Humidifiers

[eggbert13]

I have had conflicting advice given to me regarding the use of a humidifier for my son w/CF. One side says it's helpful because the moisture from the humidifier helps the movement of mucous in the upper respiratory system. The flip side says that humidifiers are harmful because of the possible mold/mildew that can build up in them.

We purchased one that is supposed to be mold/mildew resistant and we use it in his room when he is sleeping. We starting using it approx. 6-7 months ago. At his last check up in August, he tested positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria for the 1st time. I'm not sure if this is a coincidence or not.

Does anyone else use a humidifier? Can anyone give me some personal insight/experience on this matter.

Thank you so very much,
Dina (mother of 3yr old son w/CF)

 

[anonymous]

ARe you using a cool mist or warm air humidifier? It makes a difference with mold/bacteria growth. Also, you can buy an additive for the water that prohibits the growth of either. And, you have to clean them out frequently in hot, sudsy water. You can also use a bleach water solution to clean them, too, depending on the model (bleach can make rubber seals deteriorate). If you do that, be sure to rinse it really well with clean water and dry it really well before using it again (to prevent any of the bleach mixture from getting into the mist that it creates). By frequent cleaning, I mean minimally once/week, preferably every few days. We don't use one because we tried it and found the amount of maintenance required to keep it really clean and sterile was not worth the minimal effect it had although it is suppose to be good for the sinuses. I've found that a better way to keep the sinuses moist is through saline nasal washes. For those, you just mix a qt of warm, clean water with 2-3 tsps of pickling salt, 1 tsp of baking soda then mix really well. Use a bulb syringe to flush the sinuses twice/daily - use 1/2 the mixture in the am/ 1/2 in the pm. For keeping the lungs moisturized, you could ask your dr about using plain bronchosaline in the nebulizer if you feel like they're dried out.

 

[anonymous]

I believe it is a cool mist humidifier because there isn't any sort of heating element. We do currently use a saline wash in the am and pm to help clean out his sinuses and keep them moist. Maybe the humidifier is redundant. Not sure.
Thank you for your response.
Dina

 

[anonymous]

I always use a humidifier in the winter because it gets so dry. I do try to clean the humidifier as directed & replace filters as needed.
Pseudomonas is alot of places & hard to avoid.
Could he have gotten it from the humidifier, yes, but he also can get it from hot tubs, swim pools, water fountains, loofa(sp) sponge type things used in the shower, I'm not saying that it's always in these places, but it can be. It's almost impossible to stay away from pseudomonas.
What does your doctor recommend?

 

[anonymous]

Hi Dina,

Our Dr. said to NOT use a humidifier (this is when my son cultured P.A. for the first time too...). She said regardless of whether they claim they are bacteria resistant or not, it is hard to purify the water well enough to make it safe for inhalation. I also had another nurse at an out of state cf clinic tell me to never use one as a rule of thumb. I hope this helps some - best of luck!

Carey