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Breathe easier and get relief from dry air with one of our top picks.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
If your humidity levels are below this range, it might be time to find a humidifier.
An under-sized unit may be ineffective and not deliver desired results.
To learn more about how we tested cool mist humidifiers, check out our testing process below.
Credit: Amazon
The low setting doesnt produce as much noticeable humidity as the high setting.
The humidifier noticeably increased humidity in the room within just 30 minutes on the high setting.
The humidity levels didnt feel noticeably higher when the machine was on low.
While running on low, the humidifier didnt pull much water.
And the humidifier was easy to clean, with no visible limescale or pink mold buildup.
Though easy enough, cleaning the model took 50 minutes.
On the hunt for a budget-friendly humidifier?
The low setting still added moisture to the air, though it wasnt quite as noticeable.
Both controls were quiet, with only a subtle sound of water bubbling when we stood nearby.
The water tank holds up to 0.79 gallons.
We spent a total of 50 minutes cleaning and reassembling the humidifier the first time.
Though a simple process, it was a bit more time-consuming overall.
Both options produced a low level of noise which was comparable to asound machineused for sleeping.
While cleaning, we didnt see any visible mold or limescale on the unit.
The tank only has a 4-inch window, which doesnt let you see when it is getting empty.
The Vicks EasyCare and Top Fill Ultrasonic Humidifier is easy to set up and use, and changes the air noticeably in just 30 minutes.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Larger spaces call for a humidifier than can handle more square feet, like theLacidoll whole-house humidifier.
By day two on high, a hygrometer reading showed an increase of 54 percent humidity.
We observed a few differences between the tube versus the cover.
On low with the mist cover, the humidity actually dropped by one percentage point at 10 feet away.
Using the mist tube, humidity increased by 62 percent on day two.
Both configs were very quiet.
Yet even on high, the humidifier only used about a quarter of its 4.2-gallon capacity.
We were able to run this humidifier for three to four days without refilling the tank.
Even when running the humidifier on low, it produced enough vapor to make a noticeable difference.
Plus, checking the water level required opening the tank, which was an inconvenience.
Despite a few downsides, we still recommend the humidifier for large spaces.
Where this unit shines is its smart features and app connectivity.
We found it easy to use and easy to refill during our testing process.
We also tested dual mist humidifiers on their cool and warm mist options, when those features were available.
On the other hand, “Ultrasonic humidifiers use ultrasonic vibrations to produce a fine mist of water.
Ultrasonic models do not have filters and can leave white dustcaused by minerals in tap wateron surrounding surfaces.
This is minimized inevaporative humidifiersthanks to their filter.
Roberson recommends looking at humidifiers with at least a 2-gallon capacity for larger rooms.
Our best for large rooms pick, theLacidoll 4.2 Gal.
Waqar says, The water tank should be emptied and dried daily.
They really should be cleaned prior to every use.
The water you use is also important, and distilled is the safest option.
Night lights, like those on theVicks 3-in-1 Sleepy Time Humidifier, were most helpful in childrens bedrooms.
Even though it was effective at humidifying the air, it wasnt as user-friendly as we would have liked.
Your Questions, Answered
Do cool mist humidifiers make a room cold?
Despite their name, cool mist humidifiers dont actually chill the room.
Roberson says, The mist they produce is around room temperature.
The evaporation process can have a mild cooling effect, which is often not noticed in large rooms.
Are cool mist humidifiers good for allergies and asthma?
According to Roberson, cool mist humidifiers can be helpful for some people experiencing allergies or asthma.
The Levoit Dual 150 sits comfortably on a tabletop in a bedroom, living room, or home office, noticeably changing the room’s humidity levels.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Does a humidifier clean the air?
Humidifiers help improve indoor air quality by maintaining optimal humidity levels, according to Roberson.
Her expertise is focused on shopping, cleaning and organizing, and home improvement.
Brittany also consultedBrad Roberson, president of Aire Serv, a Neighborly company,Omar Waqar, M.D.
allergist, andAlison Ehrlich, M.D., FAAD, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
What is BHG Recommends?
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Vicks SleepTime humidifier can be paired with VaporPads or essential oils and used as a diffuser, too.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
The Lacidoll includes a large digital display that shows the humidity level.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
The Levoit OasisMist Smart humidifier showed a difference in the humidity on our thermometer during testing.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Vicks Ultrasonic Humidifier has an easy-to-fill clear water tank that makes it easy to see how much is left after using it.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
