Can A Humidifier Make You Sick?
Humidifiers are devices that add moisture to the air, typically for the purpose of alleviating dryness and congestion. A humidifier can help if you have trouble breathing, or if your sinuses are dry and irritated. There are two types of humidifiers: warm mist and cool mist.
Warm mist humidifiers work by boiling water to create steam, which is then released into the air. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, use a fan to blow air through a wet wick or pad, which evaporates the water and releases moisture into the air.
Humidifiers are completely safe to use, but only if you are taking proper maintenance. Most of the time, people don’t clean or replace humidifier filters for months, and when they catch allergies, they start blaming humidifiers.
Medical research conducted by the National Library of Medicines proves that humidifiers help a lot in flue like symptoms. So, Can a humidifier make you sick? Well, certainly not. A humidifier is useful for controlling bacterial growth by keeping indoor humidity levels in control.
Dirty humidifiers can surely cause humidifier sickness which can be due to the dust particles, and mold growth present in the appliance, which is being released into the air when the appliance is working.
Having said that, we will have further discussion on this topic below.
What Causes Humidifier sickness?
Humidifiers are not made to make people sick, but there is a chance that you can get sick from using one. The most common ways that people get sick from humidifiers are by using them improperly or by not cleaning them regularly.
If you use a humidifier without following the instructions, you could be putting yourself at risk for sickness. For example, if you do not clean your humidifier regularly, it could grow bacteria and mold. These can cause respiratory problems, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
It is also important to make sure that you are using the right type of water in your humidifier. If you use tap water, it could contain minerals that can build up in the humidifier and be released into the air. These minerals can cause respiratory problems.
We penned down a guide on what type of water you should use in a humidifier, and also shared a tutorial on making distilled water at home, make sure you read them later.
The best way to avoid getting sick from a humidifier is to follow the instructions and clean it regularly. If you have any concerns, you should speak with your doctor.
1. Not Cleaning the Humidifier
One of the most common ways that people get sick from using a dirty humidifier, or not cleaning and disinfecting it properly. If you do not clean your humidifier, it could grow bacteria and mold. These can cause respiratory problems, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
To clean your humidifier, you should follow the instructions in the manual. Most humidifiers will need to be cleaned at least once a week. Some of the things you will need to do to clean your humidifier include:
- Empty the water tank
- Wipe down the inside of the water tank
- Clean any detachable parts
- Run vinegar or bleach through the humidifier
- Rinse the humidifier
- Dry the humidifier
If you do not clean your humidifier, it could grow bacteria and mold. These can cause respiratory problems, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Water
It is also important to make sure that you are using the right type of water in your humidifier. If you use tap water that contains minerals, these minerals can be released into the air along with the water vapor. Inhaling these mineral particles can cause respiratory problems.
To avoid this, use distilled water or demineralized water in your humidifier. You can buy distilled water at most supermarkets, or you can make it yourself by boiling water and then allowing it to cool.
3. Using it continuously without monitoring the humidity levels
If you use your humidifier continuously without monitoring the humidity levels, it can lead to problems. If the humidity level in your room becomes too high, it can create an environment that is conducive to the growth of mold and mildew. These can cause respiratory problems, such as allergies and asthma.
To avoid this, make sure to monitor the humidity levels using a hygrometer, and turn off the humidifier when the desired indoor humidity levels are achieved.
How bad can a dirty humidifier be for your health?
If you do not clean your humidifier, it could grow bacteria and mold. These can cause respiratory problems, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Inhaling these particles can worsen asthma and allergies.
A dirty humidifier can also be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold. If you have a weakened immune system, you may be at risk for serious respiratory infections.
Can using the wrong type of water in a humidifier make you sick?
If you use water that contains minerals, these minerals can be released into the air along with the water vapor. Inhaling these mineral particles can cause respiratory problems. To avoid this, use distilled water or demineralized water in your humidifier.
The Benefits of Using A Humidifier
A humidifier is very beneficial during the winter months when the air is dry. It helps to add moisture to the air and prevents a number of health problems that are caused by dry air. These problems include:
- Static electricity
- Dry skin
- Cracked lips
- Dry sinuses
- Nosebleeds
- Coughing
- Sore throats
- Asthma and allergies
A humidifier can also help to prevent furniture from drying out and cracking.
FAQs
Why do I feel sick after using a humidifier?
It is possible to feel sick after using a humidifier if you are not used to the increased humidity levels. If the humidifier is not used properly, it can also lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, which can cause respiratory problems.
Is it good to sleep with a humidifier?
Sleeping with a humidifier can be beneficial as it can help to relieve congestion and dryness. However, it is important to ensure that the humidifier is set to the correct level and that it is cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Is it okay to use tap water in humidifier?
No, it is not recommended to use tap water in humidifier as it can contain contaminants that can be released into the air. It is best to use distilled or filtered water to fill the humidifier.
What happens if you don’t use distilled water in humidifier?
If you don’t use distilled water in your humidifier, the water can contain contaminants that can be released into the air. This can cause respiratory problems, particularly for people with allergies or asthma.
How often should I clean my humidifier?
It is important to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Most manufacturers recommend that you clean the humidifier weekly.