Dry nose and throat are a common condition caused by a wide variety of everyday triggers. Geographical location, dry home air, household allergens, and certain medications can lead to dry nasal passage and throat that may produce additional symptoms including dry sinus headache, dry mouth, sore throat, and more. 

In the case of severe dry sinus symptoms, you should speak with your doctor immediately. However, for mild dry sinus symptoms, there are plenty o

What are the symptoms of dry sinuses?

Healthy sinuses are effectively lubricated with a liquid substance known as mucus. When the sinuses lack sufficient mucus, you may experience dry nose and throat as a result of inflammation and irritation.

So, how do you know if your dry nose and throat is temporary or whether you suffer from chronically dry sinuses? Dry sinuses can lead to a wide variety of ailments including: dry sinus headache, dry mouth, sinus pain, and more. The entire list of dry sinuses symptoms are as follows:

• Dry nose and throat
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Dry sinus headache or pain around the eyes
• Red, inflamed nasal passage
• Slightly altered sense of smell
• Frequent sneezing
• Dry mouth
• Nosebleeds

What causes dry nasal passages and throat? 

Dry nose and throat can result from a variety of factors including where you live, the humidity levels of your home, your diet, and more. Let’s explore.

Geographical Location

Where you live can impact the condition of your mucus membranes. While our bodies typically adapt to the climate in which we live, that does not eliminate the symptoms that can arise from various climates. 

Dry, desert climates can zap moisture from the body and reduce lubrication in the nose and throat. Areas with a high altitude can similarly dehydrate the body as the air in these regions is dry and thin.

Dry Home Air

Regardless of the moisture levels in your geographical location, your home air can be a major culprit for dry nose and throat. 40% to 60% humidity is the ideal humidity range for inside the home; unbeknownst to most, home humidity levels can drop significantly below 40%, around the lower to mid 20’s. Low humidity levels in the home can contribute to dry sinuses, dry skin, flaky scalp, increased susceptibility to colds and the flu, dry eyes, chronic cough, and more. 

Common Household and Environmental Allergens

Allergens are all around us, especially in the home. Mold and mildew exposure is common in bathrooms, the kitchen, or the living room while certain flowers, pollen, grass, and more can be swept into your home through your shoes and your clothes. Pet dander is another common household allergen that can trigger allergy symptoms, which often include inflamed and irritated sinuses that can lead to a dry nose and throat, among other symptoms. 

Medication Side Effects

Certain over-the-counter medications and doctor prescribed medications can dry out the nasal passage leading to dry sinuses, dry sinus headaches, nosebleeds, and more. Antihistamines are a common culprit for dry sinuses, though overuse of nasal sprays and decongestants can also lead to a dry nose and throat. 

When should you call the doctor about your dry sinuses?

Dry sinuses are often a result of the aforementioned triggers and require a few lifestyle tweaks to keep your dry nose and throat in check. Other times, your dry sinuses could be a symptom of a much more serious condition requiring the help of an ear nose and throat (ENT) doctor. 

If your dry sinuses are causing you moderate to severe pain, if you have frequent nose bleeds, or if your dry sinuses are accompanied by other health complications, you should contact your doctor immediately. 

A persistent dry nasal passage and throat could be a symptom of Sjögren syndrome or atrophic rhinitis, which require medical attention. Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which causes the body’s immune system to target and destroy mucus production in the body. Individuals with this condition often experience dry nose and throat and dry eyes. Atrophic rhinitis is a condition that causes the nasal passages to produce thick, hard crust which can impair breathing. 

At Home Dry Sinus Remedies

Should your dry nasal passages and throat be accompanied by mild symptoms that are far more annoying than they are painful, you can effectively treat your dry sinuses at home. There is not a solitary dry sinus remedy that can magically re-lubricate your dry nose and throat, however, a combination of two or more of these dry sinus remedies may help to alleviate your sinuses and create happily moist sinus passages. 

Use a Home Humidifier

The most effective method for improving a dry nose and throat and reducing dry sinus headache frequency is to incorporate a humidifier into your bedroom, or any room in which you spend most of your time.

Dry home air or a home with low humidity levels, as we discussed earlier in this blog, can zap moisture from the body quickly and unapologetically. A humidifier elevates the humidity content of a room by releasing moisture into the air, helping you to achieve the recommended home humidity levels of 40% to 60%. 

The added moisture in your home air will help to rehydrate your dry nasal passages and throat helping to relieve any dry sinus symptoms you may be experiencing. Maintaining a clean humidifier is crucial when suffering from dry sinuses since any mold or bacteria in the water tank can further exacerbate your symptoms.

The Canopy Humidifier

The Canopy Humidifier is an anti-mold, no mist humidifier that effectively relieves symptoms of dry nose and throat, among many other benefits. 

