Could a Humidifier Make You Healthier?

Although winter brings ice skating, hot chocolate, and other highlights, it also has downsides: waking up with a scratchy throat, dry skin, and a stuffy nose.

Room humidifiers were introduced in the 1960s and have become increasingly popular, with several varieties now on the market. So, what is their impact on health, and are they worth the price tag?

"Humidifiers are particularly helpful for my patients with a variety of medical conditions such as asthma, persistent nose bleeds, COPD, eczema, and those recovering from recent upper respiratory tract infections," says Columbia primary care physician Arthi Reddy, MD, who also sees additional benefits among her patients.

Dr. Reddy doesn’t focus on the different kinds of humidifiers (such as ultrasonic, impeller, and evaporative); that choice is based on personal preference and budget. From a health standpoint, any unit that adds moisture to the air and is easy to maintain is just fine.

She also explains how humidifiers can help with a range of health issues and ways to use them safely. 

What is a humidifier? 

A typical cool-mist room humidifier is a portable device that releases water vapor into the air to add moisture (humidity). This can be especially helpful during the winter months when heating systems tend to dry out the air.

By contrast, a vaporizer (or a warm-mist humidifier) boils water to produce steam.

How humidifiers help

During the winter, heating systems can strip moisture from the air. Humidifiers replace that moisture, which can help hydrate the skin and even mucus membranes in the throat and nose, leading to several benefits. 

"Some of my contact lens-wearing patients report increased eye redness and discomfort when the ambient air is dry,” says Dr. Reddy. “Along with lubricating eye drops, I often recommend an air humidifier, which often helps to mitigate these symptoms."

In addition, humidifiers can help when you're sick. If you have a cold, the flu, or even asthma, the cool mist can ease respiratory discomfort, soothe irritated sinuses, and make breathing easier.

Dr. Reddy has also seen humidifiers help patients sleep. “Many of my patients who do not have any typical symptoms related to dry air complain about increased difficulty sleeping in the winter,” she says. “I often recommend a trial use of a humidifier, which frequently results in better sleep quality and duration.” She adds that the white noise humidifiers can generate may also be calming, helping some people sleep better.

Healthy humidifier maintenance 

While humidifiers offer many benefits, there are some health and safety issues to keep in mind.

• Keep them clean: One of the biggest concerns is the buildup of bacteria and mold. To prevent this, change the water daily and clean the unit regularly. "Dirty humidifiers can exacerbate many conditions, so it is important to clean your humidifier at least every two to three days," Dr. Reddy says.
• Monitor humidity: Reddy recommends keeping the humidity in your home between 30% and 50% to avoid excessive moisture, which can encourage mold and dust mites. "It's worth investing in a small digital instrument called a hygrometer," Dr. Reddy suggests. "They're inexpensive and can help you monitor the humidity levels in your home."
• Prevent burns: Be cautious with vaporizers or warm-mist humidifiers. These devices boil water to create steam, which can cause burns if children or pets come into contact with them. If you have little ones or animals at home, consider using a cool-mist humidifier instead, or place the vaporizer high up on a shelf where it's out of reach.

Arthi Reddy, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and an internal medicine specialist at Columbia Primary Care - Morningside.