When you are sick you want to use the best possible way to get better. This is where the debate of cool mist vs warm mist humidifier units comes into play. A humidifier in general is said by the National Institute of Health to be the most effective way to alleviate nasal and sinus congestion. Afflictions that attack the nose, mouth and throat include but are not limited to, the flu, colds, sinus infections and strep throat. If the tunnels and passages in your head get clogged this could lead to headaches and an overall feeling of stuffiness and being unable to breathe. While you might try hot drinks and soup in addition to over the counter, herbal or doctor prescribed medicines, humidifiers should be a part of your regimen. But sometimes it's hard to know what to choose in the decision of cool mist vs warm mist humidifier units.
Humidifiers whether cool mist or warm function in similar ways, to add moisture to the air. But where the difference comes is what the temperature of the mist does to help alleviate your issues. Warm or steam humidifiers are better at decongesting due to the fact that warmer water vapor can more effectively permeate and soften mucous membranes. Conversely, cool humidifiers are better at relieving pain and swelling in the nose and throat. Medical inhalant can be put into most steam humidifiers and vaporizers. Delivery through the air is the most effective especially when dealing with nose and throat issues.
There are three different types of cool mist humidifiers: evaporative, ultrasonic and impeller. Ultrasonic humidifiers create cool mist through the use of ultrasonic vibrations, evaporative humidifiers use a fan to expel water through the air in small particles, and impellers do the same thing at just a higher rate of speed. Warm mist or steam humidifiers boil water which then rises into the air to moisten it.
Drawbacks to the decision of cool mist vs warm mist humidifier units are as follows: warm mist humidifiers can get extremely hot and burn small children or people that are not careful with the unit; cool humidifiers on the other hand work at lower temperatures and therefore are more likely to be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria to spread into the air; evaporative humidifiers can also be a water absorbent wick filter which can become dirty and spread more bacteria. You should consult a professional for a full list of pros and cons in the decision between cool mist vs warm mist humidifier units. Here is a great site I found with a lot of good information on humidifiers.
