Which humidifier is better: steam or ultrasonic Komarovsky. Which air humidifier to choose Komarovsky. How to choose the right air humidifier for your apartment

Air humidifiers play an important role in our lives, helping to create an exceptional microclimate at home for the health of the whole family. People especially often resort to purchasing these devices in cold seasons. At this time it turns on at maximum heating system And additional accessories for heating the room, side effect which is a strong drying of the air. If we're talking about about the children's room, then the optimal humidity should be 40-60%, and if the baby often suffers from acute respiratory infections, then even from 50 to 70%. Air purity and humidity are extremely important for maintaining the child’s normal health. Before you come to the store and choose a humidifier, you should familiarize yourself with the basic principles of operation of these devices, their varieties, and you should also remember that improper operation can lead to even more undesirable consequences than dry air in a child’s room.

When should you buy a humidifier?

A real boom in the sales of air humidifying devices begins in our country at the onset of cold weather. Caring parents know that during heating season The humidity in apartments is approximately 20%, which is similar to the humidity level in the desert.

Some mothers and fathers believe that if the room is well ventilated in winter, it becomes saturated moist air Therefore, the problem goes away on its own. But in fact, with such ventilation the level of humidity in the room does not increase, the air only cools.

Humidifiers are needed under the following conditions:

A humidifier is necessary for those who are susceptible to frequent viral diseases

if there are allergy sufferers in the family, especially if a child suffers from allergies;
if the baby has restless sleep, he is capricious and restless;
the child often suffers from various viral diseases;
Children's skin dries out and peels.

This all happens because dry air dries out the mucous membranes, causing irritation and innervating them. As a result, the nasal mucosa dries out and a crust forms on it, as if with a cold - this makes breathing difficult, and also creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria. Due to the dry air in the room, especially in the nursery, the baby’s immunity is significantly reduced, frequent colds and sometimes even asthma attacks begin to occur.

What types of humidifiers are there?

Before you begin to study the principles of operation of humidifiers, you should understand that each of the devices has excellent functions, principles of operation and maintenance, and, of course, cost. Some types of such specialized equipment are not recommended for use in children's rooms. It is important to understand that a humidifier will pay off only if it is operated correctly, and if cartridges, water and other necessary maintenance are replaced in a timely manner.

If the air purification and humidification machine is not equipped special device- a hydrometer that allows you to measure the level of humidity in a room, then it should be purchased additionally, because too humid air is just as harmful as dry air.

There are a wide variety of humidifiers, and each has its own pros and cons; the main types include:

devices that humidify the air using cold or hot steam;
ultrasonic and ionized humidifiers;
“air washes” and climate control systems.

Photo gallery: Types of humidifiers.

Steam humidifier
Ultrasonic humidifier
Air ionizer
"Washing" of air

The first ones work on the following principle: air is driven using a built-in fan through a special mesh, which humidifies and partially cleans it. If the steam appliance has a built-in a heating element, then the air heats up, which kills germs to a greater extent, and also allows you to use the equipment as a heater. The main advantage of this class of devices is their low cost, the absence of replaceable filters, which reduces the cost of operation, and low energy consumption. However, devices with hot steam are undesirable for use in children's rooms, since they emit a hot stream of air that can cause burns. Such humidifiers do not have automatic adjustments and in order to maintain the moisture balance in the room, they must be constantly monitored.

Ultrasonic devices operate on the principle of decomposing water droplets into a mist, quickly saturating the room and creating a favorable living environment. This type of humidifier is equipped with additional functions that allow you to set the necessary parameters to maintain a certain level of humidity, etc. Ultrasonic machines are the most popular on the market, but their use in children's rooms is prohibited if the child is under 4 years old. This is a very smart and easy-to-use technique, however, it has a number of disadvantages:

high level prices;
if untreated water was poured into the device, then during operation, everything in the room becomes covered with white “frost”;
the price of service and components is also high.

