Humidifiers: Choosing the Best Humidifier for You
By Mercia Tapping, President, AllergyBuyersClub.com
HUMIDIFIERS: WHY USE THEM?
 Humidifiers - love them or hate them? First of all, let me
begin by saying that we are a great fan of increasing humidification
in winter months, especially for those of us who are in the
frozen north and have to live indoors all winter. However,
as a company we have had a love-hate relationship with humidifiers,
since many of them started to have reliability issues in recent
years, and customers began quite understandably to complain.
Our challenge has been to find a humidifier that does the job
but without the drawbacks or reliability problems of the past.
We recommend that indoor humidity levels in winter should
be around 30 to 40%. Wintry cold air holds less moisture, and
when it is heated indoors it becomes even drier, setting the
stage for itchy dry skin, sinus attacks, dry eyes and the like.
The good news is that humidifier technology has been improving
over the last couple of years and humidifiers are now easier
to maintain and do not spew out the white mineral dust which
causes respiratory problems. Some humidifiers are now even
quiet and don’t make the common gurgling sounds. We did
find however that there is a universal tendency for manufacturers
to exaggerate the square footage that is usually covered by
their humidifiers. We have adjusted our technical specification
charts on our web site to reflect what we believe to be the
real square foot coverage.
Here are some real benefits of a humidifier for your
home:
- Humidifiers reduce the possibility of winter infection
by keeping the mucous membranes moist and allowing the tiny
hairs in the nose and throat to work to expel any particles
that were suspended in the air.
- Dry aching sinuses receive a great deal of relief from
a humidified bedroom.
- Sleep with a snoring partner? Humidifiers relieve the
intensity and noise level of the snoring.
- Cold symptoms are greatly relieved by using a humidifier
in your bedroom at night.
- Dry, itchy skin is prevented, and chapped lips are relieved
with humidifiers
- Unpleasant static electricity shocks are reduced by humidifiers
- Valuable wood furniture and floors, musical instruments
are protected from cracking and warping.
Things to keep in mind when choosing a humidifier:
- Home humidifiers usually cover an area less than the manufacturer
states, so buy a larger size humidifier than you think you
need.
- Humidifiers will definitely add moisture to the air, but
you may not be able to reach the humidity level that you
want to achieve i.e. 30 to 40% with a small capacity humidifier
- Humidity over 50% encourages dust mites, and even higher
humidity levels encourage mold spore growth.
- The level of humidity that you can achieve is dependent
on the outdoor humidity.
None of our humidifiers
produce any white mineral dust which can be a by-product of some
other brands. The exception to that statement is a that our favorite
humidifier, the Air-O-Swiss,
will disperse white dust if softened water is used. |
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Humidifier
features to consider:
- All humidifiers have some level of "gurgling" sound
when the water in the tanks is drawn into the base of the units,
and the noise can be disconcerting if you are not expecting
it.
- Decide on area that you wish to be covered. Cool mist humidifiers
will cover a larger area, but since they are noisier, consider
placing them out of earshot.
- Digital humidistats in humidifiers are not very precise,
but they do give you an indication of level of room humidity,
and the best humidifiers will automatically shut off when the
required humidity is reached. Remember, over-humidification
can lead to mold, dust mite and bacteria growth.
- Warm mist humidifiers are usually quieter than cool mists.
The Air-O-Swiss ultrasonic
humidifiers are exceptionally quiet.
- Running costs of a ducted central humidifier, such as Desert
Spring solution are more energy efficient in the long
run, provided you have forced hot air heating and your furnace
can accommodate this type of solution. This kind of humidification
solution benefits the whole family and your furniture too.
- Hard water presents a problem for all humidifiers, and you
should expect the filters to need changing more often. On
the other hand, softened water can still be used in cool
mist humidifiers but not in the Air O
Swiss, as it would cause white dust to be dispersed.
Using distilled water is fine but only if you have a free
source, otherwise it adds to the running costs.
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- All humidifiers have some maintenance costs associated with
them and expect to pay between $30 to $50 for annual filter
or other replacement costs. Otherwise, throw machines away
after one season’s use. You do not want to run a dirty
humidifier.
