9 Best Humidifiers to Ease Asthma Symptoms — Reviews and Buying Guide

We've compiled a list of the top nine humidifiers for asthma based on safety, features, and customer satisfaction.
By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 12, 2023
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You wake up tired, irritable, and feel as if you’ll never be well-rested again. It hurts to take a deep breath and even cleaning your home is more of a chore than it should be. Asthma affects your whole life but purchasing the best humidifier for asthma can lessen the burden of it.

We reviewed 24 models to find 9 best products with the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier being our Editor’s Choice. We paid attention to the mist type because some humidifiers can produce either cold mist, warm mist, or the option of either. The coverage area was our second consideration as some humidifiers are suitable for large areas, while other models work better in small rooms. We also looked at water tank capacity because it reflects just how often you need to refill the humidifier.

Quick Summary

Top 9 Humidifiers for Asthma Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9300 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
Features
  • Mist type: cool
  • Water tank capacity: 6 L.
  • Mist time: up to 50 hours
  • Coverage area: up to 400 sq. ft.
  • Essential oils diffuser: yes
  • Dimensions: 14.4 x 12.4 x 7.9 inches

More features: no filter required; blue LED nightlight

Sometimes a small, cute humidifier will do just fine. Other times you need a bit of strength to reach all corners of your room. The Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is the largest product on our list, and its heavy-duty performance makes it ideal if you want a large room, whole apartment, or office to benefit from humid air.

The six-liter water tank can last an impressive 50 straight hours which means a lot less hassle of remembering to refill the tank. And, the cool mist that is emitted can actually work to reduce airborne viruses and bacteria. This is perfect when cold and flu season comes around and makes it a top contender for the best humidifier for asthma and coughs. Not only will the cool air soothe your throat, but the moisture will help soften your airway and allow the lungs more opportunity to gather the oxygen-enriched air.

As for bonus features, the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier can also be used with essential oils. This is great if you want to add a bit of spice to the air and calm your nerves. There is also a blue LED nightlight which adds a tranquil light to your peaceful slumbers.

What truly separates this humidifier from others, though, is the fact that you don’t actually need to replace any filters. Filters are cumbersome and expensive, and the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier uses its advanced technology so that even with regular tap water, you can be assured that the mist going into the air is clean, pure, and healthy.

    What makes it special?
  • No need to buy or replace any filters
  • Large water reservoir means less refills
  • Can be used with essential oils
    What cons did we find?
  • May be too large for an average room
  • The water tank has no grab handles
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7133 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
2
Best Evaporative Humidifier

Honeywell HCM350W

Features
  • Mist type: cool mist
  • Water tank capacity: 3.8 L
  • Mist time: 24 hours
  • Coverage area: 300 sq. ft.
  • Essential oils diffuser: no
  • Dimensions: 17.9 x 9.37 x 11.4 inches

More features: wicking filter, UV technology, excellent for babies, children and adults

If you wanted a humidifier that looks great then this is going to be a great option for you. It has a stylish design that will look great wherever you put it in your home. Being able to see inside the tank will also show you when the water is running low.

One of the key features of this humidifier is that it uses UV technology. That UV light will kill off any bacteria in the water. It means you know the water coming out of the machine is going to be completely safe to breathe.

The water tank capacity is 3.8-liters which many people are going to see as a perfect balance. It still doesn’t take up much space while being able to deliver a high volume of mist for a long time before it needs to be refilled.

The mist that comes out of the humidifier isn’t visible and also won’t cover everything around it in condensation which can be an issue with some other models. The only real downside here is that the filters are fairly expensive.

Usability is very high as the device is fairly simple to use. It’s also easy to clean and maintain to keep it as healthy as possible. It’s a world-class model and one that can easily make any room your home a lot more enjoyable and easier to breathe. 

    What are our favorite features?
  • No visible mist
  • Large tank
  • Easy to clean and maintain
    What could be better?
  • Expensive filters
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5166 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
Features
  • Mist type: cool mist
  • Water tank capacity: 1.5 L
  • Mist time: 16 hours
  • Coverage area: 250 sq. ft.
  • Essential oils diffuser: no
  • Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 9 inches

More features: optional night light, automatic shut-off, 5-year warranty

Pure Enrichment has made a humidifier with a unique shape that many users are going to love. A part of that design is a transparent water tank which is always useful for knowing exactly how much water is left in there.

