The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Humidifiers: Why You Might Need Them, Mayo Clinic. Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier, Best Budget: The dial has a light that cant be turned off, so this may not be a great option for people who prefer to sleep in a dark room. Its important to note that our tester noticed no visible mist emission, though she could feel cool air coming out of the machine. Whole-house humidifiers attach to your homes ductwork and add humidity throughout your home. Not only can dry air shrink wood framing and leather, but it also can exacerbate respiratory problems. Learn more. If the manufacturer doesn't list this as a function for the device, refrain from adding anything but water. The Sleep Doctor, they can help improve dry throats, dry mouths, and have been known to decrease congestion. The first humidifier was released in the early 1960s, but they've come a long way in terms of functionality and design in the age of technology. You can place most parts of the Boneco Hybrid Humidifier and Air Purifier in the dishwasher, earning it our title of Best forEasy Cleaning. To determine the best humidifiers for different rooms and conditions, we purchased 27 humidifiers from various brands and tested them in The Lab, simulating real-world situations by running each in different-size rooms for 15 minutes. All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. Its also a stellar performer in several of our evaluations, including convenience. But different types of humidifiers have special requirements, so it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions. This doesn't matter much when you're dealing with cool-mist humidifiers, but you should place warm-mist humidifiers (i.e., steam vaporizers) further away from your bed for safety reasons, especially while you sleep. Our Best Budget pick, the Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier, is 19 percent off today at Amazon.Our Best for Small Rooms pick, the Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier, is 10 percent off today at Amazon. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. The water tank also has an optional night light feature. Because moist, humid conditions can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and pathogens, some humidifiers are equipped with UV light. Our tester noted the lightweight and simple design and how easy it is to fill the water tank with a top-fill lid. So you're ready to bring a humidifier into your oasis of slumber? Our tester concluded that several quality features on this heavy-duty yet compact and unobtrusive Honeywell Designer Series Mist Humidifier justify its comparably high price. This heavy-duty, top-fill humidifier has a 60-hour runtime and a six-litertank capacity. This medium-size model can sit on the floor or on a large dresser or table, and it includes two filters for better air quality. Cleaning the large, 6-liter tankwhich provides up to 60 hours of operationis a simple process that involves opening the whole top and using mild soap and the included cleaning brush. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. It can also prevent excess moisture in the air from fogging up windows or creating a musty odor in the room. Standout features like automatic shutoff, sleep mode, and an aroma tray add to its popularityand in case you aren't sure of your purchase, the TaoTronics humidifier also comes with a 12-month warranty. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The compact Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier is designed to use with the brands VapoPads, which, though non-medicated, are particularly soothing during cold and allergy season. The HUL430, which is designed for rooms of about 400square feet, includes several attractive features: an empty-tank indicator, automatic shutoff when empty, a fairly long cord (74inches), an ample 2-year warranty, and the ability to diffuse scented essential oils into the air. She also appreciated the multifaceted remote, which makes it easy to adjust all the settings from the comfort of your bed or up to 20 feet away. What's more, the LED screen keeps you apprised of real-time pollution and humidity in your space, and you can control the machine from the Dyson app. Once the water runs out, it'll automatically shut off so you know it's time to fill up the tank again. When empty, the Lasko shuts off automatically. I ran the humidifier continuously overnight several times before I had to refill the tank." Backed by our testing and Dr. Spaeth's insight, the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier was the clear winner because of its compact, modern design, intuitive touchscreen features, and easy-to-clean tank. There are warm- and cool-air humidifiers (some are capable of both), but how your humidifier operates depends on the type. You can add an aroma pad if you want the aromatherapy benefits of a diffuser. Weather and Your Lungs. Convenience is just middling, though, in part because of a large and heavy tank that tends to spill when