- Most humidifiers are filled from the bottom of the water
tank, which then has to be turned over when full and heavy
with water. A somewhat awkward maneuver but some units are
easier than others.
- Most humidifiers are filled from the faucet, but the shape
of the tank determines which humidifier is easier to fit under
the faucet. The Hamilton
Beach Cool Mist gets good marks from us in this regard.
- All humidifiers have some parts that can be thrown into
the dishwasher for cleaning, and we suggest that you run these
parts through your dishwasher on a regular basis.
- Larger tanks allow the humidifier water to last longer,
but for instance, 5 gallons of water is still quite heavy for
most people and awkward to fill, so on the whole we opt for
smaller ones for sheer ease of use.
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TYPES OF HUMIDIFIERS
Cool Mist humidity is produced by blowing air over or through a wick in water. The
moist vapor is dispersed at room temperature. Cool Mists are
available in, central/whole house, multi room and single room
[tabletop] humidifiers. The Air O Swiss
7135 and Air O Swiss 7133 models are interesting choices because both
feature cool and warm mist options in one unit. The Air-O-Swiss
7131 and the Hamilton
Beach are both cool mist humidifiers we offer.
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Warm Mist usually
involves a heating element in the humidifier that heats the water
before dispersing it into the air. We have found that smaller,
less expensive warm mist humidifiers work much faster if you
fill them with warm water! The addition of a heating element,
usually has warm mist humidifiers being slightly more expensive
to buy initially, and are more costly to run. We used to sell
a few brands of warm mist humidifiers but found they were either
costly to maintain or malfunctioned. So we stopped carrying them.
We think that whether you prefer a cool or a warm mist humidifier,
is a matter of personal preference and geography.
The Air-O-Swiss
7135 and 7133 models are our best-selling warm mist humidifiers
and offer the added benefit of being able to run in a cool
or warm mist mode. Both of these models cover up to 600 sq.
ft. For a larger area, the Air-O-Swiss
7142 model covers up to 860 sq. ft. and is also both a
cool and warm mist humidifier in one.
Air Washers
We have never been great fans of air washers up till now, because
the earlier models had no way of regulating the amount of moisture
that was released in the air and so could cause mold problems.
In addition to that, air washers were being touted for their
particle removal capabilities without admitting that they remove
large dust particles or pet hair only and not the smaller lung
penetrating particles that really hurt you. Also glossed over
is the reality that with an air washer you do have to rinse out
a pan of dirty water on a frequent basis.
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However, the beauty
of the new Air-O-Swiss
Air Washer is that in addition to being a humidifier, it
traps pet hair, large dust and pollen particles in its base unit
and comes apart for
relatively easy cleaning. Also, unlike other air washers, this
one has a hygrostat for automatic monitoring of humidity levels.
It uses its patented mineral stick for anti-bacterial protection
of the standing water and requires no expensive replacement filters
unlike most humidifiers. Exceptionally fast and effective in
large areas up to 750 sq. ft, this unit is what you would want
to use in a larger space if you wanted a cool mist, and were
prepared for a quiet but not silent machine.
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There are three major sizes of humidifiers and they each have
a different gallon dispersion rating, as well as square footage
usually covered. Decide how much square footage you are aiming
to cover and how many rooms.
Portable
/Tabletop humidifiers are the least expensive and
best for a single room like a bedroom. Tabletop humidifiers
require the most frequent refilling and are available in both
warm and cool mist humidifier choices. If one had to talk in
generalities as to the difference between Warm and Cool Mist
humidifiers. Cool mist humidifiers are noisier but cheap and
easy to run, whereas warm mists are quieter but more trouble
to clean. Air-O-Swiss and Hamilton
Beach are both tabletop humidifiers that get very high
marks from our product testers.
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Room humidifiers are
larger than the tabletop versions and typically cover a larger
room area for humidifying. The Air-O-Swiss
7142 humidifier is ideal for a mid to large size room and
has both a cool and warm mist capability.
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Whole House
humidifiers can be used if you have forced air heating
and duct work. These humidifiers are installed in your heating/air
conditioning system and run silently with no need to refill.
The replaceable filter only needs to be cleaned once a season.