In terms of that water tank, it can hold 1.5-liters which is on the lower end of the scale. That makes it ideal for the likes of bedrooms where the coverage area is a little smaller and you’re not going to need the same level of coverage.

One annoying aspect of this humidifier is that it makes an obnoxious beep when you change the settings and there is no way to turn it off. It seems like a pointless feature and one that doesn’t serve much of a purpose.

One great feature is that the base can fully detach which makes filling up and cleaning exceptionally easy. While the beep is annoying, the humidifier is almost silent when it’s in operation and is not going to disturb your sleep.

The night light is another feature that can be very useful, especially if you want to use the humidifier in your children’s rooms. All of this quality is backed by a 5-year warranty and therefore you can have full confidence that this is going to stand the test of time.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Base can fully detach
  • Great night light
  • Whisper quiet
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Annoying beeps
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8689 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.5
4
Best for Large Rooms

Orgtoy 6L Humidifier

Features
  • Mist type: cool mist
  • Water tank capacity: 6 L
  • Mist time: 100 hours
  • Coverage area: 215-430 sq. ft.
  • Essential oils diffuser: no
  • Dimensions: 17.8 x 11.6 x 7.7 inches

More features: boil-dry protection, quiet operation, easy to clean, 360-degree rotatable nozzle, powerful fan

Capacity is one of the key factors on humidifiers and if you wanted the largest one out there then you’ll love this model. At 6-liters, it’s going to be able to pump out a huge volume of water and increase the humidity throughout your home.

Due to that incredible size, the humidifier will be able to run for a very impressive 100 hours. You’ll be able to put it on and not have to worry about topping it up for days on end. There is an obvious downside to that tank capacity and that is size and weight.

Wherever you put this humidifier, it’s going to take up a huge amount of space and also be very difficult to move unless it’s empty. A great feature to prevent you from needing to move it is the 360-degree nozzle to get it exactly where you need it.

Despite having a fan that will be able to disperse the mist, the unit is going to be able to stay very quiet. If you do forget to fill up the humidifier when it’s running low then it’ll shut itself off to prevent any accidents from happening.

This is an ideal humidifier for anyone needing to add mist to a wide-open space and needs a huge level of coverage. It will also be able to work very quickly and you’ll notice the difference in no time at all. The machine is incredible and can produce impressive results constantly.

    What do we love it for?
  • Huge capacity
  • Ideal for large rooms
  • Works quickly
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Bulky
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8619 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
Features
  • Mist type: cool
  • Water tank capacity: up to 0.6 L. (bottle)
  • Mist time: up to 18 hours
  • Coverage area: small room
  • Essential oils diffuser: no
  • Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 1.5 inches

More features: portable; powered by 3 AA batteries or USB

The Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier is an incredibly neat, innovative creation. Basically, all you purchase is a stand and then use your own individual water bottle to create the humidifier. The result is an efficient, inexpensive product that actually works. The stand itself uses advanced technology to take the water from the bottle and turn it into moisture that fills the air. As a bonus, this mist is hygienic and clean.

You can take the Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier with you on any trip as its compact design fits into any suitcase or backpack. It even goes undetected from the ruthless eyes of TSA agents. It is powered by battery or USB cord, which allows for even better functionality.

The timer on this humidifier allows for different increments of two, four, six, and eight hours. There is also an automatic shut-off for peace of mind. This means that once the water runs out, there is no need to panic as it will safely turn off on its own.

The noise level is less than 15 dB which is whisper quiet. There is no worry that the Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier will take over any space. It is quiet, unassuming, and very advanced; you may purchase it for its innovative design, but you will keep using it because it works.

    What are its best features?
  • Portable and easy to travel with
  • Very affordable
  • Relatively long runtime
    What could be improved?
  • Not the most aesthetically pleasing to look at
  • Can’t be used with bottles of more than 0.6-liter volume
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9354 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.3
6
Features
  • Mist type: cool
  • Water tank capacity: 1.9 L.
  • Mist time: up to 30 hours
  • Coverage area: up to 400 sq. ft.
  • Essential oils diffuser: no
  • Dimensions: 7.3 x 7.3 x 15.4 inches

More features: directional mist nozzle; auto shut-off; optional night light

The PureGuardian H940 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a powerful, attractive humidifier that has a surprisingly large capacity. Its 1.9-liter water tank results in up to 30 hours of mist time. As well, the coverage area is a whopping 400 square feet. For those with open-plan homes, this humidifier will be sure to find its place.

