Humidifiers are devices that add moisture to the air, boosting the level of moisture or humidity by releasing water vapour or steam.
Having a humidifier in your home or in the office provides several health benefits, thanks to the higher level of moisture in the air, especially if you’re used to having the air-conditioning on all day. Dry, cooler air makes the humidity levels drop, which will potentially cause dry skin, scratchy throats and other health hazards.
A humidifier can also soothe or even prevent health-related issues due to dry air, by cutting down on the transmission of viruses.
Here are a few more reasons why you should consider getting a humidifier:
1. Better skin and hair
As dry air pulls moisture from the skin, this can cause you to have itchy, irritated skin, a flaky scalp and in worse cases, chapped lips. In addition, your hands are especially prone to this, as it has fewer oil glands than other parts of the body, causing your palms to feel drier and start to crack and peel. Using lotion and lip balm might help, but having a humidifier will also contribute to naturally rehydrating your skin and alleviate symptoms of dry skin.
2. Reduces spread of germs
By adding moisture to the air, this lowers the risk of transmitting the flu, particularly the influenza virus. Research has shown that in drier conditions, the flu virus was able to survive longer and spread easier. Having a humidifier will help to reduce the risk of catching the flu — but of course, you should also do other things to prevent this such as disinfecting your home regularly and washing your hands as often as possible.
3. Protect and soothe your throat
Air that has too little moisture will leave your throat feeling dry and scratchy — if the condition persists, this can cause your throat to feel more irritated. Having an optimal level of humidity in your space can help to soothe your throat by getting more moisture into the airways, helping you to release sticky phlegm by loosening congestion.
4. Reduce snoring
Are you suffering from sleep apnea? Having a humidifier might help with that! Dry air can contribute and increase your snoring symptoms due to insufficient air that makes the throat swell and the nose to become congested. As it helps with loosening mucus blocking your airway, this will lead to less snoring and help you to breathe through your nose instead of just your mouth.
5. Benefits for your home
Did you know that humans aren’t the only ones that can benefit from moist air? Some houseplants can thrive better in environments that are more humid and if you’re hoping to start growing an indoor garden, perhaps investing in a humidifier will give them a better chance at surviving and thriving well. Having a balanced, optimum level of humidity will also protect your wooden furniture and flooring by reducing the risk of them cracking and splitting.