The Health Benefits of Using a Humidifier
Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MDMedically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MDA 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 a humidifier to add moisture to dry air.
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Evidence-Based Benefits of HumidifiersResearch suggests that using a humidifier may have several health benefits. These devices can benefit your airways, skin, hair, and more by adding controlled moisture to the air.May Help AllergiesAdding moisture to the air to treat allergic rhinitis (which involves nasal congestion) helps reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms. However, people with indoor allergies to dust mites, mold, and mildew might not reap the same humidifier benefits. These allergens can 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 HairSkin and hair require moisture to thrive, and they often suffer in cooler seasons when harsh indoor heating can trigger dryness. Humidifiers have been shown to prevent itchy, cracked, flaky, dry skin. They can similarly affect hair, boosting hydration, reducing frizz, and promoting moisture in otherwise dry strands and a flaky scalp.May Keep Germs at BayUsing a humidifier could mitigate germs transmitted 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 the transmission rates for 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 in virus prevention.May Ease Sinus ProblemsHumidifiers offer a dual approach to relieving sinus issues, such as congestion, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, and a dry cough. They help adjust the dry indoor air that often triggers sinus passages and airway irritation. They also add moisture to the air, which helps break up mucus blocking the sinus passages.May Prevent InfluenzaHumidifiers 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 make influenza virus particles less infectious. However, more research is needed to confirm the findings.May Make Coughs More ProductivePeople experiencing coughing as a symptom of a viral infection may find relief with a humidifier. Humidified air can help loosen congestion, allowing mucus to be expelled through coughing. This same process can also help unplug nasal congestion, relieving any temporary breathing issues.How to Choose the Right Humidifier for Your NeedsWhen selecting a humidifier, you may consider certain versions based on your needs. Most home humidifiers fall under two main categories:Cool-mist humidifiers: These humidifiers put a cool or room-temperature mist into the air. They may be more helpful in reducing virus inflammation but need to be cleaned more regularly to reduce the risk of contamination and germ spread.Warm-mist humidifiers: Steam vaporizers work by heating water that develops into steam, emitting a warm mist into the air. Warm-mist versions are easy to clean and less likely to transmit germs, but the warmth may trigger sinus passage swelling.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 RisksDirty HumidifiersHumidifiers need to be emptied and cleaned regularly. Otherwise, dirty or old stand water can encourage the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. This is particularly problematic for people with allergies, asthma, or a compromised immune system.Too Much HumidityWhile humidifiers are designed to gently increase humidity in the air, too much of it may actually be harmful. Experts recommend keeping humidity levels at 30% to 50%. Anything higher than that may trigger and cultivate the growth of germs, mildew, and mold.Using Hard Water or Tap WaterUsing anything other than distilled water in your humidifier may also have risks. Tap and hard water have different minerals that, when built up and released into the air by the humidifier, could lead to the development of additional dust along with breathing issues.Other RisksHumidifiers may not be suitable for all households, as younger children, older adults, or people with lung disease or 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 to accidental burns with 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 HumidifierRegular Cleaning and DisinfectingHumidifiers 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 WaterBottled or distilled water is 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 FilterHumidifier 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 BedWhile 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.SummaryHumidifiers 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. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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