When you’re sick or easily congested, humidifiers should be your go-to bedroom accessory. In this article, we’ll be discussing a plethora of humidifier information, as well as questions, types of humidifiers, and products that you should look into investing. Remember, the difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier is right in the core of their names – a humidifier inserts “humidity” or moisture into the air, whereas a dehumidifier takes it out. The details of your needs will ultimately decide which one is best for you. Let’s take a look at some more information on humidifiers, though!





Does Humidity Affect Allergies and Sinus Problems?

Humidity and sinus issues have a direct correlation, but not in the way you think. When a sinus is too dry, they are more susceptible to nosebleeds, cracking, pain, and general congestion issues. Whether it’s hot out or extremely cold and dry, your nose can suffer – the season doesn’t matter; however, there are seasons where you’ll need to take more steps to ensure a comfortable experience. In fact, investing in a humidifier is one of the most important steps, allowing you to insert a particular level of moisture into the air.

Essentially, it is known that there are seven various principals that are caused by dry air, and they are the same reasons why we need a humidifier for replenishing lost moisture. These principals are:

Respiratory issues – sinusitis, nosebleeds, bronchitis, etc.

A lack of vitamin A within the body – when this happens, your immune system has to work a double to restore the changes, (yes, this can be from the dry air!)

Itchy throat, watery eyes

Eczema flare-ups chapped lips, and general dry skin – that’s why some people need more moisturizer in the winter months

Cracked nasal membranes, mucus that’s poorly functioning / not doing its job, chronic sinusitis that doesn’t seem to go away, etc.

Join paint can also be caused by air that doesn’t have enough moisture within (as well as tender eyes)

Dehydration – yes, dry air can suck the life out of you in more ways than one. When dehydration occurs, you’ll have to participate in increased respiration. When this happens, you use more energy and require humidity to help replenish your body

If you happen to live in an area that’s drier than other places, you’ll have to invest in a humidifier, regardless, or else you may suffer from dry skin, poorly functioning nasal passages, and more. If you find that you’ve been suffering from nosebleeds, dry eyes, or dry skin, you’ll most definitely want to look into the forthcoming humidifiers to help replenish that moisture that your body yearns for.

How Does Indoor Humidity Affect Allergies?

Allergies are crazy as they are – but low humidity in a house, apartment, or another living space can aggravate them even further. Dry hair essential damages the cilia in the nasal passage – a filter that ensures debris and bacteria cannot past. When this area is damaged, then anything can get by, causing irritation to allergies, or worsening the nasal passages in general. The dryness of the air can also be caused by those that have forced-air heating, avid air conditioner users, as well as those with wood burning stoves. Those that suffer from allergies may see even further nasal passage cracking, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and cracking noses as they continue to suffer without a solution.

We’ve mentioned dust mites before, and it’s important to note that they tend to die off when the humidity levels are below 50%, but it’s even lower than that for allergens. Unfortunately, allergens do not dry out until the humidity levels hit 30% – so your house will truly have to be suffering (i.e. winter months with no heat), for it to get down to this level.

When your air is too dry (under 45-55% humidity), you may begin having allergic dermatitis, susceptibility to the flu or colds, dry skin, sore throats, dry eyes, watery eyes, or chapped lips. If you find yourself suffering more in the winter months, this could be because your home is not prepared for the harsh cold winter weather. To restore some of this moisture, we highly suggest purchasing a humidifier, as it’s one of the only ways you can restore moisture in your home, and not just relieve your nasal cavity issues.

What is the Ideal Indoor Humidity?

There are a number of reports that say the ideal home humidity levels range anywhere from 40% to 55%, especially if your household has someone that suffers from asthma, allergies, or eczema flare-ups. With a humidifier, you’ll be able to make use of a hygrometer, which is also known as a humidifier gauge, so that you’ll be able to see when your humidifier has reached an optimal humidity level – prompting the unit to turn off automatically.

What Causes Low Humidity in a House?

There could be a number of reasons that there is low humidity in your house, but one of the more prominent reasons is that you may live in a dry climate. Does your home also use a type of forced air heating or cooling method? If so, this tends to take the moisture out of the air and replace it with a dry heat or cold, causing you to require a humidifier in most months. When there is a lack of humidity during this time, we may have to turn up the heat to get warmer, only to have this add to the problem of low humidity and dryness in the air. For those that have forced air and no humidifier, this is virtually a catch-22 situation.

Tips for Increasing Humidity in Your Home

One of the primary ways you can increase humidity in your home is through the use of a humidifier. You’re able to set the optimal percentage of humidity within the room of your choosing, and you can moisten up those nasal passages and help your skin with restoration. Other tips for avoiding dry air and creating moisture include the following:

Avoid environments that are musty, cold, dry, or have pet dander, dust, and pollen

Create moisture in your nasal passages with steam inhalation

Use a neti pot of some sort

Take a steamy shower every day, or use a steam room

Use a vaporizer or humidifier – your choice

A warm washcloth over your face can also ensure a better nasal experience

Avoid filling rooms with smoke, hairspray, or times of cleaning products

Purify your air with the best temperature (between 65 and 75 degrees) as well as a relative humidity level of 55%.

