Humidifier for Sinus Problems: What Works Best?

A humidifier can moisten the air in your indoor environment, easing the symptoms of sinusitis, like a stuffy nose, dry throat, and congestion.

According to experts, the key to getting the most benefits from a humidifier is to keep it clean and to use it properly.

In this article, we’ll look at what to keep in mind if you’re thinking of using a humidifier to help clear up your sinus issues.

Different humidifiers work in different ways, but the basic principle is the same: They release water vapor into the air.

When the air you breathe is too dry, it can irritate your nose, mouth, and sinuses. The inside of your nose may swell, crack, and even bleed a bit. And the mucus your body produces may become thick and hard to remove.

According to sinus experts, adding moisture to the air with a humidifier is generally good for your sinus health.

Moist air can help thin out and loosen mucus. And the water vapor in the air can moisturize and calm irritated airways and ease dry eyes caused by sinusitis.

Humidifiers range from pricey whole-house systems to inexpensive tabletop units. Their features and temperature capabilities can also vary a lot.

Most of the humidifiers sold are portable cool mist humidifiers. Some propel warm mists or steam. And some units can switch from warm to cool.

Here is a brief breakdown of humidifier types and features:

Whole-house humidifiers

About 4 percent of the humidifiers sold in the United States are systems that can humidify the whole house. Generally, these systems must be installed by HVAC professionals, so they can be quite expensive.

Whole-house humidifiers connect directly to your home’s water lines and have filters that must be replaced at least twice a year.

Impellers

This type of cool mist humidifier is driven by a small motor, which draws water up using a spinning disc. The disc propels water through a mesh screen, creating a light mist.

Evaporators

A type of cool mist humidifier, evaporators contain a fan and a wick. When you fill the unit with water, the wick becomes wet. The fan blows cool air through the wick, where it gathers moisture before being released into the room.

Ultrasonic units

Ultrasonic humidifiers can blow either warm or cool air. They propel tiny water droplets by vibrating a metal or ceramic diaphragm under the water level. Ultrasonic units are usually quieter than evaporators.

Steam

A simple steam humidifier boils water and releases the steam into the room. These portable units are often inexpensive. It’s important to note that studies haven’t confirmed whether steam humidifiers are effective at reducing sinus issues.

There are many factors to consider when buying a humidifier. Although price is an important consideration, here are some other factors to keep in mind when trying to choose the right humidifier for your sinusitis.

• Buy the right size. Make sure you buy a humidifier that’s the right size for the space where it’ll be used. A humidifier that’s too large for the space can create too much moisture which, in turn, could encourage the growth of mold and bacteria. A humidifier that’s too small won’t give you the level of humidity you need to help relieve your symptoms.
• Easy to clean. Choose a model that’s easy to take apart and put back together, so cleaning is quick and simple.
• Humidity feature. Look for a humidistat feature that shuts off the device when the air reaches an optimal humidity.
• Listen before you buy. Turn the humidifier on and listen to it before you buy it. Some models may be loud enough to disturb your sleep.
• Read reviews. Be sure to read the ratings and reviews on different humidifiers before you buy one. Make sure it has the features you need and that it will be easy to clean and maintain.
• Check out the warranty. Look for a product warranty that lasts at least a year.

Product recommendations

Healthline has given these portable humidifiers top ratings. You can buy each of these products online.

• Levoit LV600 Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier. This moderately priced, easy-to-clean humidifier has plenty of useful features and can produce both warm and cool mist.
• Homasy Cool Mist Humidifier. Ideal for smaller rooms, this humidifier is easy to clean and has an automatic shutoff feature.
• Pure Enrichment MistAire Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier. This quiet, compact humidifier is super easy to use and works well in smaller spaces.
• Honeywell HCM 350B Germ Free Humidifier. Well suited to larger rooms, this quiet unit has the advantage of ultraviolet technology that can eliminate bacteria and fungi in the air.
• Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier. This warm mist humidifier can be used with Vicks VapoSteam, which may provide respiratory relief when you’re congested.
• TaoTronics Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier. Featuring a larger capacity tank, this humidifier can also switch between producing warm or cool mist.
• Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier. Powered by a USB cable, this small, portable humidifier is well suited for use on airplanes and in other public spaces.

