Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Your Home Health Center

Font Size
A
A
A

Humidifier and Vaporizer

Humidifiers and vaporizers add moisture to the air, making it less drying to your mouth, throat, and nose. A humidifier blows cool to lukewarm mist into the air, and a vaporizer puts out hot steam.

The mist from a humidifier may be more comfortable to breathe than hot steam. But humidifiers are noisy, produce particles that may be irritating to some people, and need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Cleaning is especially important for people who have mold allergies.

Recommended Related to First Aid

Treating Constipation in Children

Constipation, or passing hard, painful stools, is a common problem in young children. Mild cases can be treated at home.

Read the Treating Constipation in Children article > >

A vaporizer's hot steam is germ-free and may feel good when you have a cold. But the hot water can burn anyone who overturns or gets too close to the device.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 19, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
Next Article:

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD Video: Now Playing

Click here to wach video: New Year's Resolutions

Before you kick the year off with a new diet and exercise regimen, watch tips on how to do it correctly.

Click here to watch video: New Year's Resolutions

Popular Slideshows & Tools on WebMD

puppy eating
What you need to know.
Ra Management Get A Personalized Report
Assess your symptoms.
Xray of foot highlighting gout
Causes, symptoms and treatments.
Concentration Killers Slideshow
What's robbing your focus?
brain scan
Recognizing symptoms.
group beer toast
Do you know your suds?
Diabetic tools
Symptoms, causes, treatments.
thumbnail for fatigue slideshow
Causes, fixes for fatigue.
thumbnail for Brain Food slideshow
Foods that can help you focus.
Hot cup of coffee
The facts about that cup of joe.
Wendy’s Chicken Club
Double-fisted diet wreckers.

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.