Home Humidifiers: A Winter Must-Have to Combat Dry Air and Help Fight the Flu Virus

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass., Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Humidifiers are a great way to help temporarily relieve dry air discomforts, counteracting the effects of dry harsh winter air by adding essential moisture to any room.  Now a recent study published in the open access, peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health suggests that maintaining optimal relative humidity indoors may help reduce the survival of the flu virus on surfaces and in the air.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111121/NE10093 ) 

According to author Dr. Ted Myatt, Sc.D., co-author of the journal article and senior scientist at consulting firm Environmental Health and Engineering, Inc., "A review of past peer-reviewed studies conducted over the last 70 years also showed that homes kept at 40-60% relative humidity-the optimal range-are likely to have fewer flu viruses lingering in the air and on surfaces like sink faucets, door handles, and countertops compared to lower relative humidity levels.  The typical flu virus can survive in the environment at least 24 hours.  In more humid environments, the virus survival time is markedly decreased.  In order to reach an appropriate humidity level in your home, you need to consider the size of each room and your humidifier's maximum moisture output."

The research is timely as winter brings many dry air discomforts in addition to cold and flu season, and humidifier manufacturers are reinvigorating the category with product innovation including patented germ-free technology,  top-fill and easy-to-clean designs.  Kaz, a global marketer of humidifiers under the Honeywell brand, offers several humidifiers, including the new Honeywell Easy-to-Care Cool Moisture Humidifier (HCM-710), with features to help with indoor living and sleeping comfort. 

The following Honeywell humidifiers can help achieve and maintain optimal relative humidity for improved indoor living and sleeping comfort:

• Honeywell Easy-to-Care Cool Moisture Humidifier (HCM-710) features easy-to-fill technology, which makes filling as easy as watering a plant, as well as two moisture control settings for optimal comfort.  Maintaining a proper humidity level helps temporarily relieve dry air discomforts.  It helps keep throat and nasal passages hydrated to help you breathe better and sleep more comfortably.  MSRP $46.99
• Honeywell Germ-Free Cool Moisture Humidification (HCM-350) contains patented ultraviolet technology to kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria, mold, fungus and viruses in the tank water.  The humidifier features a break-proof tank and comes equipped with QuietCare technology, which delivers cool moisture up to 25 percent more quietly than other evaporative humidifiers.  MSRP $69.99.
• Honeywell Easy-to-Care Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier (HUT-200) is filled by pouring water directly into the top of the product, eliminating the need to lug heavy tanks around the house – it's as easy as watering a plant!  Its water window lets users know when they need to refill the device, while the visible water flow and mist output features add to the overall aesthetics of the humidifier. The filter-less humidifier is ideal for small to medium sized rooms, and the humidifier's removable parts are dishwasher safe.  MSRP $59.99.
• Honeywell Easy-To-Care Cool Moisture Humidifier (HCM-750) is also part of the easy-to-care line with a top-fill design, which makes filling, cleaning and use a cinch.  It self-regulates the release of soothing, invisible moisture and is ideal for large rooms such as family and living rooms.  Humidifiers can help make you and your home more comfortable, offering an effective solution to counteract the effects of dry, harsh winter air by adding essential moisture to any room.  Features include three moisture output settings and an illuminated water window and visible circulating water as an indicator of when the tank needs to be refilled.  MSRP: $59.99

For more information on Kaz' line of Honeywell humidifiers, visit www.kaz.com.  

About the Study

The study "Modeling the airborne survival of influenza virus in a residential setting: the impacts of home humidification" was published by Dr. Ted Myatt, Sc.D., et al in the September 3, 2010 issue of Environmental Health. 

About Kaz

A world leader in high quality healthcare and home environment products, Kaz is a state of the art, dynamically-managed, global leader in healthcare devices and home comfort products that operates in over 65 countries on six continents with a brand portfolio that includes Vicks, Honeywell, Braun, SoftHeat, SmartTemp, and more.  Kaz is a global marketer of humidifiers under the Honeywell brand.  The Honeywell trademark is used by Kaz USA, Inc. under license from Honeywell International Inc. Kaz USA, Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ: HELE). Visit www.kaz.com for more information about these and other quality products for home health, home comfort and insect control.

SOURCE Honeywell