Humidifiers
The use of a humidifier in a child’s bedroom during the winter can help keep mucous membranes moist and healthy—but poorly maintained humidifiers can be the source of infection.
The nose, throat, and lungs work best when the air has a relative humidity of about 40 percent. If the air during the winter falls below that level, moisture will be absorbed into the heated air from the mucous membranes. Since dried mucous membranes cannot clean themselves, they become more vulnerable to invasion from cold viruses. A well-maintained humidifier can keep the air humid and nose and throat moist.
However, it is important that the device be used correctly. If the air becomes too humid, or the machine is not properly cleaned, mold and dust mites can multiply. To keep the risk of infection from molds or bacteria to a minimum, the humidity should not be allowed to rise above 40 percent. In addition, the water reservoir in the humidifier should be cleaned daily with a vinegar solution.
