If you’re in an area where the air is too dry, your sinuses could suffer for it. Dry air causes your nasal mucus to stop flowing as it is supposed to. Your sinuses also won’t drain very well. This could lead to congestion, which then causes sinus pain and even sinusitis. To combat the dry air causing these issues, you can try out the best humidifier for sinus problems. These handy machines create more moisture in the air, reducing the dryness for less congestion.
If you decide to buy a humidifier for your home or office, there are a few important features you should look for. These include the mist type and the capacity of the tank. You should also check out the coverage area to ensure the machine will work properly with the size of the room you’ll be placing it in. The sound level is also essential, especially if you’ll be putting it in a room where you or a family member will be sleeping.
In order to find the best humidifier for sinus problems, we spent countless hours checking out manufacturer’s websites, reading customer reviews, and testing out various models. After picking our top six humidifiers, we created in-depth unbiased reviews, adding a table with a rating and a nomination for each one. We also added in a buying guide to make sure you have all the information you need when choosing your next humidifier.
More features: wide tank opening; Vicks VapoPad Slot
This Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Visible Cool Mist Humidifier is a stylish model that is easy to use, even if you’re doing it for the first time. It only has one button to cycle through the three mist settings and the ‘off’. When the 1.2 gallons tank runs dry, it shuts off automatically.
There is also a simple fill and cleaning design to this humidifier. You can pour water in through the top, without even having to turn off the machine. For cleaning, just lift the lid, pull out the filter element to wash, and reach inside to wipe down the insides using a duster cloth. Even if you use your humidifier consistently and need to clean it every week, the easy process won’t have you regretting your purchase.
Another great feature on this humidifier is the Menthol Scented Vicks VapoPads, which removes impurities and bacteria for healthier air. This helps prevent sinus issues and other illness. This feature alone could make this the best-rated humidifier for cough, sinus and allergy problems.
The nozzle on this model rotates 360 degrees, with a maximum output of 200 ml/h, and can run for up to 30 hours after the tank is filled. The one-piece structure eliminates leaks and makes it easy to move this humidifier from room to room if necessary. It also has a stylish design that will fit into any décor.
More features: comes with three aroma pads, a cleaning brush and a remote control
If you’re in the market for the best humidifier for dry skin and sinus problems, the Levoit LV600HH may be the model for you. It has a ton of features that make it one of the top models out there.
First, it has a huge six-liter tank that can run for up to 36 hours straight, depending on the setting you choose. This tank is made of ABS plastic, so it is durable, resisting cracks and leaks.
There are both warm and cool mist settings, each with three different humidity levels to choose from to help alleviate your sinus congestion. This steam humidifier also detects the room’s actual humidity level which allows you to set the level you want, so the machine will shut down when it reaches it. There is also an auto shut-off when the water tank is dry for added convenience.
The whisper quiet motor, included remote control, and the aroma box for essential oils are also handy features. The Levoit uses a PTC heating system, which will kill most waterborne bacteria, so the mist flowing out of the adjustable vents will be pure.
For the best results, this model should be cleaned frequently with the included brush, depending on the usage. This can be a bit time-consuming, as there are multiple parts, but is necessary to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
More features: ETL certified, essential oil tray, auto shut-off, less than 30dB noise, LED night light
Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Humidifier is a filterless ETL certified product that comes with a spacious tank, auto shut-off function, LED nightlight, and low noise output.
We recommend this model as the best cool mist humidifier for sinus problems. The water tank has a capacity of 6 liters, providing extensive runtime of up to 50 hours to regulate humidity levels in mid-sized bedrooms with a maximum coverage area of 500 square feet. The humidifier would be ideal for offices and nurseries because it produces little noise of less than 30 decibels. It is also user-friendly, with simple controls consisting of a button that operates the LED night light and a single dial that you use to adjust the mist output. Buyers also receive an essential oil tray to diffuse aroma in their bedrooms and a 2-year replacement policy for unforeseen defects. The humidifier is low-maintenance since it does not require filter replacement. You only need to clean it with warm water and mild dish soap; clean the base weekly and the base after every 2 weeks. To access the carrying handle when you want to refill the tank, you must remove the top, and the accumulated condensate is likely to leak in the process. The tank is also tricky to clean because of the small 2.75-inch opening and the multiple grooves that are difficult to scrub to prevent mold buildup.
Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Humidifier is the same type as Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Visible Cool Mist dehumidifier, which is cool mist and ultrasonic. These types of humidifiers are preferred for nurseries and bedrooms to avoid the risk of scalding.
