Humidifier vs Dehumidifier
If you have respiratory issues or a cold, you could benefit from changing the moisture content in the air in your home. Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help you to accomplish this, but in different ways. The question is, which is the best choice to help improve your symptoms? The answer is that it depends upon the cause of your symptoms. Here are the facts about each of these appliances that will help you to make the choice that would work best for you.
Differences between humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Humidifiers help to increase moisture content in the air. There are options available in some models for either warm or cool mist. Dehumidifiers are used to remove moisture from the air, resulting in a dryer environment. Each has its benefits and recommended uses for the relief of respiratory symptoms.
How moisture content affects respiratory processes
When you have respiratory congestion, the quality of the air that you breathe can make a big difference in the severity of your symptoms, your comfort level and how quickly the condition is resolved. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers each provide useful features for improving respiratory problems. The key to knowing which option is the best in a given setting is to understand when more moisture is needed, when it should be decreased and the reasons why.
When your symptoms are the result of allergies, a dehumidifier is the best solution. When you breathe in drier air, the mucous secretions that are caused by allergic responses in your body, dries up more quickly. When the moisture content of the air in your home is too high, it encourages the growth of mold and mildew. These can make allergy symptoms worse because mold is known to be one of the most common triggers for allergic responses.
Humidifier vs. dehumidifier for colds and allergies
When your respiratory symptoms are caused by the common cold, increasing the levels of moisture in the air can help to relieve your symptoms the best. Dry air can cause more irritation in the throat, nasal passages and bronchial tubes. It can make you feel more miserable in general, and intensify congestion by making it more difficult to relieve the pressure. Coughs are less productive and chest congestion has a tendency to tighten up.
Using a humidifier puts more moisture into the air. Breathing in humid air has a soothing quality. It can help to loosen excessive phlegm and congestion in the sinuses, nasal passages and chest. This allows for more productive coughs for clearing mucous out faster.
An additional benefit from using a humidifier is that it helps to keep you more hydrated, which is key when you are fighting a cold.
The question of which is better for colds, humidifier or dehumidifier definitely favors the humidifier. If you suffer from allergies and you can tell the difference between the symptoms of a cold and allergies, it may be a good idea to have each on hand. You can quickly change the humidity levels in your home by using a dehumidifier to dry the air, and a humidifier for added moisture.