Purified water (left) and tap water (right) after electrolysis

As for ionized humidifiers, this is more of an additional function than a separate class of devices for improving the microenvironment. A feature of this process is the saturation of the air with negatively charged ions, which not only has a positive effect on human health, but also creates the feeling of passing rain. The room immediately becomes easy to breathe, and the air is like mountain air. This addition can be equipped with any humidifier, from steam to ultrasonic.

The next class of devices is the “air washer”, which is excellent option for those who live in cities with high levels of pollution environment. The sink has quite large dimensions due to its high functionality and efficiency in cleaning and humidifying the air in the room. The principle of its operation is complex processing air masses that go through the following stages:

air is sucked into the device using a special fan;
entering the drum, the air mass is processed using cleaning disks, on which all dust, resins remain and pathogenic microorganisms die;
The drum contains a small volume of water, which carries out the humidification process.

The device is very convenient to use due to large quantity useful functions that allow it to be used in children's rooms without age restrictions. One of the biggest disadvantages is the very high price of the product.

Humidifier in a children's room

Perhaps the climate complex is ideal in every sense except price, but when it comes to the child’s health, savings are not always important. The device has an incredible amount functional features, due to which it is able to replace a huge variety of different devices:

cleaner;
fan;
heater;
air conditioner;
humidifier;
ionizer

Its developers focused on air purification Special attention, making the device a way out for a quiet life not only for ordinary families, but also for parents whose children are allergic. In addition to classical air purification from particles, dust particles and odors, the device allows you to destroy all kinds of bacteria and allergens that are so harmful to the baby.

How to choose a humidifier for a nursery

Unambiguously answer the question regarding the choice of a specific type or model household appliance this purpose is not possible. It all depends on the purpose of its use, as well as the individual preferences and consumer confidence of the buyer.

How to choose a humidifier for a nursery?

If this household appliance is purchased for the purpose of preventing possible colds in a child or to maintain an optimal level of humidity in the nursery, then the most ordinary steam machines will do. But if a child suffers from allergies or other diseases that require additional treatment of the air in the room, then it is better to buy an “air washer” or a climate complex.

There are the following parameters that can guide you when choosing a humidifier:

the power and performance of the machine should be proportional to the volume of the room. It is best if the full volume of air passes through the equipment in one hour. In order to calculate the volume of air mass, it is necessary to multiply the height of the ceilings by total area rooms;
It is important to pay attention to the volume of the water tank, since this indicator will determine the possible operating time of the device. For continuous operation throughout the night, four to five liters of purified water are usually enough;
Make sure the machine has a moderate water flow. To perform a full range of tasks for this equipment, an average of eight to twelve liters of water are consumed per day;
If the device is purchased for a children's room, then such a parameter as the noise level during its operation is extremely important. The most optimal option would be one that has a “sleep” function, which allows you to leave the device working at night when the baby is dreaming;
Ask about accessories, such as removable cleaning filters. It is important to find out what exactly filters can protect against, what their validity period is and where they can be purchased for replacement;

And don’t forget to change your humidifier filters on time.

Naturally, the functional potential of the machine will ensure not only productivity in work, but also ease of use. A function such as automatic on/off, which works similar to a timer, will make it easier to use the equipment. The function of automatically monitoring that the humidity level does not exceed the standard will help out perfectly, allowing you not to worry about the fact that the nursery will become too damp. Such potential household appliances will save time and nerves during its operation, creating a healthy microclimate in the house where healthy children should grow up.

Video: Humidifier – Doctor Komarovsky

Science has proven the systematic impact of environmental factors on human health. Thus, microclimate is the most important factor influencing the human body in indoor spaces, especially in residential ones. The main characteristics of the microclimate include temperature, indoor air mobility, and humidity. Temperature controlled using today's popular climate control technology, air mobility can be achieved through ventilation, as well as using it to get rid of excess air humidity. But few people think about the dangers of exposure to dry air on the body. Especially when it comes to children's health.

Does a child need a humidifier and why?

The child spends most of his time at home. Especially in the first years of life. The body and immune system are just beginning to form and get acquainted with the world around us, to learn everything new. Therefore, it is especially important to organize the right microclimatic conditions. This will help him normal development.