More features: 2 mist modes, auto shut-off, one-button control, USB-connected, less than 30dB noise
If you have limited space, then the best option for your room would be the compact MOVTIP Portable Mini Humidifier which has dimensions of 3.8×3.9×5.4 inches. It is also an ideal choice for travelers because it is small in size, and you can power it with a USB cable.
This cool mist mini humidifier has a water reservoir capacity of 0.5 liters and a runtime of up to 12 hours. It also features a single button for all functions and two modes of mist settings. You press the button once for 6 hours of continuous mist and press it twice for 12 hours of intermittent mist produced at intervals of 2 seconds. You can set it on your nightstand or pack it for trips to prevent dry skin and sinus problems. An integrated sensor automatically shuts off the unit when the water level runs low to prevent damage. The best portable personal humidifier for sinus problems comes with a USB cable which you can plug into a laptop or power bank or connect it with a USB adapter bought separately. You can purchase this unit in white, gray, green, blue, pink, or black color to match your décor and personal style.
Apart from mist modes, this humidifier also features two adjustable modes for night light; breathing light emitted in pulses and constant light. However, the red light remains on as long as the humidifier is running. Also, the tank is small and requires constant refilling, unlike Levoit LV600HH, which has a larger reservoir and mist time of up to 36 hours.
More features: 3 fan speeds; automatically shuts off when desired humidity level is reached or when unit is empty
Rather than having a humidifier for every room, you may want just one to add some moisture in the air of your whole house. For this, you need a larger model like the Aircare 831000 Space-Saver. This humidifier has a huge water reservoir and can run for a day or more, depending on how dry your air is and what setting it’s on.
The controls for the AirCare are located at the top, behind the large vent. There are three buttons, one for the three fan speeds, one to set the adjustable humidistat, and the on/off switch. Two indicators show you when to refill the humidifier and when the filter needs to be checked.
When the tank is empty, or when the desired humidity level has been reached, the Aircare shuts off automatically for added convenience. It is also easy to refill this humidifier when needed, thanks to the front-filling tank. Wheels on the bottom allow you to roll the whole thing to a sink and then back to its designated spot when the tank is full. The casing is a bit flimsy, though, so be extra careful when moving it around.
The filter uses Trapmax Filter Technology, which removes antimicrobial particles out of the water before it disperses the mist, so you don’t have to worry about any contaminants in the air you’re breathing.
More features: 2 mist settings, less than 32dB noise, night light, auto shut-off
As with other models we have reviewed, Pure Enrichment MistAire Humidifier has low noise output, adjustable mist settings, and an auto shut-off function that serves as a built-in safety feature. Ultrasonic models are considered the safest for nurseries because they utilize vibrations to produce a fine cool mist.
This inexpensive humidifier is a great entry-level model for individuals with a limited budget. It is designed to cover small spaces of up to 175 square feet, and a full tank generates mist for up to 10 hours. A single button adjusts the mist and light settings. Press the button once for low mist with the light off, twice for low mist with the light on, thrice for high mist output with the light on, and press it 4 times to produce high levels of mist with the light off. The portable humidifier Place a towel underneath the humidifier since it forms condensation that could accumulate on the surface.
This humidifier may not be as small as MOVTIP Portable Mini Humidifier, but it also has a compact profile, and its water reservoir is a bit larger, with a capacity of 0.7 liters. You can also turn off the nightlight if you wish. It is easy to refill the tank but cleaning it is slightly harder, especially the inner base, because of the pear-shaped design. Otherwise, we like the elegant appearance.
Now that you’ve seen the best humidifiers for dry skin and sinus problems we could find, there are a few other factors you may want to consider. This will help you decide which humidifier is the best for your personal needs.
There are a lot of things that can cause dry air, like furnaces, air conditioners, and cold winter. When the air you’re breathing is too dry, this causes the mucus in your nose and your sinuses to stop flowing correctly. If the mucus stops flowing, you’ll become congested, which can then lead to sinus pain or sinusitis.
In order to counter these sinus problems, you need to add some humidity to the air your breathing. This adds moisture to the air you breathe, which then moistens your nose and sinus passages, increasing your mucus flow.
The best way to do this is to use a humidifier in the areas you frequent, like your home or office. You can even use them while you sleep to combat insomnia caused by these breathing issues.
Not all humidifiers are created equal, so you may want to check out the following features before you start shopping.
There are a few different types of humidifiers, all of which have their own benefits, and possibly a few flaws to consider.
One of the more popular types is the ultrasonic humidifier. These use ultrasonic vibrations to create a cool mist, though there some that offer warm mist as well. They vary in price, depending on the size of the unit. Ultrasonic humidifiers are also safe to use around children. It’s probably the best type of humidifier for asthma and sinus problems.