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The right kind of humidifier may help reduce sinusitis and allergy symptoms when used correctly.

Here are a few tips on how to use a humidifier:

• Fill with distilled water only. Tap water often has minerals that can be irritating if inhaled.
• To prevent your indoor space from becoming too humid, run a humidifier only when you need it. Don’t run it all the time. If possible, opt for a humidifier that will shut off when the humidity reaches a certain level in your indoor space.
• Take the humidifier apart and clean it daily, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If the humidifier uses filters, make sure you replace these regularly.
• Make sure to rinse away any disinfectant thoroughly. Breathing in disinfectant particles can harm your lungs.
• Test the air humidity. For the best indoor air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends maintaining between 30-50 percent humidity. Humidity levels above 50 percent can induce the growth of bacteria and molds.

Some health experts are hesitant to recommend humidifiers in places where someone’s health is vulnerable. One of the main reasons is because humidifiers that aren’t properly cleaned can disperse bacteria or fungi through the air.

Steam humidifiers are less likely to breed and spread germs, but there is some concern over the possibility of burns from hot water with steam units.

It’s also important to use caution if you decide to use essential oils with your humidifier. Some people and pets are sensitive to oils.

To treat or reduce dry, irritated, or congested sinuses, you may also want to consider the following strategies:

• Irrigate your nasal passages. You can use a neti pot or bulb syringe to gently rinse your nose with slightly salty water. Healthcare professionals also often recommend over-the-counter (OTC) nasal rinse kits for patients with congested sinuses.
• Alternate compresses. To ease sinus pressure, place a warm, wet cloth over your nose and forehead for several minutes. Then replace the warm compress with a cool, damp compress. Rotate the two several times.
• Identify allergens. If your nose is stuffy or congested and your eyes are red or irritated, there may be something in your environment that’s causing an allergy. Pets, pollens, and chemicals are common culprits. Try to limit your exposure to known allergens.
• Limit drying medications. Some sinus medicines can cause a dry mouth, nose, and throat. Others can actually trigger rebound congestion if used too many days in a row. Talk with a pharmacist or healthcare professional about better alternatives.
• Stay away from irritating chemicals. Some people have a strong sensitivity to harsh cleaning chemicals and beauty products with artificial fragrances.
• Find out if another health condition is the culprit. Nasal polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, viral infections, and other health conditions can cause sinus symptoms. Sometimes menopause and pregnancy can also bring on allergy-like symptoms.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to balance your internal fluid levels and to prevent dehydration.

If you’re able to manage your sinus symptoms on your own, and you start to feel better, you may not need to see a healthcare professional.

But if you develop any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get medical care as soon as you’re able:

• sinus symptoms that last longer than 10-14 days
• fever over 102 degrees
• facial pain, redness, and swelling
• vision changes
• symptoms that carry on after you’ve finished antibiotics
• persistent headaches
• severe headache that doesn’t get better when you take over-the-counter medication

A humidifier is a good tool to have on hand if you experience sinus issues from time to time. It may help break up mucus, relieve a stuffy nose, and ease discomfort in your nose and throat.

A word of caution, however: Humidifiers need to be frequently and thoroughly cleaned, or they can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, which may worsen your sinus problems.

There are also other steps you can take to relieve your sinus issues. This includes irrigating your nasal passages, using warm and cold compresses, and limiting the use of certain medications.

How to Use a Humidifier for Sinus the Right Way

When the air you breathe is too dry, the mucus in your nose and sinuses won’t flow properly and your sinuses won’t drain as well as they should. Congestion can then lead to sinus pain and sinusitis. Sinusitis experts agree that adding humidity to the air with a humidifier is generally good for sinus health.

