A dry ambient atmosphere can harm your health in many ways. However, most people living in cold and dry climatic conditions have to tolerate dry weather for many months in a year. Fortunately, many devices are available in the market that can add some moisture to the room.
So if you are troubled with long and dry winters, then you should get a light up humidifier for yourself. Modern machines use technology (polymer mist technology) so that the mist generated does not return to surfaces like table tops. Moreover, the spray volumes are large enough to quickly raise the relative humidity levels inside a room.
How Does A Humidity Generator Work?
There are several ways by which a device can produce a mist in the air. Some of the common techniques used for producing misty air are discussed here.
- Impeller-based devices – In these devices, an impeller that is the rotating part of a pump is used to produce a mist.
- In ultrasound-based devices – In these devices, ultrasonic vibrations are used to produce mist.
- Steam-based devices – In this case, electric current is used to produce steam which is then cooled before it leaves the machine.
- Evaporation-based devices – Here, a fan evaporates a liquid that is made to rise up in a thin wick. The fan helps produce a mist that is released into the air.
How Does A Humidity Generator Help?
A mist-creating machine can be of different types based on the mechanism used to produce the mist. Some types, like those on steam, should be avoided when you have young children. But these devices are generally safe for children as well as older adults.
Using a device that increases the relative humidity in a room on a hot, dry day has several health advantages. One of the most obvious advantages of using a humidifier is preventing dry skin. So here are some of the ways in which moist air can help protect your skin in the dry months.
How Does Moisture In The Air Help Against Dry Skin?
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Maintaining the natural oil of the skin
The human skin naturally produces several oil-like substances like sebum that keep the outer body surface naturally moist. However, during the winters, when the ambient air becomes extremely dry, it becomes difficult for the outer surface of the body to maintain its natural oils.
But if you use a humidifier, the skin is not subjected to extreme dryness, and this helps conserve the essential oils.
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Preventing the loss of water from the skin
When the air around your body has very less moisture, the natural moisture in your skin is pulled out. However, when you artificially increase the relative humidity of the air, the moisture content of your skin remains intact.
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Preventing itchiness and rashes
When the body lacks moisture, it becomes itchy. You may get nasty bruises and cuts if you keep itching for a long time. So if you wish to avoid nasty cuts, use a humidifier when the air gets dry.
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Prevents nasty dandruff in your hair
Dandruff is the dry, flaky piece of your scalp that you can spot in dry weather. Dandruff can make your scalp itchy and also impact your overall appearance. So if you do not want to be embarrassed by dandruff on your head, you must use an air humidifier when it becomes dry.
How Do Humidifiers Help In Sinus Problems?
Extremely dry air is not only bad for the external body surface but also for your respiratory system. Sinuses are the spaces behind your cheeks, nose, and forehead. They are usually not congested with excess mucus. However, when the ambient air becomes very dry, then, the lining that covers the sinus becomes irritated and inflamed.
When the lining of the nose is inflamed, more mucus is produced to counter irritation. And this can lead to nasal congestion (stuffy nose). There are several ways in which moist air can help ease the problems related to an irritated, inflamed or congested (mucus-filled) sinus.
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Moist Air Can Help Loosen The Mucus
Many experts believe that moisture in the air can make the mucus loose, which can easily drain out of the sinus. Thus, a humidifier can effectively deal with the congestion or stuffy nose created by a thick mucus layer.
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Moist Air Can Prevent The Irritation Of The Nasal Linings
Dry air irritates and inflames the nasal lining. But if you use a humidifier throughout winter, your sinuses may be spared all the irritation and inflammation.
Thus devices that add moisture to the air can be of great help if you suffer from chronic sinus-related problems. But the devices must be of the right size and design to be effective. So some tips for buying the best product are listed in the paragraph below.
How To Choose The Right Humidifier?
A device is only useful if you get the specifications right. So some quick tips to make a worthy purchase are as follows.
- Choose the correct size- This depends on the size of your room. If your device has a high capacity and you have a small room, too much mist will be created. Too much mist is counterproductive, so buying the right capacity device is vital to realize all the benefits of a humidity generator.
- Choose a design that is easy to clean- All devices need regular cleaning. If you buy a device that is difficult to clean, the mist produced may contain potential allergens. The allergens can cause harm if they evoke a full-fledged immune response. So buying a device that is easy to clean is always advisable.
Conclusion
A humidity generator is a great investment if you have a chronic problem of sinus or itchy skin during the winter months. If you buy the correct type of device, you will not get itchy skin, rashes and a stuffy nose the next time you are in a cold place. However, the device should be cleaned and well-maintained to maximize benefits.