Best Humidifier for Sinus Problems
[amazon table=”3299″]If you suffer from chronic or acute sinusitis, or you’ve recently come down with a sinus infection, it could be worth your while to invest in a natural remedy.
One way to experience a relief from sinus-related symptoms without turning to medication is to try having a humidifier at home.
The right type of humidifier can be very effective at alleviating symptoms of sinus issues by preventing excessive build-up of mucus.
What’s best about this method is it’s natural, and in most cases affordable, so why not give it a go?
Here are our top picks…
👑 Our Pick for Best Overall
[amazon box=”B003BEZZCK” title=”Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster Humidifier” description=”If you’re looking for a humidifier that can also purify the air and eliminate potentially allergy-inducing airborne pollutants, then look no further. This device from reputable brand Sharp does a great job at alleviating sinus problems by addressing both the potential causes and the symptoms themselves.”]⭐ Our Other Top Picks for Humidifier for Sinus Problems
- Best of the Best: Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster Humidifier
- Runner Up: Pure Enrichment MistAire Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best on a Budget: Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best for Large Room: BOYON Cool Mist Humidifer
Best Humidifier for Sinus Problems Reviews
Sharp Triple Action Plasmacluster Humidifier (👑 Best of the Best)
We believe that the best humidifier for sinus problems is the Triple Action Plasmacluster from Sharp, which serves as both an air purifier and a humidifier, so you get the best of both functions.
If you’re unconvinced that a humidifier alone is enough to deal with your sinus-related problems, then perhaps what you need is something like the Triple Action Plasmacluster. This model acts as both a humidifier and an air purifier, so you can both clear the air of allergy-triggering pollutants, while also adding moisture to the air to facilitate better breathing and drainage.
Sharp’s Triple Action Plasmacluster is best for rooms up to the size of 341 square feet, which makes it suitable for most family rooms and bedrooms. This model from Sharp utilises what it refers to as Plasmacluster ion air purifiers, to provide ‘truly clean air’ according to the well-respected brand. It also meets high standards since it was granted Energy Star Certification for meeting energy efficiency guidelines. It is also AHAM Verifide, so you know the manufacturing process has endured heavy third-party scrutiny and passed the tests with flying colors.
But how does it all work?
So the Plasmacluster humidifier works by releasing ions, which are created using the water vapor in the air. These ions then attach to common household airborne pollutants such as bacteria and germs, and break them down. Finally, the ions are returned to the air as invisible water vapor, which keeps it humid enough to provide relief from nasal congestion and sinus-related symptoms.
As for extra features, this model has a built-in temperature guage, as well as dust and humidity sensors which will actively monitor the quality of the air in your home and provide readings on the screen. The true HEPA filtration system ensures that as many as 99.97% of airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns are taken care of. There’s also an automatic clean and humidify function, so you can benefit from moist air without needing to babysit the device. Finally, auto mode will keep tabs on the air quality and adjust the air purification and humidity level accordingly. There is a manual setting too with 3 fan speeds though if you want to take control of the process.
- Covers up to 341 square feet
- True HEPA filter
- Air humidifier and purifier functions
- Uses Plasmacluster Ion technology
- Displays dust and humidity levels
- AHAM Verifide
- Energy Star Certification
Pure Enrichment MistAire Cool Mist Humidifier (🥈 Runner Up)
Next up we have the MistAire cool mist humidifier from Pure Enrichment, is another device worthy of your time if you’re suffering with sinus problems.
This compact unit is capable of delivering great results, and it does so while remaining whisper quiet. The MistAire is a cool mist humidifier which makes the most of ultrasonic technology to facilitate easy breathing around the house. It can cover an area of around 250 square feet which makes it suitable for use in most rooms, and has a tank capacity of 1.5 litres. Whisper quiet functioning makes it ideal for a bedroom, nursery, or even home office. It runs so silently that you’ll forget it’s even there, which is more than can be said for many noisy humidifiers.
The MistAire has a 360-degree mist nozzle which will direct the flow of mist away from the areas that don’t require moisture, and towards those which do. This means if you want to set it up in a home office, you can do so without worrying about getting your electronics or furniture damp. As for how it works, you simply fill up the 1.5 litre capacity water tank with water from your bathroom or kitchen sink, and then you’re ready to go. The MistAire will work to moisturise the air continuously for up to as many as 16 hours on the high setting, which means it can be working the whole time you are. It also means that you can set it up to work through the night, which should prevent drainage issues from disrupting your sleep. Plus, since it runs quietly, you shouldn’t find that it keeps you up at night.
Setting the MistAire up is as easy as you could want it to be with quick assembly, and the cleaning and maintenance processes are straightforward too. You get a cleaning brush with the humidifier, which you can use to clean up debris or buildup as and when you need to.
Features:
- Ultrasonic cool mist humidifer
- Covers up to 250 square feet
- 1.5l tank capacity
- 360 degree mist nozzle
- Easy assembly
- Quiet operation
- Optional night light
- Automatic shut off
- Includes cleaning brush
- 5 year warranty
Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier (💰 Best on a Budget)
Without a doubt, the best budget-friendly humidifier for sinus problems is the Vicks ultrasonic cool mist humidifier.
If you’ve ever struggled with nasal congestion or other sinus issues, then there’s a strong chance you’ve heard of or used one of Vicks’ products before. Vicks is a brand which specialises in providing solutions for everything related to the cold, the flu, and sinus-related problems like nasal congestion. Arguably its most popular product is the soothing balm called VapoRub, which is an ointment made with menthol that provides a cooling sensation through the nose to facilitate easy breathing.
