5 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Humidifier

Static hair, nosebleeds and cracked skin are all signs that dry, cold winter weather has arrived. Great. People with seasonal allergies may notice other discomforts like irritated sinuses or eczema, too, according to Anju Peters, an allergist and immunologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  One solution that can provide relief? The humidifier. Basically, it’s a small machine that puts moisture back in the air, Peters explained. “You may feel more comfortable breathing. Your nose might feel better. And your skin might feel better,” she said. They can be really helpful for people who live in cold, dry climates, Peters said. But humidifiers are not necessarily a cure-all for everyone, she added. And they won’t necessarily help you get over a cold any faster. “Most [winter colds] are viral infections that need to run their course,” Peters said. A humidifier may make it feel more comfortable if an infection causes dryness ― but they haven’t been proven to actually help you heal, she explained. Here are five tips for getting the most out of your humidifier: 1. Keep humidity between 30 and 50 percent Putting moisture back in the air is what provides relief to dry, irritate skin and nasal passages, but too much moisture can invite a host of other problems, like dust mites and mold. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping humidity below 50 percent. And keeping humidity above 30 percent should still feel comf...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news