We are frequently asked if a steam humidifier has any benefits, and the answer is yes!
All humidifiers increase the relative humidity in the air. This is important for your general comfort, but the increased humidity also helps moisten your nasal passages, which helps relieve allergy symptoms and skin irritations. This is really helpful for people who experience respiratory symptoms in the spring and summer months when the weather is hot, and the air contains more allergens.
Steam humidifiers work by boiling water inside the unit. This produces steam that humidifies your home. Since the water is boiled before it’s released, the steam is clean and hygienic.
There are many great benefits to a steam humidifier:
Preventing influenza: Authors of one study noted that steam humidifiers might reduce the risk of catching the flu. After adding the influenza virus to the air with a simulated cough, researchers found that humidity levels above 40 percent rapidly deactivated the virus particles, making them much less likely to be infectious.
Productive coughing: Dry air can cause you to have a dry, unproductive cough. Adding humidity to the air can get more moisture into your airways, which can make your cough more productive. A productive cough releases trapped or sticky phlegm.
Reduced snoring: Increasing the amount of moisture in the air can also reduce snoring. If the air is dry, your airways are less likely to be sufficiently lubricated, which can make snoring worse.
Healthier hair and skin: Some people notice that their skin, lips, and hair become dry and fragile in the winter. Many types of heating units pump hot, dry air through our homes and offices, which can make our skin dry, itchy, or flaky. Steam humidifiers help lubricate your hair, skin, and lips during the winter. They also make your room feel warm and cozy.
Adding a steam humidifier, like our OZARK, to your home is super easy. Our steam humidifiers are wickless, so all you have to do is fill the unit with water and plug it in! Once added to your home, you will likely notice fewer allergies, scratchy throats, nose bleeds, and electric shocks from static electricity. Your wooden floors, molding, furniture, and artwork will thank you too, as dry air can be detrimental to these aspects of your home.
Be careful when using a steam humidifier, as it does contain very hot water. For this reason, they are not a good choice for a child’s room (try one of our ultrasonic units instead).
As always AIRCARE is here for your humidity needs and knowledge. Feel free to give us a call today at 800-547-3888. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm CST, or email us at info@essickair.com.
