Humidifiers, temperature, mold, bacteria

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

Is it better to use a warm or cool humidifier for mice?  When they need one, which I'm going to assume may be inevitable...and Luna, currently.  I currently have a Vicks vaporizer, which I've used off and on with Luna the past week.  (NO vapo stuff in it, of course.)  Would an actual humidifier be better?  I want to get one with a hygrostat (I think that's what it is) on it, so I can better control the humidity.  Have been researching the difference between warm & cool though.  I have a cool one in my bedroom, but I don't feel comfortable using it in the room with Luna, it once had tea tree oil in it. Although it's been used and cleaned/sanitized numerous times since, the tank was left pitted inside, and I would be worried that somehow it would hurt her.  Better safe than sorry, IMO.  Bottom line is, which is better for her, warm or cool?

Thank you!

Frankie

ANSWER: Dear Frankie,

Good question to ask. Warm humidifiers are a breeding ground for bacteria and molds. Especially the molds can irritate the mice's nasal membranes and exacerbate any respiratory condition- remember, mice always have a low grade myco infection, so anything irritating their noses is dangerous.

It's better for people too : ))

Squeaks n giggles,

Natasha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So cool mist is better?  I started with the vaporizer because 1, I have one, and 2, it supposedly heats the water to boiling point?

Definitely planning to get something better.  Read up on the difference between wicking vs. Wickless humidifiers.  The wickless ones potentially leave more "dust" than the wicking kind.  That would concern me too, which stinks considering I'd prefer filter-free but her welfare is most important.

You are always amazing. )

Answer
Dear Frankie,

Yes, cool is much better. Boiling the water would eliminate bacteria, but actually, not the molds! Here's why:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_boiling_kill_mold

Not sure / Don't remember where you live; but in most parts of the USA the air is already humid in the summer. It is the winter, when heaters are drying the air, and when the cold air doesn't carry much moisture, that makes the air dry. This isn't true absolutely everywhere-- the summer air in, say, Wyoming, can be very dry.

You don't want to over humidify because that will encourage mold and mildew.

squeaks,

Natasha