Nebulizer Medicine in a Humidifier: Is It Safe?

If you are a humidifier user, you must try out different things in your Humidifier to smell something unique. But putting anything in the Humidifier is not a wise thing to do.

Before experimenting with new things, one thing must have come to your mind about humidifiers: “Can you put nebulizer medicine in a humidifier?” Yes, you can. There is no risk in it. But using nebulizer medicine in a humidifier instead of putting it in a nebulizer is a total waste of Medicine.

Because nebulizer medicine only works well in a nebulizer, not with a humidifier, the function and purpose of those two machines differ.  

Scroll down to learn more about why you shouldn’t put nebulizer medicine or other things in your Humidifier and the difference between a nebulizer and a humidifier.  

Can You Put Nebulizer Medicine in a Humidifier?

You know from the first part of the post that you can put nebulizer medicine in your Humidifier. So why do you do that?

The main purpose of nebulizer medicine is to give relief to people who are suffering from any breathing issues. This is not fun or doesn’t have any other work function.

You can add nebulizer medicine or anything else to your Humidifier; however, doing so is a total waste of money and Medicine because the purpose of the nebulizer medicine will not be achieved by using it in the Humidifier.

There are some common facts I want to raise for your better understanding of why putting nebulizer medicine in a humidifier is not a wise decision. 

• Nebulizer medicine is for those suffering from breathing (lung) problems.

• Nebulizer medicine works only through the nebulizer. The Medicine goes straight to the lungs through the nebulizer and immediately works on the bothering issue. 

• Diffusing nebulizer medicine through the Humidifier will not cure you of your sufferings because that’s not how medicine works. 

• It also has no strong perfume or scents, making you feel refreshed.

• Even if you use the nebulizer medicine in your Humidifier, the Medicine spreads throughout the whole room, which is supposed to go into your lungs. 

• Putting nebulizer medicine in your Humidifier also makes the Medicine less effective than before. 

Another thing is that using nebulizer medicine in your Humidifier will break down the humidifier water and increase the humidity in your house. Increased humidity could cause mold and other bacteria, damaging your things.

After knowing the above facts, I hope you don’t want to waste your money and Medicine by putting it into a humidifier. Your Humidifier wants distilled water to run so you can put some natural scent in it, nothing more than what it needs to work.  

Is a Nebulizer the Same as a Humidifier?

People often get confused about the differences between the uses of nebulizers and humidifiers because they have some similarities. 

People broadly know aerosol therapy, so aerosol therapy nebulizers and humidifiers are used. There are some similar functions of a nebulizer and Humidifier: 

• Both convert liquids into mist to inhale to soothe any respiratory issues. 

• The nebulizer and Humidifier have different functions, but both work great for asthma patients. 

These two are the similarities between a nebulizer and a humidifier. Below I mentioned the features and functions of both, which will help you to understand the difference between them.  

Functions of Nebulizer 

• The main purpose of using a nebulizer is to relieve asthma patients immediately. 

• Nebulizers are used to deliver medicine directly to the lungs. 

• The nebulizer is specially designed for inhaling the medicine, which the patient’s body will easily absorb.

• The nebulizer is a quick lifesaver for those who have breathing problems. 

• The use of this machine is for one person at a time with one nebulizer machine. 

Functions of Humidifier

• The main purpose of a humidifier is to maintain the house’s moisture.

• It helps people with respiratory therapy but does not work rapidly like a nebulizer.

• It’s designed for any room that needs moisturization.

• This machine only needs water to work manually to maintain room moisture.

• The particle diameter of the Humidifier is larger than a nebulizer’s diameter as it is not specifically for one person to use at a time. 

Now you know what the main function of those two devices is, and don’t get confused again about using nebulizer medicine in the Humidifier. 

As the function and purpose of these two devices ( Nebulizer and Humidifier) are not the same, you will not get your desired output by using one Medicine on another.

Can You Put Medicine in the Humidifier?

You can put Medicine in the Humidifier, but you shouldn’t. Putting Medicine in the Humidifier is a waste of Medicine because you never achieve the actual output by doing this. 

