vaporizer vs. humidifier & hot vs. cold

sorry if this is a stupid question but what the heck is the difference between a vaporizer and humidifer? I remember using a vaporizer when I was little, but someone bought my DD a cool mist humidifer? but I see warm mist one in the stores too.

Which one is better and when would you use it?

Re: vaporizer vs. humidifier & hot vs. cold

i think vaporizer is just an old school term.
you want cold mist- that's what my ped toldme.

Re: vaporizer vs. humidifier & hot vs. cold

There is some difference in how they function, but they both put humidity in the air. Cold mist is better for chest congestion...but warm mist is better then nothing, the idea is to keep the air from being too dry bc if they dry out they can't sneeze or cough out the germs/phlegm. We keep the cool mist on every night now (after a hospital stay w/RSV) just to keep his room from getting very dry.

Message edited 2/14/2007 8:53:18 AM.

Re: vaporizer vs. humidifier & hot vs. cold

Ped told us only to use cool mist with Andrew.

I have used it everynight since he was born

Re: vaporizer vs. humidifier & hot vs. cold

good to know

Re: vaporizer vs. humidifier & hot vs. cold

The warm mist can pose a safety hazard for mobile babies because it can get too hot.