moved. Can you put essential oils in a humidifier? a humidity sensor) that adjusts on its own, this ultrasonic bedroom humidifier runs for up to 36 hours, which is longer than most options on the market. You can easily adjust the mist nozzle to direct the airflow. Humidifiers And Indoor Allergies. Pluses: The Honeywell HEV685W automatically shuts off when empty, and it has an empty-tank indicator. productslearn more about The Levoit Classic 300SUltrasonic Smart Humidifieris our top pick because it's reasonably priced, quiet, features a sleek, modern design, and has several smart features such as Alexa voice control. The owners manual also advised not placing this humidifier on the floor, so it takes up a large portion of a nightstand or a dresser. In addition to draining and drying a humidifiers reservoir before refilling each time, regularly clean the water tank to ensure that harmful bacteria and microbes dont grow. For more shopping advice, see our humidifier buying guide. Often, humidifiers are used to soothe issues caused by dry air, which include nosebleeds, dry skin, and a dry throat, among other symptoms. CRs take: The ultrasonic Lasko UH300, a CR Best Buy, can humidify a large room of up to 600square feet, earning a Very Good rating in our output tests and acing several other evaluations. Not unless it's designed specifically for essential oils. We also consulted with Dr. Ken Spaeth, medical director of the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center at the North Shore-LIJ Health System in New York, for his expert opinions. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Adding moisture to dry air can help ease cough or congestion, but be wary of overuse, warns the Cleveland Clinic, noting that too-high humidity levels can actually worsen allergies and asthma, and promote the growth of mold, bacteria, dust mites, and mildew. I am never bored. Look no further than the 14 best humidifiers to shop now. An effective humidifier can restore moisture and stave off a host of problems. For CR, I've also written about digital payments, credit and debit, taxes, supermarkets, financial planners, airlines, retirement and estate planning, shopping for electronics and hearing aidseven how to throw a knockout wedding on a shoestring. According to Michael Breus, Ph.D., a.k.a. The Lasko LA10008 UH300 Warm and Cool Humidifier can humidify up to 600 square feet, making it a great option for larger rooms. Humans are most comfortable when indoor humidity levels range from 40 to 50 percent. From state-of-the-art hair dryers to life-changing vacuums and the best air purifiers, everything Dyson makes is next-leveland its humidifier is no exception. Most humidifiers are made of plastic that can't withstand the compounds of essential oil, so opt for a diffuser with the distinct purpose of aromatherapy instead. From the ultra-quiet operations and remote control to the built-in humidistat (a.k.a. Dimensions: 11.6 x 7.7 x 11.3 inches | Water Tank Capacity: 6 liters (1.6 gallons) | Weight: 5 pounds | Room Size: 753 square feet. Its also on the noisy side. Youll see dozens of models in our humidifier ratings. Our top pick, the Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier, is a compact humidifier that covers a wide square footage with multiple smart settings and silent operation. The Pure Humidify+Cool does triple duty as a humidifier, an air purifier, and a fan and has a HEPA filtration system to remove allergens, pollutants, gas, and bacteria. Other considerations are whether the tank is removable, to easily fill under a kitchen or bathroom faucet, and how heavy it is when you carry it back full. Read our, Levoit Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier at Amazon, Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool Formaldehyde at Best Buy, Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier at Amazon, Levoit Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier at Amazon, GENIANI Portable Small Cool Mist Humidifier at Amazon, Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier at Amazon, Boneco Hybrid Humidifier and Air Purifier at Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Overall: Though it lacks smart features and an LED display, its adjustable dial and cylindrical setup give it a luxurious appearance that blends into your home while effectively adding moisture into the air. If you have a cold, a humidifier that emits cold air can help shrink swelling in your nasal passages and make it easier for you to breathe, the Food and Drug Administration says. We timed each products unboxing and setup process, and evaluated mist output and direction control, cleaning and filter replacement needs, and even how much noise it made. For this roundup, she researched the difference in humidifier styles and air filters. The Emmas machinerycan be disassembled to fit into the water tank, which in turn fits into a fabric travel pouch. It operates with air, not mistand its parts are dishwasher safe. Look at the estimated run time from the manufacturer to see how often you need to refill the