“Humidifiers can help nasal congestion in that they provide for more moisture and humidity within the nose,” says Mark A. Zacharek, MD, residency program director for the department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. “The nose is supposed to provide humidity and warmth and and clean the air that passes through it. Forced heating systems in homes and workplaces often over-dry the nasal passages, aggravating allergies and sinusitis.”

“Humidified air is good for sinusitis, especially in the winter,” agrees Amber Luong, MD, PhD, assistant professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. “Think of the mucus in your nose and sinuses as being like tears. If your tears were thick and sticky, they would not be able to flow from your eyes.”

Choosing a Humidifier or a Vaporizer for Sinusitis

Humidifiers and vaporizers are commonly used in people’s homes to get more moisture into the air and to counteract dryness in the nose and sinuses. Both humidifiers and vaporizers run on electricity, and portable humidifiers and vaporizers can easily be moved from room to room.

Central humidifiers are built into a home or office air-conditioning system. Here are some of the choices available:

• Ultrasonic humidifiers send a cool mist into the air using ultrasonic vibrations.
• Impeller humidifiers disperse a cool mist through a rapidly rotating disc.
• Evaporative humidifiers blow cool air into the atmosphere by using a fan to force air through a moist filter.
• The term “vaporizer” generally refers to units that use heat to create boiling water. The steam then vaporizes directly into the surrounding air. A warm-mist humidifier is a type of vaporizer that cools the hot steam before it goes into the room air.

Humidifiers and Vaporizers: Pros and Cons

Some experts are concerned that room humidifiers and vaporizers may create too much moisture in the air if they are not used cautiously, notes Dr. Zacharek. “Too much moisture may breed certain mold and fungi inside the house, which may further aggravate sinusitis or asthma conditions,” Zacharek says. Here are some precautions to take when using a vaporizer or a humidifier:

• “Vaporizers that use steam may be dangerous for young children, who can accidentally burn themselves,” warns Dr. Luong. Keep steam vaporizers out of children’s reach.
• Excess moisture can encourage an increase in the number of dust mites in your home, which are a common cause of allergies. Don’t let indoor humidity get above 50 percent.
• Tap water contains minerals that can be dispersed into the air by a humidifier. Government agencies have not concluded that these minerals pose a serious health risk, but they do recommend using distilled water in your humidifier.
• Only use a humidifier or vaporizer when you need it, and use the correct moisture settings.
• For portable humidifier units, empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and refill the water tank daily, so that bacteria and mold are less likely to grow in the water. If the water used in a cool mist humidifier contains bacteria or mold, these can be breathed in when the water is dispersed into the atmosphere.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your unit. Humidifiers and vaporizers should be cleaned every third day.
• Check to make sure that carpets, drapes, bedding, and walls are not becoming damp from too much moisture.

The bottom line: “The benefits of using a humidifier or vaporizer outweigh the risks if you use them correctly,” says Luong. Cool mist humidifiers may be better if you have small children because of the risk from accidental steam burns. Both will help wash away allergens, irritants, viruses, and bacteria.”

Zacharek adds that the ideal level of humidity in a home is 35 to 40 percent — and you can measure humidity with a humidity gauge, which can be purchased at a hardware store or pharmacy. “Used correctly, vaporizers and humidifiers are equally effective,” he says.

Both humidifiers and vaporizers can get moisture into your nose and sinuses when they get dried out. The key to using humidity as part of your sinus treatment is to use your equipment properly and keep it safe and clean.

Find more information in the Everyday Health Ear, Nose, and Throat Center.

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How to choose and use a humidifier for sinusitis – Drink-Drink

07/07/2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Contents

• How does a humidifier help relieve sinus problems?
• What type of humidifier is best for sinus problems?
  • Whole house humidifiers
  • Impellers
  • evaporators
  • Ultrasonic units
  • steam
• Humidifier Selection Tips
  • Product Recommendations
• How to use a humidifier for sinusitis
• Are there any precautions to be aware of?
• What else can you do to relieve sinus symptoms?
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Bottom Line

A humidifier can humidify indoor air to relieve symptoms of sinusitis such as nasal congestion, dry throat and nasal congestion.