A decrease in humidity levels below the standard is a factor that has an extremely negative impact on human health. Optimal humidity air quality is determined scientifically and is regulated by regulatory documentation, namely SanPiN 2.1.2.2645–10 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for living conditions in residential buildings and premises” dated August 15, 2010. Thus, normal humidity varies from 40 to 60% in the cold season and up to 65% in the warm season.

Air humidity is measured using a hygrometer. Hygrometer - a device for measuring air humidity levels

Visible signs of dry air are:

the occurrence of static discharges when touching various objects;
wilting of indoor plants;
dry skin and mucous membranes;
general decrease in immunity in all family members;
drowsiness, general lethargy, etc.

With prolonged exposure to a child’s body, dry air causes a number of negative and sometimes irreversible consequences:

Due to drying of the mucous membranes, the body's defenses suffer, and a decrease in immunity is observed.
Systematic irritation of the respiratory tract greatly increases the risk of developing viral or bacterial infections and inflammatory diseases.
There is congestion in the nasal sinuses, which prevents the child from breathing normally.
There is a danger of an attack allergic reactions and a tendency to skin diseases.
The quality of sleep decreases and there is a general loss of strength.

In order to protect the health of children, the Association of Pediatricians recommends artificially humidifying the air when its humidity level is below a critical level. A humidifier was created to maintain a comfortable level of humidity.

Types of humidifiers: their advantages and disadvantages

There are several types of humidifiers:

cold evaporation humidifiers;
steam humidifiers;
ultrasonic humidifiers;
humidifiers-washers;
climatic complexes.

Cold evaporation humidifiers are the most simple ones. Air humidification occurs through natural evaporation.
A schematic representation of the design of a cold evaporation humidifier will help you understand the principle of its operation.

Water is poured into a tank, from where it is supplied to the evaporators in portions. Air circulates in the device through the operation of a fan. Evaporators in this type of humidifier also act as filters that additionally clean the humidified air. The material used to make evaporators directly depends on the cost of the humidifier.

The operating principle of steam humidifiers is to evaporate water through heating.
Humidification with this type of device occurs through hot steam

In this case, water from the tank enters the pan, from where it evaporates through the action of the heating element.

The essence of the operation of ultrasonic humidifiers is somewhat different from the first two types.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are the most popular

Water from the reservoir flows onto the ultrasonic membrane, where it turns into tiny particles. Air is forced through myriads of water droplets under pressure, thereby moistening.

Humidifiers-washers cope well with the function of air humidification. During the humidification process, air is passed through a string of rotating disk filters, thereby providing additional high-quality purification of the humidified air.
A schematic representation of the humidifier-washer device clearly demonstrates the presence of a number of additional capabilities

In addition to humidification and cleaning, humidifiers-washers have the function of ionizing the air and, if desired, aromatizing it.

Climate complexes have the ability to influence all components of the microclimate, and not just air humidity.
Climate complexes can affect all components of the indoor microclimate

Thus, the device is able to control the level of humidity and air quality, create the mobility of air masses and regulate the temperature.

When performing the same function, all types of humidifiers differ in their operating principle and belonging to different price segments, set technical characteristics. Each type is good in its own way and each has its own disadvantages:

Humidifier type	Advantages	Flaws
Cold mist humidifiers	belonging to the middle price category, energy saving, ease of use, purification of humidified air, safety	fragility of antibacterial filters, low productivity average noise level, Preferably use clean water
Steam humidifiers	ease of use, high performance, automatic shutdown when all the water from the tank has evaporated, no additional consumables, Tap water can be used	there is a risk of getting burned by hot steam, increased energy consumption, noise level is above average
Ultrasonic humidifiers	noiselessness, high performance, uniform humidification due to rotary sprayers, economical energy consumption, the ability to set the desired humidity level, automatic shutdown when all the water from the tank has evaporated,	high cost, fragility of cleaning filters or, depending on the model, the use of exclusively clean water
Humidifiers-washers	has all the above advantages, as well as a number of additional functions in the form of ionization and air aromatization, does not require additional consumables	high cost, bulkiness
Climate complexes	possibility of influencing all components of the microclimate	high cost, fragility and high price Supplies, high power consumption

Children's humidifiers as a product segment: a marketing ploy or a special technology?

