Dennis Reed - Page 47 of 53

Is it Bad to Sleep with a Fan Blowing on You?-Pros and Cons

Is it bad to sleep with a fan blowing on you? That can be a contentious question, depending on who you ask. There are quite a few proponents for the good , and the bad issues of sleeping with the fan on you. But you might find that the answer is not that clear cut.

Some people say it is unhealthy, other people don’t have a problem with it.

And the truth is, both are right. There are times when sleeping at the fan on you is exactly what you need to cool off and get some sleep,

But there is also times when having air blowing directly on you can cause you to have some issues in other areas.

So let’s do our best to break it down and see how if we can come to some agreement on the subject.

Benefits of sleeping with a fan

1. Cools you down
2. White noise
3. Circulate the air
4. Reduce hot and cold spots in your home.
5. Reduces odors

1. Cool you down.

When it is hot, especially hot and sticky like it gets in the south at night where I live, putting a fan on you is the difference between going to sleep or not.
There’s not too many things more miserable than trying to get to sleep in a hot room with no airflow.

Taking a shower helps but that’s not always an option especially when you’re not in your own house, not to mention those nights when you can wash the sweat off and be sweaty again in 20 minutes.

2. Sleeping with a fan for noise

The sound of a fan humming can be a good thing to help drown out other loud sounds that can keep you from getting to sleep good.
Whether it’s the person in the room with you snoring, or the TV on and the other room, for the traffic outside,
Erratic sounds while you are sleeping can jar you awake and make it harder to get back to sleep after you’ve been startled.

A fan can make an excellent white noise machine when you don’t have any other source of white noise around.

Of course there is a million videos of rain sounds, ocean sounds, or whatever sounds you need to help you sleep available on YouTube if you have your phone.

3. Circulates the air

If you’re having a hard time getting to sleep, laying in a dry stale room with no air flowing doesn’t help.
Opening the window is a good choice to get some air flowing in the room when you have a window to open.
But opening a window is not always an option because of security risk or the exasperation of noise outside that we already mentioned.
Running a fan while you’re asleep is a good way to create some airflow in a less than fresh environment.

4. Supplement the air conditioning

a. Uneven air – hot and cold spots

Even when you have central heat and air that distributes air conditioning into every single room, you can have hotspots where the vented incoming air does not get to as well.

One option is to keep the “on” setting on your AC thermostat left in the ” on ” position so that the AC fan continues to run after the AC has powered down.

But this will still leave some spots where the air does not get to as well and cost more money to operate.

And keeping the fan running continuously evaporates the condensation and blows it back into the house in the form of humidity. Which only makes the air feel hotter and stickier.

Using a fan as a supplement to your air conditioning can help move the cool air from your AC vents through your room and onto yourself better.

b. Air conditioning is also expensive to keep running at cool setting all night. Most experts agree that you should turn your thermostat up as hot as you can actually take the heat, to avoid an outlandish Energy bill during the summer months.

5. Reduces odors

The bedroom can be a, let’s say “unfresh” room to sleep in.
Body odors, especially collective body odors when you sleep in the same room with someone else can build up and make a room unfresh and hard to get to sleep in.

Many people sleep in the same room with their baby to be able to conveniently change and nurse them through the night.

Though necessary, the smell of a dirty diaper can be enough to wake you up.
Having a fan in the bedroom can keep the air flowing and reduce smells.

Though you probably don’t want to keep the fan right on the baby. Babies tend to have a much more sensitive respiratory system that can be a lot more susceptible to airborne bacteria.

Side effects of sleeping with a fan on you

1. Noisy
2. Body aches
3 Can cause congestion
4. Sore throat
5. Dry eyes
6. Dehydration
7. Ear pain
8. Allergies and asthma

There are a lot of good points to not sleeping with a fan on you. Do they outweigh the positive, you’ll have to decide.

1. Noisy

Some people need absolute quiet to sleep. And though fan noise can be considered a source of white noise to help you sleep by some, for others, a fan is just too loud.

If you’re a person that thinks you would enjoy the benefits of sleeping with a fan but they are too loud, you should know that there are many fans available that are very very quiet these days.

2. Can sleeping under a fan cause body aches?

As strange as it may seem, sleeping with a fan with the air directed right on you can cause you to tense up and wake up with body aches. The flow of concentrated cool air on you can cause your muscles to constrict and leave you feeling stiff when you wake up.

Another issue is that it can become too cool while you’re asleep, and you will naturally turn away which may leave you in an uncomfortable position that will also leave you sore in the morning.

There’s also that period of time where the seasons are transitioning and one night you may need a fan on you where is the next night, it’s too much. There’s no benefit to keeping a fan on you when the temperature does not warrant it.

3. Does sleeping under a fan cause congestion?

Generally sleeping under a fan helps keep the air moving enough that you get a good night’s sleep.

But if you’re feeling sinusy or you can tell that you’ve got a cold coming on, sleeping directly in front of a fan will more than likely exasperate the problem.

And believe me, having a summer cold with a congested head and chest is even more miserable when you are burning up but sitting in front of the fan is only making you feel worse.

The fan may not be the reason you are congested but may not exactly make you feel better either.

Although the feeling of a light breeze coming off a cool mist humidifier fan can be refreshing and help you open up and breathe easier when you’re feeling congested.

4. Sleeping with fan on sore throat

Having a sore throat is related to dry mouth. If you already sleep with your mouth open, having a fan directly on you is going to dry out your throat which may leave it feeling sore.

Positioning the fan away from your face may help you to not get a dry sore throat but still be able to enjoy the benefits of a fan on you while you sleep.

Also, if you are already feeling like you might have a cold coming on, sleeping under a fan may give you the chills and make you feel worse rather than better.

A cool mist humidifier maybe a better option for giving you a slight breeze and adding moisture to the air to help loosen up mucus and moisten your throat so you can swallow easier.

5. can sleeping with a fan on cause dry eyes?

Dry eyes, itchy eyes, and watery eyes
can all get aggravated when you have a fan blowing on you.
Dry and itchy eyes are usually symptoms that are related to allergies.
And having a fan blow around airborne allergens, especially directly on you, could be the reason that you get dry eyes with the fan on.
This is an issue that I am close to.
My own mother carries around a box of tissues because her eyes are so sensitive to allergens that she never knows when just having a fan on is going to make her eyes water so bad she can’t take it.

6. The sleeping with the fan on dehydrate you?

Sweating dehydrates you. Humidity dehydrate you. Heat dehydrates you.

All the reasons why you put a fan on yourself in the first place.

Sleeping with the fan will not dehydrate you but it is not the solution for dehydration either.

If you have a fan on you because you were excessively hot, that should be an indication to you that you need to drink more water.

