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Finding Relief from a Dry Mouth in a Humid House

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Chapter 1: A Winter's Tale of Dryness

Ah, winter! A season filled with charm, yet the lack of humidity can be quite challenging.

Winter landscape highlighting dryness

As someone with a deviated septum, I've faced my share of breathing issues. Years ago, during a particularly exhausting illness, I had an unfortunate accident that altered my nasal passage. I ended up dozing off on the toilet, only to fall and have my glasses break my fall into the tub. It was painful, but I picked myself up and mumbled some unsavory phrases as I made my way back to bed.

A medical professional later informed me about my deviated septum, which means I often breathe through my mouth at night—a less than ideal situation, especially when dealing with forced hot air heating systems.

Forced hot air is, in my opinion, one of the worst heating systems ever created. It not only dries out the air but also brings in outside air to clear vents, which on a frigid day can be quite shocking!

In our previous residence, we managed to replace the forced hot air system with hot water radiators as soon as we could afford it. What a difference that made! However, when we purchased our current retirement home 32 years later, we overlooked the harsh realities of hot air heating. Now, replacing it would incur significant costs, so we begrudgingly endure it.

Humidifiers to the Rescue

Shortly after moving in, we invested in a humidifier—a large tank model with a heating element that boils water and releases it into the air. Though effective, these units are cumbersome to clean and tend to break down over time. We replaced them multiple times until supply shortages left us in a bind. The only available humidifiers were Cool Mist types, which work by vibrating a plate to disperse mist. They too are heavy, hard to maintain, and prone to mold.

Desperate for relief, I purchased one, committing to clean it twice as often as recommended. Unfortunately, mold still managed to take hold, leading to a frustrating disposal of the unit. For a month, we endured the dryness.

Living without adequate humidity can be tough. We attempted various strategies, such as keeping the heat low, opening bedroom windows, and placing water glasses on our bedside tables. Yet, these measures fell short of providing the comfort we desired.

Emma to the Rescue

Then, a sister and Consumer Reports introduced me to personal humidifiers—small, easy-to-clean units. One highly recommended model was the "Emma" by Stadler Technologies:

Stadler Form Emma Personal Humidifier, 13 x 22 x 8, White

Emma is flexible! Emma is a unique personal humidifier for use at home, work or while traveling. With her USB cable and…

www.amazon.com

We decided to purchase two.

While each Emma covers about 25 square feet and our bedroom spans 200 square feet, they do offer some improvement in humidity levels. However, they come with their own set of challenges.

A Tipping Point

These humidifiers are prone to tipping over. My wife experienced this firsthand on their first night together, resulting in a comical cleanup at 2:00 AM—loud exclamations included. Fortunately, her unit survived the fall, as the manual warns that tipping could render the device inoperable.

Moreover, even minor movements or improper cleaning can lead to disaster for these delicate machines. Thankfully, I later discovered fold-out stabilizer feet that enhance stability.

On a positive note, the manual suggests a deep clean once a month, but I find myself cleaning them daily and conducting deeper cleans several times a week. The black plastic exterior makes it hard to detect mold, which is why I err on the side of caution. Perhaps opting for the white version would have been wiser.

In conclusion, while these little humidifiers could use some design improvements, they are effective and easy to maintain. I have no intention of reverting to those cumbersome models again. If these units eventually fail, I may look for something more powerful but will prioritize ease of cleaning.

Spring is just around the corner!

Among the many residents here, I stand out—not just for my height and good looks, but also for my wit. Despite the occasional clash of words, I aim to be likable. If you found this post helpful, consider supporting my endeavors!

Did you find this useful? Would you like to buy me a coffee or a new car? Or perhaps a cozy house with hot water heat? Where’s a generous billionaire when you need one?

Anthony Lawrence (Pcunix) on Medium curated some lists

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Chapter 2: Understanding Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be a frustrating experience, especially during winter.

The first video titled "Dry Mouth Causes and Treatment 101" provides essential insights into why dry mouth occurs and how to address it effectively.

The second video, "Dry Mouth - Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention," expands on the topic, offering valuable information on managing this condition.

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