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Review: Braun ThermoScan Thermometer & Vicks GermFree Humidifier

For the past 6 to 8 weeks, our family of five has been taking turns having cold and flu symptoms. Luckily, I was the only one who seemed to really have a sick-in-bed full out flu. We did have a couple of instances of high fevers with the twins though.

I can't say how thankful I was to have the Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer handy. Even though I like our non-invasive Exergen TemporalScanner, this Braun takes a temperature in about 1/3 of the time. It literally takes just 3 seconds to get an accurate body temperature reading.


Even though the child who was sick would be a little cranky, they never minded having their temperature taken. The ear piece is shaped so it would be difficult to insert the thermometer in too far. To take a temperature, simply turn the unit on, push the power button again to clear the last reading off the screen, insert the thermometer in the ear, and then push the button conveniently located on the back of the thermometer. In about 2 to 3 seconds the thermometer beeps and you have your reading. It really is quick and painless.


There are two features about the Braun ThermoScan that really impressed me. The first is that the tip is pre-warmed so that reading is quicker and more accurate. The second is that this thermometer comes with a hard cover that fits over the full length of the unit. This cover also has a place to store the disposable lens filters, which is extremely convenient. I love that there is no need for a separate carrying pouch.


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In addition to fevers, we have had a huge problem with stuffy noses for both twins and a little cough and congestion for our daughter. They would both wake up crying during the night from these symptoms. We would have to use saline drops in their noses to try to give them some relief from their discomfort.

When we began using the Vicks V3900 Pediatric GermFree Cool Mist Humidifier, it was like night and day. Both twins woke up a fewer number of times during the night and, when they did wake up, they were not crying, distressed, and rubbing their noses. Our daughter also rarely woke up coughing. The only protest the twins had was the soft hum emitted by the humidifier, but they became accustomed to it after just one night.

Our children's bedroom is rather large, but having this humidifier on the lowest setting was enough to keep the air from being too dry and to fill the entire room with scent of the Vicks Vaporizing Pads. Running this humidifier has also helped prevent nose bleeds that result from over-dryness. On the lowest setting, this unit is very quiet compared to other humidifiers.


There were several things that really impressed my husband and myself about this humidifier . . .

1) It was extremely easy to set up and only weighs 7lbs.

2) It barely uses any water, unlike warm mist humidifiers. The 1-gallon capacity is more than sufficient.

3) Also unlike warm mist humidifiers, the room did not smell musty like a swamp.

4) This unit has a UV light and a boiling action. This eliminates the worry of mold, bacteria, and fungi that could live in other humidifiers, which is a concern of ours because some members of the family are allergic to mold.


Both these products made such a difference for our children's cold symptoms. In turn, this helped with the problem of my husband and I being continuously sleep-deprived.

The Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer retails for $49.99 and the V3900 Vicks GermFree Humidifier retails for $79.95. I have only been using these two products for a few weeks, so I cannot attest to their longevity. It is my opinion that, if they will last for several years, then both products are worth the investment. You can find both these products at Walmart, Walgreens, Amazon.com, and major drug stores nationwide.


Thank you to Braun for sending us an ear thermometer and Vicks for sending us a humidifier to use for this review.