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Humidifier types
The two most common types
of humidifiers are ultrasonic
and evaporative.
Ultrasonic humidifiers use a
vibrating nebulizer to release a
visible cool or warm mist,
producing little, if any, noise.
Some people prefer this type
of humidifier because it is
considered safer, in that there
is no hot water present in the
unit and therefore no risk of
scalding since the unit does
not heat the water in any way.
Evaporative humidifiers blow
air over a wet wick and add
moisture to the air as water
evaporates, creating an
invisible cool mist. The wick
must be replaced periodically.
Evaporative humidifiers are
considered louder than
ultrasonics.—DLM
ooling weather and spending
more time indoors can lead to a
host of health issues, from dry
skin and cracked lips to dry air-
ways that can lead to sinus congestion
and other problems. A humidifier may
help. Here’s the lowdown.
“Indoor winter air evaporates mois-
ture from the skin,” says Traci Gonzales,
an advanced practice registered nurse,
certified pediatric nurse practitioner and
certified asthma educator, who is a
spokesperson for the American Lung
Association. “Dry air decreases the
amount of moisture in the respiratory
tract: nose, sinuses, throat and lungs. Dry
airways and mucous membranes are sus-
ceptible to nosebleeds and sinus conges-
tion, and can’t filter dust, allergens and
viruses as well as they should.”
A humidifier increases indoor humid-
ity to between ;; and ;; percent. This is
the optimum range recommended by
health professionals. The moist air can
soothe dry skin, sore throats and irritated
airways; relieve eczema; and moisturize
dry mucous membranes in the nose,
allowing them to do a better job of filter-
ing dust, allergens and viruses and help
the body defend itself against illness.
Moisturized indoor air also provides
comfort by helping to relieve sore throats,
nosebleeds and sinus congestion, as well
as cold and flu symptoms. Additionally,
humidifiers may help you sleep better
at night by relieving dry cough and
irritated airways.
Brooklyn, New York, Costco member
Suzanne McCoy bought an ultrasonic
humidifier last winter. She reports, “It
really made the difference and helped
my daughter sleep at night without
dry coughing.”
Debbie L. Miller lives in Brooklyn, New York,
and specializes in health writing.
C
Safety tips
Play misty
for me
A humidifier can help
combat the problems
that come with fall’s dry air
by DEBBIE L. MILLER
COSTCO
CONNECTION
Costco members will find both
ultrasonic and evaporative
humidifiers in the warehouses
and on Costco.com.