If you’ve ever suffered from a severe asthma attack, you know just how scary it can be. Even mild asthma is an irritating and unpleasant experience that most would prefer to avoid. While asthma may be incurable, there are things you can do to help mitigate the symptoms, and one of them is adjusting the humidity levels in your home.
A great humidifier like our top pick, the Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic, not only effectively adds moisture to the air, but it also has a large enough reservoir that it can run all night long without stopping.
What to know before you buy a humidifier for asthma
Filter vs. filterless
Some humidifiers have filters, and some don’t. Since pollen and other pollutants in the air can cause irritation and bring on asthma symptoms, we recommend choosing one with a filter. This way, it can catch those airborne contaminants rather than sending them into the air where you will wind up breathing them in.
Coverage zone
Humidifiers come in a range of sizes, from small models designed for a bedroom or office, to whole-house units that attach to air ducts to circulate moisture though your home’s cooling and heating system. It’s important to match the model with your intended use. If you get one that’s too small for the space, it won’t have enough output to be effective. One that’s too large may be overkill, using up too much electricity and unnecessarily wasting floor space. It can also add too much moisture to the air.
Humidifier for asthma features
Sensors
Some humidifiers have sensors that enable them to automatically turn on and off based on the amount of moisture in the air. This makes it easy to keep your air at relatively constant humidity levels.
Timer
If choosing a model without a sensor, you should look for one with a timer. This way, you don’t have to worry about it staying on all day or night long if you forget to turn it off when no longer needed. Some models have both timers and sensors.
Control panel
Humidifiers may have a digital control panel or a simple analog dial. The former is better for those who want greater control of their unit’s operation and exactly how much moisture is released into the air. Those with analog dials are often more affordable.
Mist temperature
Humidifiers come in warm mist and cool mist models. Both are equally effective at adding moisture to the air, but those in very cold climates may prefer a warm mist model simply for the extra warmth it adds to a room. If you’re in a hot climate, you should opt for a cool mist model.
Humidifier for asthma cost
Home humidifiers vary greatly in price based on their size and features. Basic models can start as low as $15, and advanced, whole-house models may cost as much as $700 or more.
Humidifier for asthma FAQ
What kind of water should I put in my humidifier?
A. It’s best to fill your humidifier with distilled water, if possible. If you use tap water, there’s a chance it may release minerals into the air that can cause irritation of your airways when inhaled.
Can a humidifier make my asthma worse?
A. Yes. Just like air that’s too dry can cause irritation, air that’s too moist can also cause respiratory distress. Buy a model that allows you to adjust the output to fit your needs.
What should I use to clean my humidifier?
A. Avoid the use of any harsh chemicals when cleaning a humidifier. Instead, you can use vinegar to loosen mineral deposits and then a small scrub brush to clean out tiny crevices and stubborn deposits.
Which humidifier for asthma should I get?
Best of the best humidifier for asthma
Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier: available at Amazon
Our take: A sleek-looking humidifier with a digital display panel, this unit definitely won’t be an eyesore.
What we like: It offers both warm and cool mist options. It’s suitable for spaces up to 750 square feet and has a low-noise operation of 32 dB or less.
What we dislike: Cleaning the reservoir can be a hassle.
Best bang for your buck humidifier for asthma
Aprilaire 500 Whole Home Humidifier: available at Amazon
Our take: This whole-home humidifier provides moisture in dry climates with a convenient digital control panel and dual sensors.
What we like: A “set it and forget it” option that features dual sensors to respond to both outdoor temperature levels and indoor humidity levels. You can choose from several sizes, with the largest offering coverage for homes up to 4,000 square feet. The handy digital control panel alerts you when it’s time to change the water panel or when service is needed.
What we dislike: Installation can be tricky because it needs to be attached to your duct system.
Honorable mention humidifier for asthma
Venta LW25 Comfort Plus Evaporative Airwasher: available at Amazon and Home Depot
Our take: It may be basic in design, but this dual-purpose model can catch airborne particulates down to 10 micrometers while it adds a comfortable level of humidity.
What we like: Its filtration system makes it safe for use with tap water, and it features a well-placed, top-mounted control panel that allows for easy adjustments.
What we dislike: It’s expensive considering its small coverage area.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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