While being the most expensive to buy up front, they can be
economical in the long run. The Desert
Spring Whole House Furnace Humidifier covers up to 3200
sq. ft and is virtually maintenance-free.
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WARM OR COOL MIST? WHICH HUMIDIFIER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Cool Mist Humidifier Pluses
- Cool mist humidifiers are easier to clean (all water tanks
should be rinsed every few days)
- Will cover a larger area
Cool Mist Humidifier Minuses
- Slightly noisier than warm mist units due to the fan noise
- You can hear the water gurgle when it flows out of the tank
- Cool mist can feel slightly cool and clammy at certain room
temperatures
Warm Mist Humidifier Pluses
- They are quieter than cool mist units
- Warm mist humidifiers feel the most comfortable especially
in Northern winters
Warm Mist Humidifier Minuses
- Warm mist humidifiers in general require frequent cleaning,
and are harder to clean than cool mist humidifiers. An exception
to that rule is the Air-O-Swiss models that feature a dual
mode machine.
- Warm mist machines cover a smaller area than cool mist humidifiers,
often no more than one decent sized bedroom
- The boiling sound can often be heard on high speed but it
is not a noise issue for most people
- The gurgling sound can be heard when it flows out of the
tank humidifier
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Humidifier
Brand Profiles and Comparisons
Review the differences in home humidifiers to decide which is
best for you. Our humidifier featured brands include comparisons
of Air-O-Swiss and Hamilton Beach. Room humidifiers are small and
portable, and are the ones most often used by our customers in
their bedrooms. Most of the Air-O-Swiss humidifiers can operate
in either warm or cool mist modes.
Air-O-Swiss
7135 and 7133 Humidifiers
- Warm and Cool Mist
- Our Category Winner
- Can run as both a warm or cool mist machine.
- Very fast output of water vapor and can control mist
intensity.
- Almost totally silent
- Built in Humidistat to control humidity levels
- Should not be used with softened water otherwise will
disperse white dust
- Yearly replacement costs are on the high side
- Covers up to 600 sq. ft
- The Air O Swiss 7135 (top right) features digital controls while Air O Swiss 7133 (bottom right) has a manual control.
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Air-O-Swiss
Air Washer
- In addition to being a humidifier, it traps pet hair,
large dust and pollen particles in its base unit, which can
be easily rinsed and cleaned out
- Uses an Ionic Mineral Stick for anti-bacterial protection
of the water, and requires no expensive replacement filters
unlike most humidifiers
- Unlike other air washers, the 2055D model is equipped
with a humidistat to monitor humidity levels throughout its
use
- By having the single unit clean and humidify the room,
there is more space as compared to having multiple units
to perform the same tasks
- The room air can be humidified and scented at the same
time by placing a piece of cotton wool which has been sprinkled
with a fragrance into the fragrance capsule.
- Water container tray is not sealed so there is possibility
of spillage when cleaning
- Awkward and heavy to carry which may cause problems for
the elderly or those with arthritis
- Does not effectively clean the air as compared to having
a separate air purifier
- Due to the small opening, cleaning the tank can be difficult
and more time consuming
- Covers up to 750 sq. ft.
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Air-O-Swiss
7142 - Warm and Cool Mist
- Ionic Silver Stick keeps the water pure by killing bacteria
and viruses
- Demineralization cartridge prevents lime scales and mineral
residues
- Has built in humidistat to help control humidity
- Near silent
- Transparent tank which makes it easier to see water level.
- Larger capacity for area covered-about 850 sq feet.
- Needs cleaning once a week or every 2 weeks depending
on use
- Occasionally needs new demineralization cartridge
- Covers
up to 860 sq. ft.
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Air-O-Swiss
7131 – Cool Mist
- Ionic Silver Stick keeps the water pure by killing bacteria
and viruses
- Demineralization cartridge prevents limescales and mineral
residues
- Has built in humidistat to help control humidity
- Near Silent
- Transparent tank which makes it easier to see water level
- Needs cleaning once a week or every 2 weeks depending
on use
- Occasionally needs new demineralization cartridge
- Only suitable for a small room – covers up to 540
sq. ft.