According to experts, the key to getting the most out of your humidifier is to keep it clean and use it properly.

In this article, we’ll look at what to keep in mind if you’re thinking about using a humidifier for sinus problems.

How does a humidifier help relieve sinus problems?

Humidifiers work differently, but the basic principle is the same: they release water vapor into the air.

When the air you breathe is too dry, it can irritate your nose, mouth and sinuses. The inside of the nose may swell, crack, and even bleed a little. And the mucus your body produces can become thick and difficult to remove.

According to sinus experts, adding moisture to the air with a humidifier is generally good for sinus health.

Moist air can help thin and loosen mucus. And the water vapor in the air can moisturize and soothe irritated airways and relieve dry eyes caused by sinusitis.

What type of humidifier is best for sinus problems?

Humidifiers range from expensive whole-house systems to inexpensive desktop units. Their characteristics and thermal capabilities can also vary greatly.

Most humidifiers sold are portable cool mist humidifiers. Some emit a warm mist or steam. And some units can switch from warm to cold.

Here is an overview of humidifier types and features:

Whole-Home Humidifiers

About 4% of humidifiers sold in the US are whole-house humidifiers. Typically, these systems must be installed by HVAC professionals, so they can be quite expensive.

Whole house humidifiers connect directly to your home’s plumbing and have filters that need to be replaced at least twice a year.

Impellers

This type of cool mist humidifier is powered by a small motor that sucks in water using a rotating disk. The disc forces water through a mesh screen, creating a light mist.

evaporators

Cool mist humidifier type, evaporators contain fan and wick. When you fill the device with water, the wick gets wet. The fan blows cold air through a wick where it collects moisture before entering the room.

Ultrasonic units

Ultrasonic humidifiers can blow both warm and cold air. They eject tiny water droplets by vibrating a metal or ceramic diaphragm below the water level. Ultrasonic units are usually quieter than evaporators.

steam

A simple steam humidifier boils water and releases steam into the room. These portable devices are often inexpensive. It is important to note that studies have not confirmed whether steam humidifiers are effective in reducing sinus problems.

Humidifier Selection Tips

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a humidifier. While price is an important factor, here are some other factors to consider when choosing the right humidifier for your sinusitis.

• Buy the right size. Make sure you buy a humidifier that is the right size for the room where it will be used. A humidifier that is too large for the room can create too much moisture, which in turn can encourage mold and bacteria to grow. A humidifier that is too small will not provide the level of moisture needed to relieve symptoms.
• Easy to clean . Choose a model that is easy to take apart and reassemble for quick and easy cleaning.
• Humidity curve . Look for a hygrostat feature that turns off the device when the air reaches the optimum humidity.
• Listen before you buy . Turn on the humidifier and listen to it before buying. Some models may be loud enough to disturb your sleep.
• Read reviews. Before buying, be sure to check the ratings and reviews of various humidifiers. Make sure it has all the features you need and is easy to clean and maintain.
• Check warranty . Look for a product warranty that lasts at least a year.

Product Recommendations

Drink-Drink gave these portable humidifiers top marks. You can buy each of these products online.

• Levoit LV600 hybrid ultrasonic humidifier. This moderately priced, easy-to-clean humidifier has many useful features and can produce both warm and cool mist.
• Homasy cool mist humidifier. Ideal for small spaces, this humidifier is easy to clean and has an auto-off function.
• Pure Enrichment MistAire Cool Mist. This quiet compact humidifier is very easy to use and works well in small spaces.
• Honeywell HCM 350B Microbial-free humidifier. Well suited for large spaces, this quiet unit has the advantage of ultraviolet technology that can kill bacteria and fungus in the air.
• Vicks warm mist humidifier. This warm mist humidifier can be used with Vicks VapoSteam, which can make breathing easier when you’re overwhelmed.
• TaoTronics warm and cool mist humidifier. Featuring a larger tank, this humidifier can also switch between warm or cool mist.
• Hey Dewy portable humidifier. This USB cable powered small portable humidifier is well suited for use on airplanes and other public places.

