How does a Medical Humidifier work?

The working principles of medical humidifiers mainly include the following:

‌Foam humidifier‌: Usually used with oxygen inhalation equipment, it disperses the inhaled gas into fine bubbles through the internal sieve holes, porous metal or foam plastic, thereby increasing the contact area and contact time between the gas and water and increasing the relative humidity of the gas.

‌Warm humidifier‌: The water temperature is heated by an electric heating device to evaporate the water, and then the airflow passing through the water surface brings the water vapor into the air. It is suitable for patients with endotracheal intubation who need mechanical ventilation, asthma patients, and patients who need a high-flow air delivery system.

‌Heat and moisture exchanger‌: Also known as "artificial nose-mouth-pharynx", it is an alternative device that simulates the human anatomical humidification system. It keeps the alveoli moist by heating and humidifying the airflow, enhances its activity, promotes gas exchange, and keeps the airway and airway secretions moist, which is conducive to suctioning sputum and preventing airway obstruction.

‌Nebulizer‌: There are two types, jet nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer, which can atomize liquid medicine or saline into tiny particles, and bring these particles into the respiratory tract through inhalation, so as to achieve the purpose of humidifying the airway.

‌Use scenarios and effects of medical humidifiers‌:

‌Foam humidifier‌: Mainly used for oxygen inhalation equipment, increase gas humidity, and reduce respiratory tract irritation.

‌Warm humidifier‌: Suitable for patients with mechanical ventilation, keep the airway moist and reduce complications.

‌Heat and moisture exchanger‌: Simulates the human humidification system, enhances alveolar activity, and promotes gas exchange.

‌Nebulizer‌: Used to humidify the airway and help the inhalation treatment of drugs or saline.

These humidifiers play an important role in the medical environment, which can reduce the stimulation of mechanical ventilation on the cardiopulmonary system and improve the comfort and treatment effect of patients.