Is it a good idea to use a humidifier to sleep?

We received the following question from a customer. She tells us that she wakes up with a dry nose, and would like to know if it's a good idea to use a humidifier to sleep. "If I use it, it will improve my problem. Thank you.

What is a humidifier?

As the name suggests, a humidifier is a device that humidifies the environment. In other words, it increases humidity levels.

Health experts recommend sleeping with a humidity level of between 40% and 60%. Lower humidity levels dry out the body and can lead to allergies, respiratory problems and dry airways and skin. High humidity levels increase the risk of the appearance and proliferation of bacteria, dust mites, fungi and moulds. It's therefore important to maintain a controlled humidity level of between 40% and 60%, summer and winter alike.

Humidifier for sleep

If you feel too much humidity in the room where you sleep, in addition to a humidifier, we naturally recommend a breathable slatted base (if the mattress is made of foam or traditional springs) and a good mattress protector for your mattress:

TYPES OF HUMIDIFIER

There are a wide variety of humidification systems on the market. In all cases, their function is to generate water vapor that humidifies the room.

At Protech Allergies, we recommend humidifiers that generate cold water vapor. Especially in children's bedrooms, to avoid accidents and burns.

ADVANTAGES OF SLEEPING WITH A HUMIDIFIER

If you live in a city like Quebec with a dry climate in winter, using a humidifier has great advantages.

When humidity levels fall below 40-60%, our airways dry out, causing respiratory problems that can lead to illnesses such as asthma, allergies and dry rhinitis. You may suffer from spontaneous nosebleeds, dry skin, a dry cough, chapped lips and accentuate the appearance of wrinkles.

In these cases, sleeping with a humidifier will be beneficial.

To reap the benefits and avoid the risks, you need to use the humidifier correctly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. The humidifier should be set to ensure a humidity level of 40-60% throughout the night.

Always use distilled water whenever possible, or use it in combination with an air purifier to remove certain particles from the water, such as limescale or chlorine, clean the tank regularly (once a month or every 2 months) and change the water to prevent the proliferation of bacteria.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING A HUMIDIFIER

In humid climates, such as coastal cities, humidity levels can be much higher than required for sleeping.

In such cases, the use of a humidifier is counter-productive. It may be necessary to use the opposite, a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels.

Humid environments are a preferred habitat for bacteria, dust mites, mold and fungi that are harmful to health. Allergy sufferers suffer more in damp areas, where germs are more abundant.

When in doubt, ask for advice

Everyone's different. If you have an allergy, or if you're experiencing respiratory problems that are causing dryness and eczema on your skin, it's best to consult a specialist. He or she is in the best position to study your case and suggest the best treatment, including whether or not to use humidifiers to regulate humidity.

ANTI-DUST MITE PILLOWS AND COVERS FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS

At Protech Allergies, as allergy experts, we can recommend the best anti-dust mite covers, bamboo sheets and pillows for allergy sufferers. We guarantee you the best market price for the quality offered.

Wishing you the best of health and the best of life!