Skip to main content You are hereHome  /  Baby  /  Health Ask Dr. Sears: Humidifiers or Vaporizers?When it comes time to equip your nursery, you might be struggling with the decision of whether to get a humidifier or a vaporizer.Both of these devices work in very different ways, and it’s important to know the differences before you make a decision on either a humidifier or a vaporizer.The main difference is that a vaporizer heats the water until it becomes a hot steam, and a humidifier uses fans to create a cool mist.There are, however, humidifiers that use heat to generate the mist, but we don’t generally recommend those for nurseries.Vaporizers use intense heat to turn water into vapor.Since the heat is so high, the risk of mold growing inside the vaporizer is lower than in a warm-mist humidifier, it can still happen.The only real benefit of vaporizers is that you can get away with using tap water (usually) without having to boil it first.Because the heat is so high, it should kill any kind of germs or bacteria that were in the water to begin with.

The big reason why vaporizers aren’t generally recommended for baby nurseries is that they post a high risk of burns.While you will probably have it out of reach of your baby, the risk is always there.Most experts would never recommend either a vaporizer or a warm-mist humidifier for this reason.If you have one already, you could get away with it if you’re very careful, but it would still be a much better idea to get a good cool-mist humidifier instead.Humidifiers do the same thing as vaporizers, but in a different way.Some do use heat to disperse the water as steam in the air, but for the most part, they use fans to create a cool mist.Cool-mist humidifiers are usually the recommended solution for baby nurseries, especially because there is no risk of burns when using them.Since they don’t use heat, they’re also less expensive to run than vaporizers are.If you’re thinking about the temperature of the mist, think about this: by the time it reaches your baby, it’s going to be the same temperature anyway, so there’s no benefit in the vaporizer when it comes to this.

The main disadvantage to humidifiers is that they have to be closely looked after and cleaned to avoid any problems.reviews plenty vaporizerIf your humidifier has a filter, be sure to clean it or replace it regularly.top 5 vape sitesEven if it doesn’t, you have to clean out the tank and the inner part on a regular basis; damp areas are a breeding ground for mold and bacteria!vapor store in waldorf mdThere’s no way we could recommend a vaporizer over a humidifier for your baby nursery.e cigarette weight lossThey both fill the same purpose, but the burn risks associated with vaporizers are too much for it to be worth it.e cigarette numb lips

Coupled with the extra cost associated with running a vaporizer, humidifiers just win.e cigarette smoke tricksIf you want to get a good humidifier, be sure to read our helpful guide on selecting the best for your nursery!atmos rx vaporizer screenWhen your baby has a stuffy nose, your mom’s first suggestion might be to set up a hot-steam vaporizer.cheap vape pen for weedDuring the winter months, your doctor might suggest using a cool-mist humidifier to keep nasal secretions lose rather than crusty and to keep a rashy child from developing itchy, dry skin.vapor shop tulsa okBoth types of air moisteners have their benefits and drawbacks, but steam vaporizers have more risks.

You might remember sitting in a room filled with hot steam as a child, whether it was the bathroom or your own room.You might even remember having a towel draped over your head so you’d breathe in even more hot steam from the “croup kettle.” Hot steam is quite effective at loosening secretions in the respiratory tract, but it has one major drawback.The steam -- and the water in the machine used to produce the steam -- are hot.If your child gets too close to the steam or spills the water on himself, he could suffer a bad burn.For this reason, Dr. Jay Hoecker of the Mayo Clinic recommends using a cool-mist humidifier rather than a vaporizer system.Running a hot-steam vaporizer also costs more.Humidifiers keep the air moist using cool air, which helps your child breathe just as easily as steam when he has a respiratory disorder such as a cold, bronchitis or pneumonia.Whole steam might seem more comforting, but by the time the mist reaches the lower part of his lungs, it’s the same temperature, regardless of whether it came from a vaporizer or humidifier, according to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Humidifiers also keep the air moist in the winter, when central heating reduces the amount of moisture in the air.Cool-mist humidifiers also have a major drawback; they’re a major source of bacterial and mold growth if you don’t keep them scrupulously clean.Rather than helping a child's respiratory symptoms, mold or bacterial contamination can cause more serious illness in your child if he suffers from asthma or another chronic lung disorder.To avoid mold and bacterial growth inside a cool-mist humidifier, soak all parts that come in contact with water in a 10 percent bleach solution every two to three days, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recommends.Change the water daily as well.Set up a humidifier in an area where your child won’t trip over the cord or spill the water.Spilling water near electrical appliances or outlets could cause an electrical shock.Unplug the unit when not in use.Avoid units made in the shape of toys, since children might be more likely to try and play with them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises using humidifiers only when necessary, to prevent exposure to mold or bacterial contamination.Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week How to Clean a Cool Mist Humidifier Tips on Running a Cool Mist Humidifier How Does a Cool Mist Humidifier Work?Vaporizer Uses and Remedies Is it Safe to Use Vaporizers on Babies?Relief for Coughing in Kids The Benefits of an Air Humidifier Side Effects of Steam Vaporizers Do Humidifiers Help Babies Sleep?Difference Between Humidifiers & Vaporizers Vicks VapoRub Warnings How to Humidify a Room Without a Humidifier Can a Cool Mist Humidifier Be Used in the Summer?The Pros & Cons of Humidifiers Instructions on How to Use a V400 Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier The Healthiest Types of Humidifiers How to Use a Humidifier in a Baby's Room Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier How to Put Essential Oils in Crane Humidifiers Eucalyptus Vapor for Cold & Flu Treatment