Staying hydrated will help you cool down more than sleeping with a fan.
But a cool drink and a fan are certainly bosom buddies in the summer.

7. Sleeping with a fan on bad for your ears?

There is an old wives tale or at least a rumor that sleeping under a fan will give you tinnitus.

But the truth is tinnitus is related to being exposed to loud noises or infections and there is really no evidence that having air blowing on you can give you tinnitus.

Though there are certain sleeping positions like your neck being kinked that can exasperate ear problems.

8. Asthma and allergies

Sleeping with a fan on can exasperate allergies and asthma because it keeps airborne triggers moving around through the air while you are sleeping.

Allergens like dust mites go hand in hand with heat and humidity.

When the weather is hot and sticky you can count on having a large population of dust mites in your room.

Unfortunately that is the time when you need to fill the comfort of a fan on you the most.

This is where running a dehumidifier will not only help reduce the allergen population, will reduce the humidity that is amplifying the heat and take the pressure off of your air conditioner all in one shot.

An air purifier in your bedroom is also an excellent device to keep as a companion to your fan so that you can enjoy the benefits of having the fan on without circulating allergens and asthma triggers it can cause you to have a reaction while you are sleeping.

Is it bad to sleep with the fan blowing on you?

Are you a proponent of sleeping with a fan on or do they have too many issues for you to be comfortable with.

It is certainly a subject that can be debatable but it is really up to you and there is no harm in trying it. And it can keep you from running to the thermostat.

Does a Humidifier Help With Snoring?

Does a humidifier help with snoring? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could find a miracle cure for the snorer next to you as you’re trying to get your own sleep at night.

Snoring not only interrupts the person sleeping near the snorer, you can also disrupt their sleep too.
It can put them in a state of waking up all night with a dry mouth, needing a drink of water, and never really ever getting into a deep sleep.

There are certain times when the air is hot and extra dry that a humidifier can help with snoring. But snoring is not dependent on the moistness of the air alone. And there or many other reasons why a person snores that a humidifier will do nothing for.

Sleeping with humidifier

When I was younger, I traveled with the music group, going up and down the highway, staying in a lot of different hotels.

My roommate most of the time was a guy that snored very loudly. He not only snored but he had severe sleep apnea which would be so violent that I thought he was choking to death many times.

He was and is overweight, not extremely, but a good 50 lbs. But the thing that made the whole thing so hard to handle was he would turn the heater up in the room and sleep in a pair of shorts in the winter.

( I’m the opposite. I’d rather put on some pajamas and turn the heater down. )

And as soon as he hit his pillow he was asleep which meant that I always was stuck trying to sleep with him snoring like a train.

As a result of our mismatched sleeping arrangement, I bought a humidifier and carried it around with my luggage.

At the time, it was really more about having some sort of white noise to drown out his snoring plus there was a cool breeze coming off of the Humidifier that would help combat the heater being turned up.

But an amazing thing happened, the humidifier I bought for my own peace of mind ended up having a huge impact on the amount and overall excessive volume of this guys snoring.

And I realized that if I would wait till he got to sleep and turn down the heater, the humidifier coupled with the cooler air would calm his eradicate sleeping down extremely.

Looking back at the situation these years later, I would have to say that him turning the heater up was drying the air out which was making it hard for him to breathe while he was sleeping.

By adding the humidifier, it was moistening his airways, helping him to breathe better.

Sleeping with the humidifier and turning the heat down made a huge difference.

Can you put a humidifier next to your bed?

Putting the humidifier next to your bed is the best place to get the maximum amount of benefit from it. Regardless of whether it’s a cool mist humidifier that emits a slight breeze or a warm mist humidifier with eucalyptus or Vicks in it, keeping the humidifier close to you while you’re sleeping is the ideal.

Do humidifiers help with sleep?

When the air is excessively dry which is usually the case when house is closed up and the heater is on, a cool mist humidifier will loosen the mucus up and help you sleep. And help keep you from waking up with a bloody or sore nose or chapped lips.

Should humidifier run all night?

There is no issue with the humidifier running all night as long as the indoor climate calls for it. If you are in the middle of a dry wintery season, you’ll probably want your humidifier running constantly.

Sleeping with humidifier risks.

The only risk of keeping your humidifier running all the time is it needs to be thoroughly washed every couple of days to make sure that mold and bacteria do not have a chance to take root inside of the machine.

And if the humidity is already at a good level in your room or house, adding more humidity could be excessive and eventually cause mildew or mold to begin to grow on your walls.

Is it safe to leave a humidifier on all night?

Sleeping with humidifier risks.

The main risk of using a humidifier regardless of whether you are sleeping or awake is that humidifiers must be kept clean.

A humidifier that continues to be ran without being cleaned and sterilized often can turn into a mold spore and bacteria distribution machine.

As where a humidifier maybe exactly what is needed to help you get a good night’s sleep and a rest from the exasperation of snoring,

Sleeping with a dirty humidifier may make it harder to sleep and snore and choke more as the bacteria and mold spores enter into your airway system.

Is it good to sleep with a humidifier?

If the climate inside your home warrants the humidifier being ran 24/7, then it is a good idea to keep it running even when you’re asleep.

Recap

Will a humidifier help with snoring?

Though there is not one single remedy to help keep someone from snoring, there are certain circumstances that a humidifier can help reduce snoring and help you get a better night’s sleep.

When the winter months have rolled in, and the temperature outside has dropped, the heater usually comes on and practically stays on for the whole season.

And with the heater comes hot dry air.

Dry hot air is hard on your respiratory system and dries out your nasal cavities as well as your throat and your lips.

All of these things combined can make getting a good night’s sleep without snoring hard to do.

During these times, adding moisture back to the air with a humidifier can be a great help to getting a good night’s sleep and even help reduce snoring.

Which can be good for you and the snorer. Because the truth is, you’re both probably having a hard time sleeping.
Also: How to Humidify Your House

Activated Carbon Filter-Do Charcoal Air Purifiers Work?

Regular charcoal vs activated charcoal

The difference between regular charcoal and activated charcoal is about 600°. Activated charcoal is regular charcoal that has been heated to a very high temperature and treated with steam or an acidic chemical to increase to increase surface area and porousness.

The way activated charcoal is used varies greatly from the way regular charcoal is used.
Regular charcoal is typically used for fuel or cooking. It also has excellent uses in drawing and artwork.
Activated charcoal is used for medicinal purposes to absorb toxins in the body. It is also a very effective filter for both water and Air.

Do Charcoal Air Purifiers work?

Charcoal air purifiers work by using activated carbon to adsorb gases like toluene and benzene from the air.
Because of activated charcoals ability to absorb VOC’s, (volatile organic compounds) charcoal air purifiers are exceptional at removing odors.