If you want to target a particular part of the home, take heart as the PureGuardian H940 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier actually has a directional mist nozzle. This is an excellent display of customization that not many other humidifiers have. Surprisingly, the strength of this model is housed in a relatively standard-sized machine, with a 15-inch height and a 7-inch width. This means that it can sit comfortable on a table or shelf and still look relatively inconspicuous.

If you plan on using the PureGuardian H940 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier at night, there is a night light, which is perfect if you plan to use it in a child’s bedroom. There are three speed settings, so you can customize just how much cool mist you want in the air.

For safety, there is an automatic shut-off function and a refill indicator light. The one-year limited warranty is great, although most customers who purchased this humidifier did not have any cause to take advantage of it.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Various settings and nozzle make it very customizable
  • Compact and attractive design
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • A little difficult to fill with water
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5730 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.2
7
Features
  • Mist type: warm and cool
  • Water tank capacity: 4 L.
  • Mist time: up to 24 hours
  • Coverage area: up to 485 sq. ft.
  • Essential oils diffuser: yes
  • Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.1 x 8.9 inches

More features: three speed settings for cool mist; releases 300 million cleansing ions per minute

The Bizond Ultrasonic Humidifier is an extremely quiet machine, which makes it perfect for anyone who wants a bit of extra humidity in the room while sleeping. Whether you are an adult trying to warm your sick nasal passage or a baby with a bit of colic, this humidifier is perfect.

At under 30 dB of noise, the Bizond Ultrasonic Humidifier is quiet and gentle. It also provides clean air thanks to its purification system.

Each minute, 300 million cleansing ions are released, which helps eliminate bacteria in the air, making it one of the best humidifiers for asthma and allergies. Common bacteria, such as E. coli and Staphylococcus are removed, helping you stay healthy. The device is truly versatile: there are three mist settings, and you can also choose between warm and cool air.

In addition to these benefits, the humidifier has extremely low energy consumption. In fact, it can operate for up to 24 hours without having to fill the water reservoir. Most users found that there was relatively little maintenance. This means that instead of waking up in the middle of the night, you can continue to sleep soundly knowing the air you breathe continues to be healthy.

The Bizond Ultrasonic Humidifier automatically shuts off when the water level becomes too low. It is also designed not to fall over; there is no worry if someone bangs into the table at night.

    Why is it special?
  • Safe and practical
  • Low energy consumption
    What are the flaws?
  • Rather bulky to store on a small table
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4847 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.1
8
Best Cool Mist Humidifier

InvisiPure Alta Cool Mist Humidifier

Features
  • Mist type: cool
  • Water tank capacity: 0.2 L.
  • Mist time: up to 7 hours
  • Coverage area: small and mid rooms
  • Essential oils diffuser: yes
  • Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 8.75 inches

More features: soothing nightlight; timer for 1,3, or 6 hours

Not all humidifiers need to be sterile looking and obtrusive. Instead, the InvisiPure Alta Cool Mist Humidifier demonstrates that a humidifier can seamlessly fit into any décor. Emitting a calm, cool mist, this humidifier is also pleasant to look at with its rich wood tones and large LED band that can shift colors. In fact, there are seven LED colors that you can cycle through, from a cool peach color to a deep blue. You can use this humidifier as a light accent in your living room, or as a comforting night light for your child.

The ultrasonic technology of the InvisiPure Alta Cool Mist Humidifier releases mist for up to seven hours while on a low mist setting. This means that there is just enough of a water reservoir to helm mist the majority of your night dreams. However, don’t be worried about keeping it on too long as there is an automatic shut off sensor once the water level becomes too low.

The cool mist of this humidifier is perfect for helping to heal common ailments. Whether it is dry coughing, chapped lips, or nasal congestion, the InvisiPure Alta Cool Mist Humidifier can help. It is particularly beneficial for those who have asthma.

