As cold and flu season approaches, you will likely be restocking your cabinets with medications for the common cold. A popular remedy for congestion, dryness, and other symptoms of the common cold is humidifiers or vaporizers. Though they can seem similar, these devices have differences.
Should You Buy a Vaporizer or Humidifier?
Humidifiers and vaporizers add humidity to the air but in different ways. It’s important to understand the distinction between the two so you can decide which fits your needs.
A vaporizer heats water to extreme temperatures to release steam into the air. It features an internal water heater that boils the water before releasing it into the air, creating a warm mist.
A humidifier uses an ultrasonic part to convert water into an ultra-fine, cool air mist. Some humidifiers do not feature an ultrasonic part and use an internal wick filter and fan to achieve the same effect.
Both machines serve the same purpose – they add humidity to your air to alleviate any symptoms which could be exacerbated by dryness.
Pros and Cons of Vaporizers
Vaporizers are great because they create steam with fewer contaminants, due to the high heat water is boiled at to create the steam. However, vaporizers get very hot, and could easily burn the skin of someone who handles them without proper caution. Vaporizers can also build mineral deposits, which can harm the quality of steam they produce and create bacteria build-up within the tank.
Pros and Cons of Humidifiers
Humidifiers create moisture with a cold mist, so the burn potential associated with vaporizers is not a concern with humidifiers. Some humidifiers have the option to warm the mist before its released, so you can still enjoy the soothing effects of warm moisture. Humidifiers are less likely to develop mineral deposits as well. However, humidifiers tend to be more costly than vaporizers.
Conclusion
Adding humidity to your home can help lessen the symptoms caused by the common cold, allergies, skin conditions, COVID-19, and more. Both vaporizers and humidifiers release moisturized air into your home, just with different methods. You should choose whichever makes the most sense for you and your family.
Sources:
Humidifier vs. vaporizer: A guide to the best choice (medicalnewstoday.com)
Vaporizer vs. Humidifier: Your Guide to the Best Choice (verywellhealth.com)