Canopy Humidifier is embedded with UV lights that kill 99.9% of bacteria, mold, and viruses that can lurk in your water tank; the remaining 0.1% is trapped in the disposable paper filter. Canopy’s no mist feature allows pure, hydrated air to enter your home rather than messy mist, which can cause mold or mildew on your surfaces, curtains, bedding or anything in the direct line of a traditional humidifier’s mist stream. 

In addition, Canopy Humidifiers are easy to clean with dishwasher safe components. Just pop your Canopy parts in the dishwasher and rinse on a normal cycle. It’s that easy!

Take a Warm Bath or Shower

In the same vein as a humidifier a warm bath or shower can temporarily elevate moisture levels in the air, which can improve dry nose and throat. It is important to note that prolonged exposure to steam can cause skin dryness, which is equally uncomfortable, so avoid steamy saunas or particularly long showers. 

Hydrate

Water is the essence of life. Certain diets high in sugar, alcohol, and coffee can cause the body to dehydrate, which will affect the body’s mucus production. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day will help to keep your body moisturized and lubricated. 

You can use the color of your urine as a guide. The goal is to achieve a light yellow color; dark yellow or orange colored urine means you need more water while clear or nearly clear urine means you have consumed more water than necessary. 

Diffuse Essential Oils

If you are certain that your dry sinuses, and all the symptoms that come along with it including dry sinus headaches and frequent sneezing, are a result of allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergies, diffusing essential oils can help to improve your symptoms. 

Peppermint oil, basil oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, and tea tree oil are essential oils that can improve symptoms of allergies. A 2010 study conducted by the Evidence Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine found eucalyptus essential oil effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections. In addition, a World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology study from 2013 found that lemon essential oil killed and inhibited the growth of bacteria in the air and on surfaces. 

For more information on popular essential oils and their benefits, you can visit our blog What Are the Health Benefits of Essential Oils?

The Canopy Diffuser

Canopy Diffuser is our newest member of the Canopy family. Canopy Diffuser is a no mist, no water diffuser designed to prevent the release of bacteria, particles, mold, and mildew released into the air. 

Canopy Diffuser allows you to diffuse your favorite essential oils into the air in two ways: you can use our easy-to-use diffuser puck for short term aromatherapy or our Diffusion Well, which allows you to place your favorite bottle of essential oil directly into the Canopy Diffuser for carefree diffusion. 

Additional Tips

There are a few, smaller dry sinus remedies you can incorporate into your lifestyle that will improve your dry nose and throat, which include:

• Avoid exposure to smoke and avoid vaping, which can exacerbate dryness in your nasal passage and throat. 
• Remove common allergens from your home by use of an air purifier or frequent cleaning.
• Create regular airflow through your home by opening the windows ever so often.
• Utilize nasal saline solution to temporarily relieve dry nose, but be careful to not overuse these products. 

Cool mist vs. warm mist or steam humidifiers? Ultrasonic humidifier vs. evaporative humidifier? How do you choose the right humidifier to fit your lifestyle? 

With so many humidifier options available, it may seem like a daunting exercise of endless research. Take a deep, perfectly humidified breath because we have your one-stop guide to choosing a cool mist vs. warm mist or steam humidifier! 

We will discuss the following topics in this blog post:

1. What are the general benefits of a humidifier?
2. What are the effects of low humidity? 
3. How does a cool mist humidifier work? 
4. What is the difference between an ultrasonic humidifier and an evaporative humidifier?
5. How does a warm mist humidifier work? 
6. What are the benefits of a cool mist and a warm mist humidifier?

How Does a Cool Mist Humidifier Work?

A cool mist humidifier disperses cool mist into the environment, ultimately increasing the humidity levels of a particular space. The type of humidifier determines exactly how the cool mist humidifier disperses the cool mist into the environment. There are two types of cool mist humidifiers: the ultrasonic humidifier and the evaporative humidifier. 

Ultrasonic Humidifier

An ultrasonic humidifier disperses cool mist into a space through the use of ultrasonic technology. At the bottom of the water tank of an ultrasonic humidifier, there is a metal diaphragm. This metal diaphragm vibrates at ultrasonic speed creating microscopic water droplets that are pushed through an opening in the ultrasonic humidifier creating a fine mist that spreads throughout the room. 

Evaporative Humidifier

An evaporative humidifier, in contrast to the ultrasonic humidifier, draws air into the device and fans the air through a moistened wick. When the air passes through the moistened wick, microscopic water particles are pushed through the nozzle of the evaporative humidifier, and fanned into the air as fine mist. 