How to use a humidifier for sinusitis

The right type of humidifier can help reduce the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies when used correctly.

Here are some tips for using the humidifier:

• Use only distilled water. Tap water often contains minerals that can be irritating if inhaled.
• To keep your room from getting too humid, turn on the humidifier only when you need it. Don’t run it all the time. If possible, choose a humidifier that will turn off when the humidity reaches a certain level in your room.
• Disassemble the humidifier and clean it daily following the manufacturer’s instructions. If your humidifier uses filters, change them regularly.
• Be sure to thoroughly rinse off any disinfectant. Breathing in disinfectant particles can harm your lungs.
• Check air humidity. For the best indoor air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping humidity between 30-50 percent. Humidity levels above 50 percent can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold.

Are there any precautions to be aware of?

Some health experts are hesitant to recommend humidifiers in places where one’s health is at risk. One of the main reasons is that humidifiers that are not cleaned properly can spread bacteria or fungus through the air.

Steam humidifiers are less likely to breed and spread germs, but there are some concerns about hot water burns with steam units.

It is also important to be careful if you choose to use essential oils with a moisturizer. Some people and pets are sensitive to oils.

What else can you do to relieve sinus symptoms?

To treat or relieve dry, irritated or blocked sinuses, you may also consider the following strategies:

• Flush your nasal passages. You can use a neti pot or a bulb syringe to gently rinse your nose with lightly salted water. Health care professionals also often recommend over-the-counter nasal rinse kits for patients with sinus congestion.
• Alternative compresses . To relieve sinus pressure, apply a warm, damp cloth to your nose and forehead for a few minutes. Then replace the warm compress with a cool wet compress. Turn two a few times.
• Identify allergens . If your nose is blocked or congested and your eyes are red or irritated, something in your environment may be causing the allergy. Common culprits are pets, pollen, and chemicals. Try to limit exposure to known allergens.
• Limit drying agents . Some sinus medicines can cause dry mouth, nose, and throat. Others can cause rebound overload if used for too many days in a row. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare professional about the best alternatives.
• Stay away from irritating chemicals . Some people have strong sensitivities to harsh cleaners and cosmetics with artificial fragrances.
• Find out if another health condition is the cause. Nasal polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, viral infections, and other health conditions can cause symptoms of sinusitis. Sometimes menopause and pregnancy can also cause allergic symptoms.
• Drink plenty of fluids . Drink plenty of water to balance your fluid levels and prevent dehydration.

When to seek medical help

If you can manage the symptoms of sinusitis on your own and start to feel better, you may not need to see a doctor.

But if you develop any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible:

• sinus symptoms that last longer than 10-14 days
• fever over 102 degrees
• facial pain, redness, and swelling
• vision changes
• symptoms that continue after you stop taking antibiotics
• persistent headaches
• severe headache that does not go away when you take over-the-counter medicines;

Bottom line

A humidifier is a good tool to have on hand if you experience sinus problems from time to time. It can help break up mucus, relieve nasal congestion, and relieve discomfort in the nose and throat.

A word of caution though: Humidifiers need to be cleaned frequently and thoroughly or they can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that can exacerbate sinus problems.

There are other steps you can take to help relieve sinus problems. This includes rinsing the nasal passages, using warm and cold compresses, and limiting the use of certain medications.

Health

Sinusitis: what to do to prevent a runny nose from becoming a nightmare

Likbez

Health

February 12, 2020

A puncture is archaism, forget about it.

What is sinusitis

To understand this, you need to understand the anatomy.

In the bones of the skull there are small cavities that communicate with the nose – sinuses, or sinuses. From the inside they are covered with a mucous membrane. Inflammation of these sinuses is called sinusitis.

Sinusitis is a special case of sinusitis, inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, which are located in the maxillary bone (on the sides of the nose, under the eyes).

In addition to sinusitis, there are also:

• frontal sinusitis – inflammation of the frontal sinuses;
• ethmoiditis – inflammation of the sinuses of the ethmoid bone;
• sphenoiditis – when the cavity of the sphenoid bone is affected.