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Hamilton
Beach Humidifier - Cool Mist
- Good for people who want a well made economical humidifier
with several parts that can be thoroughly cleaned in a dishwasher
- Humidifiers require filter changing a few times a season,
but base pan parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher
- Digital humidity readings a plus but a little unreliable
in precise accuracy
- Terrific value for money
- Very reliable
- The quietist of the conventional cool mist humidifiers
- Inexpensive to run
- These cool mists are basically a fan blowing through a
wet filter.
- The filter prevents the white dust and should be changed
every three months
- The humidifiers should be cleaned weekly
- They are quiet on low fan speed only
- Humidifier will keep running when tank is empty
- Covers up to 1200 sq. ft.
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See All Humidifiers
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Balloon Sinuplasty
By
Murray Grossan MD
Seems that more persons have heard about this procedure than
about Superman’s Return.
I get asked about this wherever I go. At a recent wedding,
I was asked more questions about this than about the wedding
cake.
Essentially the procedure is used to open the ostia (opening
of the sinus cavity). Some of these ostia have become closed
or reduced by repeated infections or swelling. Some have become
narrowed by extra bone being laid down.
Once the ostia is narrowed or closed, a warm humid environment
is created for bacteria growth. Cilia are unable to move the
bacteria out of the sinus cavity – therefore they multiply.
Because of the closure, there are two factors that create pain:
the pressure built up by inflammation and fluid material, and
the vacuum pressure created by the closure. The vacuum comes
from the fact that the oxygen in the cavity is absorbed, so
that the inside pressure is 10 pounds, and outside atmospheric
pressure is 15 pounds. It’s like having a 5-pound weight
on your eye. This vacuum pressure is often much more painful
than a bacterial infection.
Once the closed sinus is reopened, healing can take place,
even in a badly diseased sinus cavity. The pressures are equalized;
the bacteria can be swept out by the cilia.
One method of opening the closed sinus is to enlarge the
opening. This is fairly easy to do by using instruments to
punch out the opening. This would be like using a chisel to
enlarge a wooden doorway.
The balloon method is to place a balloon into the opening
and enlarge it. This enlargement pushes the tissue aside gently
and is supposed to be less traumatic than the surgical method.
The proponents claim there is less chance for re-closure to
take place. The technique is too new to know about the permanence.
For the maxillary sinus, or the sphenoid, the techniques
for enlarging the openings seem adequate.
For the Frontal Sinus, the balloon method has distinct advantages.
This opening is long and tortuous, and simply punching holes
to get it open is not easy.
With the Balloon method, a wire stylet is placed through
the natural opening. Sometimes you need that just to find the
opening. This maneuver is guided by Fluoroscopy, in order to
place the guide wire correctly. Once the wire is known to be
placed correctly, a flattened balloon is guided over the wire,
until it is at the natural opening, and then it is inflated.
This inflation pushes aside the blockage, gets air into the
closed cavity, and gets the bacteria out.
This method is similar to the method used to open blocked
arteries and veins.
Dr Martin Hopp at Tower ENT is pleased with the results he
has obtained for Frontal Sinus Disease. The procedure is followed
by Pulsatile Irrigation in order to clear disease and to help
maintain the opening.
One caveat is that rarely is a single sinus involved in disease.
Often the ethmoids may be involved in addition to the frontal
or maxillary, so diligent post –op care is necessary,
hence the regime of pulsatile irrigation.
Pulsatile irrigation is also tried before sinus surgery of
any sort in order to restore nasal cilia function, remove thick
mucus that may be blocking the sinus, and reduce edema/swelling
that may be a blocking factor. Only when this are other non – surgical
techniques fail is surgery recommended.
Dr Murray Grossan's website is Hydromedonline.com/
His product,the Grossan
Hydropulse Nasal Irrigator, is available
through AllergyBuyersClub.com, and is featured below.
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Grossan Hydropulse Nasal Irrigator
Do you know anyone who gets sinus infections and wakes up with agonizing nasal pain or headaches? Then the award winning and well researched Grossan Nasal Irrigator will be the answer to their prayers. Designed to give relief and prevention from sinus infections, the gentle pulsatile irrigation system really does work.
For More Details...
