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Humidifier/Vaporizer
By Alan Freidel

Think back...Do you remember that awful thing that your parents called a ÒvaporizerÓ? If your house was like mine when you were growing up, the vaporizer was an appliance that got more than itÕs fair share of use. It sputtered and the electrodes turned green or even black, but we still used them all the time. Chances are pretty good that your pediatrician is still going to recommend that your child use a vaporizer for a wide variety of respiratory problems. ThereÕs really very little you can do for a young child when they are very congested. You donÕt like to medicate them, yet you want them to breathe easier, sleep well and wake up feeling better. Out comes the vaporizer. 

It is important to note that most vaporizers are really humidifiers. Their sole purpose is to add humidity to the air. Increased moisture will provide some relief for congestion. If you want to get some relief from the other symptoms related to congestion, a bad cold, or the flu, you are going to have to add a ÒmedicamentÓ to the water. Most vaporizer/humidifier manufacturers recommend adding a preparation of Menthol and Eucalyptus oil to the water. 

Menthol will constrict the blood vessels in the nose, which effectively opens the nasal passages, and eucalyptus oil acts to relieve congestion, soothe a sore throat and slow down a cough. It even kills germs. Be sure to read the label. The main ingredients in most of the menthol eucalyptus preparations sold today are ÒcamphorÓ and even ÒturpentineÓ. These ingredients add a lot of smell to the air, but they wonÕt help your respiratory problems. ItÕs also important to note that eucalyptus oil is not water soluble. It will probably just float on the water. 

ÒWarm mistÓ vs. ÒCool mistÓ
Obviously, a warm (or hot) mist vaporizer is going to put more moisture into the air. The thing to remember is that wherever thereÕs water, there is also mold, spores, and bacteria. The lower the temperature, the less mold, spores and bacteria. This is enough reason for most pediatricians to recommend cool mist instead of warm. Cool is generally safer than warm (or hot) as well. 

You should note that mold, spores and bacteria are key contributors to allergy and asthma symptoms. For this reason, vaporizers that use water are not recommended for the treatment of allergy and asthma symptoms. 

The Three Major Things to look for in a Vaporizer

Effectiveness Ñ	If you are going to use a vaporizer for cold, flu, asthma or allergy it should provide the relief you are looking for. Yes, it should really work!!
Ease of Use —	If it’s hard to use or difficult to clean, you simply won’t use it when you should.
Safety —	Of utmost concern ! You want a product that is safe and won’t harm your child or your furniture.

Alan Freidel is the president of Juvenile Products Corp. in Miami, Florida.