Currently, children's air humidifiers are presented as a separate category on the climate control equipment market. The leaders in the production of humidifiers for children's rooms are:

B. Well (UK) is a company that creates affordable and high-quality medical devices.
Ramili (Great Britain) is a brand specializing in the creation of children's products.
Ballu (China) is one of the leaders in the creation of climate control equipment.
Crane (USA) is a well-known manufacturer of climate control equipment.
Royal Clima (China) - manufacturer of climate control equipment.

It is appropriate to note that the basic operating principle of a baby humidifier is no different from the others. But its design features are designed for use in a children's room. Thus, most children's humidifiers are ultrasonic with minimal noise levels. They are characterized by small sizes and weight. Often in models of children's humidifiers there is a function of air aromatization through essential oils etc. Often devices for use in a children's room are equipped with a night light.

Features of choosing an air humidifier for children

Regardless of whether it will be baby humidifier air or without age orientation, the choice of device for a children's room must be approached with special care and all possible nuances taken into account.

First of all, the device must be safe for the child. Steam humidifier - not the best The best decision for a children's room. If, nevertheless, the choice fell on the steam model, it should be placed out of reach of the child to avoid burn injuries.
It is recommended to choose models that do not have easily removable small parts.
The device should be as silent as possible, in view of the possibility of its operation while the child is sleeping.
A model with a built-in hygrometer will make it easier to control indoor humidity.
Automatic shutdown upon reaching a specified level, as well as its automatic maintenance, will ensure normal humidity in the children's room.
It is important to pay attention to the convenience of unscrewing the water container in order to carry out the procedures necessary for the safe operation of the device (washing the container, changing water, etc.).
The volume of the water tank must be selected strictly based on the size of the children's room. Otherwise, the device will not cope with the task or exceed it.
The rotary sprayer will help to humidify the air more evenly.
The presence of cleaning filters in the device will allow, in parallel with air humidification, to reduce the concentration of pathogenic bacteria in it and minimize the content of suspended particles.
The design of the device and the presence of additional functions (night light, etc.) should be chosen based on the age and needs of the child.

When choosing an air humidifier for a child, it would be useful to study reviews of people who already have experience using similar devices, as well as read the recommendations of professional and authoritative medical workers and advice from competent experts who are not personally interested in selling certain types of humidifiers.

Video material: pediatrician of the highest category Komarovsky E.O. how to choose the right humidifier for a child

Review of popular models of air humidifiers for children's rooms: characteristics and reviews

According to the Yandex.Market service, the most popular models of air humidifiers for children's rooms with a rating of 5/5 are:

1. Cost: 1891 rub. The Ballu UHB-260 Hello Kitty Aroma air humidifier is also equipped with an air aromatization function

ultrasonic humidifier;
power 12 W;
aromatization function;
work from the network.

Advantages: Small, easy to clean, water does not stagnate, aromas well Disadvantages: None Comment: An excellent device for maintaining moisture and giving pleasant aroma in the room, but don't expect this little one to skyrocket your humidity First of all, it's a fragrance! But I took it only for its size, since I have a large humidifier, and I will tell you that it is super inconvenient when you just need to maintain the humidity level, and not thoroughly moisturize, since the water in it quickly stagnates due to the large volumes, and appears bad smell, but washing it is a whole task, but in this case it evaporates quickly, and washing it is generally easier than ever. I'm very pleased with the purchase

Ekaterina Taran
https://market.yandex.ru/product/10987566?show-uid=348541573734206724016010&nid=54979&context=search

2. Air humidifier General GH-2516A Cost: 3360 rub.

humidifier;
capacity: 6 l;
serviced area 40 sq.m
change in the flow of humidified air;
adjustment of work speed;
work from the network.

Pros: Delivered very quickly, works well. Rebnek likes it Disadvantages: Haven't discovered it yet Comment: Thank you for the fast delivery

Svetlana Dunaeva
https://market.yandex.ru/product/7700733?show-uid=348561293163003442516039&nid=54979&context=search
ultrasonic humidifier;
capacity: 3 l;
adjustment of work speed;
work from the network.

