Lifestyle
Why You Need a Humidifier in Every Room
Updated: November 9, 2020
Originally Published: April 12, 2019
The most frightening moment of my life was when my infant son, Leo, caught the flu. As a parent who firmly believes in timely vaccinations, I never expected him to get sick—he was too young for the flu shot, and we had all been vaccinated. Yet, despite our precautions, he fell ill.
For days, he was lethargic and visibly uncomfortable. I couldn’t sleep, consumed by worry that his temperature would rise dangerously high or that he might stop breathing. It was an utterly terrifying experience.
A year later, I took Leo to the pediatrician for a nagging cough that kept him awake at night, leaving him exhausted during the day. The doctor couldn’t diagnose him with asthma yet, but prescribed a nebulizer that helped him breathe freely again.
Those early years of motherhood taught me valuable lessons about health. Before Leo, I had taken my well-being for granted, living a carefree life in a beautiful studio on the top floor of a high-rise. Dust was a constant battle; I tried to keep it at bay, especially when hosting friends with allergies, but it was never a priority.
Fast forward two decades: I married Alex, who suffers from dust allergies, and I discovered that my own skin was incredibly sensitive. Leo still grapples with respiratory issues, and my younger son, Max, seems to be following in his footsteps. The haunting memory of Leo battling the flu still lingers in my mind.
Eager to find ways to keep my family healthy, I embraced vaccinations but realized the importance of holistic solutions as well. I experimented with various trendy health products, but one crucial item slipped my mind: the humidifier.
When Leo first faced breathing challenges, his pediatrician recommended a humidifier to add moisture to the air. It worked wonders, helping him sleep better and easing his coughing. After our move a few months later, I neglected to set it up again, forgetting its benefits for years until I was reminded recently.
Humidifiers are like the unsung heroes of household appliances. They not only add moisture to the air, promoting better respiratory health, but they also have numerous underrated benefits. For instance, a study revealed that dry air—not cold weather—is what allows the flu to thrive in winter. Researchers used a cough simulator to disperse the flu virus in air with varying humidity levels. Their findings showed that, after 24 hours, 100% of the virus in humid conditions was eliminated, while 60% thrived in dry air!
This insight suggests that we may be more susceptible to the flu in our warm, dry homes during winter than we realize. If that’s not enough reason to have a humidifier in every room, consider this: when I relocated to California, I struggled with persistent dryness—flaky skin and itching became my norm. Despite trying high-end lotions and drinking plenty of water, I couldn’t regain my radiant complexion.
The dry air was to blame! Once we began using the humidifier again for Leo, I quickly noticed improvements in my skin texture. Those expensive creams finally began to work instead of just sitting on the surface.
Moreover, humidifiers can help reduce snoring by maintaining moisture in the air, which can also alleviate “sick building syndrome” symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue, in environments with recycled air, like offices or hospitals. They can even lessen allergy symptoms.
Amidst the constant influx of new wellness trends, it can be challenging to discern what truly works. Fortunately, humidifiers pose no risk—they simply require water and electricity. If they work for you, wonderful! If not, no harm done.
At best, you might enjoy glowing skin and a quieter night’s sleep; at worst, your plants will flourish in the humid environment. That sounds like a win/win to me!
For more insights on family health, check out our blog on home insemination kits. If you’re looking for expert advice on parenting, visit parenthood stories. For information on fertility treatments, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource.
Summary
Humidifiers are essential appliances that can enhance your family’s health by adding moisture to the air, which aids in better breathing, combats flu viruses, and improves skin hydration. They also help reduce snoring and symptoms associated with dry environments. By using a humidifier, you can create a healthier living space for everyone in your home.