Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow They WorkHow They HelpHow to CleanCostSafetyFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How They Work
How They Help
How to Clean
Cost
Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Vaporizers andhumidifierscan address air that’s too dry in your home. Dry air can worsenallergies, contribute todry skinanddehydration, lead tosore throator astuffy nose, and even give some peopleheadachesornosebleeds. Dry air can also affect ourimmune systems, because if the nasal passages and lungs aren’t lubricated, they can’t properly trap germs.
We all need a certain amount of humidity to feel comfortable and stay healthy.This article discusses the key differences between vaporizers and humidifiers and how you can choose the right one for your needs.
Vaporizers andhumidifiershave different methods of adding water to the air:
So while both vaporizers and humidifiers add moisture to the air, they use different methods to do so.
VaporizerAdds moisture through steamSteam contains fewer contaminantsSteam may be hot enough to burn skinMay leave mineral deposits, which can create bacteria buildupHumidifierAdds moisture using cold mist or sprayMay have option of warming mist before releasing into airCool or warm mist will not cause burnsLess likely to have mineral deposits
VaporizerAdds moisture through steamSteam contains fewer contaminantsSteam may be hot enough to burn skinMay leave mineral deposits, which can create bacteria buildup
Adds moisture through steam
Steam contains fewer contaminants
Steam may be hot enough to burn skin
May leave mineral deposits, which can create bacteria buildup
HumidifierAdds moisture using cold mist or sprayMay have option of warming mist before releasing into airCool or warm mist will not cause burnsLess likely to have mineral deposits
Adds moisture using cold mist or spray
May have option of warming mist before releasing into air
Cool or warm mist will not cause burns
Less likely to have mineral deposits
What Does a Humidifier Do?
Humidifiers and vaporizers can be especially beneficial when someone has a cold to ease symptoms, though they can be used whenever moisture is needed.
Watch Out for Too Much MoistureBe careful about too much moisture from your humidifier or vaporizer. If a room becomes too humid, it can promote mold and bacterial growth. A good rule of thumb is that if the humidity in a room is 30% or below, adding moisture can help. If the humidity goes above about 60%, it could promote the growth of pathogens, mildew, or mold.Devices like a hygrometer can measure the humidity, or your humidifier or vaporizer might be able to set at a certain level.
Watch Out for Too Much Moisture
Be careful about too much moisture from your humidifier or vaporizer. If a room becomes too humid, it can promote mold and bacterial growth. A good rule of thumb is that if the humidity in a room is 30% or below, adding moisture can help. If the humidity goes above about 60%, it could promote the growth of pathogens, mildew, or mold.Devices like a hygrometer can measure the humidity, or your humidifier or vaporizer might be able to set at a certain level.
Be careful about too much moisture from your humidifier or vaporizer. If a room becomes too humid, it can promote mold and bacterial growth. A good rule of thumb is that if the humidity in a room is 30% or below, adding moisture can help. If the humidity goes above about 60%, it could promote the growth of pathogens, mildew, or mold.
Devices like a hygrometer can measure the humidity, or your humidifier or vaporizer might be able to set at a certain level.
Allergies
Air with sufficient humidity can soothe irritated nasal and throat passages. This may help relieve allergy symptoms.
If you have indoor allergies, consider a humidifier if the relative humidity in your home is below 30% and you have symptoms like chapped lips, dry skin, or irritated sinus passages. Be aware, however, that high humidity can increase dust mites, mold, and other allergens, so check with your healthcare provider before you invest in a humidifier.
People with allergies should clean their device thoroughly every day and use distilled water to help keep allergens at bay.
Babies
Babies have sensitive skin and delicate nasal and throat passages, so adding humidity to a dry room can be soothing.
COVID-19
There is evidence that thecoronavirusthrives in dry air, so adding moisture to the air could lower the number of viral particles present.In general, airborne viruses tend to die off in more humid air.
Do notdepend on a vaporizer or humidifier to rid your home of potential exposure to COVID-19, though they can help. Be sure to still followallsafety mandates. Air purifiers may be of some benefit in removing coronavirus particles from the air, but the filtration available in home systems may not be enough to remove them completely.
Asthma
If you haveasthma, a humidifier or vaporizer may not be a good idea.But if the dry air is bothering you and you want to use one, be extra diligent about cleaning it so that nothing in the air could trigger a flare.
Keep a close watch on the humidity level so that it does not become too humid, which promotes mold and bacterial growth. This is bad for asthmatics.
Dry Skin
If you have chapped lips and dry skin, a vaporizer or humidifier can help relieve the symptoms.
Keep the device clean and don’t let the air get too humid. If you still need more moisture, drink more water to stay hydrated and use moisturizing products appropriate for your skin type.