The Benefits of Cool Mist Humidifiers

The ultrasonic humidifier and evaporative humidifier have a handful of benefits unique to cool mist humidifiers. The major benefits of cool mist humidifiers are as follows: 

• The ultrasonic humidifier and evaporative humidifier are considered the safest humidifier options for infants and small children according to the AAP. 
• Cool mist humidifiers use less electricity than their steam humidifier counterparts. 
• Cool mist humidifiers can have a cooling effect on a room, making them a great option for the summer months. 
• Cool mist humidifiers have a purifying effect on the air in your home creating a great option for those who suffer from allergies. 

How Does a Warm Mist Humidifier Work?

A warm mist humidifier can also be referred to as a “steam humidifier” or a “vaporizer,” and we will use these various labels throughout this section. 

The steam humidifier is a humidifying device that uses an internal heating element to heat water to its boiling point. The vapor produced from the boiling water is then released into the environment slightly elevating the room temperature as a warm mist.  

The Benefits of Warm Mist Humidifiers

The steam humidifier has a few benefits unique to warm mist humidifiers that are not present with the ultrasonic humidifier or evaporative humidifier. These benefits include: 

• Since steam humidifiers boil water to produce steam, they can kill any bacteria or mold that may be present in the water tank. 
• Warm mist humidifiers operate without a fanning mechanism. As a result, steam humidifiers are generally a quieter option. 
• Vaporizers, as we mentioned, release warm mist into the environment, which can slightly elevate internal room temperatures. This makes vaporizers a great option for the winter months to save on electricity. 

The Canopy Humidifier

Canopy Humidifier is an evaporative humidifier that releases cool, hydrated air into the environment making Canopy mist-free and mess free. 

Canopy Humidifier operates with a unique, anti-mold technology that stops mold from growing in your device's water tank. Embedded UV lights in the Canopy water tank kill 99.9% of bacteria or mold present in the water tank, and the disposable paper filter traps any remaining contaminants before they are released into your room. 

In addition, Canopy could not be any easier to clean. Your Canopy Humidifier parts are dishwasher safe; just pop them in the dishwasher on a regular setting, and go about your day! It’s that easy. 

The General Benefits of a Humidifier

The recommended humidity level in your home ranges from 40% to 60% depending on personal preference. 40% to 60% humidity is considered the “sweet spot,” in which health flourishes, your home structure and foundation thrive, and your summer houseplants bolt up with sufficient moisture. 

Regular use of a humidifier in your home can produce ample benefits for your health, the health of your family, and the quality and comfortability of your home. Whether you prefer an ultrasonic humidifier or a steam humidifier, the increase in humidity levels of your home will keep you comfortable year ‘round. 

The general benefits of using a humidifier in your home include:

• An improvement in allergy & asthma symptoms
• Improved congestion and runny nose
• Reduced survival rate of airborne viruses and bacteria
• Reduced snoring
• Subsequently, improved quality of sleep
• Improved skin hydration
• Reduction in the appearance the early signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles
• Eliminate dry, flaky scalp and improve hair condition
• Improve itchy, red, and dry eyes
• Reduced nosebleeds
• Improved symptoms of the cold and flu
• Improved congestion in infants and small children
• Healthy wood furniture and flooring
• Healthy, hydrated houseplants

The Side Effects of Low Humidity

Low humidity can severely impact your overall health and well-being. When humidity levels are at a deficit in your home, you can experience the following symptoms:

• Congestion or runny nose
• Chronic bloody noses
• Watery, red, and irritated eyes
• Dry, red, itchy or cracked skin
• Dry, cracked lips
• Dry, flaky scalp
• Sore throat and/or frequent cough
• Respiratory issues
• Infant congestion

The effects of low humidity reach further than your physical health. In fact, the effects of low humidity can damage your home and your houseplants, as well. Low humidity is known to have the following effects on your home:

• Dehydrated or dying houseplants
• Peeling wallpaper
• Cracking or separating wood floors
• Cracking wood furniture

Regulating humidity levels in your home between the recommended levels of 40% to 60% is beneficial for your home, your health, the health of your houseplants, and more. Cool mist humidifiers (including ultrasonic humidifiers and evaporative humidifiers) or warm mist humidifiers (known as “steam humidifiers” or “vaporizers”) can regulate indoor humidity levels in your home, creating an environment suitable for optimal health. 

The Canopy Diffuser

While our Canopy Humidifier offers aroma diffusion by way of our 

Aroma Puck (with a wide array of aromas to bat) sometimes you need a little more oomph. Or, maybe your partner likes to fall asleep with our Canopy X Open Spaces Dusk blend featuring hints of vanilla, lime, and lavender while you prefer our Sanctuary Suede Smoke blend with suede, jasmine, and vetiver oils for a sophisticated night of rest. 

