Do Humidifiers Work (+ Which Type Is Best for You)

“Do humidifiers even do anything? Do they make any noticeable difference? Are they worth the investment?”

A few, if not many of these types of questions might arise when thinking about buying a humidifier.

Not to mention that many speak about the benefits of dehumidifiers.

Well, here’s the truth.

As a concerned mum, health became quite a priority for me. Much like you, I learned that humidifiers work by increasing the level of moisture in the air. This helps reduce symptoms of dryness in the body, and the related inflammation and irritation.

However, extensive research backed by years of experience showed me is that humidifiers do offer some help, but not in every situation!

In fact, just because you have a dry or bleeding nose doesn’t mean that the humidity is low.

There could be other medical reasons.

How to Know If You Need a Humidifier

The best way to know if you need a humidifier is to get yourself a hygrometer.

(A what now?) 

A hygrometer is used to measure how much water vapour there is in the air.

Nowadays, they’re quite cheap and can be bought at most home stores.

They usually come with a temperature gauge as well.

Frequent readings below 30% humidity tell you that you definitely need to get yourself a humidifier.

Low or Not-High-Enough Humidity: The Risks

Low humidity has more than just health effects.

In fact, it can damage your home.

Not only can it cause your hardwood floors to dry out and warp. But it can also cause the paint on your walls to crack and peel.

Something as simple as indoor heating during winter can make indoor air drier.

So a small investment in a humidifier will go a long way. If you use them right, humidifiers help your body’s defences against viruses and other illnesses. 

Research has found that some viruses survive longer in areas with low humidity. 

By adding the influenza virus to a room through a simulated cough, researchers discovered that humidity levels of 40% and higher deactivated virus particles. 

It was also determined that just a 10% decrease in humidity can DOUBLE the transmission rate of coronavirus.

Furthermore, researchers have also studied a situation where half the kids in a school got humidifiers in their class, and the other half did not.

And guess what?

Two-third fewer students got sick when they had a humidifier. 

Additionally, humidity in the air can help if you actually do get sick by helping release trapped phlegm.

And by creating what is known as “a productive cough”. 

(As an added benefit: did you know that many houseplants will LOVE the added moisture?)

Sounds Great, But What’s A Good Humidity Level?

The ideal level of humidity, according to the Mayo Clinic, is between 30 and 50%.

At this level, it’s not so dry that you start experiencing skin, nasal, and other forms of irritation. Nor is it so humid that it’s uncomfortable, and so that molds, bacteria and allergens thrive.

Some medical signs that your air is too dry include:

• Nose bleeds
• A dry cough
• Headache
• Sinus congestion
• Dry skin (yes humidifiers do help with dry skin)
• Sensitive and dry eyes
• And even breathing difficulties

Symptoms may be unique to the individual. 

And in case you are wondering, humidifiers do help with a sore throat as well by reducing air dryness.

(Also, again, don’t just assume that your symptoms are there because the air is too dry.)

What If I Need a Dehumidifier Instead? 

Depending on where you need it, you might opt for a dehumidifier instead.

Sometimes, you might need both.

Some signs you should buy one instead:

• Foggy windows
• Mould growth
• Rotting wood
• Frequent complaints about allergies

You could also check your humidity levels using a hygrometer. Levels frequently around 60% have to be attended to.

(But, you most likely didn’t click on this article because you need a dehumidifier. So I’ll move on.)

The Different Types of Humidifiers

There are many different kinds of humidifiers that you can buy, depending on your needs.

(And your budget.)

I’ll be taking you through the most commonly used kinds, as well as their pros and cons.

But before I begin, let me just answer a common question: there is NO difference between a humidifier for your baby room and a humidifier for adults. Same thing!

1. Ultrasonic Humidifiers

These fit into both the “cool-mist” and “warm-mist” options.

These humidifiers use a metal disc that vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency. This causes the water to turn into a fine vapour. This turns into a mist which helps add humidity to the air. 

These humidifiers are great if you’re looking for something that isn’t too noisy and saves on electricity costs. 

However, studies have shown that they can emit bacteria into the air, despite manufacturer claims. 

