Humidifier or not?

[Anonymous]

This is a low-stakes question, but:

My MIL is trying to make us get us a humidifier because she believes it will help my kids' (ages 2, 4) cough that is still hanging on from a cold/fever a few weeks before.

I'm not a fan to be honest. I'm not sure they help and they get moldy and are a water spill hazard in the house, in the kids' room especially.

Right now she's just gonna get us one because I keep not getting one myself. Am I off-base here? Should I get the humidifier and shut up and does it really help "get the mucus going" and whatnot?

Thank you for the sage advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a low-stakes question, but:

My MIL is trying to make us get us a humidifier because she believes it will help my kids' (ages 2, 4) cough that is still hanging on from a cold/fever a few weeks before.

I'm not a fan to be honest. I'm not sure they help and they get moldy and are a water spill hazard in the house, in the kids' room especially.

Right now she's just gonna get us one because I keep not getting one myself. Am I off-base here? Should I get the humidifier and shut up and does it really help "get the mucus going" and whatnot?

Thank you for the sage advice.

Get the humidifier, clean it regularly to avoid mold, and put it somewhere the can’t be knocked over during the day when not in use. Let her buy you one or buy it yourself.

[Anonymous]

It will only get moldy if you let it sit with water once you are done using it
I would give it a try, your reasons all have solutions

[Anonymous]

We use a humidifier in the winter. It really helps the children recover from respiratory illnesses. Our pediatrician recommends it. They don’t get mold or mildew if you empty them out. As far as a water spill hazard, are your children running around like maniacs? My children have never managed to knock over a humidifier and spill it. And they are rambunctious boys.

[Anonymous]

I'm looking at the Levoit 300S humidifier. It has good reviews and I'm only willing to get one that's easy to clean so it doesn't get moldy. This one is easy to fill and everything is automatic, even can control through Alexa.
https://www.amazon.com/LEVOIT-Humidifiers-Ultrasonic-Vaporizer-Essential/dp/B08HS45N13/ref=sr_1_6?content-id=amzn1.sym.672cc402-df99-4840-aa28-3de80a67b4c6%3Aamzn1.sym.672cc402-df99-4840-aa28-3de80a67b4c6&keywords=levoit%2B6l%2Bhumidifier&pd_rd_r=a75f9321-c1cc-4e23-9257-4a407d5dfa35&pd_rd_w=OqPU9&pd_rd_wg=B0uNz&pf_rd_p=672cc402-df99-4840-aa28-3de80a67b4c6&pf_rd_r=7VKERK5WNP6BE55H8SG1&qid=1668392345&sr=8-6&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&th=1

[Anonymous]

I have a humidifier running non stop in each kidsnroom and our room in winter. They get cleaned, dont get moldy and help with coughs and bloody noses.

[Anonymous]

I will say we have one and use it in situations like yours.

BUT.

I do sometimes forget to clean it and it gets gross. It’s an eyesore in the kid’s bedroom (you have to keep it away from walls, so it’s not discreet), it’s one. more. chore. when there’s already a lot of balls in the air, AND I do worry about mold in/under the carpet around it. We have it up on a plastic folding chair and in a pan so no drops, but it’s releasing water in the air. Sometimes the surrounding carpet can feel a bit moist in the morning, so I do worry about it.

So, there are downsides for sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I will say we have one and use it in situations like yours.

BUT.

I do sometimes forget to clean it and it gets gross. It’s an eyesore in the kid’s bedroom (you have to keep it away from walls, so it’s not discreet), it’s one. more. chore. when there’s already a lot of balls in the air, AND I do worry about mold in/under the carpet around it. We have it up on a plastic folding chair and in a pan so no drops, but it’s releasing water in the air. Sometimes the surrounding carpet can feel a bit moist in the morning, so I do worry about it.

So, there are downsides for sure.

MIL generously got us one, without a filter.

The last one she got us broke. I do have the issue of forgetting and having a lot of balls. My kids aren't crazy but can be climby.

It seems like the respiratory benefits outweigh the short term negatives but with the last one even with regular refills you be had to take it apart and clean the crevices or those got moldy. Also there was a long pipe-like piece where no brush tool was long enough to reach.

Thanks for the feedback.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will say we have one and use it in situations like yours.

BUT.

I do sometimes forget to clean it and it gets gross. It’s an eyesore in the kid’s bedroom (you have to keep it away from walls, so it’s not discreet), it’s one. more. chore. when there’s already a lot of balls in the air, AND I do worry about mold in/under the carpet around it. We have it up on a plastic folding chair and in a pan so no drops, but it’s releasing water in the air. Sometimes the surrounding carpet can feel a bit moist in the morning, so I do worry about it.

So, there are downsides for sure.

MIL generously got us one, without a filter.

The last one she got us broke. I do have the issue of forgetting and having a lot of balls. My kids aren't crazy but can be climby.

It seems like the respiratory benefits outweigh the short term negatives but with the last one even with regular refills you be had to take it apart and clean the crevices or those got moldy. Also there was a long pipe-like piece where no brush tool was long enough to reach.

Thanks for the feedback.

What brand and model did you get this time? I got rid of one that was too difficult to clean like you mention and needed the filter replaced regularly. I'm looking at the Levoit 300 because it looks really easy to clean and sounds like no filter but curious what else to consider.