Best Humidifiers: Buying Guide, Health Benefits, And Drawbacks

Humidifiers are special appliances that add moisture into the air and raise the humidity level. While their role in fighting off discomfort is a given, experts suggest that humidifiers are also highly effective against the side effects of low humidity on health.

As the moisture content of the air drops, the mucosal layer of our nasal passage and/or the respiratory tract dries out. This increases the chances of irritation in the vocal cords, dry cough, throat infections, bloody nose, headache, and flu. Similarly, the skin goes dry and lips may become painfully chapped.

Thus, investing in a good humidifier pays off well by preventing these health ailments. While the basic role of a humidifier remains the same, they can be of five types- central humidifiers, evaporators, impeller humidifier, steam vaporizer, and ultrasonic humidifier.

However, humidifiers have their fair share of drawbacks. If a humidifier isn't taken care of properly, it becomes susceptible to bacterial and fungal growth and increases the chances of flu. Similarly, using a humidifier too much can also trigger respiratory problems.

Find below a detailed account of the types of humidifiers, their benefits, drawbacks, buying guide, maintenance tips, and our best picks.

Best Humidifiers

1. SmartDevil Small Humidifier

One of the most popular humidifiers online is this large capacity ultrasonic humidifier by Smart Devil. It offers most of the features of the modern day humidifiers including dual spray modes, silent operation, dual night light modes- constant light mode and breathing light mode, automatic shut off, and long duration of functionality. It lasts up to 18 hours when set on under minimal output setting, and 12 hours at maximum output. However, this cannot be used for diffusing essential oils.

2. Allin Exporters Humidifier

Get assured of peaceful days and restful nights with this advanced humidifier. It has a water holding capacity of two litres and works for 12 hours under the highest mist mode, and for 24 hours when used at minimum output setting. Its water tank has been coated with an anti-bacterial layer to prevent the growth of mildews and moulds. Also, the humidifier shuts off automatically as the water level dips.

3. Lifelong Humidifier

This multi-purpose humidifier will not only keep the humidity levels under check but will also enable the diffusion of your favourite essential oils. With a capacity of 3.5 litres, it can easily work for up to 30 hours. Some of its notable features include four timer modes, three levels of mist (low, medium, and high), seven colour settings, auto shut off, and ease of use.

4. Voltonix Wooden Humidifier

This eco-friendly humidifier is made from high-grade wood and lies on the sustainable side of shopping. It has an impressive anion function that neutralizes the air, reducing the chances of respiratory distress from excess negative ions in the air. It can run for four hours without interruption and makes almost no noise, making it ideal for nighttime as well. This odour-free humidifier also offers colour changing mode and has seven interchangeable LED colours.

5. Allin Exporters Humidifiers 

This easy-to-use humidifier comes with a somewhat different design. It requires the users to fit in a filled water bottle, as a source of water. As the bottle runs out of water, the humidifier shuts off automatically. Like most of the modern day humidifiers, this one too can run up to 12 hours at a stretch, thanks to its ultrasonic technology. As per the customer reviews, the humidifier is also easy to carry and travel-friendly. However, essential oils cannot be used with it.

6. Dr Recommends Humidifier

If you are looking for a large capacity humidifier, this is one of the best choices to consider. It can be filled up to four litres and can run smoothly for 20 hours straight on either of the three modes- high, medium, or low mist. Its inbuilt filter ensures a cleaner mist and longer shelf life. Adding to the convenience is its optional night light.

7. Widewings Moon Lamp Humidifier

Get ready for a visual retreat in the form of this moon lamp that also serves as a mist humidifier. It has been made to perfection using silicone and special quality plastic.  It offers two spraying modes- continuous spraying and intermittent spraying modes and has three colour modes- warm yellow, white, and yellow. The upper cover can be easily unscrewed and filled with water to start the humidification.

8. Shrevi Impex Bulb Humidifier

Get yourself a gorgeous tabletop, as well as, a humidifier in the form of this travel-friendly pick. Designed like a bulb filled with tropical artefacts, this humidifier might trick you into thinking that it works only for small spans. However, this humidifier with a 400ml capacity can easily run for 10 hours at a stretch. It offers seven LED colours, two modes, and USB-friendliness.