However you choose to pass your morning, spend your day, or fall into a restful sleep, our *NEW* Canopy Diffuser is your new companion for at home wellness turning your home into a well of beautiful aromas. The Canopy Diffuser is a no mist alternative to traditional home diffusers. Canopy Diffuser operates entirely without water; if you like to switch up your scent, simply use the Aroma Puck for clean and short term diffusion, or, place your favorite essential oil bottle into the Diffusion Well for a gradual, long-lasting home scenting experience. 

Canopy Diffuser is a no water, no mess, no mold solution for clean, healthy aroma diffusion.

Mold and mildew are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but these two pesky fungi are quite different in both characteristics and effects. 

What is mildew and what is mold? What is the difference between mold and mildew? What does mold look like and what does mildew look like? In this blog we will discuss these questions and more including the effects of mildew and mold on your home and your health. 

An Introduction to Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are common fungi commonly found in homes in some capacity. It is commonly understood that mold and mildew thrive in moist environments and live on various surfaces throughout the home, but what is mildew and mold really? 

What is Mildew?

Mildew is a fungi that grows on various surfaces, and is less invasive than its mold counterparts. There are two major categories of mildew: powdery mildew and downy mildew. 

Mildew Type: Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a type of mildew that affects any flowering plant. Powdery mildew is identifiable by its white, grey splotches, which may turn yellow or brown over time as the mildew grows.

Mildew Type: Downy Mildew

Downy mildew is another type of mildew that affects agricultural products. Downy mildew can vary in visual appearance depending on the surface where it grows, however, this type of mildew is often spotted yellow that eventually turns brown over time. 

What is Mold?

Mold is also a fungi that grows on various, moist surfaces. Mold spreads by producing small reproductive cells referred to as “spores” that travel through the air and land on surfaces. The most common types of mold are: alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium, penicillium, and stachybotrys chartarum. 

Mold Type: Alternaria

Alternaria is mold that is often found on consistently damp surfaces including windows, under sinks, in showers, or in buildings with water damage. Alternaria mold will appear black, dark brown, or grey with a fuzzy texture that closely resembles wool. 

Mold Type: Aspergillus

Aspergillus mold is frequently found in the home, more specifically on walls, insulation, on paper products, or on clothing material. It can appear in various colors including black, grey, brown, green, yellow, or white.

Mold Type: Cladosporium 

Cladosporium is a mold type that appears on various fabrics including carpets and curtains. Cladosporium can also be found on wood surfaces including cabinets and floorboards. This type of mold is generally black or olive.  

Mold Type: Penicillium

Penicillium mold is found on surfaces or in spaces that have frequently been in direct contact with water including mattresses, wallpaper, and home insulation. This mold is easily spreadable, smelly and commonly identified by its green or bluish color. 

Mold Type: Stachybotrys chartarum

Stachybotrys chartarum or “black mold” is the most dangerous type of household mold. This type of mold is black, smells musty, and can produce toxic compounds that pose a health hazard.  

The Difference Between Mold and Mildew

Let’s say you have identified a substance on a surface in your household that is clearly either mold or mildew. How can you tell the difference between mold and mildew? 

Mold and mildew can be differentiated by 3 key features: appearance, smell, and location. 

Appearance

What does mold look like? Mold looks either fuzzy or slimy with irregular shaped spots that can vary in color between black, grey, brown, green, yellow, blue, or white. Surfaces on which mold has grown may begin to rot. 

What does mildew look like? Mildew is generally grey or white with a powdery appearance. Mildew grows in splotches or streaks and can change color to a brown or black color over time. 

Smell

While both mold and mildew can smell unpleasant, each fungus has a distinctive smell. Mildew has a musty smell, think your kid’s soggy sports gear, while mold has a rotting smell. 

Location

If color and smell are coming up with more questions than answers, you can easily identify the difference between mold and mildew by the location of the fungus. Mildew most often grows on various surfaces while mold often grows under various surfaces including under countertops, behind vents, and in corners or cracks. 

The Effects of Mildew and Mold

The effects of mildew and mold are significantly different with mildew producing less severe effects than its mold counterpart. Despite this fact, it is best to treat mildew and mold in the early stages if possible to avoid any damage to your home. 

The Effects of Mildew

The effects of mildew are generally mild and will not permanently damage your home surfaces. 

If mildew is inhaled, it may trigger allergy symptoms, respiratory irritation, headache, cough, or coughing. If mildew is consumed through unwashed food and crops, it may cause respiratory conditions and mild allergic reactions.

The Effects of Mold

The effects of mold are far more significant than the effects of mildew. Mold can damage your home surfaces, causing rot and potentially damaging the structure of your home. 

Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health conditions. If inhaled, mold can trigger an asthma attack, allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, joint pain, fatigue, dizziness, heart problems, and more. Exposure to black mold can cause long-term effects on those with weakened immune systems including children, those who suffer from respiratory conditions, and individuals with auto-immune diseases.