Advantages: cartoonish (just right for a child’s room), can be placed anywhere, moisturizes well and is not noisy Disadvantages: none found Comments: To prevent my daughter from coughing due to dry air, I decided to buy a humidifier. I saw this model by accident and decided to take it because, due to its cartoon design, it fits perfectly into the nursery. And she made the right decision, the device is not suitable for a child, so she placed it on the closet so that her daughter wouldn’t get it. Humidifies the air well, the difference is noticeable in a room where there is no humidifier. The Ballu UHB-270 M Winnie Pooh has been working for three months now and so far so good.

Nastasia the Pious
https://market.yandex.ru/product/13003651?show-uid=348554258836400038516022&nid=54979&qrfrom=4&context=search

4. Air humidifier Ballu UHB-275 E Winnie Pooh Cost: 4490 rub.
ultrasonic humidifier;
capacity: 3.2 l;
power 20 W;
service area 35 m2;
adjustment of work speed;
work from the network.

Advantages: design, convenience Disadvantages: none found Comment: the child began to constantly develop crusts in his nose, the doctor advised him to buy a humidifier. And you know, it helped, the crusts were practically gone! Ballu UHB-275 E Winnie Pooh is just perfect for a children's room; the child was glad that this device looks like a bear cub. It is very convenient to turn off the humidifier using a timer. Our water is good, so we don’t use a cartridge for cleaning, but the noiselessness is very pleasing and does not disturb daytime sleep.

Vera Sukhari
https://market.yandex.ru/product/13003655?show-uid=348545624319259538316035&nid=54979&context=search

5. Cost: 4990 rub. The air humidifier Ballu UHB-280 M Mickey Mouse is equipped with adjustable operating speed
ultrasonic humidifier;
capacity: 3 l;
serviced area 20 m2;
adjustment of work speed;
work from the network.

Pros: Interesting design. This humidifier is inexpensive. It serves its purpose well. After I started working, the humidity was always at the right level. Easy to use - just add water to make it work. Disadvantages: None. Comment: I chose it together with my daughter in the store. At first I thought about taking a more expensive humidifier from another company, but my daughter liked the design so much that she took it anyway. And it’s good that we bought this one and didn’t spend extra money. Because this humidifier works well, our humidity is now within normal limits and it has become easier to breathe at home. I don’t see the point in more expensive humidifiers.

Natalia Admiralova
https://market.yandex.ru/product/13004196?show-uid=348545624319259538316015&nid=54979&context=search

Low levels of humidity in a living space can cause serious harm to a child’s health, especially with prolonged exposure. Therefore, if such a problem exists, parents should seriously think about purchasing a humidifier. The device will contribute to the normal development of the baby and reduce the likelihood of numerous diseases. If the child is already sick, a humidifier will help to overcome the illness easier and faster. The device will help, if not completely eliminate, then greatly reduce the risk of allergies. A normal level of humidity will be the key to strong good sleep, and will also add strength and Have a good mood for active development and knowledge of the world around us. And what could be more valuable to parents than health and a happy sparkle in the eyes of their children.

Maintain the required Sanitary standards A humidifier helps regulate indoor humidity. Dryness is the main problem determining childhood morbidity. This is especially clearly visible in children's institutions with the onset of the heating season. The heated air loses moisture, and infections appear that are difficult for the child’s body to fight. Therefore, you cannot do without special devices, and a humidifier is considered the best option.

ARVI and the choice of humidifier

Dry air is one of the causes of frequent ARVI in children

The famous pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky claims that dry indoor air is contraindicated for children for a number of reasons:

dries the skin;
complicates the functioning of the respiratory system;
irritates mucous membranes;
complicates the course of ARVI and bacterial diseases.

Attention! If a viral infection is detected in the house, you need to ensure the necessary microclimate parameters: air temperature - 18-20 ° C and humidity - 50-70%. Compliance with this regime and proper organization ventilation will help you avoid using strong medications.

