When my baby was born, I read how important a humidifier is (esp during winter when its dry) and bought one. We placed it in our bedroom where the baby slept as well and didn't think to clean it except once every couple of weeks or so. Soon, my husband and I started getting pains in our lungs -- we'd wake up and it hurt to breathe, especially if we took a deep breath. When we turned off the humidifer, it got better within a day or two. This happened a couple of times and finally we put two and two together and started researching humidifers and it turns out there's a disease called humidifier lung b/c people dont keep their humidifers clean enough and it basically puts mold and bacteria into your lungs! Because we weren't exposed for too long, I read our family should be OK but now I'm really scared to use a humidifier again because even if I clean it with bleach as they recommend, the bleach smell doesn't seem to dissipate and I worry that breathing in bleach is just as bad for our baby as the mold/bacteria! But my son is super congested due to allergies/teething/etc. and I think teh humidifier might help him a lot. Any suggestions on which type of humidifer is best for keeping the bacteria levels down? And/or how to clean a humidifer without that horrible bleach smell sticking around?? Thanks!
I change my filters often and clean it out occasionally. I never clean it with bleach. If you do, as long as it's rinsed and air dried, why would it still smell like bleach?
I've used a cool mist humidifier on and off since my son was born and I've never experienced what you've described.
If you're concerned, get a new O. and be über vigilant about keeping it clean!
I've always used a small humidifier that sits on the night stand. I empty it every day or two and let everything air dry, and have had no problems with mold or bacteria. Some humidifiers are easier to fill and empty than others, and some have replaceable filters where others have permanent, built-in filters. The one I'm using now (and really like) is made by Holmes. It holds about one gallon of water, and has a replaceable filter. The motor sits on top of the water tank, and the filter fits inside the tank. So all I have to do is lift off the top part and carry the water tank to the bathroom to empty or fill it.
If you're letting everything dry out regularly, you should have no problem with mold, as it cannot grow without moisture. I've never used bleach in any humidifier; and you're right, it is not safe for your baby or for you and your husband to breathe.
As far as your son's congestion, try using saline nasal spray to help loosen the congestion and keep his sinuses moisturized.
Good luck.
We use Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic Digital Humidifier for our 2 years old room as well as ours (where our 5 months old sleeps). It's pricy $169 (@ bed bath and beyond - use those 20% coupons that come in the mail) but is the best humidifier I've found. I have asthma and have had many humidifer. This one is 1) quiet - doesn't drive my husband crazy 2) seems to not have as much mold. It uses some silver ionic stick thingy that prevents mold growth. That said we try to clean in every 2 weeks or so. There's also cleaning solution that you can buy specifically for it. It cleans it and remove calcium build up.
In terms of congestion we use saline and the "nose frida". The nose frida is great!!! It's hard to describe without a pic --- google it and you will see. But it's much better than the bulb they give you from the hospital.
i quit using our humidifier when i saw mold growing on it. no way (i thought) could i get all of that clean, too many nooks/crannies. they do come highly recommended, but you know what, millions of people live without them. don't sweat it. for the congestion use some vicks vapo rub or something. we quit using ours and never looked back.
I have been using a cool-mist humidifier purchased at Target, it has the shape of a penguin. The brand is Crane. It comes in other animal shapes too.
I hope the link will work:
http://www.target.com/Crane-Penguin-Cool-Mist-Humidifier/...
I use reverse-osmosis/distilled water I buy from the grocery store (refill 1 gallon jugs) to fill it up. I have never had any mold issues.
My best recommendation is to call the physician who treats your son's allergies. If it's a Primary Care provider (Pediatrician/Family Practitioner), I'd call a local allergist/pulmonologist to see if they have any recommendations.
As far as the validity of the issues with a humidifier, I'd certainly look into how likely it is to have an issue with a humidifier and toxicity. Molds love warm, dark, damp places. So, humidifiers make a perfect breeding ground.
The humidifier you purchase should come with cleaning instructions - they may recommend bleach, or they may recommend other products to prevent growth of mold/mildew. It appears many newer humidifiers are now treated with Microban technologies to help prevent the growth of mold/mildew.
I'd recommend reading the section of this link called "Disadvantages and Risks" and then use a site like WebMD, GoogleHealth, etc. to verify the commonality:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidifier
I use a vaporizer when the kids are sick. It's better to have the warm air when sick anyway (esp- since we live in CO). They are MUCH easier to clean, and cheaper. I asked the pharmacist what the difference was and she said no really any. The cold mist is recommended b/c of the mold issue - however, if you only use it when needed and clean it well (easy since there are no filters) I think it may just get your through his tought time. I am also a HUGE fan of saline to keep his head clear and running. No need to syringe - just irrigate with a saline nasal spray several times a day. Good luck
I only use a humidifier for my son if he is really stuffy and suffering, because they bother my asthma when they are running. I can't even hardly go into his room if it is on. So use it only for the duration of the cold, and then toss the wicking filter. I also use vinegar to clean mine, not bleach. I haven't had any problems with lingering mold doing that.
Also to help my son's nose, I use a saline spray and clean his nose out with that. He is really good about putting up with it because he knows it makes him feel better. Now that allergy season is here I plan to call my pediatrician this week and talk to them about using a neti pot on him. Maybe you could check into that. I don't personally think a humidifier is necessary all the time, and even if it is, I can't be around one, so it won't work for us. Try the vinegar and changing to new filters.
Bleach is terrible for people, never use it for anything that's my advise on that. There are plenty of other things you can use. Vinegar is antibacterial, and cleans very well mixed with a bit of baking soda for tougher to clean areas. I recommend a cool mist humidifier if you use one, personally I only use it when the kids get sick. As far as allergies are concerned I don't know if anyone does this in your area, but my family has found the most wonderful thing for allergies. I go to my chiropractor who also does homeopathic things they tested my 2 year old for allergies in a very easy none painless way. I got a tincture to give her a coupe of drops a couple times a day and her eczema completely cleared in 2 days. She is 2 she doesn't have any preconceived notions of whether or not homeopathic s work, I'm sold. Also the idea behind this method is that it created a balance and immunity in her system so after the first week she can be exposed to things or eat things that she used to be allergic to and be just fine. Then is a month or two she can stop taking the tincture and continue to be just fine. HOORAY! Hope this helps
