Why humidifiers can help with allergies?
Humidifiers, apart from the function of adding moisture to the indoor air to prevent dryness in certain season just as its name indicates, have more benefits for health than you expected. Have a look right now!
Well-balanced humidity helps prevent allergies.
Our skin actually suffers from dry conditions significantly. Many people have dry, scaly, and itchy skin during winter (or during summer like California). This form of eczema commonly referred as winter itch, is caused by the lack of moisture in your skin. Dry air not only makes the skin dry at the surface, but also draws the moisture out from inside, generating small cracks. These cracks will cause discomfort and even create potential pathways for infection. When humidity levels are too low, your nasal passages can become irritated, which can further aggravate existing allergy symptoms. So using a humidifier can help ease this problem.
However, it is suggested to use it cleverly. If you or your child has allergies, ask doctor for advice about using a humidifier correctly. Because although increased humidity indeed can be helpful to deal with allergies, dirty mist or increased growth of allergens like dust mites (living in soft furnishings such as beds, bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, soft toys and clothing; thriving in humidity levels at and above 70% particularly when combined with temperatures of 20-25 degrees Celsius; reduced when the relative humidity is below 60%), mold (Humidity levels of 70% are ideal for mould growth, though it can grow at any level above 55%), and pollen caused by high humidity can trigger or worsen allergy symptoms.
This is why well-balanced humidity levels are crucial for keeping allergies at bay.
What kind of humidifier is suitable for the allergic?
1. Substantial room coverage – Larger room coverage will ensure that larger areas of your house remain comfortable for you. Generally speaking, humidifiers with a tank capacity of 1 gallon or more will be able to run for up to 30 hours before having to be refilled (depends on the model and brand that you’re using).
2. Medicinal cup or compatibility with essential oils – You can add medicinal inhalants to medicinal cups built into humidifiers for added relief from cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. Essential oils like lavender and peppermint can help alleviate allergic reactions.
3. Easy to clean – This is an essential requirement if you’re planning to use a humidifier for allergies. An awkwardly shaped humidifier will be challenging to clean and may leave places for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow. When left unchecked, these microorganisms can be released into the air when you use your humidifier.
4. With a filter – If you want your humidifier to get rid of allergens, you’ll want one that has a filter. A filter effectively removes air pollutants as well as prevent white dust from spreading.