At high humidity(more than 70%) appear and reproduce mold fungi– sources of allergic reactions. To prevent this, you need to control the moisture using a hygrometer.

Humidifiers are used for operation:

cold steam;
hot steam;
ionizing effect on air;
ultrasonic vibrations.

An air purifier will help optimize the improvement of the home environment: as the dust concentration decreases, breathing will become easier. It is taken into account that any of the devices (moisturizing, cleansing) have an effective radius of 1.5 - 2 m. Therefore, it is necessary to change their location as often as possible. This is easy to do, because... The compact device can be adapted even in small room baby: the humidifier is placed directly at sleeping place baby.

What type of air humidifier is needed - how to choose: Komarovsky advises

ultrasonic device. Silent operation is a strong argument in its favor. Among positive characteristics can also be noted:

safe operation;
parameter analysis air environment in automatic mode;
performing their adjustments;
possibility of using an additional option – air purification.

The operation of the ultrasonic device is based on the splitting of water coming from a special storage tank into small particles. At the same time, the built-in air blower takes it from the room and delivers it for mixing inside the freshener. Moisture saturation occurs there. The wet composition is then fed back into the room.

An ultrasound machine is considered the most expensive, but also the most effective, today. Uses economically electrical energy. To ensure that the air in the children's room is truly healthy, you need to use water to refill the humidifier:

distilled - the best, but also the most expensive option;
bottled product;
liquid purified by household filters, especially a reverse osmosis system;
boiled and settled liquid, freed from precipitated hardness salts.

By the way! It is hardness salts that cause whitish deposits to appear on office equipment, furniture and other surfaces.

What other humidifiers can you use?

If an ultrasound device is not affordable, there are a number of other technologies. They also improve the humidity conditions in the room, bringing it to the required 50-70%. These are cheaper and quite effective installations.

Classic (traditional)

They work noisily, only for humidification, using a water tank, a fan and paper cassettes, without regulating the degree of air saturation with moisture. They are easy to install, operate and maintain. They are inexpensive. Energy efficient. The process of liquid evaporation occurs in the on state. The maximum potential is an increase in air humidity up to 60%.

Steam

The liquid evaporates as it is heated to a temperature of 50-80°C by electric heating elements. Depending on the type of model, daily water consumption can reach up to 17 liters, bringing the humidity level to maximum saturation - 100%. Therefore, it is used together with a hygrostat to avoid waterlogging. Automatically, using sensors, the decrease in the water level in the tank, as well as the moisture content in the air in the room, is monitored. The humidifier turns on when its critical minimum level is reached. Steam installations should be positioned where access to a child is prohibited for his personal safety.

Ionizers

To improve air purification in an apartment, steam and traditional humidifiers often have an air ionizer. Its functions:

saturate the air space of the room with negative ions, which strengthens sleep and improves well-being;
eliminate unpleasant odors;
fight microorganisms in the air;
increase the body's resistance to colds and allergic diseases;
strengthen the immune system and reduce allergic manifestations.
activate gas exchange in the body.

IN trading network Special models of ionizers have appeared, in which a separate program is provided for children. It is balanced in terms of ion concentration, which must be adhered to, which simplifies the use of the device.

Ultrasonic humidifiers - great for children's

There are also a number of restrictions that must be indicated in the instructions for the ionizer and taken into account before installing it. The main ones:

individual intolerance by the body to charged particles;
malignant or benign neoplasms in apartment residents;
dusty environment, aggravating the penetration of dust particles into the lungs, etc.

If this concerns a child's room, then the ionizer should be oriented in the room in such a way that it does not blow on the child, creating discomfort for him. This should not be the head of the crib or a place on the table. If these and other contraindications are absent, then an ionizer in the apartment is a necessary and useful thing.

Humidifiers: what influences your choice

What you need to pay attention to before choosing an air humidifier for your apartment:

Square. A model designed for a standard 25 square meters of children’s room or a more powerful unit for humidifying the entire apartment is suitable.
Company manufacturer. It is better to trust well-known, proven brands.
Safety. Ultrasound devices are unrivaled here.
Practicality. Here the best option– ultrasonic, although a steam device can also be considered.
Number of additional options ( remote control, built-in hygrometer, display, etc.).
Price. Depends on the type of model and functionality.
Clear documentation for maintenance and operation.

