8. A cool mist humidifier
Dry air makes children more congested because their mucus becomes too thick. Breathing in moist air is a great natural decongestant. The humid air soothes a wheezy cough, clears the nasal passages and loosens mucus. Running a cool mist humidifier in a sick child’s bedroom while resting or sleeping can relieve congestion and allow some much-needed sleep.
A cool mist humidifier is the safest choice for leaving in a child’s bedroom overnight. Nothing needs to be added to the humidifier except cold water for it to work. A hot water vaporizer may be cheaper and may come with a device to add something like menthol to the warm mist but it has a big downside. Using it in a child’s bedroom has potential risks because the hot water could accidentally cause burns if a child gets too close.
For optimum results, the reservoir tank of the cool mist humidifier should be filled according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. The unit should be placed on a hard surface and run for an hour before bedtime. The water level in the tank should be checked periodically and refilled if necessary.
When water is left sitting in a cool mist humidifier, mold and bacteria will grow inside the unit. When it is restarted, the bacteria spores are sent into the air. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean the unit thoroughly on a regular basis as recommended by the manufacturer. Never leave water in it when it isn’t running and always make sure it is clean before use.