How to Tell if the Air is Dry

It’s not uncommon for different parts of the world to invest in a humidifier naturally and use it as a solution, as it presents a solution for putting more moisture into the air. If the climate you live in isn’t that dry, but you’re curious to know if your house is dry, you should look at the following determinants:

There may be gaps or cracks present in hardwood flooring – even if it’s relatively new

You might notice that there’s static electricity running amuck and that you shock yourself often

When your wallpaper peels, and it isn’t that old, you may be suffering from a lack of moisture in the air

Are some of your household items changing? The shape could become warped or shrunken when presented with low humidity.

Do you own a piano and find that it requires tuning almost every time you sit down? You can thank low humidity for that one!

Some of these can also occur when there’s too much humidity, as well! If you’re curious to know what the best solution is, there is a set level of humidity that’s perfect for the human body and the environment around. We’ve already discussed this above, so make sure to set your humidifier at that level when you purchase it.

Do Humidifiers Help with Sinus and Allergy Problems?

Have you ever been told by your grandma or your parents that you need to turn on the humidifier or purchase one when your nose is too stuffy, or your allergies are acting up? Trust us; it’s not an old wives tale, believe it or not. When you purchase a humidifier, you’re able to restore some of that moisture in the air, which in return, directly affects how your nasal passage reacts. The cilia don’t take any more damage due to the dry air, and you’ll be able to reduce or eliminate nosebleeds entirely.

There are some allergies that are heightened because of dust mites, but as we’ve mentioned, they die out once the humidity drops to a percentage, as they thrive when there is a ton of moisture. When you use a humidifier, you’re only welcoming them in, which is why you want to keep your humidity levels at an optimal percentage to avoid dust mites, but ensure that your nose, skin, and body aren’t going to suffer anymore.

We’ve said previously that the optimal level of humidity that your humidifier should be at lies in between 40% and 55%. When putting water into your humidifier, you should try and use demineralized water, or water that’s distilled. When you have more mineral in your tap water, the environment you live in becomes susceptible to bacteria growth. You might see more white dust with this or additional irritation.

For quick relief, introducing moisture into the air can relieve your nasal cavities and soothe the passages with moisture. We don’t suggest dunking your head in a sink full of water, but ensuring the environment is moistened will allow your nose to thank you (by not hurting!)

Top 5 Reviews

1. TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier for Bedroom

First on our list is a cool mist humidifier from TaoTronics. If you’re looking for something for your bedroom that’s going to make sure you sleep well and moisten up the air in your room, you’ll most definitely want to use this. Whether you have a forced-air bedroom, or you simply live in a cold and dry climate, this is the perfect humidifier for you. With low noise and a simple to read LED display, you can ensure that you see the optimal humidity levels, no matter what your eyesight is like.

The capacity of this humidifier is 4 liters and has adjustable mist levels for optimal usage. When there’s no more water, there’s an automatic shut off, and a timer for the best experience possible. You’ll be able to combat a number of ailments like allergies, wrinkles, mildew, and more.

Pros

Combat wrinkles and allergies with this effective cool mist humidifier

Combat wrinkles and allergies with this effective cool mist humidifier Low noise so that you don’t bother anyone else in the room that doesn’t need it

Low noise so that you don’t bother anyone else in the room that doesn’t need it Easy to read LED display

Cons

Does not double as a product that can be used as an aroma diffuser – can not put essential oils in this humidifier

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2. MistAire XL Humidifier for Large Rooms

Next on our list is an Amazon’s choice that comes with a large reservoir and variable mist control. If you have a larger room that measures over 499 square feet, then you’ll be able to make use of this 1-gallon reservoir and soft night light options. There’s an automatic shut off for when the water is gone, and a number of cleaning accessories for an inexpensive price. It’s also worth noting that the manufacturer has stated that rooms under 499 feet can use this as well, you just might have to adjust some of the settings first. You don’t want a small room to become too humid, do you?

This unit also offers a soft night light for those that need it, and you’ll be able to experience soothing ambiance if you wish. Colors that this night light can use are either green, blue, or red – your choice!

Pros

Nightlight options – various colors for a soothing, restful night

Nightlight options – various colors for a soothing, restful night Large 1-gallon tank, great for rooms over 499 feet, but can be used in smaller rooms, too

Large 1-gallon tank, great for rooms over 499 feet, but can be used in smaller rooms, too Cool mist technology that can humidify the air for up to 24-hours straight (depending on the settings you have your mist control at)

Cons

Doesn’t look like this product can use essential oils

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3. AIRCARE EP9 800 Whole-House Humidifier

In what appears more like a space heater or safe, this humidifier is aesthetically pleasing, unique, and offers an evaporative humidifying experience. You’re able to use this in houses up to 2,400 square feet, with no issues at all! There are 9 different fan speeds, a readout that ensures you’re seeing the actual humidity level of the home, and more! There is also digital accuracy for your humidity levels included within the programming of this device – no more shoddy humidifiers!