Dr. Komarovsky’s recommendations boil down to the fact that the humidifier model (steam or ultrasonic) does not play a significant role in the organization humidity conditions in the children's room. The main thing is that the device constantly performs its functions in conjunction with mandatory ventilation of the premises.

Doesn't sleep well

Daytime nap

Hysterics

Correct air humidity in the room where a child lives allows him not only to provide him with protection from viruses and allergies, but also to recover faster if an illness does occur. The respected children's doctor and author of many books and articles on children's health, Evgeniy Komarovsky, has repeatedly told parents about this.

Many mothers and fathers, listening to the doctor’s advice, try to humidify the air in the children’s room using basins of water, an aquarium, steam, and wet towels hung over radiators. Sooner or later the understanding comes that it is easier and more profitable to purchase special device- humidifier. Evgeny Komarovsky talks about how to choose it and how to use it correctly.

Benefits and harms

The mucous membranes of the nose and nasopharynx perform important protective functions. They produce mucus that can bind viruses and slow their spread.

If the mucus dries out due to the fact that the child breathes dry air or breathes through the mouth during a runny nose, then the biological fluid, which has changed its consistency, becomes dangerous for the baby. In dried nasal mucus, pathogenic bacteria begin to thrive.

Many parents have noticed that the flowing snot one day turns into thick and green. This is a consequence of improper air humidity.

A child who constantly breathes dry air is more likely to suffer from acute respiratory viral infections.

During illness, they have a significantly higher risk of complications. The fact is that if, when you cough, the bronchial mucus begins to dry out in the bronchi, which also actively produce protective secretions against viruses, then this will most likely lead to bronchitis. If dried mucus begins to interfere with pulmonary metabolism, pneumonia will begin.

Moist air during a period of flu or ARVI is generally one of the main “medicines”: viral infections recede faster, and the immune system learns to recognize viruses and resist them when the patient breathes moist air and drinks a lot of liquids. However, you usually do not need to buy any other medications from the pharmacy.

Children who breathe insufficiently humidified air are more likely to suffer from various allergic reactions. They bear it more difficult high temperature, which accompanies various diseases, they get sick longer, their immunity is much weaker than their peers who breathe air with relative humidity ranging from 50 to 70%. This is the level of humidity that Komarovsky recommends maintaining for a child’s room.

To find out how saturated the air in a room is with moisture, you should take a device - a hygrometer. If the indicator does not reach 50%, then you should think about purchasing an air humidifier. It will help without unnecessary fuss, running around with basins, jars of water and wet towels, create the right microclimate in which the child will grow up healthy.

The humidifier will only cause harm if parents grossly violate the rules for its operation. If there is humidity in a child’s room exceeding 75-80%, this will negatively affect his well-being and health.

Types of humidifiers - pros and cons

There are three types of humidifiers on sale today:

steam;
ultrasonic;
"cold".

Steam humidifiers are similar in principle to kettles: in order for the water to begin to evaporate, it is heated to a boil in the device by two electrodes. This is the cheapest and affordable option home appliances.

When choosing a steam humidifier, you should make sure that it is equipped with a special humidity sensor, which commands the device to turn off immediately after the required set humidity in the room is reached. If there is no such thing in the humidifier, then you will have to buy it separately, which is not very convenient and expensive.

Among the disadvantages of a steam appliance is a high level of energy consumption. But otherwise, this type of humidifier is very suitable for children's rooms - it is the most productive, creates the desired microclimate faster, and there is no need to buy consumables for it. The product works simply: water is poured in and the container is plugged into a power outlet.

It should be remembered that humidification occurs with hot steam, and therefore you need to place the humidifier so that the child cannot reach it under any circumstances.

Ultrasonic humidifiers are more expensive than steam humidifiers, but they have more benefits. Thus, with lower power consumption, these devices show fairly high performance.