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Foods
for Sinus / Allergy Health
By Murray Grossan MD
Eating for sinus disease.
You are what you eat, so be careful if your total diet is
only corn dogs.
The science of foods vs sinus disease is still unsettled.
If you read various newsletters, it seems that every month
there is a new food touted as a cure all.
Food facts that are definite and have stood the test of time
however include:
- You can be allergic to certain foods and they can congest
the sinuses and cause headaches. Unfortunately for me, I
am allergic to all the low calorie foods – watermelon,
all melons.
- Certain foods do open the nose up – horseradish,
garlic, Cajun spice which contains cayenne pepper.
- Certain foods stimulate the movement of cilia and mucus
in the lungs and nose including chicken soup and green/black
tea
- Having breakfast in bed can beneficial to your allergy,
sinus and chest condition.
- Milk is not by itself a mucus producer, unless you happen
to be allergic to it.
Most doctors agree that getting vitamins, minerals, etc.
by diet is better than by supplements. There are specific exceptions
of course, but for most “essential” vitamins, food
source beats pill source.
All doctors agree that taking mega doses of vitamins in not
desirable. In the 40’s people took huge doses of vitamin
D for arthritis and some died as a result.
Most agree that the standard one a day vitamin pill is probably
a good idea. These are designed to follow the American Medical
Association recommended dose of Vitamin A, D, E, Thiamine,
Riboflavin, B6, Folic Acid, B12, and C. Some add Zinc, Magnesium
and Selenium and most of the commercial products follow the
recommended doses.
I must stress the importance of avoiding mega doses of “natural” vitamins.
I have seen some fairly convincing studies of good results
for various conditions with mega doses of vitamins or minerals,
but unless there is real proof of the safety of these doses,
I can’t recommend them to my patients. I still remember
the Vitamin D disaster.
However there are specific conditions where your doctor may
recommend a dose larger than the “AMA recommended” daily
dose. For example a larger dose of Vitamin A for certain skin
conditions.
What foods can help a chronic sinus condition?
Foods rich in antioxidants are recommended.
Beta Carotene helps make healthy mucus membranes. It is converted
to Vitamin A in the body. Those foods rich in Beta Carotene
include Apricots, Asparagus, Beef liver, broccoli, sweet potato,
yellow corn.
Vitamin C foods are recommended for their antihistamine effect:
Broccoli, oranges, papaya, red, green, or yellow peppers, strawberries,
sweet potato, and tomato juice.
Vitamin E foods tend to boost a person’s immune system.
It is an antioxidant: Almonds, corn oil, peanut butter, safflower
oil, salmon, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.
Fish oils such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 provide the essential
fatty acids that seem to reduce inflammation and promote sinus
health. These are found in oily fish products such as anchovy,
herring, herring and sardines.
Many people are sensitive to yellow dye – Tartrazine – Yellow
Number 5. Foods containing these include certain breakfast
cereals, pies, canned puddings, etc.
Another common sensitivity is that due to Sulphites. These
are contained in fried fruits, wines, French fried potatoes
and chips, and pickles.
A common sensitivity is that due to MSG that is in Chinese
foods.
These sensitivities – Tartrazine, Sulphites and MSG
are not allergies, but rather sensitivities to these chemicals.
Getting light headed and dizzy after a Chinese meal is due
to the MSG.
For many of my patients, adherence to a “healthy” diet
has been important in keeping their sinus conditions under
control.
As for food allergies, you can be allergic to almost any
one – eggs, milk, gluten, etc. Blood test assays can
help make a diagnosis but self testing is most important. If
you suspect a food, avoid it for a week. Then eat it in large
quantities for a week. If the allergy comes on, then you have
made a diagnosis.
For example, you suspect apples. Avoid them for a week. Now
eat raw apples – 3 or more / day. If allergy symptoms
come on, you have made a diagnosis. However, cooked or canned
apples or applesauce may not cause symptoms because the cooking/canning
breaks up the larger molecules.
Excuse me now, writing this article has made me hungry.
Dr Murray Grossan's website may be found
here, at http://www.hydromedonline.com/
His product, the Grossan
Hydropulse Nasal Irrigator, is available through AllergyBuyersClub.com,
and is featured above this article.
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