Activated carbon vs charcoal

Activated Carbon is a broad term that encompasses all types of materials such as coconut shell and charcoal.
Activated carbon is the equivalent of activated charcoal or activated coconut shell for that matter. The terms are used interchangeably and mean exactly the same thing.

What does a carbon filter do?

Carbon filtration is a process of using a large surface of activated charcoal to adsorb and remove contaminants either as a system for air purification or water purification.

How does a carbon filter work?

Activated Carbon has an unbelievably huge surface area filled with literally millions of pores and microscopic caves.

Airborne toxins or drinking water contaminants depending on the application are forced into the porous area intermolecularity.

When the pollutants enter the filter, they stick to the sides and get trapped in the vast cavernous filter.

What does activated carbon remove?

Activated carbon has a far reaching list of conditions and environments it is able to treat.

As an air filter it is responsible for removing VOCs, gases, odors, and dust mites.

As a water filter, it used to adsorb a host of impurities including chlorine and fluoride.

How long does activated carbon filter last?

An activated carbon filter should last anywhere from 3 to 6 months depending on what it is that is being filtered and the weight and density of the carbon that you are using.

Uses of activated charcoal

Activated charcoal has a whole range of uses other than filtering air.

Overdose
Activated charcoal as traditionally been used in cases of drug overdose or poisoning. When is this taking internally, poisons and toxins can bind to it to help get rid of the dangerous content.

Flatulence
Activated charcoal is used to help people with excessive gas and reduce abdominal pain related to gas.

Diarrhea

Recent studies have shown that activated charcoal can help prevent diarrhea by adsorbing the bacteria responsible for the diarrhea into the permeable surface of the charcoal.

Healthy gums

Activated charcoal has made its way into a whole slew of toothpaste and oral health products.
Many people claim that it helps with gingivitis because of its antiviral and any antifungal properties.

Facial cleanse

There are many facial cleansers that use activated carbon to help pull toxins and bacteria up out of the pores of the face so that is easier to clean your skin deeper.

Deodorant

Activated carbons ability to reduce odors makes it a great deodorant not only for your underarms but also in the refrigerator and your smelly shoes.

Drinking water

Using activated charcoal and your drinking water can help clean your water and reduce the many chemicals
and poisons like fluoride found in tap water.

Anti-aging

Eliminating toxins that are aging you from the inside out is the ideal.
Using activated carbon regularly can help you detox and feel younger.

Respiratory masks

Activated charcoal attracts and binds airborne contaminants and protects you from breathing in harmful airborne poisons.

Air purification

Most air purifiers come with a activated carbon filter that is coupled with a HEPA filter.

The HEPA filter is designed to capture airborne pollutants .03 microns and larger. But even though 03 microns maybe insanely small, there are other airborne pollutants like vocs and gases that are even smaller.

For these tiniest of contaminants, activated carbon filtration is used to absorb the gases into the large surface area of the filter.

Odors are one of the primary reasons people search for an air purifier.

But odors are one of the hardest things for air purifiers to remove. In order to remove odors, an air purifier must be equipped with an activated charcoal filter.

One of the benefits of having a carbon filter in your air purifier, if you want to look at it that way, is the fact that carbon has a sweet smell to it.
Some people even go as far as to say it smells like cookies or cake.
But regardless if that is something that you like or not, it is a good way of being able to identify when your carbon filter is ready to be exchanged.
Once that sweet smell is gone, your filter is pretty much at the end of its life.

How to clean A activated carbon filter.

Though you can clean it a little bit by soaking it, the density and the amount of pores that activated carbon has, makes it impossible to get very clean.

The truth is, you should factor in the cost of replacing the filters as part of the overall investment in purchasing an activated charcoal air purifier.

What Does a Diffuser Do in a Room?

what does a diffuser do?

The diffuser is a device that breaks down and disperses essential oils into a room so that the user may enjoy the calming and medicinal effects of aromatherapy. Which include improving sleep, controlling pain, and reducing stress. Proponents for Aromatherapy diffusion claim an over better quality of life through the use of the diffuser.

Diffusers come in 3 different types:

1. Evaporative Diffuser

A Evaporative diffuser consists of a small fan and a pad that you drop essential oils on. The fan gently blows across the essential oils so that they evaporate into the atmosphere.

2. Ultrasonic diffuser

Can you use a diffuser as a humidifier?

In the case of an ultrasonic diffuser the answer is yes. Ultrasonic diffusers operate by the vibration of water and essential oils combined.
Can you use diffuser without oil?
An ultrasonic diffuser without the essential oils is simply an excellent ultrasonic humidifier.

3. Nebulizer diffuser

The nebulizer diffuser is the most sophisticated type of diffuser. It is also simultaneously the most effective and expensive to use. The reason is that uses the most oil of all three types.

What does a diffuser do in a room?

A diffuser is simply a tool to be able to enjoy the benefits of different essential and aromatherapy oils. Which are many.

Some benefits of diffusing essential oils in a room include:

1 Reduce stress and Anxiety
2. Better sleep
3. Appetite suppressant
4. Air purification
5. Decongestant and cold relief
6. Insect and mosquito repellent
7. Improve memory and Mental Clarity
8. Relieve Headaches
9. Hair growth
10. Humidifier

1. Reduce Stress and anxiety

Stress is a health symptom we can all relate to in this modern world of abrupt changes.
Stress and anxiety can result in having issues both mental and physical.
Aromatherapy can be used as a relaxation tool to help boost a feeling of calmness and ease.

A. Lavender essential oil is proven to lower your blood pressure and your heart rate. One of the most common and popular essential oils for stress, lavender can ease your nerves and promote a more restful night sleep.

B. Ylang ylang is a essential oil that is extracted from the Cananga tree rooted in Indonesia.
This essential oil is known to help improve your mood and help relieve depression.
And like lavender, it can help lower your heart rate and ease tensions related to stress and anxiety.

2. Better sleep

No doubt getting a good night’s rest is essential to your health and feeling positive and alive.
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to promote a better night’s sleep. According to the US National Library of Science, aromatherapy is more effective at improving sleep quality than acupuncture.

A. Lavender tops the list I’ll be essential oils that can help promote sleep.
Lavender is not only help calm your nerves, it also has a sedative effect.
It has been shown to not only help you fall asleep faster but stay asleep longer.

B. Vanilla essential oil is a sweet scent they can also have a sedative effect on your nerves and can help relieve restlessness.

3. Appetite suppressant.

Aromatherapy essential oils can also be used to help suppress your appetite and give you energy.

A. Grapefruit essential oil works as a help for weight loss because of its ability to help activate enzymes that work to reduce body fat.

B. Ginger
Ginger essential oil can help with digestion support and help you absorb nutrients easier. Dropping a couple of drops of grapefruit and Ginger in your tea or water is also a great way to get the benefits of these essential oils.

