younger generation.
Children's metabolism is much more intensive and a lot of energy is expended in the process of their life activity. Heat exchange is controlled mainly by the lungs. If the environment is too dry, the child's unformed body uses a lot of water. As a result, sweating becomes more intense, which leads to blood clotting.
The mucous membranes of the nose and mouth are exposed to dry air and become a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms. This provokes otitis, pneumonia, maxillary sinusitis, bronchitis, tracheitis, and other infectious diseases.
The benefit of a humidifier is to reduce the risk of these diseases, namely:
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Low humidification, which causes dry skin, flaking, irritation, and signs of aging.
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Possible dehydration that affects the body's immunity.
High dryness levels can have a negative effect on concentration and provoke fatigue and rapid fatigue. Such a device can also prolong the life of furniture and doors made of wood, which is known to be susceptible to deformation in low humidity.
For plants, the air humidifier is especially useful, contributing to their normal growth and development. According to doctors, the device has a significant impact on the eyes, namely, it helps to get rid of dryness. It eliminates the need for additional humidification of the mucous membranes.
Should you sleep with a humidifier?
Healthy sleep plays a decisive role in the condition of the body. But for it to be healthy and fulfilling, the air has to be fresh and the level of humidity has to be optimal. If a person does not sleep well, he will worry about headaches and experience irritability or severe fatigue. To ensure a healthy sleep, and forever forget about the headaches in the morning, it is recommended to buy a humidifier.
The humidifier can get rid of the dangerous phenomenon - night snoring
It causes a lot of inconveniences not only to the person himself but also to those around him. The danger is that he can develop hypoxia. He will wake up tired in the morning, and this condition will accompany him during the entire workday. Among the causes of snoring, experts refer not only to excess weight, abuse of bad habits but also to dry indoor air. It is enough to reach a humidity level of just 50%, and then the problem will be solved.
Parents should pay special attention to the quality of their child's sleep
There are many factors that can prevent your baby from sleeping, but one of the most common is dry air in an apartment. The problem can be solved by purchasing a humidifier. It will maintain optimum levels, ensure healthy sleep for both babies and adults, and therefore give a great start to the day.
In a house where there are young children and elderly people, a humidifier is a must. Thanks to it, all family members will sleep soundly and healthily, and throughout the day they will feel full of strength and energy. The only thing to remember is that the device will be beneficial and provide a healthy microclimate only if it is properly cared for.
The main rule is regular cleaning. Harmful bacteria accumulate inside the device during operation, so the device should be thoroughly washed. In addition, it is recommended to purchase a hygrostat. It will show the level of humidity in the room. Thanks to it you can control the indicator, and humidify the air as needed.
Why shouldn't you use a humidifier?
Even such a safety device can be harmful to human health. Ultrasonic humidifiers, just like steam humidifiers or traditional humidifiers should not be used uncontrollably.
Often ultrasonic humidifiers and the latest generation climate units combining humidifiers and air purifiers are not used for their intended purpose.
Humidifiers are used to relieve symptoms of the disease without trying to treat what caused the disease.
Such symptoms include:
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Headaches, migraines;
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First symptoms of colds;
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First symptoms of hypertension or hypotension.
Some unconscious shoppers find it easier to turn the knob on the next "device" than to start taking care of their health. This is a fundamentally flawed approach that can have serious health consequences later on.