Maybe you’ve passed the rows of humidifiers and dehumidifiers in your local pharmacy and wondered what the difference was. While many of us use “humidifier” and “dehumidifier” interchangeably, they have opposite functions—the former puts humidity into the air and the latter removes humidity. Both have their pros and cons, but a humidifier is particularly helpful during winter and spring, when many of us in colder climates may struggle to breathe or develop sore throats and allergies. Parade consulted Dr. Linda Dahl, MD, a member of the HealthyWomen Women’s Health Advisory Council and otolaryngologist with privileges at Weill Cornell Hospital, Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, and Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, for more information on humidifiers—what they do, what their benefits are, and more. “A humidifier can make it easier for patients to breathe during colder months if they have asthma, allergies, and other chronic breathing issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also help singers stay hydrated,” Dr. Dahl exclusively tells Parade. “It can help relieve hoarseness during dry months and make breathing easier for those with asthma and allergies. It can help with dry skin as well.” Keep reading for more information on humidifiers straight from the experts—including the best humidifiers to shop for 2022.
What is a humidifier?
Not to be confused with a dehumidifier, a humidifier, according to Dr. Dahl is “a device that increases the moisture in the air.” In colder or dryer climates—specifically during the winter months—humidifiers really help increase the amount of moisture in the air, which in turn, can help people to breathe more easily. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, humidifiers also help with symptoms of allergies, which typically present themselves in the springtime. “[A humidifier] can be a small unit or centrally attached to the heating and cooling system in your house,” explains Dr. Monica T. Kraft, Allergist Immunologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Humidifiers add moisture to the air by taking water and releasing it as a mist.” And while this is all-encompassing of what most humidifiers do, Dr. Dahl adds that there are different kinds of humidifiers, the four most popular being:
Who should use a humidifier?
Most of us can benefit from using a humidifier. But people who struggle with certain breathing ailments or even seasonal allergies may really want to consider investing in a humidifier because of the many benefits. “Depending on the circumstances, anyone who lives in a cold, dry climate can benefit,” explains Dr. Dahl. “In the winter, heaters dry out inside air even more. We are most comfortable when the inside humidity is 45 percent. Those with asthma, COPD, chronic sinus infections, and allergies can benefit from judicious use of a humidifier.” Even if you don’t have a diagnosis, Dr. Kraft adds, “signs of dryness can be chapped skin of the lips and nose, bloody noses, and a dry cough.” So, if you are experiencing those symptoms, you may want to consider using a humidifier, too. That being said, these machines do require some maintenance in order to ensure that the moisture it’s adding back into your environment isn’t contaminated. “It is very important to clean a humidifier daily to avoid the growth of bacteria and mold,” Dr. Dahl advises.
What are the health benefits of using a humidifier?
Humidifiers add moisture to the air in an environment, resulting in increased humidity. But how does this actually ease breathing struggles and other allergy-related symptoms? “A humidifier can decrease snoring, improve comfort, decrease nasal congestion, and increase the sensation of moisture, helping patients sleep and breath more comfortably,” Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, otolaryngologist (ENT) and laryngologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, tells Parade. Mehdizadeh adds that since added humidity can add moisture to one’s dry mucous membranes, humidifiers can help alleviate symptoms associated with cold, flu, allergies, nasal congestion, nose bleeds, and generally dry mucous membranes. According to Dr. Kraft, “Humidifiers can help soothe dryness and congestion of the sinuses and nasal passages which can occur with allergies and upper respiratory infections. Dry air can also trigger asthma symptoms, so adding extra humidity to the air with a humidifier can help these symptoms as well.” Sold on the humidifier and all its health benefits? Here are our top picks of the best humidifiers on the market:
10 best humidifiers
The coolest part about the Quiet Ultrasonic Digital Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier is right there in its name! This model lets you choose how you want to humidify—think: warm mist in the winter and cool mist year-round. Both of these functions have quiet settings, making them the perfect addition to a baby nursery or child’s room, and it even can help reduce static electricity in the home, which is caused by dry air. The dual nozzle spins 360°, directing the vapor in all directions and there’s absolutely no filter to replace. Plus, it even has three mist flow settings as well as LED lighting, humidistat, and a 12-hour timer.