4. Air purification

A diffuser is an excellent way to disperse antibacterial oils through the air that are capable of reducing allergens and mold spores.

When you consider the fact that most spray fragrances actually add dangerous vocs to the air and only mask the air and do nothing to reduce indoor air pollution, essential oils or a landslide.

According to PubMed “essential oils have a great potential in the field of Bio medicine is late effectively destroy several bacterial fungal and viral pathogens”

A. Peppermint essential oil

Peppermint oil is known to have any bacterial properties. It is not only excellent as a means of air purification, it is also good as a cough suppressant.

B. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has been researched and shown to be able to destroy flu viruses in the air.

5. Decongestant and cold Relief

Eucalyptus is the number one essential oil to add to diffuser when you have a cough.
Eucalyptus is found in most chest rubs and is universally considered an excellent way to soothe your airways and relax a cough. But it is not the only game in town.

A. Oregano oil
Adding oregano oil to a diffuser is an excellent way to fight off a cold and flu bug. The reason is it contains Carvacrol.
Carvacrol is a natural antibiotic.

B. Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil contains something called Cineole. Research has concluded that Cineole actively reduces a call in as little as four days.

6. Mosquito and insect repellent

Most everyone has heard of citronella candles and sure to keep them around for a summertime BBQ.

A. Citronella essential oil is the same mosquito repellent that you can buy in the candle form. Citronella is known to ward off mosquitoes as well as fleas, lice, and a whole host of other insects.

B. Lemon eucalyptus
The center for disease control has put their stamp on lemon eucalyptus. According to the CDC, lemon eucalyptus can be used as an effective repellent for mosquitoes.

7. Improve Memory and mental clarity

Memory is something we all value and something we usually take for granted till it starts to fade.
Aromatherapy has been shown to help increase mental clarity and focus as well as stimulate the memory.

A. Frankincense oil
Frankincense oil is a ancient remedy for just about every ailment under the sun.
It is also known to be and effective stimulate for the brain.

B. Peppermint is also a strong essential oil that can promote a sense of mental sharpness when inhaled deeply.

8. Headaches

Headaches can fall under the moniker of stress and anxiety. Stress can cause a whole lot of havoc on your health including headaches.

A. Peppermint oil is the number one essential oil for tension headaches. Because peppermint oil contains menthol, it has the potential to relax your muscles and relieve pain including headache and migraine pain.

B. Lavender oil
Lavender essential oil creates a soothing aroma that is known to be calming. It’s relaxing properties can help ease tensions in your neck and shoulders that can lead to headaches.

9. Hair growth

Have you ever been in a situation where you could not wait for your hair to grow. Fortunately there are stimulants that can help your hair grow out faster and certain essential oils fall under that category.

A. Lavender oil has both antimicrobial and anti bacterial characteristics that can strengthen your scalp.
Though usually known as a essential oil to reduce stress and ease headaches, lavender oil has a unusual side effect helping hair grow faster.

B. Rosemary essential oil is similar in that it is usually promoted as a cough suppressant. But according to one study, rosemary oil is actually as effective as a hair growth stimulant is the popular over the counter hair stimulant Minoxidil.

10. Humidifier

You can’t forget about the fact ultrasonic diffuser doubles as a humidifier.
A humidifier is a must especially in the winter months when the climate is dry and the heater is going nonstop.
Not only will a humidifier help moisten your nasal cavities and make it easier to breathe, it will also add moisture to the dust in the air keeping it from floating in the ambient air that you breathe.

And that’s only a small part of the list that aromatherapy and diffusers can do to help improve your health.

A Diffuser combined with aromatherapy essential oils is an excellent way to improve the quality of your life.

Are Himalayan Salt Lamps a Hoax?

Himalayan salt lamps have gathered in popularity over the last few years.

And the truth is they are a pretty sharp-looking novelty item that can add to the ambience of a shaded room nicely.
But having a pinkish, orange and red lamp it’s not really enough to cause the kind of stir they have.
It’s unlikely so many people would be purchasing and hunting these things down if it were just for the look of them.

So why are Himalayan salt lamps so popular?

It’s the health benefits that are associated with using a salt lamp.

There are a number of claims being made about how Himalayan salt lamp can improve your health.

The claims include reducing allergies, lowering asthma triggers, and filtering germs and bacteria out of the air.

The two main health functions that Himalayan salt lamps supposedly perform are:

1.Produce Negative Ions
2.They are Hygroscopic

Himalayan salt lamp hoax?

“Himalayan salt lamps do not create any measurable amount of negative ions but they are conclusively hygroscopic because salt is known to pull moisture out of the air.
Are they a Hoax? 50/50.”

Now I am a skeptic. and certain things like salt lamps just lend themselves to skepticism.

But if you were to show me a study that proves Himalayan salt lamps could actually improve air quality, we can leave it at that.

But unfortunately there is not a single study that can be produced.

But like everything else to do with Himalayan salt lamps, I’ll try to make an educated guess.

One of the biggest claims about Himalayan salt lamps is that they create negative ions.

My first question here is: “Have you ever seen the dust left behind by a negative ion generator?”

Negative ion generators are famous we’re leaving a blanket of dust on the walls and surfaces around around the machine.

It’s so popular they have a phrase that describes it. “Great Wall syndrome” is the effect of negatively charged ions combining with positively charged ions, and either falling to the surface or clinging to the walls.

This is not a effect you get with a Himalayan salt lamp.

Secondly, it’s not just negative ions that affect the mood or atmosphere in an area, it’s the sheer volume of them that makes the difference.

The fresh outdoor feeling you get from a thunderstorm rolling through is caused by an explosion of negative ions created by lightning ,and rain washing contaminants out of the air.

There is also a distinctive smell left behind by a thunderstorm. The smell is ozone.

Negative ionizers also create ozone and it is one of the reasons they come under fire as an air cleaning method.

“But Himalayan salt lamps, if they create negative ions at all, do not manufacture enough ions to leave behind any dust, much less create enough that would be considered the volume to change the atmosphere in a room, and they leave no noticeable smell of ozone behind whatsoever.”

Verdict: Every action has a counter reaction and Himalayan salt lamps don’t have any of the side effects of a negative ionizer simply because they do not ionize air.
( Butt least they don’t generate high levels of ozone as a by-product. That’s healthy!)

They Are Hygroscopic

On this point, I’m not quite as skeptical.

It is known that humidity droplets can actually be microscopic containers that carry air pollutants like bacteria and viruses and help them travel further through a room.

Humidity is also a natural food source for mold spores and dust mites which are known household allergens.

And we all know how miserable humidity can be in certain climates and times of the year.

Consider this:

Himalayan salt lamps are known to attract moisture.

