That's up to you. If your main concern is your indoor air quality - whether it's because you've been congested, there's an odor in your home, or you have a lot of pet dander floating around - an air purifier is the better choice.
Though an air purifier cannot help an existing cold, it might ease your symptoms by removing other respiratory irritants from the air. According to the NIH, a humidifier may help relieve a stuffy nose and the discomfort of colds or flu. The right level of humidity may also provide a protective benefit from viruses.
Eliminating stuffiness: By removing airborne particles and improving air circulation, a room can feel less stuffy and more pleasant. This can be especially noticeable in small or poorly ventilated spaces.
If you are concerned about the air quality in your home or office, an air purifier may be the better choice. If you live in an area with low humidity levels or suffer from dry skin or other symptoms related to dry air, a humidifier may be a choice to consider.
Using a humidifier in the home can help relieve a stuffy nose and can help break up mucus so you can cough it up. Humidified air can relieve the discomfort of colds and the flu. Follow the instructions that came with your humidifier so that you will know how to use it the right way.
Improve the symptoms of nasal congestion
Using a high-quality air purifier to reduce indoor allergens like dust and dust mites, pollen, and pet hair and dander provides significant relief for those suffering from irritation of the nasal mucosa and other sinus symptoms.
When it comes to using a humidifier or a vaporizer for relieving the symptoms of a cold, it comes down to personal preference. However, a vaporizer has the added benefit of allowing the user to add medications for inhalation to ease nasal and chest congestion.
It often depends on the situation. If your primary concern is air pollution or allergens, you may choose an air purifier. However, in drier conditions or if you suffer from issues related to dry air, a humidifier may be more beneficial.
If the air in your home or a specific room feels damp — and the RH level is above 60%, you may need a dehumidifier. If your your home or space feels hot, stuffy and dry — and the RH level is measuring below 30%, you may need a humidifier to add some moisture to the air.
By using ceiling fans, or portable fans for trouble spots, you can keep the air moving and avoid stuffy air and that stale smell. If your stale air problems are caused by moisture, a dehumidifier can help by taking that moisture right out of the air in any room that's giving you trouble.
Keep your device away from moisture or areas with high humidity. Place your device at least 6 inches from walls, furniture, or other items while in use. Place your air purifier near the most likely source of indoor air pollution. Consider investing in an air purifier that shuts off automatically with a timer.
An air purifier is your best bet to improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens. A dehumidifier is a clear choice if you're concerned about high humidity levels and potential mold growth. However, if you live in a humid climate or the air in your home feels stifling, a dehumidifier can regulate the humidity level.
Using a humidifier and air purifier together can offer several benefits for improving indoor air quality. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help alleviate symptoms of dry skin, dry throat, and respiratory issues caused by dry air.
Asthma, and Allergies
Using an air purifier reduces exposure to these pollutants. Humidifiers, meanwhile, don't affect allergen levels but can alleviate symptoms caused by dry or irritated nasal passages.
There is no arguing that humidifiers are an effective way of opening up your nasal passages and helping you breathe more easily. They are a useful complement to the perpetual cycle of allergy and sinusitis treatments involving decongestants, antihistamines, corticosteroids and nasal irrigation.
What are the downsides of air purifiers? There aren't a lot of downsides to having an air purifier in your home aside from the financial investment. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.
A stuffy dorm room can easily be transformed into a fresher, safer space by addressing the causes of poor air quality. Whether through improving ventilation, controlling humidity, or using an air purifier, simple solutions can drastically change your environment.
Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.
Skin or respiratory issues due to dry air: If you're dealing with dry skin, irritated sinuses, or discomfort caused by dry air, a humidifier would be more suitable. It helps maintain optimal moisture levels in the air, making breathing easier and keeping skin hydrated.
Running a clean humidifier while sleeping is quite useful and safe because it moisturizes the skin, mouth, and throat. However, it is critical to keep humidity levels in the air below 30 percent. Humidifiers require cleaning at least one time a week. Additionally, you must empty, rinse, and dry the base and tank daily.
Much like air purifiers, humidifiers are beneficial to those of us with asthmatic conditions. But unlike humidifiers, air purifiers provide the most benefit to those whose respiratory issues are worsened due to dry air. Humidifiers are excellent for use in winter months when air is dry.
Humidifiers add moisture to the air. Cool-mist humidifiers may help ease coughing and congestion due to a cold.
While tap water is a convenient and seemingly inexpensive option for your humidifier, its high mineral content could pose significant issues. Opting for distilled or purified water can help avoid these problems, ensuring your humidifier functions efficiently.
Warm and cool mist humidifiers are equally effective at adding moisture to the air in your home, so both help relieve dry skin and cracked lips, and also reduce static electricity around the house. Cool mist models are particularly helpful at easing respiratory and sinus discomfort associated with colds and coughs.