You can also use your favorite essential oils with this humidifier. This is perfect if you want the calming scents of lavender to lull you to sleep, or the perky effects of peppermint to help you get ready for the day.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Looks great in any room and isn’t too obtrusive
  • Cool mist helps with dry skin and breathing issues
  • Colorful LED lighting
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Smaller in size with a little water reservoir so needs to be refilled often
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2293 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
Features
  • Mist type: cool mist
  • Water tank capacity: 1.8 L
  • Mist time: 8–20 hours
  • Coverage area: up to 260 sq. ft.
  • Essential oils diffuser: yes
  • Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 10.6 inches

More features: 3 mist speed settings, BPA-free, quiet operation

The first thing that you notice about this humidifier is the small footprint it has. It takes up very little space and that makes it ideal for placing beside a bedside table. The 7×7” measurements give it great versatility of placement.

The downside to that smaller size is that the tank capacity isn’t going to be as high. At 1.8-liters it is smaller than many of its rivals. That being said, at the lowest setting, it will still be able to run for 20 hours so you won’t have to constantly top it up.

Another aspect that makes this great for bedtime is that it has an almost silent operation. The humidifier is going to enable you to get to sleep with the cool mist and your sleep isn’t going to be disturbed by any sounds.

Usability on this model is very high and you’ll be able to run it without any frustrations. There are three different speed settings for your perfect humidity. There is also a smart sleep function that’ll turn off all the lights and keep the humidity at a comfortable level.

With its top-fill design, this is one of the easiest humidifiers to top up with water and you’ll be able to do it with no mess. Despite it being quite a tall model, stability is very high and it won’t easily be knocked over. Other great features include being able to use essential oils and also its automatic shut-off function. It all adds up to a brilliant humidifier.

    What makes it special?
  • Almost silent
  • Simple to refill
  • Good stability
    What cons did we find?
  • Fairly small tank

Things to Consider

Before you commit to the best humidifier for asthma, it’s important to know all the different features a machine can have. Even if a particular humidifier sounds great, if it doesn’t meet your needs, then it’s not worth purchasing it. Read on to learn more about what specific features humidifiers have as well as a few commonly asked questions.

Why do people with asthma buy humidifiers?

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When you have asthma, the airways that supply oxygen to the lungs become constricted. This makes it harder to breathe and can lead to wheezing and even coughing. At night, you want to be able to get a good night’s sleep, and the inability to breathe can significantly impact this. A humidifier outputs extra moisture in the air which will make it easier to breathe. The extra moisture softens the airways, putting less stress on the delicate tissues. As well, when air has more moisture in it, it also means that it will have more oxygen in it. This means the lungs don’t have to work as hard, giving you a much more peaceful slumber.
Keep in mind that these devices can not only help with asthma. Many people buy humidifiers for dry skin hydration, especially during the winter season. Others use humidifiers for cough and sinus problems relief. In a word, these devices are so versatile you can’t help but getting one.

Features to consider while choosing a humidifier

There are many features to consider with a humidifier. Read on to learn more about what differentiates one product from another.

Mist type

Humidifiers can produce either cold mist, warm mist, or the option of either. Cold mist is nice and refreshing in the summer, but warm mist is particularly comforting in the winter. More often, humidifiers are used in colder months, during cold and flu season, so it’s always nice to have a humidifier with the option of warm mist. Be aware that if you plan on using a humidifier in a large room, office, or whole apartment, by the time the air particles get to you, chances are they will be room temperature.

Water tank capacity

A water tank capacity is vital for two reasons. First, the larger the tank, the larger the humidifier. If you have a small space like an apartment, then you will want a smaller humidifier, and smaller water tank. If, however, you need a humidifier for a large room or even an office, then there will be space for a water tank with a bigger capacity.
cool-mist-ultrasonic-humidifier-white-tank tg
Water tank capacity also reflects just how often you need to refill the humidifier. Small water tanks mean having to refill more often. If you just want a humidifier to be on for a few hours, then a small tank will suffice. If, however, you want your humidifier to be on all night long, be sure to find a water tank that will last. Otherwise, you will have to make waking up to refill the tank part of your nightly routine.

Mist time

Mist time refers to how long a humidifier can last before the water runs out. There are usually a few settings on a humidifier, so even if a product states that it can last 24 hours, this may be just at the lowest setting. If you set the humidifier on high, then the water could run out in only 12 hours.

If you plan on using your humidifier at night, then be sure to select a product with a mist time of at least 10 hours. This should guarantee that it will still be running as you wake up.