And most concerns about pink Himalayan salt lamps are about the device leaking or melting.

In truth Himalayan salt lamps neither leak or melt.

The water the gatherers on and around a salt lamp is humidity pulled out of the air by the salt.

Seeing is believing.

Unlike the ionic air purifier claims that people make about Himalayan salt lamps which offer no proof either by leaving behind dust or the residual smell of ozone that negative ions create,

A Himalayan salt lamp leaving behind a puddle of water is a very noticeable side effect that can be construed as the salt pulling moisture from the air.

And it is also a fact that sodium chloride(salt) can be used as a dehumidifier and is often stored in the basement to help reduce the natural humidity typically found in the basement.

So on this point, I would have to concede,

“It is possible that a pink Himalayan salt lamp can help purify the air by absorbing potentially harmful humidity droplets from the air.”

Though it is possible, keeping a Himalayan salt lamp will not reduce the humidity in your home nearly as well as turning the air conditioner on or running a dehumidifier.

And as a ionizer, forget it.

Are Himalayan salt lamps safe for cats?

The allure that salt lamps have for cats to lick them, potentially makes them a health hazard for felines and dogs if the lamp is placed where they can get to them.

The potential problem with keeping salt lamps around your animals is that salt can be very addicting for an animal to lick. And they will probably lick the salt till they’re sick or even worst case scenario, to the point of death.

That fact alone is enough to go with the fake version of Himalayan salt lamp in my house.

Why is my salt lamp leaking water?

Another issue that I rarely see people bringing up when it comes to Himalayan salt lamps is the maintenance involved to keep them.

I for one did not realize that you had to keep wiping them off or they would create a puddle underneath them.

It is actually suggested that you place a plastic bag over the salt lamp when it’s not in use so that it will not continue to pull moisture from the air and become sad.

(Yes, the moisture that gathers on the outside of the salt lamp is called crying. And they can get very sad if not attended to. Don’t be so insensitive.)

And the fact that they are so heavy and brittle is not something I anticipated.

Though they are very pretty and obviously add a nice ambience to the room.

I’m still glad I never bought a Himalayan salt lamp as a Christmas gift for someone without knowing how much attention they would need to give it.

On a positive note, if you happen to own a cow, Himalayan salt lamps make an excellent salt lick, chuck full of iron and minerals.
You may be sitting on a delicious glass of milk and didn’t even know it.

Also: Does a Humidifier Help With Dust?

Furnace Blower Keeps Running But No Heat

The mysterious furnace.
Have you ever had a problem with your furnace blower keeps running but no heat and realized no one you know has a clue on what to do to fix it?
Including yourself?

I have had my share of embarrassing moments, calling out HVAC repairman only to find that I haven’t changed the filters.

And though I don’t like being embarrassed, it’s not that part that is the worst. It’s the amount of money that I spent on such a lame mistake that puts the icing on top.

Sure there are plenty of times when something can malfunction, that I don’t have the first clue on how to diagnose or repair,

But what I have found is that most of the time that is not the case. And the fix for getting the furnace working again turned out to be super simple.

Furnace blower keeps running but no heat

The Most Common Issues that you may find when the furnace blower keeps running but no heat is:

1. Filters are dirty, or
2. Ignition sensor is dirty and the furnace wont ignite.

It’s a pretty common problem to turn the heater on but have cool air coming out. One of my first experiences with calling out a HVAC tech for the shop I work in was because the heaters were simply not getting hot.

I decided to pay for the complete HVAC inspection package.

The guys ( 2 older guys) show up and do their thing then appear from there mysterious HVAC work holding two filters that are completely caked over with about a inch of fuzz and debris.

Humiliating.

1. Check your filters

Your heater furnace needs good airflow to work and if you’re filters get too dirty it will not blow warm air. Dirty filters are one of the main reasons the heater is not working and one of the easiest things to check and maintain.

Cold air blowing out of vents when heat is on

2. Furnace not igniting burners

This is another one that I’ve had an experience of calling out a tech.
And believe me, I check the filters first but that didn’t do anything.

So this time the guy shows up ( one of the same guys) and I told him I already check the filters. I’m on top of this.

He proceeds to get a ladder, stick his head up into the Attic, get down and then look at the thermostat.

Next. (You would think you’d want to keep this part secret) he pulls out a tiny piece of sandpaper out of his front pocket then goes back up the ladder.

He gets down and tells me that’s it. He’s done.

I ask him what he did with the sandpaper and he told me that my ignition sensor was dirty so sanded it off a little bit to clean it.

$140.00. And he didn’t even replace anything.

Not all furnaces have ignition sensors.
Many furnaces have pilot lights. Sometimes the pilot light can get blown out. If you have a wall furnace, that is many times the case.
If you find that your pilot light will not stay lit then it is most likely a issue with not getting enough fuel.

Thermostat not turning heat on

By this time, it probably seems like I’m a real dope. I probably am, but no one else seems to know the answers either.

Check the batteries in the thermostat.

Did you know that thermostats have batteries? I didn’t.

If you have a thermostat that is not turning on your furnace and seems to be glitching out, there’s a good possibility your batteries need changing.

And while you’re at it, make sure that the thermostat is set to Heat and Auto.

Super simple things to check but if you don’t know then you just don’t know.

If you change the batteries and it’s still not working, thermostats do go bad.

It might be time to change the thermostat, and though it may not be something you want to tackle on your own, it’s not exactly rocket science.

I’ve had two separate occasions where the heat wouldn’t come on and it was the thermostat.

The first was in a rent house so I didn’t have to pay for the repair, but the second time it was in my own house and the price of the thermostat plus the installation was $295.00

$295 is incentive enough to replace my own thermostat for now on.

Make sure there’s nothing covering your vents.

This is another bonehead move that I have made and called and HVAC technician to solve.

Central heat and air units have supply Air and return air vents.

Sometimes these events can get dirty themselves and not allow for the air to flow freely which will inhibit the amount of warmth you get from your vents.

But even more common, and one I am guilty of, is putting something directly in front of the return vents. In my case it was a sheet of plywood.

Imagine if you were an HVAC technician and you are sent out to diagnose a heating problem only the find that someone is put a piece of plywood in front of the return vents and blocking off the air from actually blowing at all.

This is the kind of stories these guys have to tell daily. And I’m proud of being able to supply them with so much content.

Long story short..

Make sure your vents are all open and that there is nothing covering them.

Of course not all problems or that easy to solve when it comes to your furnace not blowing out heat, but it is incredible how many easy fixes there actually are.

Do yourself a favor, and your pocketbook, and make sure that you’re not making some of these little mistakes they can end up costing you a lot of money.