How to Clean a Vaporizer or Humidifier
Machines can vary, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Using distilled water is best to help prevent mineral buildup, which is a breeding ground for mildew, mold, and bacteria.
Vaporizers tend to be less expensive than humidifiers, but there’s a wide range in both. You can pay anywhere from about $15 to more than $700 for a room humidifier. Vaporizers range from about $20 to $200.
Measure the room you want to humidify and check the capacity of the machine. Figure out which features you need or want. Some machines come with remotes, a sleep mode to turn off lights, timers, and humidity set points. The types of features you want may dictate the price of the machine.
Cleanliness is essential when you use a humidifier or vaporizer. If not kept clean, you could be releasing pathogens and allergens into the air in addition to moisture.
Always make sure the device is unplugged before cleaning.
Humidifier vs. Vaporizer TakeawayHumidifiers and vaporizers can make dry households more comfortable and healthy, especially in the cold winter months. They need regular but easy care. Before you choose, take into consideration allergy issues, safety, and the capacity you need for the area you want to humidify.
Humidifier vs. Vaporizer Takeaway
Humidifiers and vaporizers can make dry households more comfortable and healthy, especially in the cold winter months. They need regular but easy care. Before you choose, take into consideration allergy issues, safety, and the capacity you need for the area you want to humidify.
Summary
Humidifiers and vaporizers both add moisture to the air. The difference is that humidifiers use cold or warm mist and vaporizers boil water and release steam. These machines can make you feel more comfortable and relieve irritated noses, throats, chapped lips, and dry skin. It’s important not to over-humidify and keep the machine clean.
A Word From Verywell
Humidifiers and vaporizers are simple and effective at adding moisture to the air. If you want more humidity in the house, make a list of what features you want and what is safe and best for your needs. If you have asthma or allergies, talk to your healthcare provider before using a humidifier or vaporizer, because they are not recommended for everyone. The possible drawbacks could outweigh the benefits.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wolkoff P.Indoor air humidity, air quality, and health – an overview.International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2018;221(3):376-390. doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.01.015MedlinePlus.Humidifiers and health.United States Environmental Protection Agency.A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Humidifiers and indoor allergies.Mecenas P, Bastos RTDRM, Vallinoto ACR, Normando D.Effects of temperature and humidity on the spread of COVID-19: A systematic review.PLoS One. 2020;15(9):e0238339. Published 2020 Sep 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0238339Asthma Society of Canada.Humidifiers and vaporizers.American Lung Association.Mold.Consumer Reports.How to clean your humidifier.National Capital Poison Center.Vaporizer medicine: dangerous to swallow.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wolkoff P.Indoor air humidity, air quality, and health – an overview.International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2018;221(3):376-390. doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.01.015MedlinePlus.Humidifiers and health.United States Environmental Protection Agency.A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Humidifiers and indoor allergies.Mecenas P, Bastos RTDRM, Vallinoto ACR, Normando D.Effects of temperature and humidity on the spread of COVID-19: A systematic review.PLoS One. 2020;15(9):e0238339. Published 2020 Sep 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0238339Asthma Society of Canada.Humidifiers and vaporizers.American Lung Association.Mold.Consumer Reports.How to clean your humidifier.National Capital Poison Center.Vaporizer medicine: dangerous to swallow.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wolkoff P.Indoor air humidity, air quality, and health – an overview.International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2018;221(3):376-390. doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.01.015MedlinePlus.Humidifiers and health.United States Environmental Protection Agency.A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Humidifiers and indoor allergies.Mecenas P, Bastos RTDRM, Vallinoto ACR, Normando D.Effects of temperature and humidity on the spread of COVID-19: A systematic review.PLoS One. 2020;15(9):e0238339. Published 2020 Sep 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0238339Asthma Society of Canada.Humidifiers and vaporizers.American Lung Association.Mold.Consumer Reports.How to clean your humidifier.National Capital Poison Center.Vaporizer medicine: dangerous to swallow.
Wolkoff P.Indoor air humidity, air quality, and health – an overview.International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. 2018;221(3):376-390. doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.01.015
MedlinePlus.Humidifiers and health.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Humidifiers and indoor allergies.
Mecenas P, Bastos RTDRM, Vallinoto ACR, Normando D.Effects of temperature and humidity on the spread of COVID-19: A systematic review.PLoS One. 2020;15(9):e0238339. Published 2020 Sep 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0238339
Asthma Society of Canada.Humidifiers and vaporizers.
American Lung Association.Mold.
Consumer Reports.How to clean your humidifier.
National Capital Poison Center.Vaporizer medicine: dangerous to swallow.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