2. Evaporative Humidifiers

These humidifiers work a little differently. They’re also the most common type you’ll find out there.

They work by pulling water from the reservoir with a wick.

The fan blows over it and causes the water to evaporate and go into the air.

The benefit of this cool-mist humidifier is that, unlike ultrasonic humidifiers, it has NO bacterial emissions.

Furthermore, it uses little electricity. 

Unfortunately, though, it will require filter changes and can be quite noisy. 

3. Impeller Humidifiers

These work by blowing cool mist into the air through the use of a rotating disc.

Water is flung to a diffuser.

It then breaks it into droplets which go into the air.

These can spread bacteria if not maintained properly, but they have the added benefit of being the more affordable of the options.

4. Steam Humidifiers

These are a sub-type of “warm-mist” humidifiers. 

Steam humidifiers work by boiling water and then releasing water vapour to help add moisture into the air.

These are best for cool and dry air. 

The benefit here is that boiling kills waterborne bacteria, so there is no risk of bacterial emissions. 

They’re also quiet, but unfortunately use more electricity and do pose a burn risk. 

5. Central Humidifiers 

Now, if you’re looking to make a big and long-term investment, look no further.

Central humidifiers work by adding humidity to your WHOLE HOUSE.

How do they do this?

By connecting to your home’s air ducts.

These are a great investment, if:

• You have a large home.
• You’re looking to improve your family’s health and comfortability.
• You have the funds available to purchase one.

There are also two sub-types.

You could opt for a bypass humidifier, which works by adding moisture through a furnace. Or, you could purchase a fan-powered humidifier, which uses a fan instead.

Can Humidifiers Do Any Harm (& Why Yes)

“But didn’t you just spend this whole time telling you how great they are?” 

Yes, I am aware of my contradiction!

Too much of anything is bad. But in case of dehumidifiers, it’s not just “how much.” It’s also “how dirty.”

In other words, the issue here is ONLY if you don’t clean your humidifier properly, and frequently enough. 

Not only can your humidifier start blowing bacteria into the air, but it could also become a source of mould.

This could lead to bacterial infections in immuno-compromised people, as well as the symptoms of mould exposure, which are:

• A dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Malaise
• Brain fog
• Eye irritation (among others)

How do I clean my humidifier then?

How to Keep Your Humidifier Clean 

The manufacturer of your humidifier will usually advise how often you should clean yours.

Suggestions will vary.

However, as a rule of thumb, make sure to:

• Drain and dry humidifier tanks every day.
• Disinfect your reservoir tank every week with bleach or another antibacterial.
• Use distilled water in your humidifier (unless the water is heated beforehand). 

Doing this will ensure that your humidifier is a blessing and not a curse.

How Should I Use a Humidifier? 

Should you leave your humidifier on all day?

You could.

Or you may opt to use your humidifier at night only. It depends on how much money you’re willing to pay for electricity (not that they’re very costly in the first place). It also depends on how often you’re willing to clean it.

I’d say that IF your humidity levels remain low consistently, keep the humidifier on.

But, if you’re only home at night, then it’s best to only use it at night.

It depends on your circumstances.

If you work from home, you may want to use it all the time, or otherwise suffer the wrath of incessantly dry air. 

Maintaining the Balance

Humidifiers are a tool used to control the forces of chaos (humidity) and order (no humidity).

They give you a means to optimize your atmosphere to the advantage of your and your family’s health.

Nobody likes being sick, so if you’re looking to take charge of your health, a humidifier’s a great start. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can humidifiers be harmful? 

Humidifiers can do more harm than good, but only if you don’t clean them properly. Improper humidifier maintenance can lead to adverse health effects as they can become a breeding ground for mould and bacteria.

When should you not use a humidifier?

Don’t use a humidifier when your room’s humidity levels are 30% or higher. These levels are ideal, but anything more than 60% is where adverse health effects from too much humidity come into play. 

Are humidifiers good for the lungs? 

Yes, humidifiers can help clear out phlegm through moisture. They can also help you breathe easier and ease a dry throat.