FAQs

High blood pressure is often referred as “the silent killer” because symptoms are not visible but the risks are real.

The most common symptoms include:

• Headaches (especially pulsating ones behind the eyes)
• Visual disturbances
• Nausea, dizziness and vomiting
• Chest pains

Blood pressure is one specific parameter of the human body and constantly changes throughout the day. It rises sharply in the early morning and declines during the late morning. It rises back up again in the afternoon and then drops to a low level at night. It can also vary over a short period of time. This means that successive measurements can fluctuate.

For the most accurate and consistent results, you should take regular measurements at home under normal physical conditions.

Both devices measure the pressure of your blood against the walls of your arteries as the blood moves though your body, and both devices have passed clinical tests for accuracy. Wrist devices are slightly more sensitive to the measuring process and the person’s individual anatomy, while upper arm monitors are more cumbersome to use.

Wrist devices are not accurate if they are not positioned at the heart level. In some cases wrist devices display error messages more often, because the individual anatomy of the wrist has more of an effect on the raw signal. Wrist-measurement signals can be very weak due to the person’s tissue type, for example.

For upper-arm monitors, you must use the right strap for the circumference of your arm. This is especially important if you are overweight. If the cuff isn’t the right size, the results will not be accurate. Tightly rolled-up sleeves can also affect the unit’s accuracy.

All Braun monitors have a low battery indicator. So if the symbol flashes, you should change your batteries to ensure accurate readings. Braun blood pressure monitors do not need to be recalibrated.

You should wait at least three minutes between each measurement.

Common dry air symptoms are dry skin, itchy eyes, sore throat and a stuffy nose. Common nuisances such as increased static electricity, peeling wallpaper, and cracks in paint and furniture can be noticed as well.

Instruments that measure relative humidity levels in percentage (% RH) are called hygrometers. Humidity levels range from 0% to 100%. A comfortable humidity level is 40-50%. Usually in the winter time the humidity level drops below the recommended level.

Most people are comfortable with a humidity level of 40-60%. Humidity levels above 60% can leave water marks on the walls and furniture. You can use a hygrometer if you would like to know what the specific humidity level in your room is. Some humidifiers are equipped with a humidistat function that allows you to set the desired humidity level.

A humidistat is a special feature that allows you to choose the desired humidity level that should be maintained throughout the day. Humidifiers with this special intelligent feature calculate the humidity level in the room and only add the necessary amount of moisture to the air to reach the desired level of humidity. The unit will thus cycle on and off to maintain this level. High-end humidifiers are equipped with this feature. Other humidifiers (evaporative units) ensure that a balanced humidity level is maintained naturally, but they do not allow you to choose the desired humidity level.

Evaporative humidifiers follow the laws of physics. They automatically provide a balanced humidity level. This is known as the ‘self-regulating’ principle. Due to the laws of physics, the air will only accept the amount of moisture it is able to hold at a particular temperature. The air cannot therefore become too moist.

Ultrasonic: An ultrasonic humidifier uses a metal diaphragm vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency to create water droplets that are released into the room.

Warm steam/vaporisers: A warm steam humidifier has a heating element that boils the water to produce steam. A vaporiser is a very simple unit that has two carbon electrodes. Electricity passes between the electrodes and vaporises the water while doing so, producing steam.

Cool moisture (evaporative): A cool moisture humidifier works through the process of evaporation sped up by the use of a fan and filter. The filter pad “wicks”, or soaks, up the water from the humidifier base. A fan blows air over a filter pad causing the water to evaporate from the pad into the air.

Ultrasonic: Some ultrasonic humidifiers are equipped with a cartridge that removes minerals from the water; their usage is recommended in hard water areas. A demineralisation cartridge will help avoid the accumulation of minerals in the appliance and their release into the air (the minerals form a white dust that can sometimes be noticed around the appliance).

Warm steam/vaporiser: No filter is usually required.

Cool moisture (evaporative): Wicking filters are required for cool moisture (evaporative) humidifiers to function. A cool moisture humidifier operated without the filter does not produce any moisture. We recommend always using filters in units that call for them.

Caution should be taken when using a warm steam or vaporiser unit around a child because the unit boils small amounts of water. Children should never be left unattended around the humidifier.

Warm steam/vaporizer: These types of humidifiers remove up to 96% of bacteria during the boiling process. Any bacteria or algae present in the water will be killed by the high water temperature.

Cool moisture (evaporative): The filter pad traps mould, bacteria, algae and minerals in the water. The filter pad is treated with antimicrobials to help prevent the growth of such microorganisns. Since the water enters the air by through evaporation from the filter pad, any impurities will be left behind in the pad and will not be released into the air.

The unit should be rinsed daily and thoroughly cleaned weekly (following the instructions in the manual). The unit should also be emptied if not in use and the filter should be dried (if applicable).