2. LEVOIT LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier, $149.99 at Walmart
If you prefer your electronics to hook up to Alexa, then the LEVOIT LV600S Smart Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier is for you. Like other humidifiers, the benefits of the LEVOIT include alleviating symptoms associated with cold, flu, and more, as well as moisturizing the skin and reducing static—but this one hooks up to your smartphone! Included in this purchase, you’ll get the Smart Ultrasonic Humidifier, a cleaning brush, three aroma pads, three absorption bands, two water filter sponges, and a user manual and guide.
3. Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier, $59.95 at HeyDewy.com
Humidifiers provide a lot of important health benefits, particularly for people suffering from allergies or asthma. But humidifiers also offer beauty benefits, too, especially if you’re dealing with dry skin. Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier is specifically designed to add more moisture to your skin so that you can look dewy AF—even in the dead of winter. Portable, wireless, and rechargeable, you can take this baby just about anywhere—in the car, on the go, on a trip, etc.—to keep your skin hydrated 24/7.
4. BreatheFrida 3-in-1 Humidifier, $49.99 at Nordstrom
From the trusted baby brand FridaBaby, the BreatheFreida 3-in-1 Humidifier may be small, but she is mighty. Sort of egg-like in shape, this family-friendly humidifier also moonlights as an essential oil diffuser and even displays a calming range of nightlight colors. With a half-gallon water tank and 12-hour run time on max mist, the BreatheFrida covers 320 square feet. From the maker of beloved air purifiers, the Elechomes SH8830 Humidifier is so chic, it kind of just blends in with the decor and the rest of the tech. After all, it doesn’t really look like a humidifier! With smart auto-mode and near-silent sleep mode, this humidifier features a built-in humidistat and intelligent constant humidity system that, on its own, regulates the humidity in the room anywhere from 55 percent to 68 percent. It also has a 360-degree swivel nozzle to allow for even mist distribution for rooms up to 861 square feet.
7. The Canopy Humidifier Starter Set, $150 at Sephora
The first-ever humidifier to be sold at Sephora, the Canopy Humidifier Starter Set promotes dewy skin and a more humid indoor climate. It also combats redness, dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. It comes dermatologist recommended and has some pretty sweet features that other humidifiers don’t: its parts are dishwasher-safe, it’s anti-mold, and hydrates a room up to 500-square-feet without mist. The Canopy even features a unique auto-mode setting that lets the humidifier know to automatically increase humidity at night when your skin needs it most.
8. 360° Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier, $32.99 at Safety1st.com
Designed for younger users, the 360° Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is meant to keep both you and your baby comfortable. With easily adjustable mist controls and two rotating mist outlets (that allow you to control where it mists so you can soothe two kids at once), this humidifier is particularly great for the nursery because of how quiet it is. You can thank ultrasonic technology for that, parents—no noisy filters—and it even shuts off automatically, displaying a silent alert light to let you know when it needs to be refilled.
9. Portable Wireless Humidifier, $69.99 at Sharper Image
The Portable Wireless Humidifier from Sharper Image is kinda cute, right? It looks like a chic little bucket or really fancy compost bin, but in fact, this aesthetically-pleasing gadget actually creates humidity. Compact, rechargeable, and ultra-quiet, the Portable Wireless Humidifier features both continuous and periodic ultrasonic misting modes, an optional LED nightlight with seven colors, auto shut-off mode, and a built-in USB port to charge your device.
10. Eco-Friendly Minimalist Humidifier, $68.95 at Etsy
While you may not traditionally shop on Etsy.com for something like a new humidifier, the Eco-Friendly Minimalist Humidifier shouldn’t be overlooked. This gadget is handmade in California with PP recycled plastic and can be used in just about any room of your home (or at work!). It features a still fan—no wind blades—a USB connection for optimum energy-saving, and a 300 ML tank with misting modes. Next up, the best lotions for even the dryest of skin.
Sources
Dr. Linda Dahl, of the HealthyWomen Women’s Health Advisory CouncilDr. Monica T. Kraft, Allergist Immunologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterOmid Mehdizadeh, MD, otolaryngologist (ENT) and laryngologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA"Humidifiers and indoor allergies," American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