tank. This humidifier is available with a white base, dark base, or tan base (pictured). Three levels of mist output and two adjustable nozzles allow you to separate the airflow or concentrate it in your preferred direction. I cover the money side of home-related purchases and improvements: avoiding scams, making sense of warranties and insurance, finding the best financing, and getting the most value for your dollar. It's usually recommended that you clean and descale your humidifier with vinegar and sanitize with bleach or a specially formulated humidifier cleaning agent. Dimensions: 10.6 x 7 x 7 inches | Water Tank Capacity: 1.8 liters (.5 gallon) | Weight: 0.63 pounds | Room Size: 107-260 square feet. We respect your privacy. If you want to use the humidifier all day or all nightor bothmake sure you pick a model with a large enough capacity. The 2.5-liter (0.6-gallon) tank fills from the bottom, seals with a cap before easily flipping over for reattaching, and is easy to carry. Emma is an Updates Writer for The Spruce, covering every commerce beat under the brand. Because most humidifiers are consideredsmall home appliances, warranty coverage generally is limited. Warranties for professionally installed whole-house humidifiers vary considerably when compared with portable models. Size: 11.6 x 8 x 7.8 inches | Water Tank Capacity: 2.5 liters (0.6 gallon) | Weight: 2.35 pounds | Room Size: Not listed, "Its long runtime is very convenient, and it's the most significant selling point. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. And higher humidity helps reduce static electricity, so you can avoid those annoying shocks you feel when crossing a carpet. The mist discharges as soon as you plug it in, and our tester saw a noticeable difference between mist levels. . When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. While the water tank only holds 250 milliliters, this humidifier can run for up to eight hours on two different mist settings (continuously or intermittent 10-second bursts). (The humidifier tank contains hot water that can burn a child if they get too close, or if the hot water spills.) This air purifier from Pure Enrichment provides 16 hours of continuous humidification, improves air quality, and comes in an optional night light, which is a nice bonus for bedrooms. Living spaces often have open doorways that effectively increase the square footage, Kollontai says. Like the Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier above, it's whisper-quiet, energy-efficient, and easy to clean. Size: 9.65 x 7.56 x 13.39 inches | Water Tank Capacity: 6 liters (1.5 gallons) | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Room Size: 215505 square feet. "Greater than 50 percent relative humidity can promote mold growth.". Save nightstand space with this two-in-one humidifier and oil diffuser. Many models include one-year limited warranties that cover defects in manufacturing. They also recommend using cool-mist humidifiers since warm mist humidifiers can cause burns if you're too close. A 30-second setup process consisted of pulling the humidifier out of the box (no extra assembly required); our tester had everything running in just a few minutes. Our tester noticed a visible increase in mist between low and high settings. Despite its larger footprint, this model is still our top pick for the Best Mister category because of its adjustable temperature settings, 50-hour run time, and remote-controlled settings. Here's another great air humidifier for bedrooms that will help you breathe easily, sleep soundly, and avoid scratchy skin. Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier, Best for Large Rooms: However, all humidifiers take in air from their surroundings and add moisture to it. It provides a steady mist for up to 16 hours, has an auto shutoff and a 500-milliliter tank, which is perfect for a small room with less square footage. Console humidifiers are the best choice for spaces up to 1,000 square feet (depending on the model). You also can change the direction of airflow, set night mode, and a sleep timer. If you're using it in a kid's room, keep it far enough away so that the child can't get to the cord or the water bin. GENIANI Portable Small Cool Mist Humidifiers 250ML, The 7 Best Dehumidifiers Available, According to Our Tests, Best for Small Rooms: Dimensions: 13.2 x 8.8 x 8.8 inches | Water Tank Capacity: 4.73 liters (1.25 gallons) | Weight: 5 pounds | Room Size: Not listed. Between staying consistent with your skin-care regimen and actually getting enough shut-eye, mastering a good night's sleep isn't the easiest feat, but bringing a quality humidifier into your room has the potential to benefit your sleep quality in big ways.. Lasko LA10008 UH300 Warm and Cool Humidifier, Best for Bedrooms: Because this unit has no humidistat, we recommend buying a hygrometer, a gauge that costs around $10 and measures relative humidity; it will help you keep your room at the humidity level you want. We then combined our testers firsthand insight with our writers and editors independent