Warm mist vaporizer or cool mist humidifier?

purplemania, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2005

The Pediatricians I used to work for preferred the cool mist. It is easier to breathe. That is also what is used in the hospital for all age patients. Heat tends to add to the inflammatory process that is inhibiting inspiration.

Be SURE to clean out the humidifier daily. You don't want pseudomonas flying all over the room.

austin heart, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2005

Wouldn't the vaporizer or humidifier have to be contaminated with pseudomonas? I don't think that it can spontaneously start growing. If it did every warm, moist area would be a prime place for it to start growing.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 13, 2005

Ok, new mom here. I can take care of the old folks all day long but I am still learning when it comes to my little one.
He is 8 months old and has his first cold. I have done some research as far as adding a little humidity to his room and it is all so conflicting. I was wondering what you experienced Pedi nurses suggest, the warm air of a vaporizer or a cool mist humidifier? Take in to consideration that safety (burns) are not a concern yet as it will only be used at night while he is in his crib that he can not get out of.
I took my mother's suggestion and used the vaporizer that I have last night and it seemed to work fine but I am just looking for other opinions. Thanks in advance!

Hello, austin heart,:balloons:

I suggest to my mom's to use the cool mist. I have had parents call me about their child with the croup and are very concerned. By the time the child arrived in the ER, the croup was much better. Reason? The cool moist air during a cool night from the window rolled down allowed the symptoms to improve. They roll the windows down because eveyone is so hot and hearts are racing. The cool air helped the parents AND the child. I know your little one does not have the croup, but, the cool mist would be a better choice.

Shed13911 · Oct 13, 2005

There is another reason why choosing cool mist over a heated vaporizer!! I work for a telephone triage center for peds and the fact is that we see many burns from a heated vaporizer. If the unit is moved too close to the child, the steam may burn them. Also, if you knock the heated vaporizer off, the water is hot and may also burn someone/child that knocks it off. We get those calls frequently so I am adament that cool mist is much safer. If you knock the cool one off, you only have a wet floor. I had a call about a 2 month old with blisters on her legs from burns for a heated vaporizer turned too close to her by her 2 1/2 year old sibling. :crying2: The pediatrician told the Mom it could have easily been her face had she been turned in another direction. Please, please only use the cool vaporizers!!

mtymom · Oct 13, 2005

I suggest the cool mist vaporizor. I work for a Head Start program and we have a lot of children with asthma. When they have an attack in the winter time I have someone take the child outside while I get the medication ready. The cool air seems to open up their airway a little bit making it easier for them to breathe. JMO

DonnaRN · Oct 15, 2005

Have to agree with the cool mist. If you're having trouble breathing, warm air tends to give a suffocating feeling (firsthand asthma experience speaking here!). The cooler air makes it much easier to breathe.

In the pediatric practice where I work, we always recommend the cool mist humidifiers. :)

Donna