Humidifiers

[Tryfan]

Hello and thanks for reading. Has anyone experience with the use of humidifiers. Diagnosed as an adult with Asthma last March, could coincide with moving house. However, in an attempt to help my wife purchased humidifiers which I use at night in the bedroom. I have a couple of concerns. 1. Is there any research on their use and ethicality. 2. They are damnably difficult to clean and was wondering if they could harbour bacteria as water does remain within the units often for several days.

Anybody any knowledge please.

Regards

David Jones

[O-T-]

Hi David, someone posted a while back that it is important to use filtered or distilled water to avoid powdery mineral deposits getting around the house, I don't know how much a problem it would be but they reckoned the wrong water could worsen asthma.

I expect the machine you have has a built-in humidity display/meter, however it might be of interest to have a separate hygrometer.

I don't use a humidifier but have several HEPA air purifiers which help. Houseplants too (though soil fungi probably pose an allergy risk). cheers, ollie

[ChrissieMons]

My GP just suggested I dry the washing on the radiators and always keep the bedroom windows open. There are also machines which claim to purify the air and some are convinced they work. I had one which turned the wall paper black (they sort of magentise the dust and suck it towards them) and I'm not sure it made any difference. It's all trial and error I'm afraid, to see what works for you. Keep a diary if you don't yet know what your triggers are.

[freefaller]

It is a tough one. If you feel this is doing you good then continue its use. Do not however use an ioniser. Unlike you I need to use a dehumidifier - a little easier to clean but still the water taken out of the air stays in there and can cause mould which is very bad for us