The furnace doesn’t have to be that mysterious and it’s well worth it to get even a little bit of knowledge to help you help yourself and not have to pay a hefty bill every time you have a problem.

AC Dry Mode

How to Use a Vaporizer for a Cold

One of the things I remember about going to my grandmother’s house when I was a kid was that she always had a mysterious pot of water simmering on the stove.

Sometimes it smelled like clove, other times it smelled more like chest rub.

Now I know, all these years later, that she kept that pot of water on the stove to add moisture to the air. And the scents we’re actually real cloves and eucalyptus leaves.

Essentially she had her own “do it yourself” vaporizer and diffuser combo”.

How to Use a Vaporizer for a Cold..

“To use a vaporizer for a cold, add a chest decongestant like Vicks or eucalyptus oil into the provided tray.
The decongestant combined with steam should open the airways nicely.”

These days, humidifiers and vaporizers are so cheap, it makes more sense to purchase one and put it in the room where you need it, rather than to keep a pot of water simmering on the stove.

Though I would thankfully trade in all humidifiers I’ve ever owned to revisit those days.

What my grandmother knew, was that if you keep steam in the air and add eucalyptus to the mix, you can help ease the symptoms of a cold.

That’s exactly what a modern vaporizer can do.

Think about how taking a hot steamy shower opens up your airways when you have a cold.

That is basically how a vaporizer functions to help reduce cold symptoms.

A vaporizer is essentially a steam machine.

And most of them come with a tray that allows you to add eucalyptus or other types of essential oils that are good for breathing.

Difference between humidifier and vaporizer

A vaporizer and a humidifier do the same thing,which is to add moisture to the air, the difference is the method they used to achieve that end.

A vaporizer boils water and add steams

to the air to moisturize it.

A humidifier moisturizers the air by misting.

Cost- Humidifiers are a little more expensive across the board. They also or recommended for use with distilled water only, which is also an added expense.

A vaporizer also has the advantage of reaching a boiling point that reduces the ability for mold and bacteria to grow in the machine.

Otherwise it’s a matter of preference whether you prefer the feeling of steam or the feeling of a cool mist.

Vaporizer vs. Humidifier for cold

Though a vaporizer adds the provided benefit of helping loosen up mucus with steam, many people prefer a cool mist humidifier.

That’s especially true when you’re dealing with a cold in a warm season.

It’s not exactly comfortable to have hot steam blowing when the temperature is already warm.

A cool mist humidifier provides a slight breeze which can be very comforting when you’re sick.

And having a vaporizer running, which gets to very high temperatures, around children or babies it’s not something most people will do.

Vaporizer vs. Humidifier for bronchitis

When congestion really has you down, chances are your cold has turned into bronchitis.

Both a vaporizer and a humidifier will add moisture to the air that will help loosen up the congestion in your chest.

The biggest difference is that a vaporizer puts out warm air and a cool mist humidifier puts out cool air.

Mayo clinic suggest that a cool mist humidifier maybe better for easing the symptoms of a chest cold AKA bronchitis.

Vaporizer pros

The vaporizer has the advantage of being less likely to introduce mold and other organisms that can only exasperate bronchitis.

Vaporizers are essential oil friendly.

It’s the combination of steam and aromatherapy that gives the vaporizer a slight advantage.

One of the biggest drawbacks of using a vaporizer is the swampy feeling of combined humidity and heat.

Humidifier pros

Cool mist humidifiers can also work with aromatherapy additives and do not pose a risk of spilling boiling water.

A cool mist humidifier also has the advantage of blowing a slight breeze as it’s working.

Cool air is easier to breathe in hot air.

And one of the main reasons better humidifier is needed in the winter is that the furnace is drying out the air.

Cons

The cons of using a humidifier is that they must be kept clean or they can become a air pollution problem.

A dirty humidifier can spit out mold and bacteria as well as other organisms.

Vaporizer vs. Warm mist humidifier

A warm mist humidifier is another name for a vaporizer. Both a warm mist humidifier and a vaporizer boil water to create steam.

Most vaporizers are sold as a combination warm mist humidifier with a separate tray to add essential oil extracts or pre packaged chest rub pads.

A generic humidifier usually does not offer the aromatherapy additive option.

So if you intend to add essential oils like eucalyptus or oregano for instance, be sure that you choose a humidifier that is made to do so.

The mistake that many people make is thinking that you can add oil straight to the water in a cool mist humidifier.

But doing so will eventually clog your humidifier filter and make it useless.

If you already own a cool mist humidifier that does not have a aromatherapy extract tray,

Then it is worthwhile to purchase a separate diffuser for your essential oils.

Vaporizer vs. Humidifier for cough

The distinct advantage that a vaporizer has for a cough is that it creates steam and is essential oil ready.

The combination of steam and and essential oil like eucalyptus can help break up mucus in clear your airways which may help you breathe easier.

Another distinct advantage of a vaporizer for a cough is that it boils water to create steam which kills bacteria and mold that can easily take root in a humidifier. Boiling also takes the need of using distilled water out of the picture.

The biggest downside of a vaporizer is that it can leave in room feeling muggy.
And though the steam maybe a excellent way to open up your sinuses, sleeping in a steamy room is not the most comfortable.

Another downside. Vaporizers reach high temperatures because they boil water. Not suitable for use where children have access.

The humidifier for a cough adds moisture to the air by emitting a very fine cool mist.

And when you have a cough, a cool mist may make it easier to sleep than a warm steamy room that a vaporizer can give you.

Though they lack the ability of being able to add essential oil straight to the water, many cool mist come equipped with a essential oil tray to be able to take advantage of the healing effects of aromatherapy also.

The biggest drawback of a humidifier over a vaporizer is that mold and bacteria and other organisms can take root much quicker in the machine, making it is essential to keep it cleaned and maintained daily.

Another drawback is it should only be used with distilled water. Which can be an added expense.

Humidifier vs Dehumidifier

Did you know that the humidity in your home not only can affect the structure of your house, It can interfere with your health to?

Humidity or lack of humidity can have adverse effects on your health it may lead you to begin a search for a humidifier or a dehumidifier.

Humidifier vs dehumidifier

A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air, a dehumidifier is a device that subtracts moisture from the air.

What should humidity be in the house?

Without knowing the humidity level in your house, it’s impossible to know whether you need a humidifier for a dehumidifier or either?

The humidity leveling the house that is generally the most comfortable for everyone is 40 to 60%. This study by The National Library of Medicine states “The majority of adverse health effects caused by relative humidity would be minimized by maintaining indoor levels between 40 and 60%. “ A hygrometer is needed to to let you know what the humidity is in your house.

Humidity levels may need to be tweaked throughout the year to keep a level of comfort in the home.