Germ-free technology ensures that only pure mist is released, by killing the water-bred germs. The water from the tank is scanned by the UV light before being released into the air. Up to 99.9% of the germs contained in the water are thus killed. This patented technology works in a similar way to the sun’s UVC rays that inhibit the growth and reproduction of dust mites, bacteria, viruses, fungi and moulds.

Running time: corresponds to the time that the unit can run on a single filling. The longer the running time, the less intervention is required from you.

Room size suitability: in order to ensure efficient humidification, check that the product room size capacity is greater than or equal to the area in which you want to use the product.

Wattage: if you plan to use a humidifier for a long period of time, it is important to choose one that has low power consumption, like evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers. To determine the cost to operate the unit, divide the wattage (e.g. 25 watts) by .001 and multiply this by your cost per kilowatt hour. This gives you the cost per hour to run the machine.

Warm steam humidifiers have a fragrance cup that can be filled with essential oils. The steam produced by the humidifier will activate the essential oils.

Vicks has innovated with its VapoPads® heater, which now allows all humidifier types to release menthol scents in the room. Adding menthol treatments to your moisturising efforts will not only bring back that special aroma from your own childhood, but it can also help relieve congestion and cold symptoms.

Vicks humidifiers have a two-year limited warranty.

As with all household devices, there is a low level of risk associated with the use of vaporisers and inhalers. Of course, Vicks vaporisers and inhalers are designed to minimise these risks. If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and use a little common sense, you have all you need to operate these devices safely.

Keep the following guidelines in mind to get the most out of your Vicks vaporiser or inhaler:

• Read all the instructions before using a Vicks vaporiser or inhaler.
• Close supervision is necessary when a vaporiser or inhaler is used by or near children.
• Always set the appliance on a dry, level surface.
• Do not use vaporisers or inhalers while bathing.
• Scent pads must not be used internally or placed in the mouth.
• If you have respiratory ailments, seek medical advice before using a vaporiser or inhaler.
• Do not use the scent pads if you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in them.
• Inhalers used in combination with VapoPads are not suitable for infants under 36 months.

Steam inhalation therapy is a natural way of providing quick relief of nasal, sinus and chest congestion, coughs and parched throat. Doctors recommend vapour therapy for symptomatic relief of colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, laryngitis and allergies.

Breathing warm, moist air (natural steam) provides immediate relief by lessening mucus production, nasal congestion, coughing, sore throat discomfort and headache pain.

— Prevention Magazine 12/89

The National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases recommends inhaling steam to lessen discomfort and provide quicker relief for sinusitis and allergies.

— U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Pub. No. 83-540

Derived from plants and offering life-enhancing benefits, essential oils are known for their comforting qualities. By diffusing essential oils into the air, you can create a relaxing mood conducive to helping your children deal with the discomfort of colds and coughs. The Vicks VapoPads include menthol, eucalyptus, cedarleaf and thymol essential oils and complement your existing Vicks treatment.

AHAM is the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. AHAM tests and rates the performance of room air purifiers to give consumers a good basis for comparing them. To make an informed purchase decision, consumers must know the air purifier’s clean air delivery rate (CADR) and the size of the room where the product will be used.

For optimum results the unit should be used constantly, with the doors and windows closed.

Please read the owner’s manual carefully, because only certain filter types can be washed.

Filter-washing process:

1. Unplug the unit from the socket.
2. Remove the filter.
3. Fill the sink with warm water and add a mild dish detergent.
4. Swish the filter around in the soapy water for about five minutes (do not leave the filter in the water longer than this).
5. Rinse with clean water for at least ten minutes to get all the soap out.
6. Shake excess water out of the filter.
7. Set on a towel to dry over night.
8. Once completely dry, place the filter back in the unit and plug the unit back in.

Make sure not to leave the filter in the water for too long. Also, make sure to only use mild dish soap, do not use any other chemicals or cleaners. DO NOT place a wet filter back in the unit, as this could damage the unit.

CADR, or clean air delivery rate, is the amount of cleaned air (measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM) that an air cleaner delivers to a room. A higher CADR indicates the greater ability to return clean air to the room.

Keep in mind that although airborne tobacco smoke particles will be picked up and removed by the air cleaner, some particles may cling to furniture, carpeting, drapery and the like. So even though the smoke particles in the air you breathe will be greatly reduced by the use of the air cleaner, you may continue to notice smoke odours from the build-up in the carpet, furniture or drapery.

The unit does not actually cool or heat the air, it only circulates it. However, when air blows on you it may make you feel cold. The only way to avoid this is to move the air cleaner farther away from you.

The specific ozone levels are not measured, but all our IFD units have ozone levels well within the limit of 50 ppb (parts per billion). In all studies and articles released about ozone-producing units, our units were never mentioned as being dangerous or harmful.

Your unit can give off odours if it has been stored for long periods, if there is a strong cooking odour, or if the filter is new. The best way to eliminate the odour is to run the unit outside on high for 1 hour. This will air out the filter and remove any odours. Remember, some odours cannot be removed, such as the odour of mildew after having been stored. In this case we recommend a new filter.