Evaporators use fans to push the moisture through a moistened filter to create the humid mist. Sometimes, though, they can expel too much moisture, soaking the furniture around them. This could also be an issue for those with asthma, due to the possibility of mold growth. Their small size also means they can only humidify one room at a time, but the low price of these units makes it affordable to buy a few if you need to.
If you don’t want to mess around with smaller units, you can also choose a central humidifier. These are built right into your home’s heating unit or air conditioner. Though they can cost quite a bit, they have the ability to humidify your entire home, so you don’t need a small one in each room. They also don’t emit any steam, so are safe for the whole family.
The capacity of the water tank refers to the maximum amount of water the tank can hold. The tank size is usually smaller than the size of the unit. Smaller tabletop humidifiers have smaller capacities, usually only keeping a few liters of water. The larger console humidifiers, like the AirCare 831000 Space-Saver, can hold quite a bit more. The water tank capacity also helps determine how long the humidifier will run. The more water in the tank, the more mist it can produce, so the longer it will run.
Mist time determines how long your humidifier can produce mist, which depends on a few factors. One is the tank capacity, which we’ve explained above. The more water in the tank, the longer the mist can be created.
Another factor is the setting you use for your mist. If it only has one, then the mist time will likely be the same every time you fill it up. Some humidifiers come with more than one setting, like the Vicks Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Visible Cool Mist Humidifier, which has several mist settings.
The higher the setting, the more mist the humidifier is producing, and the faster the water level in the tank will drop.
When looking for your next humidifier, the coverage area you want it to work in is one of the most important things you need to look at. If you get a humidifier that has a small coverage area, it won’t work well in an ample space. Thankfully, most manufacturers add in this information to the specs of their models, so you know how well it will work in the space you plan to use it in.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is the bigger the unit, the more area it can humidify. For instance, the tiny MOVTIP Portable Mini Humidifier will work well in a cubicle or for the area around your desk, but won’t do well in your living room. The AirCare 831000 Space-Saver, on the other hand, will be powerful enough to humidify your entire apartment or small home. The larger the area you need to be covered, the larger the humidifier you need.
The sound level is vital in any humidifier, whether you use it in public spaces or your bedroom. Of course, it will be impossible to sleep if you have a machine humming loudly near your bed, so you want a model that won’t keep you awake. If you’re using this in a child’s room, this is also important. In your public spaces, this may not seem like that big of a deal, but if you have to crank up your television or yell to have a conversation, you will wish you had paid more attention to this particular feature when shopping for your humidifier.
Luckily, many of the humidifiers we’ve reviewed have a whisper-quiet motor, so you won’t have to worry about it disturbing you during any of your daily, or nightly, activities.
Though you hope your humidifier will last for years, sometimes there are manufacturer errors or shipping issues that cause it to malfunction, or not at all. For these types of problems, you need a decent warranty to ensure you won’t be stuck with a defective product or paying to repair the damage you didn’t cause. Most of the humidifiers we’ve reviewed here have either a one- or two-year limited warranty, sometimes with added incentives like 30-day money back guarantees or replacement parts within a particular time frame. But once in a while, you’ll find a lifetime warranty, like the one that comes with the MOVTIP Portable Mini Humidifier. The more extended the warranty, the better you’ll feel about buying the product.
A basic humidifier can add the humidity to the air that you need to help reduce your sinus problems, but a few additional features can help make it a bit more worthwhile. One such feature is an added oil diffuser, like the one found on the Levoit LV600HH. This allows you to add essential oils to the humidifier, for a nice fresh scent mixed with the mist.
Another handy feature is a timer setting, which allows you to run the humidifier for a certain amount of time before it shuts off. Some humidifiers also have humidity settings, so when the set level in the room is reached, the humidifier turns itself off. Most models also include a safety auto shutoff when the tank runs low or out of water. This prevents overheating or short-circuiting, which could be quite dangerous.
Having a humidifier in dry areas is a must, especially if you’re experiencing sinus issues that cause discomfort, pain, and interfere with your sleep. Though all of the models we’ve reviewed are great options, there are a few that go above and beyond expectation.
Our top choice is the Vicks Filter-Free Ultrasonic Visible Cool Mist Humidifier. It’s easy to use with a one-button control, plus has a large tank and a long runtime. Included is a medical stone filter for cleaner mist and a rotating nozzle. The stylish VicTsing is also easy to fill and to clean.
Coming in a close second is the Levoit LV600HH, which has a considerable tank made of ABS plastic for durability. It offers both warm and cool mist and has the ability to set your humidity level. It is also the only model with an aroma box and remote control.
Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Humidifier comes in third. It has a stylish design and is easy to use. The large tank lasts for hours and has an auto shutoff when the water runs out. There is also a handy sleep mode for a better night’s rest.