What should humidity be in house in winter?

in the winter you’re shooting for more like 40 to 60% humidity because the air usually much drier in the winter. And with the addition of the furnace running, the air inside of the house can get very dry.

What should humidity be in house in summer?

Humidity in the summer should be kept around 30 to 45%. There are many times when the heat that you are feeling in the summer is humidity. By maintaining a lower humidity, you can achieve comfort and reduce the need for a continuously running AC.

What do you do when the humidity is affecting your overall health? How do you know whether you should add or reduce the humidity

Here is a few tips

Humidifier or dehumidifier for allergies?

Allergies are many times seasonal. And depending on the season, you’re probably able to narrow down whether you need to moisten or dry out the air.
In the winter, a humidifier is usually better when you’re suffering from allergy symptoms.
But in the summer months, humidity can actually help allergens travel further. So you probably need a dehumidifier.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for sinus problems

A humidifier is best for sinus problems when the air is dry. The reason is that the particles that are in the air that can aggravate the sinus cavities will be weighted down with the use of a humidifier which will keep them from floating and entering your nose and mouth. The added moisture will also help relieve the irritation and pain that dry air can do to your sinuses.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for stuffy nose.

A stuffy nose is usually caused by the air being extra dry. When you have a stuffy, stopped up nose, a cool mist humidifier is a great way to reduce the stuffiness and get a better night’s sleep.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for eczema

Dry air can exasperate skin problems, especially eczema. A humidifier is generally the “go to” device for eczema sufferers because it will add moisture to the air and ease the pain associated with eczema.
Humidity can also have an adverse effect on the skin when the moisture in the air is full of mold spores and bacteria.
It’s important that the humidifier be kept clean or if you’re living in a house with a dirty HVAC, that the vents or not distributing mold and dust mites throughout your house.

Consider adding an air purifier to your arsenal. A mold air purifier will help keep bacteria out of the when the humidity is high too.

Keeping the air clean is as important as adding or reducing humidity.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for mold

Moisture is one of the essential ingredients for mold to grow. Anytime the humidity in the home is high, you have chance of mold taking root somewhere.

A dehumidifier will pull moisture out of the air and help starve and mold that is already forming.

But dehumidifiers themselves must be maintained or else they can become a source for mold and spores.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for baby

Babies can be susceptible to bacteria in the air. A humidifier can help clear the congestion in a baby’s chest. But you should also consider pairing it with an air purifier to ensure that bacteria and mold are introduced to a baby’s room through adding humidity to the air.

Keeping the humidifier clean and filled with distilled water is a must when it comes to babies.

During the hot, muggy months of the year, a dehumidifier can make the air easier to breathe. And the baby you can suffer from the uncomfortable effects of high humidity just like everyone else.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for snoring

Snoring is usually related the air being hot and dry.
A humidifier will add moisture to the air that can help soothe the larynx
And help you breathe a little easier while sleeping.
Some people refer to turn the heat up and dress less in the winter.
This is a recipe for snoring.
Cool air is easier to breathe. Consider turning the heat down and adding more covers or wearing pajamas with a cool mist humidifier running.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for cough

A dry cough can be helped with the use of a humidifier. When conditions are dry, a humidifier can aid in hoping to loosen up mucus and phlegm.
Humidifiers often come with compartments that allow essential oils like eucalyptus and oregano to be dispersed into the air and help you recover from a cough faster and add a soothing agent to the air make it easier to breathe.

Humidifier or dehumidifier for nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are a symptom of dry air.

Even now you can find many homes that still have the furnace under the floor with the heat coming out through a grill.

To avoid the furnace making the air too dry and the kids getting dry bloody noses, a pot of water is placed on the grill so that the water will evaporate and moisten the air. Clove or eucalyptus might be added to add an extra layer of soothing.
A humidifier does the same thing.
When you are getting a nosebleed from the climate, you will want to pick a humidifier over a dehumidifier.

How to Tell the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

The easiest way to tell the difference between mold and mildew is by the color.

Mildew is usually gray or white while mold ranges from green to yellow to black.

What does mildew look like?

Mildew is usually described as being powdery or fluffy and growing in a flat pattern. It is distinguishable from mold in that mold is usually slimy with fuzz growing on it. Mildew can be so subtle that it can be mistaken as a wall or surface that just looks dirty.

What is mildew?

Mildew is a type of mold in that it is basically mold that hasn’t fully developed yet.

And because it is in this early stage, it appears more like a white powdery substance on top of a surface.

It’s common to find mildew in the shower or shower curtain.

Because it is usually found on the surface when it is in the home, cleaning it is much easier and can usually be done with a household cleaner and a brush.

Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mold?

Both bleach and vinegar are known to be able to kill mold and mildew but vinegar the better choice because it is able to penetrate mold deeper and get down “to the root. Whereas bleach will only clean the surface.

Killing mold with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide?

Killing mold with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is more effective than using bleach. Both peroxide and white vinegar are disinfectants that can get down below the surface.

There is one caveat to using both hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to kill mold and that is, you should never mix the two. When they are mixed, they can create peracetic acid, which is a irritant to your eyes and skin and potentially your respiratory system.

If you’re going to use this method, spray the hydrogen peroxide on the mold and give it about a minute before you spray the vinegar on it.

Does vinegar kill mildew?

Vinegar is hands-down the best all natural way to kill mildew. A easy 2 to 1 ratio of vinegar to water in a spray bottle will kill the mildew and your shower and disinfect it.
The process takes approximately one hour. Spray your white vinegar and water directly on the mildew, give it at least one hour, then wipe it off.

Can mildew make you sick?

Mildew is mold. And though it may not be as threatening as a full-blown case of mold growth, mildew still has the capacity to make you feel ill let and trigger allergies.

Some of the symptoms that are related to mold and mildew are:

Sneezing

Coughing
Itchy eyes
Running news

Stuffy nose
Watery eyes
Fatigue

Mold spores are also linked to asthma.

How do you know it’s mold that’s making you sick?

The easiest way to figure out if it’s mold making you sick is to remove yourself from the area where the mold is noticeable.

If you find that you are experiencing symptoms when you are in a certain room, then you may be having an adverse reaction to mold spores in the air.

Is mildew dangerous?

In the same way that mildew is considered a lesser form of mode, the effects that mildew can have on your health or also considered lesser.
But mildew is a fungus and persons with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions like asthma should certainly view mildew as a hazard.

Black mildew?

Mildew can be considered a light version of mold. Mildew is typically a white powdery looking mild mold growth. Mold on the other hand can appear black and usually does have some kind of black or dark green color about it.

What does mildew smell like?

Musty. Musty is defined as smelling moldy. Well that’s helpful…

The smell of mildew is reminiscent to rotting wood or stinky socks. It is a stale damp, decaying odor. One that is usually easily noticeable but hard to describe.