We commonly recommend changing the pre-filter every two to three months and the HEPA filter every two to three years. You can also tell it’s time to replace the pre-filter when you start to see a layer of gray dust form on the outside of the pre-filter. The HEPA filter should be replaced when the unit sounds louder then normal or when you get “pulsating” air.

• IFD units give the surrounding air a negative charge. The negatively-charged dust particles will then stick to the neutrally-charged collection filter.
• IFD units are about 98% as effective as a true HEPA unit.
• IFD units are in general quieter then than true HEPA units.
• IFD units normally use collection filters, meaning there is nothing to replace.
• IFD produces ozone as a by-product of the filtering process.

• True HEPA: A true HEPA filter is made of borosilicate material, which is densely-packed glass fibers. A true HEPA filter cannot be called true HEPA unless it achieves 99.97% efficiency on the cleanroom-grade D.O.P. (Dioctylphthalate) test. This is the definition of the filter.
• True HEPA units are generallymore efficient then IFD units.
• True HEPA units cover a larger area and have a higher rate of air changes per hour.

Air change refers to how many times the air in the room will cycle through the air purifier. The size of the room determines how many changes per hour the unit can perform when turned on high. The smaller the room, the more changes, the larger, the fewer changes.

HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air. HEPA filters are the most efficient filters available. Honeywell true HEPA filters will capture 99.97% of all particles, .3 microns or larger, that pass through the filter.

For proper air flow and to make sure you don’t stain your walls or furniture, we recommend keeping the unit at least one metre from walls and furniture. This will ensure maximum efficiency.

It is not recommended to leave your windows or doors open. Having an open window or door will allow dirty air to constantly enter the room. Using an air purifier in a closed space ensures the maximum effect.

There is an internal circuit breaker which may have been tripped. You should unplug the unit and allow it to sit for about 12 hours. Then plug the unit back in to a working outlet and turn it on.

Bacteria and viruses cannot survive without water. Most particles that are captured from the air were riding on a particle of moisture. Once trapped in the filter, the moisture quickly evaporates and the bacteria and viruses die.

Fever is a defence mechanism the body uses to fight infections, and it is therefore frequently associated with childhood illnesses. A body temperature that is consistently above the normal temperature range is called a fever. Fever alone is not an illness, it is only a symptom. The association of other symptoms, such as a rash or a cough, help to identify the illness. Higher fevers are not necessarily associated with more severe illnesses, though they are associated with more discomfort, warranting relief with baths and anti-fever medications. Any fever in a baby less than two months of age must be reported to and evaluated by your child’s doctor.

An elevated body temperature increases the body’s metabolic rate. This slows down the growth of germs and helps the body fight infection. The skin may appear flushed and warm as a response to fever, allowing heat to dissipate via the skin.

Measuring the “core” body temperature would be ideal. The core temperature is the temperature of the vital organs such as the heart and brain. Since these sites are not directly accessible, other sites for temperature measurement have been identified.

1. Remain calm.

2. Monitor the fever and other symptoms.

3. If your child has a fever, adjust his/her the clothing to allow heat to dissipate. Anti-fever medicines can help reduce the fever, as can a lukewarm sponge bath. Aspirin is generally not recommended for children with a fever.

4. If your child appears ill, or if you are in doubt, always consult your doctor.

5. A fever in a baby less than two months of age must be reported to and evaluated by your child’s doctor.

6. Wash your hands frequently to limit the spread of infections.

Febrile seizures can occur in young children, usually under six years of age. Febrile seizures tend to occur if the body temperature is rising very quickly at the beginning of an illness. During a simple febrile seizure, the child may have uncontrollable and rhythmic generalized shaking movements, usually lasting less than five minutes. Afterwards, the child may be sleepy.

• Remain calm.
• Lay your child on one side in a stable position.
• Loosen any tight clothing.
• Do not place anything in the child’s mouth.
• Be sure to consult your doctor after any febrile seizure occurs.

If your child appears to be sick, take his/her temperature to see if there’s a fever. A thermometer is more accurate than guessing with your touch. Repeated measurements can be taken every few hours, or more frequently, as needed to determine whether your child is responding to a particular treatment. This information is often useful for your doctor too.

Babies and young children commonly have up to 12 infections per year, and seven of them are febrile infections. They are often harmless illnesses, e. g. a sore throat or a cold. But some are more significant, e. g. acute ear infections. They can also indicate life-threatening diseases, such as meningitis.

Children of school age have approximately three febrile infections per year, while adults suffer from approximately two.

Fever indicates an inflammation, and the fever pattern may indicate the type of the disease. A single spot measurement doesn’t give enough information to your pediatrician or physician. It is very helpful if you measure the temperature at home several times and record the results. Note how you measured the temperature and what your normal temperature range is.

Give your doctor information about the maximum temperature measured, the variance during the day, for how many hours the fever was rising and how long the fever has lasted.