Coverage area

The coverage area of a humidifier refers to the square footage of a room that the humidifier will work in. Some humidifiers, like the InvisiPure Alta Cool Mist Humidifier and the Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier are best for areas under 200 square feet, a small living room or bedroom. Other humidifiers, like the Bizond Ultrasonic Humidifier can be used in large rooms, and even whole apartments.

Noise level

There are those that need the gentle hum of white noise to fall asleep. There are others that will snarl like a dog if anyone dares to even whisper at night. Each humidifier has a different noise level, and this can be one of the most important features to consider as it all comes down to personal taste. Those that like quiet should consider a humidifier which produces less than 30 dB of noise.

Essential oils diffuser

Essential oils are all the rage right now. Not only do they smell pleasant, but they also can help calm emotions and relax after a hard day at work. If you are interested in essential oils, invest in a humidifier that has the option of also being a diffuser. This way you can save both money and space as you won’t need two large machines in your room. Products such as the InvisiPure Alta Cool Mist Humidifier and the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier can be used as diffusers.

Dimensions

Small humidifiers take up less space, but also have much smaller water tanks. Therefore, they will not last very long between refills. Large humidifiers take up more space, but their mist time is longer. Most humidifiers are medium-sized. They are meant to be placed on a table or shelf and are usually not higher than 12 inches.

If you have a particular space that you envision your humidifier to be, be sure to measure and compare with the product features.

Extra features

There are many additional features that a humidifier may come with. As they are machines, a warranty is always a bonus. Most will come with a one-year warranty, but be sure to check what the customer service is like should there be any issues.

Humidifiers produce moist air, but they also work to purify it. In this case, a filter will need to be changed. It’s always a nice bonus when extra filters are included as it cuts down on the overall cost. Try to find out what type of filters is needed and how convenient they will be to replace in the future.

Most humidifiers are electrical, but some smaller ones are battery-operated. Check to see if a humidifier comes with these batteries or if you need to purchase them separately.

Finally, one of the coolest extra features of a humidifier is if it can also act as a nightlight or mood enhancer. Calming LED lights mean the humidifier can be displayed front and center in your room. It can also serve as a reassuring nightlight for an anxious toddler.

FAQ

Is it safe to use humidifiers for babies and small kids?

Yes, humidifiers are safe for both babies and small kids. In fact, they are increasingly becoming a staple in most nurseries. If you have a baby that wakes often or seems colicky, then a humidifier can be an easy remedy. The same goes with small kids as their natural curiosity usually leads to sticky fingers and a whole host of newly acquired germs.

Be sure to keep a humidifier away from small kids, perhaps on a high shelf or bookcase. The hot steam produced could burn their delicate skin. What’s more important, though, is to hide any cords. Even if a humidifier is out of reach, a toddler could quite easily pull on the humidifier and have it tumble down. Hide the wire or invest in a simple baby-proof cord wrapper.

Can this device help pets with asthma – cats or dogs?

Animals, such as cats and dogs, often have similar health issues as humans, including asthma. While not always diagnosed, if you observe that your cat or dog wheezes or coughs a lot, then try using a humidifier to help them breathe. Humidifiers are also great in winter if your pet has dry, scratchy skin. The extra moisture from a humidifier can help your pet feel more relaxed and comfortable.

What are the basic precautions when using a humidifier?

Humidifiers usually produce hot steam. While this isn’t as severe as boiling water, prolonged exposure can react badly to the skin, especially with children. Always place a humidifier out of reach of children. Make sure the cord is hidden or secured. Most humidifiers will have an automatic shut off if the water reservoir becomes dry. It’s important, though, to monitor this and get into the routine of refilling the water on a regular basis. Finally, make sure that the humidifier is on a secure shelf. It is a large object, and can really hurt someone if it were to fall off a shelf.

Our verdict

There are nine humidifiers that made our list, but three that rose to the forefront. The best humidifier is the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. While its technology does purify the water that is released into the air, it doesn’t need a filter to do so. This leaves a lot less effort and money which is a great combination.

The Honeywell HCM350W has a stylish design, uses UV technology to kill bacteria, and has a large water tank capacity. The mist from the humidifier is also not visible and won’t condense on surfaces.

The third product on our list that can be considered the best humidifier for asthma is the Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. Its transparent water tank is a great feature, and the night light is perfect for children’s rooms. The 5-year warranty gives you peace of mind that this product will last.

9,8
Total Score
Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier - Editor's Choice
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