The smell of mildew compared to the smell of mold is much less noticeable than mold.

The intensity of the musty smell associated with mold and mildew is also a good way to distinguish whether you have mold for mildew.

Recap

What is the difference between mildew and mold.

Mold and mildew are in the same family much the way that a son and father all related.

Mildew is mold that has not developed fully yet.

The easiest way to tell the difference between mildew and mold is the color.
Mildew is usually White or gray while mold has advanced into deeper darker colors black black, green, yellow and red.

Another way that you can tell the difference between mildew and mold is that mold smells much stronger than mildew.

Another difference between mold and mildew is the ease in which mildew is removed compared to mold.

White vinegar is the weapon of choice when removing mildew from areas like your shower and shower curtain. Using a easy 2 to 1 vinegar to water solution, simply spray it directly onto the mildew.
Give it about an hour then wipe it off.

If you want to take the disinfecting route a little further, spray the white vinegar solution, give it a couple of minutes, then spray hydrogen peroxide solution directly on the mildew.

Wait for approximately an hour, then wipe it clean.

Other differences between mildew and mold are the symptoms that you can experience related to mold spore exposure.

Just like the other differences between mildew and mold, the symptoms that mildew can cause, like headaches, sneezing, fatigue, the and itchy eyes,
are not typically anywhere near the level of intensity that having a mold allergy attack can cause.

But there are always exceptions to the rule. If you are susceptible to mold spore allergies or if you have a weakened immune system or other pre-existing conditions. Then you should treat exposure to mildew no less than you would being exposed to mold.

Does a Humidifier Help with Coughing?

We’ve all known the misery of a nagging cold and cough. Trying to get a good night’s rest when you are coughing can be very difficult and sleep medications can leave you feeling unrested and groggy.

Does a humidifier help with coughing?

One of the best ways to get relief from cough and cold symptoms is running a humidifier near your bed.

What does a humidifier do for a cough?

Humidifiers can help a dry cough by adding moisture to the air that helps loosen phlegm in the lungs.

Also many humidifiers come equipped with compartments to add essential oils like eucalyptus that dispersed in the air can sooth your lungs and reduce coughing.

Vaporizer vs. Humidifier for cough?

The best Humidifier for a cough is a combination vaporizer diffuser and cool mist humidifier.

Diffusers can disperse cough reducing essential oils like peppermint and rosemary but they do not add the humidity to the air needed to to help with dryness that is helping aggravate the cough.
On the flip side, a humidifier alone will only add moisture to the air.

Though there is a lot of different opinions on whether you can add the essential oils straight to the water on a humidifier,
It is best to look for one that has a compartment built into it so that you do not have any issues with clogging the machine up with oils

Warm or cool mist humidifier for cough?

Though both a warm mist humidifier and a cool mist humidifier basically achieve the same result of adding humidity to the air,
Cool mist humidifiers tend to add a level of comfort when you’re trying to sleep than you cant get from a warm mist humidifier.
Don’t forget that humidifiers also add a blanket of white noise to the room that can be soothing when your down with a cold and cough.

Best essential oils for coughs

Many humidifiers come ready made to add oils that can help soothe a cough and add additional aid to loosen up mucus.

Eucalyptus for cough

Eucalyptus oil is a very popular is a night time relief product. Many of the salves that you buy to rub on your chest contain eucalyptus.

Oregano oil for cough

Oregano has become popular as a supplement because it contains

Carvacrol
Thymol
Rosmarinic acid

Carvacrol is a natural antibiotic that helps fight bacteria. Thymol is a natural fungicide.

Using oregano oil for a cough and cold is an excellent way to fight off a bug.

Peppermint for cough

Peppermint contains menthol. Menthol is an ingredient in most cough drops.
Using peppermint oil for a cough in your humidifier is a great way to add to your relief suffering from a cold and cough

Rosemary for cough

Rosemary contains Cineole. A study in the US national library of medicine concluded that ” Cineole actively and significantly reduces a cough frequency after 4 days”

Frankincense for cough

Frankincense is an ancient remedy for all sorts of inflammation and diseases in the body. For a cough it can used as a steam inhalation, bath, or massage
It is also used for:

heart disease

Asthma
Skin irritation
Inflammatory bowel disease

Cancer
Prostate cancer
Brain tumor

Diabetes
Antimicrobial effects
Memory

Fertility

Thyme oil for cough

Like oregano oil, thyme oil contains an abundance of carvacrol. A antimicrobial that can aid in the reduction of bacteria.

Can a humidifier make a cough worse?

A humidifier is a simple machine that adds water to the air. If you feel like the humidifier is making you cough, the odds are that it has not been maintained and cleaned properly.

A dirty humidifier not only can grow mold and other organisms, it’s job is to disperse mist into the air. If the humidifier is dirty, the mist is a delivery system for bacteria that can make you cough.

There are actual medical names for this phenomenon. “Humidifier Sickness” , humidifier fever, and “Humidifier lung.

Humidifier sickness symptoms

The US national library of medicine
states that humidifier fever is an influenza like illness with pyrexia (fever) and malaise as the main symptoms.

Other dirty humidifier symptoms include:

Coughing
Chest tightness
Dyspnoea

Weight loss
Chills
Lung inflammation

Shortness of breath
Body aches
Asthma triggers

Humidifier fever treatment

The number one treatment to reduce mold in humidifier symptoms is to clean the humidifier thoroughly and often.

Water you can become stagnant and a breeding ground for mold and bacteria in as little as two days.

And those people who pre-existing conditions like asthma and allergies, also copd, should take extra precautions to ensure that their humidifier is clean by using white vinegar to disinfect the machine before using it again.

Once the source of the bacteria and mold in the air is removed, then the symptoms related to the dirty humidifier should subdue.

Recap

One of the best things you can do to reduce a cough is to run a humidifier.

Humidifiers add moisture to the air that can help reduce soften and reduce phlegm and mucus.

When the air is dry, having a cough can be that much more annoying and painful.

Also many humidifiers come ready-made to add essential oils that can help ease and reduce a cough much faster.

For instance, Rosemary oil when vaporized can reduce the life of a cough down do only 4 days when it is utilized.

Many other essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil have natural soothing qualities the can make having a cough much more bearable.

But for every good review of a humidifier, there needs to be a Stern warning that a humidifier needs to be cleaned and maintained more thoroughly than your average appliance.

A humidifier that is allowed to hold standing water can become a health hazard in as little as two days.

Running a humidifier that has mold and bacteria growing inside of it can make the humidifier a delivery system spreading the bacteria through the air.

It is such a common problem that there is actual medical names attached to it.

Humidifier sickness, humidifier lung, and humidifier fever or all references to
Illness that occurs from not maintaining a humidifier adequately.