In most cases, even with ordinary SARS, inflammation captures many sinuses, so the term “sinusitis” will be correct. However, for simplicity, both patients and even some doctors often use the definition of “sinusitis”.

By the way, in children under 7 years of age, most of the sinuses are not developed, so preschoolers suffer from sinusitis and other types of sinusitis much less often than adults.

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Where does sinusitis come from

Here are the main causes of the development of the disease: Sinusitis caused by a viral infection, many suffer in parallel with the usual SARS. In most cases, it goes away on its own with a cold.

Accordingly, the more often you have SARS, the higher the risk of catching inflammation of the mucous membranes in the paranasal sinuses. And if ARVI is not treated (that is, it does not help the body recover), bacteria become more active.

In addition, sometimes they can “break through” into the nose from diseased nearby organs: tonsils, ears, and even untreated teeth. And if you surround yourself with allergens, dust and tobacco smoke, then it will also be easier to get sick.

How to recognize sinusitis

This type of sinusitis has quite obvious symptoms:

• Prolonged runny nose.
• Stuffy nose, difficult breathing and, as a result, some nasal voice.
• Discharge from the nose – often in the form of yellow or green mucus.
• Loss or significant impairment of the sense of smell.
• A bursting feeling in the sinuses.
• Pain in the front of the face (nose and bridge of the nose) that gets worse when you bend your head forward.

Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by high (more than 37.8 °C) temperature, toothache, earache, bad breath, weakness.

These signs are enough to suspect sinusitis. If they are, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

How to treat sinusitis

Just to clarify: self-treatment is unacceptable. Even if you feel bearable, it could very well be bacterial sinusitis. The one that can provoke blood poisoning and meningitis. Don’t take risks.

Only a general practitioner or an otolaryngologist can prescribe treatment, and only after he has performed an examination, will he give you a referral for the necessary tests and make a diagnosis.

• If you have viral sinusitis, you will be given symptomatic treatment. It coincides with what is recommended for SARS – rest, rest, more liquid, control of the level of humidity in the room, and so on. The doctor will describe in detail all the necessary elements of the treatment program.
• If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be needed. Which ones, the doctor will tell you again.
• If the cause is an allergy, you will need to determine what is causing it and try to minimize exposure to the allergen. Your doctor may also prescribe antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays or drops to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Regardless of the type of sinusitis, you may be recommended physiotherapy, you should not skip them.

Is it necessary to make a puncture for sinusitis

If we are talking about alleviating the condition, then no. A puncture (puncture) of the sinuses of the nose was quite often used in the past to remove pus accumulated in the sinuses. But today this painful procedure has become archaic: sinusitis is much more successfully treated with drugs properly selected by the doctor.

A puncture is done only if the prescribed treatment does not work and you need to take an additional analysis and determine which microbe is to blame for the inflammation.

How to make yourself feel better at home

Here are some easy ways to make yourself feel better at home.

Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of water thins the mucus accumulated in the sinuses and improves its outflow.

Use a humidifier

When sinusitis is extremely important to maintain normal humidity in the nasal passages – this reduces swelling.

Inhale warm steam

For example, over a pot of water (not hot: it is important not to burn yourself) or taking a long shower. These procedures also increase the moisture content of the nasal passages.

Use nasal saline spray

You can buy saline spray from a pharmacy or make your own. The recipe is simple: add ½ teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda to a glass of warm water. Spray the solution three to four times a day until the unpleasant symptoms disappear completely.

Use vasoconstrictor drops

They eliminate puffiness and slow down the formation of mucus. Please note: these products should not be used for more than 3 days. Otherwise, unpleasant side effects are possible: from simple addiction to a particular remedy (further on, the vessels simply stop responding to it) to thinning of the nasal mucosa and the development of drug-induced rhinitis.

Apply a compress

Place a warm damp towel over your face for 5-10 minutes. This will help reduce discomfort and make breathing easier.

Take a pain reliever

An over-the-counter drug such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will work.