The Unbe-LEAF-able Benefits of Humidifiers

The fall season is just around the corner, and with cooler temperatures, comes drier air. As you swap out your summer home decor for fall, this is the perfect time to get out the humidifier. Don't have one or never thought of getting one? Here are just a few reasons why you should! 

During the colder months, the air in your home gets drier. If you notice you have any of the following symptoms, you could benefit from having a humidifier: 

• Dry, cracking skin
• Nose/throat irritation
• Sinus congestion
• Headaches

Humidifiers put moisture back into the air and help relieve those symptoms as well as cold or flu symptoms and allergies. 

But which type of humidifier is best for you? You'll have to determine what size of humidifier you want and if you prefer something portable. Most humidifiers are categorized into two groups: cool mist; and warm mist. 

Cool Mist Humidifiers

Cool mist humidifiers emit water that is at room temperature to help with dry skin/nose/throat. But you have to make sure you keep this type of humidifier clean! If you don't, mold, mildew, or bacteria can build up. If you choose a cool mist humidifier, be sure you know which type you're getting: 

• Evaporative: uses a fan to blow water through a filter and is released into the air. Most of these are self-regulating, so they will turn off when the desired humidity level is reached. 

• Impeller: uses high-speed rotating disks to release water droplets into the air. These are usually inexpensive but can cause some noise. 

• Ultrasonic: a reservoir of water uses vibrations to help push tiny droplets of water into the air. These are also inexpensive, easy to use, and tend to be quieter. 

If you're roaming from room to room and want something portable, the Airvana Aqua Glo is light, cordless, and provides continuous hydration wherever you go. It even emits a soft, glowing light for the ultimate relaxation experience. 

For a whole room humidifier with a sleeker design, check out the Airvana Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. Since it's filter-less, the cleaning is a breeze and prevents growth of mold and mildew.

Want to add moisture AND fill the room with your favorite fragrant essential oils? The Airvana Aspire Top Fill Digital Humidifier is what you're looking for.  While also filter-less, this cool mist humidifier has a tray that holds and emits one of your relaxing essential oils and includes a Sleep Mode that turns off all the display lights while still releasing slow mist for your best night's sleep. It even comes with an extension wand that magically gives you more bippity-boppity-booming moisture! 

Most of us spend the winter months cooped up inside breathing the stale air. So how do you know that the air is clean while also trying to keep it moistened? Give your household the best of both worlds with the Airvana 2-in-1 HEPA Air Purifier AND Humidifier. Acting as an evaporative humidifier, it also includes a HEPA filter that removes smoke, dust, pet dander, pollen, and much more. 

Warm Mist Humidifiers

It's exactly as it sounds. Warm mist humidifiers heat up water, turn it into steam, and release the steam into the air. Heating the water lessens the chance for bacteria to escape out of the humidifier with the water. These humidifiers tend to be less expensive, easier to clean than cool mist humidifiers, and are often preferred during the winter months.

However, they do come with more concerns. If you have small children, they could potentially be burned by a warm mist humidifier. They can also make cold symptoms worse as warm mist tends to cause the nasal passages to swell, making it harder to breathe. 

Whichever humidifier you feel is best for your house, be sure to do your research. While there are pros and cons for both cool and warm mist humidifiers, adding either one is sure to enhance the comfort of your air and your home.