Medicine is supposed to be taken in specific ways that are instructed in it. If you are using the Medicine in the Humidifier, it will diffuse in the air and spread throughout the room, decreasing its effectiveness. 

Another thing is that when you put any medicine in your Humidifier, that Medicine could increase the humidity level of your house, which you do not want. 

Though you shouldn’t put Medicine in a humidifier, some users of humidifiers think they can use “Albuterol” in the Humidifier. 

But albuterol is supposed to be taken through an inhaler or nebulizer, not by a humidifier, because putting it in the Humidifier will be diluted with the water and will lose its medical benefits. 

A humidifier is not a medical device, so it is best not to put any medicine into it as it only works with water.  

Can I Put VapoRub in My Humidifier?

If you are wondering whether you can put the vapor in your Humidifier or not, then the straight answer is “No.” Putting vapor rub in the Humidifier is not a wise decision to make. 

Vicks vaporub is a well-known ointment for cold treatment. This ointment can be rubbed into your chest, throat, or back to reduce the coldness in your body. 

Its main properties are menthol, petroleum jelly, etc., which you can take for your specific needs. If you put vapor in your Humidifier, it will diffuse in the air and cause burning eyes, breathing issues, and so much more.

It can also affect your brain, which you don’t want. Vaporub is not a household item preferred to be used in your Humidifier. It is an ointment with medical benefits that are for specific uses. 

The manufacturer of Vaporub also warns against using it in humidifiers. 

Moreover, you can put vaporub in your Humidifier, which will cause several health issues. It can also damage your humidifier tank. 

What Shouldn’t You Put in Your Humidifier?

If you are an owner of a humidifier, then you must know what things you should not put in your Humidifier. You should be aware of using risky things in your Humidifier to make your Humidifier last longer.

Below I have listed several things you should avoid using in your Humidifier. 

• Don’t use any medicine for your Humidifier that can increase the humidity level of your house.
• Avoid using any powder or things that have granules because that can clog your Humidifier.
• Things that can produce or have sediment should be avoided because that can raise the mineral build-up of the Humidifier. 
• Any grease or ointment does not go well with a humidifier.
• You shouldn’t use petroleum jelly products in your Humidifier because that will damage your Humidifier.

Conclusion 

If your thoughts are stuck on the question, “Can you put nebulizer medicine in a humidifier?” Then the answer is “No.” Because:

• The effectiveness of nebulizer medicine will decrease.
• A nebulizer is a specific machine for nebulizing Medicine.
• Humidifiers are for maintaining moisture in the room, not for medical purposes. 
• The function of the nebulizer and Humidifier is different, so the nebulizer medicine also will not work in the Humidifier. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Can You Put Saline in a Cool Mist Humidifier?

You can not put saline in a cool mist humidifier. When using a humidifier or vaporizer, use the water as directed by the manufacturer, and never add salt, baking soda, or any other ingredient.

Salt can corrode heating elements, filters, and seals, voiding your warranty or damaging your device.

Q2. Can a Humidifier Make You Cough More?

Humidifiers can make you cough more because too much moisture emitted by a unit could cause condensation on the walls. 

Consequently, mold can form and disperse throughout the residence. In addition, coughs and colds can happen to you bacterial development in unclean humidifiers.

While steam vaporizers can get dirty rapidly, they are among the most simple to clean.

Q3. Can I Add Multiple Substances to My Humidifier?

It’s better not to add multiple substances to the Humidifier. The first thing to remember is that bleach should never be mixed with anything other than water. 

When these compounds are mixed, an unpleasant odor can be created, especially if they don’t combine well. Try these additions on their own first before deciding which ones you prefer.

Q4. Can I Put Mint Leaves in My Humidifier?

You can put mint leaves in your Humidifier. Also, adding peppermint oil to your Humidifier can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms. 

It’s because of the menthol content. You can also expect it to leave any room smelling clean and fresh.

Q5. Can I Put Vanilla Extract in My Humidifier?

The vanilla extract should not be used in a humidifier. Alcohol is used to extract vanilla extract, which might damage humidifiers. 

Instead of providing you with a pleasant scent, this can cause damage to your Humidifier. So when it comes to humidifiers, the vanilla extract may not be ideal.