Pros

Select your performance level with 98 fan speeds

Select your performance level with 98 fan speeds Matches most room decors with a very aesthetically pleasing neutral color

Cons

Not incredibly easy to move around for those more limited on mobility – a 27-pound device, you might have to get someone else to help you move it

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4. Levoit Humidifiers for Large Room

Want a sleek unit that’s going to be able to add moisture to most rooms of your home? Get the most out of this extremely accurate humidifier that has a 6-liter reservoir, and is capable of both warm and cool mist. With an auto shut off function for when the water runs out, you’ll be able to have a safe experience and reduce allergies/sinus issues.

Pros

Has a remote control and humidity monitoring for ease of use, and for those with limited mobility

Has a remote control and humidity monitoring for ease of use, and for those with limited mobility Vaporizer included for rooms that are larger

Vaporizer included for rooms that are larger Auto-shutoff for when the system becomes waterless

Auto-shutoff for when the system becomes waterless Sleek and white appearance that looks futuristic

Sleek and white appearance that looks futuristic Capable of warm and cool mist

Cons

The appearance of this device is an acquired taste

The appearance of this device is an acquired taste Doesn’t appear to be able to use essential oils

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5. URPOWER Humidifier for Bedroom & Baby room

Want something that’s super quiet and is capable of cool mist humidifying? This unit is for you. Featuring an adjustable mist mode, and being perfect for your baby’s room, this Amazon choice is inexpensive and perfect for all types of rooms. There’s a sleep mode, and a safety function in this easy to use the unit.

Pros

Comes with a 5-liter reservoir

Comes with a 5-liter reservoir Waterless auto shut off feature

Waterless auto shut off feature Working time is between 14 hours and 17 hours

Cons

Doesn’t seem like it can use essential oils – may have to dig deeper from the manufacturer

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The above list shows you the 5 best humidifiers for allergies and sinus problems. They can emit mist quite well. They also save your time and effort moving and cleaning parts of the machine. If you are looking for a humidifier for a spacious room or a large space, these are the best ones for you.

Things to Consider Before Buying One

There are a few things to consider before buying the best humidifier, and one of the primary things you should know is what kind to get for your room. There are many sizes of humidifiers, including small, medium, large, and extra-large. You won’t want to get a large humidifier unless the room you’re planning to humidify is over 500 square feet. We aren’t talking about your entire house; we’re talking about the size of one room.

Small humidifiers are great for rooms that are no more than 300 square feet

Medium humidifiers are perfect for rooms that measure between 300 and 499 square feet

Large humidifiers, as we mentioned, are for rooms that are at least 500 square feet, but no more than 999 square feet and extra-large humidifiers are for areas that measure more than 1,000 square feet – most likely a commercial space or a rich person’s mansion!

Don’t forget that you should always rinse the humidifier’s reservoir after each use and make sure to dry. Using vinegar once a week to clean out the unit will ensure that any hard water isn’t going to be there during the next usage. A recommended disinfectant from the manufacturer is optimal, and always be sure to clean before using after a long period of not using!

Warranties and price are super important to compare from model to model, as some may offer better features for a lower price, and some may have too many features for a simplistic use. Always be sure to get the right type of filters (if any are required) and look to see if there are any that come with your model automatically, or if you have to purchase before using.

The Types of Humidifiers

In general, there are two types of humidifiers – cool mist and warm mist. Within these genres, there are sub-categories of humidifiers. With cool mist, you’ll find that there are three different kinds, which include impeller, ultrasonic, and evaporative. With warm mist, there aren’t that many different types.

Evaporative – the use of a wet wick with air blowing over it.

– the use of a wet wick with air blowing over it. Ultrasonic – a nebulizer vibrates to emit water into the air, humidifying it.

– a nebulizer vibrates to emit water into the air, humidifying it. Impeller – A rotating disc is used to propel mist into the air.

– A rotating disc is used to propel mist into the air. Steam vapor humidifier – the water is heated to a higher temperature and released humidity.

If you’re curious to know what essential oils or vapors that a humidifier is capable of using, you’ll have to watch the specific features, as it usually notes these in the specifications or information about the product. Not every humidifier is great for essential oils, and you must research more about diffusing essential oils before trying your hand – you could actually get hurt from not being careful with essential oils.

What Kind of Humidifier is Best for Those with Allergies or Sinus Problems?

One of the better types of humidifiers for relieving and soothing your allergies and nasal cavities is one that releases warm mist into the air. These are typically better for smaller rooms, and you’ll see the most advantages from one that’s warm mist.

Now that we’ve talked your eyes off about allergies, let’s take a look at some of the best humidifiers on the market for those suffering.

