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Humidifier and Vaporizer
Reference Humidifiers and vaporizers Opens New Window add moisture to the air, making it less drying to your mouth, throat, and nose. A humidifier blows cool to lukewarm mist into the air, and a vaporizer puts out hot steam.
The mist from a humidifier may be more comfortable to breathe than hot steam. But humidifiers are noisy, produce particles that may be irritating to some people, and need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Cleaning is especially important for people who have mold allergies.
A vaporizer's hot steam is germ-free and may feel good when you have a cold. But the hot water can burn anyone who overturns or gets too close to the device.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 13, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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