Humidifiers

[thereishope]

With fall weather approaching, it will soon be the time when I pull out the humidifiers for the bedroom. My PANDAS son usually really needs one because he lips get so chapped overnight. But, I started thinking about it and are humidifiers actually a breeding place for strep? A side note is that my 2 sons share a bedroom. If a child has strep, would that bacteria get reciruculated into the air by going through the fan of the humidifer? Even if it does, would it cause any greater risk at infection when compared to just breathing the same air as an infected person.Again, my concern over this is because of the shared bedroom.

 

Also, would I need to change the humifier filter every time one is sick?

 

I guess this question can spiral into filters in the home heating system. Should those get replaced after illness too?

[Suzan]

I don't know the answers to your questions specifically, but humidifiers stress me out. They are a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. I would look for a filterless and clean frequently. I hear every 3 days is recommended. I try not to use them now unless things get really bad in the winter because I can't stay on top of the cleaning. I don't know if it would spread illness any faster than normal daily contact though.

 

As far as the HVAC filters, I buy the allergen ones and change every 3 months. I wonder if buying the cheaper ones and change every month would be better?

 

Susan

[Suzan]

I did just find this online.....

 

"Steam vaporizers can be dangerous around children because they can cause burns. They also have the highest energy costs. However, there are no bacterial or mineral concerns with this technology. "

 

I didn't know this about steam vaporizer. I might get one to use but not in the kids bedroom, somewhere like the kitchen to just try to help with overall house humidity. Last year I was using a crock pot and just putting water in it and heating it up. It's probably the same principal. Glad to hear there were no bacterial concerns in doing that.

 

Susan

[thereishope]

Thanks for looking that up!

[KeithandElizabeth]

Hello:

 

Our immunologist told us to NOT use a humidifier because of mold allergies. And we had been using one all of these years.

 

elizabeth