Features To Consider Before Buying A Humidifier

1. Types Of Humidifiers

• Central humidifiers- These are built directly into the home's air conditioning or heating units, and are the most expensive of all types. They don't emit steam and thus don't carry the risk of steam burns.

• Evaporators- Humidity is expelled into the air with the help of a fan and blow through a moistened filter. However, they only work in one room at a time and might expel too much moisture sometimes.

• Impeller humidifiers- They expel moisture with the help of disks rotating at high speeds. However, they also work only in one room at a time.

• Steam vaporizers- These electrically powered humidifiers heat water and then cool it before expelling it into the air. Although these are the most inexpensive ones, they can cause steam burns when placed too close.

• Ultrasonic humidifier- They produce mist with the help of ultrasonic vibration and are considered kids-friendly. Although they have both warm and cool mist versions, the latter is most popular.

2. Automatic shut-off : Self-regulating humidifiers turn off automatically and help in avoiding putting too much moisture in the air.

3. Mould resistance: The humidifiers with mould resistance feature prevent microbial build-up and their subsequent dispersion, which may otherwise trigger infections. This feature also makes them low maintenance.

4. Tank size and different setting speeds: These factors impact the duration for which a humidifier can run before needing to be refilled.

5. Multiple uses: Some advanced humidifiers can also purify the air, diffuse essential oils through a separate chamber and work with a nebulizer attachment. You can select the one that satisfies most of your needs.

Health Benefits Of A Humidifier

• It helps in soothing the itchiness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin. 

• It also prevents the chapping, drying, and painful cracking of lips, induced by dry air.

• It also helps in reducing snoring by keeping a person's airways sufficiently lubricated from moisture.

• It keeps the humidity under check, and thus keeps the skin plump, hydrated, and free from dryness. This makes the skin look younger, in the long run.

• It helps to prevent dry throat, sinus congestion, dry cough, and irritation in the vocal cords by keeping the air moisturized.

• Dry air may lead to thinning of mucosal membranes of the nasal passage which trap the dust, dirt, bacteria and viruses from entering the lungs,- making us more vulnerable to infections and flu. A humidifier prevents these seasonal allergies under check.

• It also prevents the buildup of static electricity in the air, which not only keeps the hair standing but can also lead to nosebleeds or static shocks (on coming in contact with an object or a person). Static electricity may even damage electrical appliances.

Drawbacks Of A Humidifier

• Some humidifiers get worn out quickly if tap water is used. They need to be filled only with filtered/ distilled water, instead.

• Sometimes the minerals present in the water stored in a humidifier may settle around the room as white dust.

• One of the most common drawbacks is the steam burn when a person comes in close contact with a working humidifier.

• A humidifier needs regular maintenance and checks for mineral or hard water buildup. Otherwise, it may trigger allergies, infections, flu, etc.

• If a humidifier is used in excess, high humidity levels will not only harbour the growth of moulds and dust mite but will also aggravate allergies and respiratory ailments.

Maintenance Tips 

1. Use distilled or demineralized water: Regular water has high mineral content which may settle around the room as white dust. Also, mineral deposits in a humidifier promote microbial growth.

2. Change humidifier water frequently: A humidifier converts water into breathable vapours. If the water isn't changed frequently and is left dirty, the vapours might cause ill effects on the heath. Similarly, films may deposit inside the humidifier, giving way to microbial growth.

3. Clean humidifiers every three days: This is important to get rid of any buildups or films that might have accumulated. 3% Hydrogen peroxide is a popular cleaning agent for this purpose.

4. Always rinse the tank after cleaning: This keeps the harmful chemicals from being airborne and subsequently inhaled.

5. Keep the area around humidifiers dry: Windows, tablecloths, drapes etc. may become damp and wet from using a humidifier. Dry them regularly to prevent microbial growths and prolong their life.

6. Prepare humidifiers for storage: Always clean and dry the humidifiers properly before storing them

7. Follow instructions for central humidifiers: This will help you with proper maintenance.

8. Consider replacing old humidifiers: Over time, stubborn films and deposits may develop- necessitating replacement.