Humidifiers

Using a humidifier can alleviate problems caused by dry air, such as nasal and throat irritation, dry skin, and excessive snoring. Extra humidity can also be helpful if you have allergies or are sick, as moist air is soothing and helps reduce sinus congestion. If you use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a CPAP humidifier is more effective than one intended for your bedroom.

You should choose a humidifier that provides enough coverage for your needs, has care requirements that suit your lifestyle, and includes the features you’re interested in. One often-overlooked consideration is that some humidifiers use filters that need to be replaced regularly, so you might want to look for a filterless humidifier if you’re on a tight budget.

Noise levels vary between humidifiers, but most have a quiet hum that provides white noise. Some people, including light sleepers, find the hum actually makes it easier to fall and stay asleep. If you know that you dislike white noise while you sleep, look for a model marketed as quiet or ultra-quiet.

You should rinse and refill your humidifier daily, as well as giving it a more thorough cleaning once or twice a week to keep mold and bacteria from building up in the water reservoir. Most humidifiers come with a user manual that explains how to keep them clean. One common cleaning method is to combine equal parts water and white vinegar in the tank, which you then let soak for half an hour before scrubbing with a soft brush and rinsing well.