Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEvidence-Based Benefits of HumidifiersChoose the Right OneAssessing the RisksHow Often Should You Use It?Humidifier Maintenance
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Evidence-Based Benefits of Humidifiers
Choose the Right One
Assessing the Risks
How Often Should You Use It?
Humidifier Maintenance
A humidifier is a device that boosts moisture levels in the air. It offers multiple potential health benefits and comes in various options that are adaptable for home or office use.
Experts recommend maintaining indoor humidity levels of around 30% to 50% to help keep the environment comfortable and prevent the growth of mold,dust mites, mildew, and bacteria.
Still, it’s important to be aware of some potential risks and setbacks of using ahumidifierto add moisture to dry air.
Bohdan Bevz/ Getty Images
May Help Allergies
Adding moisture to the air to treatallergic rhinitis(which involvesnasal congestion) helps reduceinflammationand allergy symptoms. However, people with indoor allergies to dust mites, mold, and mildew might not reap the same humidifier benefits. Theseallergenscan grow, thrive, and spread in a humid environment. Plus, humid air encourages other bacteria or fungi to flourish.Consider trying humidifier levels at 50% to gauge whether the device is helpful for your allergies.
May Relieve Dry Skin and Hair
Skin and hair require moisture to thrive, and they often suffer in cooler seasons when harsh indoor heating can trigger dryness.Humidifiershave been shown to prevent itchy, cracked, flaky,dry skin.They can similarly affect hair, boosting hydration, reducing frizz, and promoting moisture in otherwisedry strandsand aflaky scalp.
May Keep Germs at Bay
Using a humidifier could mitigate germstransmitted through the air. Dry air seems optimal for some airborne virus particles, which tend to die off in more humid air. Some research suggests keeping air humidity levels between 40% and 60% might reduce thetransmission ratesfor certain viruses.However, using a humidifier has no proven effects on any microbe transmission. Experts are still investigating these theories and how they could be used invirus prevention.
May Ease Sinus Problems
Humidifiers offer a dual approach to relievingsinus issues, such ascongestion,astuffy nose, a sore throat, and a dry cough.They help adjust the dry indoor air that often triggerssinus passagesand airway irritation. They also add moisture to the air, which helpsbreak up mucusblocking the sinus passages.
May Prevent Influenza
Humidifiers may help prevent certain viruses, like those that cause the flu (influenza). One study found that maintaining an air humidity level of 40% or above helps makeinfluenza virus particlesless infectious.However, more research is needed to confirm the findings.
May Make Coughs More Productive
People experiencingcoughingas a symptom of a viral infection may find relief with a humidifier. Humidified air can help loosen congestion, allowing mucus to be expelled throughcoughing. This same process can also help unplugnasal congestion, relieving any temporary breathing issues.
A Word From VerywellMake sure you are familiar with maintenance and potential risks when using a humidifier.—SANJA JELIC, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Make sure you are familiar with maintenance and potential risks when using a humidifier.—SANJA JELIC, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Make sure you are familiar with maintenance and potential risks when using a humidifier.
—SANJA JELIC, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
How to Choose the Right Humidifier for Your Needs
Whenselecting a humidifier, you may consider certain versions based on your needs. Most home humidifiers fall under two main categories:
Humidifiers also come in different sizes, from portable devices for smaller areas to larger industrial-sized humidifiers for bigger spaces or homes.
Are Humidifiers Good for You? Assessing the Risks
Dirty Humidifiers
Humidifiers need to be emptied and cleaned regularly. Otherwise, dirty or old stand water can encourage the growth ofbacteria, fungi, and other organisms.This is particularly problematic for people with allergies, asthma, or acompromised immune system.
Too Much Humidity
While humidifiers are designed to gently increase humidity in the air, too much of it may actually be harmful. Experts recommend keepinghumidity levelsat 30% to 50%. Anything higher than that may trigger and cultivate the growth of germs, mildew, and mold.
Using Hard Water or Tap Water
Other Risks
Humidifiers may not be suitable for all households, as younger children, older adults, or people withlung diseaseor respiratory issues may be too sensitive to airborne germs.A warm-mist humidifier’s steam or heated water may be a safety risk for homes with children or pets. These versions could lead toaccidental burnswith too much steam or spillage.
How Often Should You Use a Humidifier?
How frequently you use a humidifier is generally a personal choice. Experts recommend using one mainly during winter, as this is the period of low humidity levels in most areas. Keeping a humidifier running consistently for a long time is also not recommended. The constant added moisture may trigger breathing issues for some or increased germ levels in the environment.
How to Maintain a Humidifier
Regular Cleaning and Disinfecting
Humidifiers must be cleaned and disinfected regularly, generally every three days or a similar period. If not, germs will grow in the standing water inside the device, and those organisms will be released into the air.
Use Distilled Water
Bottled or distilled wateris best for humidifiers to prevent mineral or particle build-up. Other types of water (including tap water) may contain different minerals that could be harmful when released into the air.
Replace the Filter
Humidifier filters must be replaced regularly to help keep the device running properly. This is typically every month or so and should be outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep Humidifier Away From the Bed
While it may seem natural to place a humidifier in the bedroom for use at night, it’s important to set up your device several feet away from the bed or any areas that could be accident-prone. They can be safety risks if placed near beds, as there’s a risk of spills or burns, particularly with children or pets.
Summary
Humidifiers are a helpful tool for adding moisture to dry indoor air. By increasing humidity levels, these devices have been shown to help prevent the spread of virus particles, relieve dry hair and skin, and alleviate congestion and related symptoms.
Before trying out a humidifier, know that it can be dangerous if not used or cleaned properly. Also, check with a healthcare provider if you have asthma or allergies, as added humidity can encourage the growth of allergens.
16 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.
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