The operating principle of such a device is more complex: ultrasonic radiation is applied to a piezoelectric crystal, electrical vibrations become mechanical. The advantage of this technique is its small size and mobility of the atomizer, with which steam can be directed from any direction.

Despite all their advantages, ultrasonic humidifiers are quite capricious: if you often fill them with too hard water, the filter quickly fails. This may cause a white residue to form on furniture and wallpaper. Besides, replacement filters for devices are not cheap.

“Cold” humidifiers are the most expensive. They received this name for the operating principle according to which the dry air that is available in the room this moment, going inside the device, it is cleaned. There is a wet cartridge inside, passing through which the air cools and is saturated with moisture.

The performance of such equipment directly depends on the initial humidity. The higher it is, the slower the device will work, because there is no point in intensive humidification. Therefore, such a “smart” humidifier will always maintain optimal level humidity itself, without the intervention of household members.

Such a device is very demanding on the quality of water with which the filter will be wetted. Water that is too hard will damage the filter. Therefore, it is better to use distilled water or, for extra money, buy special cartridges that “can” soften hard water and demineralize it.

This humidifier does not produce streams of steam, like the previous two types, and therefore will not be of interest to the child. Another advantage is that the humidifier not only saturates the air with water, but also purifies it, since it works with smaller particles.

Cold humidifiers consume as much electricity as ultrasonic ones. However, their performance is lower than that of ultrasonic ones, but they are self-regulating.

The disadvantage of the device is that it is not capable of raising the relative humidity above 60%. In addition, the filter service life is no more than 3 months, so consumables will have to be purchased and replaced at least 4 times a year.

Where to start choosing

You should start choosing a device for the nursery by measuring the room.

You must come to the store with a piece of paper on which the following will be indicated:

room area;
ceiling height;
a brief description of the type of room (how many windows, what the walls are made of, how many upholstered furniture, plants).

It is also advisable to tell the seller how often you can change the water in the device. If you are sitting at home, then the tank may be small in size, but if your parents are at work all day and the child is in kindergarten, then it is better to take a device with a large capacity in order to add water less often.

Evgeny Komarovsky claims that the most difficult thing when choosing in a store is to evaluate the noise effects that a humidifier produces. In the space of the big shopping center Not a single type of device seems to make noise. But it will be used in the bedroom, including working at night. It is important that the device operates as quietly as possible.

If you have to choose a humidifier for the first time, you should not immediately choose an expensive and technologically complex model, says Komarovsky. Beginners don’t need a copy with a control panel, an “on-board computer”, and a lot of additional functions. First you just need to understand how the device is used and why this particular family needs it.

Russia, Kurgan

15/01/2014 11:14

Lugansk, Ukraine

Fill the humidifier with DISTILLED (for example, for cars, no need for pharmacy) or SOFTEN water and there will be no residue on the furniture. A few years ago the filter broke down, a new one is expensive. Now I buy softened one, it’s cheaper than distilled one and there are no problems.

04/09/2013 09:54

Russia, Zelenograd

Tatyana, an ultrasonic humidifier really moisturizes better than a traditional (disc) one, but it immediately creates a coating on everything in the house (like dust), and you won’t have time to wipe it off, and the room is like a bathhouse... Tanushka said correctly -kirushka Russia, Trubchevsk, what to buy clean water(filtered through a home jug is not suitable, boiled too), it’s expensive! We got rid of this humidifier, it worked for us for years, I was tormented. We bought a traditional disk one, although it produces less humidity. But you need to look at the area of the room, I advise you to take a larger area than in the room!

12/07/2013 10:22

Russia Moscow

Tatyana, when choosing an ultrasonic humidifier, it is important that the area indicated in the documents is larger than the area of the room (still, part of the humidity goes into other rooms and the window, and in winter it is difficult to achieve the desired humidity). Plus, a good filter is very important so as not to suffer from constant white plaque. Cheap ultrasonic humidifiers, as a rule, do not have a filter. Therefore, you will have to either constantly boil water or buy distilled water.
The ionizer is marketing and an additional vague function. In order for the humidity to be distributed evenly throughout the room, it needs to be placed higher, at least at the level of the middle from floor to ceiling.