research to offer you a comprehensive roundup. We simulated real-world situations by testing the humidifiers within different size rooms and running them each for 15 minutes with each tester. Although this diffuser has a large tank with an included cleaning brush, it is difficult to clean by hand, so be sure to use the included brush for the recessed corners of the tank. Bonus: The subtle design, which is available in black or white (pictured), allows the Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool to blend in effortlessly in any bedroom. Using distilled waterthough not the most eco- or budget-friendly optioncan also help. She also consulted with a physician who is an expert specializing in occupational and environmental medicine. Some humidifiers can go in the dishwasher. Closely related to the size of the humidifier you choose is the water tank capacity. With its 1.5-gallon tanksize, it can also cover bigger room sizes (about 753 square feet). 1, 2020. The design is simple, with a single-turn dial indicating the level of mist output. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. But the unit lacks a humidistat, so youll need to buy a simple hygrometer, around $10, to monitor your rooms humidity level. Plus, it's wireless and rechargeable with up to eight hours of continuous misting. Boneco H300 Hybrid Humidifier and Air Purifier, The 11 Best Air Purifiers, Tested by The Spruce. From its position on a shelf, bedside table, or dresser, it delivers cool mist for up to 20 hours. Kill two birds and enrich the air in your bedroom while adding a chic addition to your credenza. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. An indicator light turns red when the tank needs refilling. Dimensions: 14.4 x 9.8 x 5.7 inches | Water Tank Capacity: 4.92 liters (1.2 gallons) | Weight: 1.91 pounds | Room Size: 600 square feet. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Our tester also preferred the modern, minimalistic design, transparent gray tank (as opposed to bright blue), and its small footprint, making for easy storage in a closet or placement on a nightstand. Following the maintenance instructions for your machine will help to keep it clean, ensuring it's not emitting harmful bacteria into the air and making your health problems worse. The Hygro (+) is the only small humidifier to earn an above-average score for the accuracy of its humidistat, a device that displays relative room humidity. Before joining Dotdash Meredith, Jenica worked as a community manager for Just Answer, and as a community manager and managing editor at RealTravel, a former trip planning site. This definitely isn't the sleekest of the bunch, but this evaporative humidifier holds a whopping four gallons of water for heavy-duty impact. Trust us, we could go on. It fits in a car cup holder or easily tucks away on a corner of your office desk to quietly add moisture to a small area without taking up much space. Before joining the team, she wrote under home, culture, and lifestyle beats at Southern Living. This compact humidifier is designed to treat your skin everywhere you go, since its cool mist refreshes and hydrates skin in minutes; it's also small enough for your office desk, your bathroom counter, and even when you're traveling. Theyre also relatively inexpensive and can be easily moved from room to room. Pullerits, Kristjan et al. The humidifier left no residue on its surroundings during testing. But its cord length, 58 inches, is on the short side. Often, using distilled water is recommended, and filters need to be replaced every few months, or as suggested by the manufacturer. Emma Phelps is an Updates Writer for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement, decor, and lifestyle. For test results and more options, CR members can check our complete humidifier ratings, which include units that range from personal size all the way up to consoles that can humidify 1,000 square feet or more. This space-saving design comes in a range of bright colors that are perfect for kids and teens. For an optimal level of humidity, look for a model with a built-in humidistat. Our tester appreciated the intermittent operation feature but noted that the button to toggle between this and constant mode was slightly confusing. Dimensions: 6 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches | Water Tank Capacity: 250 milliliters (8.5 fluid ounces) | Weight: 0.55 pounds | Room Size: 65 square feet. To find the best options for your space, we purchased and tested 27 of the top humidifiers on the market in The Lab, and we assessed them on their setup, effectiveness, design, size, ease of cleaning, and overall value. This adorable little monkey humidifier also comes from Crane and is available in several fun animal designs (including an elephant, pig, owl, and frog). Yes, humidifiers can help ease coughs. The specialized light filtration system eliminates microbes that may grow in the humidifier's tank and prevents them from being released into the air with the mist. 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