thoughts on vapouriors

[nox]

I bought one a few months ago when ds had his first cold. I thought it worked a treat.
I started putting it on a bit now it's winter because with the heater on his room seems dry which i've heard makes their noses stuffed.
My mchn then said that they cause germs themselves and I shouldn't use it.
Tonight I noticed a bit of a plastic smell when I turned it on.
I rinse it every day after use.
Is there a better way to clean?
Does anyone have thoughts about the health issue?
thanks

[Beach Mama]

I don't know that they cause germs - haven't heard that before. I just wash ours out with hot water but it is an older style one. I think they are great though, they definately helped Izzy when she was sick and the Dr and pharmacist both recommended it. We have ducted heating and the air is very dry so other than tipping water down the vents that can take it I use the vaporiser at the hint of a runny nose.
JMO hun, I think they are fine. Could you have just been more aware of the smell because of what the MCHN said?

[JordieC]

When DD was about a week old I thought she might need one to clear her up and I rang the Health nurse on call number. They said they were unneccasary and that the Royal Childrens Hospital don't recommend using them anymore - not because thye're dangerous but just because they don't do anything.

[Visitor7]

Mine has been fantastic at getting rid of Nina's colds/flus. My dr strongly recommends them. I have a newer style one.
That's just my opinon though.

[Janie]

I think they're wonderful, I always had one as a child when I had a cold, and I'm currently using one for DS. They really help clear blocked nasal passages while sleeping. JMO!

[PlonkeeMumma]

Have to admit i think they are great. My youngest always ends up with cold dragging on for ages and on his chest and when we have the vapouriser on with vicks in it he usually has a peaceful nights sleep and doesn't cough too much. Hadn't heard about the germ thing althogh i only use mine when he has a cold so only 10+ nights a year. When he was in our room before we moved and we had to have it on i quite liked it too - them smell was very relaxing (with the vicks - not any plastic smell!)

Julie x

[Beach Mama]

Just thought I'd mention that our pharmacist recommended just using water until they are around 1 yr old because Vicks or eucalyptus oil in the steam is a bit too strong for their little developing lungs , not sure how true that is so maybe check before you use someting like that in it.

[Visitor7]

Tan, I was told the same thing, and also to be careful with what you're using for toddler under 2 years. Not all of the oils are safe for toddlers.

[Janie]

I didn't know that, so thanks girls!

[Beach Mama]

No probs, the girl I spoke to even steered me away from Baby Balsalm which I was going to use for her and is marketed at babies. I think just the moist air helps anyway without the smelly stuff!

[nox]

really re oils???? That's interesting. No one's mentioned that before.
I've been given eucalyptus oil with lavender--is that ok?
when are oils considered safe??

Btw off topic slightly but when is bubs a toddler?

thanks!

[Janie]

Actually, last night DH came out of DS's room and said that he couldn't smell the vapouriser, I told him that I hadn't put any oil in it. He wondered whether I was going to, but I said that just the steam will help him to breathe better, I didn't want to wake him again by going in there!

[nox]

I think what my nurse as saying was that vapourisors increase chances of air-bourne germs circulating. She also mentioned the rch don't reccommend any more.
I likevtge idea of just water but I guess if the concern is air-bourne germs that doesn't help!
I suggested maybe a concern at a hospital but surely not in private home....

[krysalyss]

I have found them to really help when DS has a cold but you have to be careful about airing out the room the next day as you do get mould on the ceiling otherwise and it cant be healthy with mould spores flying around the room. I have been told that it is ok to use eucalyptus oil but only 1-2 drops with a young bub.
HTH