The humidifier from Vicks uses a similar product, in the form of menthol VapoPads, to provide a further element of relief as well as adding moisture to the air. This addition of the soothing menthol aroma is enough to set this humidifier apart from others, since it can provide an instant feeling of calm as well as promoting better mucus flow through the nasal passages. The VapoPads provide up to 8 hours of soothing vapors, and as well as the traditional menthol variety there’s also a sleepy scent which uses a combination of eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, and menthol. This means you can set the humidifier up for use either during the day or at night.
Aside from the aromatherapy offered up by Vicks, what else can you expect from this humidifier?
Well, the large 1.2 gallon tank can provide up to 33 hours of soothing mist at a time, so you can have the humidifier running throughout the day if you need it. It works by using ultrasonic technology to release cool mist into the air, which can provide relief from congestion and coughs. It also has quiet operation, which makes it suitable for use in the bedroom at night time, especially when you use it with the sleepy VapoPad infusion. You can adjust the level of humidity too, to suit your personal preferences. The wide tank allows for easy filling and cleaning, while the VapoPad door has 2 slots for VapoPads.
Features:
- Ultrasonic cool mist humidifier
- Works best in medium sized rooms
- Up to 33 hours continuous run time
- 1.2 gallon capacity
- Allows use of VapoPads
- Quiet operation
- Automatic shut-off
- Adjustable mist control
BOYON Cool Mist Humidifier (🏘️ Best for Large Room)
If you spend most of your time in a large space at home like a living room, then it’s worth considering the BOYON cool mist humidifier to relieve your sinus issues.
This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier offers excellent value for money, and can cover larger rooms up to the size of 430 square feet. It has an outstanding mist output of up to 250ml/h which should add plenty of moisture to the air, to facilitate easy breathing. What’s more, you can alternate between settings, which include low (120ml/h) and medium (180ml/h). This can help prevent the growth of mold in your home, which is a common problem associated with adding too much moisture to the air. If there’s any main cause for complaint with humidifiers, over moisturising the air would be it, so this model fixes that issue nicely.
The humidifier from BOYON has a tank capacity of 5.5 litres, and can run for 40 hours on a single fill. There is an LED display too which tells you exactly what the current humidity level is in the room, so you can gauge which setting you need to use. It also has quiet operation at just 28dB, so whatever it is you’re doing you won’t feel like the device is disruptive. Plus there’s a soothing night light which helps make it suitable for use at nighttime.
With this device you have the option to control where the mist goes, with the 360 degree nozzle, which can help prevent electronics and other items around the house from being damaged. You can operate the cool mist humidifier from a distance with a handy remote control, which gives you the ability to adjust the mist level, timer, night light, and more. Finally, the 4 in 1 filter plate takes care of impurities in the water to ensure clean air, and you can even put flowers in it for a fresh aroma.
Features:
- Ultrasonic cool mist humidifier
- Low 26dB noise level
- 5.5l capacity tank
- Variable mist output (120ml/h, 180 ml/h, or 250ml/h)
- Nightlight with 7 colors
- Covers up to 430 square feet
- LED display
- Works for up to 40 hours on a single fill
Ultimate Guide
To ensure you get the right humidifier to deal with your irritating sinus problems, it’s worth bearing in mind some key features.
The most important things to pay attention to will be the type of humidifier, the performance, and the features.
Warm vs Cool Mist
The first question you’ll have to answer in your search for a humidifier is whether you want a cool mist or warm mist model.
The truth is that while both can provide benefits for those suffering with sinus issues, most people prefer cool mist humidifiers.
There are several reasons for this.
First, cool mist humidifiers are less dangerous than their heat-powered counterparts. They also tend to have better coverage, so you can expect them to work throughout a whole room.
They are also less expensive than warm mist humidifiers, and are less likely to contribute to the growth of mold in your home.
Performance
There are a few key things to look out for which determine a humidifier’s performance.
Tank Capacity
The larger the tank capacity, the longer the humidifier will be able to work on a single fill.
So if you don’t want to have to worry about constantly refilling your device with water, then you should opt for one with a larger tank.
Coverage
Cool mist humidifiers tend to have better coverage than warm mist devices, so they are the better option if you want to use one in a large room.
It’s definitely worth checking what the square footage of your room is before you invest in a humidifier, so that you can find one that is capable of covering the whole space.
Filter
Not all humidifiers come with filters, but a good filter can help prevent the growth of mold as well as breaking down airborne pollutants which could be triggering allergic reactions.
If you’re interested in purifying the air as well as adding moisture to it, then look for a device that has a true HEPA filter for the best results.
If you prefer less maintenance though, you’re going to want to go with a filterless device to save you the effort of changing out filters regularly.
Features
Features can add value to any humidifier, although some aren’t as important as others.
Adjustable mist output
Perhaps the most important feature you can have is the ability to adjust the mist output of the humidifier.
If you have settings to alternate between then you can set the device up to work for your preferences, and also prevent the potential issue of over moisturising the air and ending up with mold growth in your home.
Aromatherapy
Some humidifiers, like the one from Vicks, offer aromatherapy alongside mist output.
This often comes in the form of something invigorating like menthol, which can provide a cooling sensation in the nasal passage and facilitate the passage of mucus to combat build-up and congestion.
Auto shut off
Automatic shut off is a feature that will ensure the humidifier turns off when the tank is depleted, which can help to preserve the motor by preventing burnout.
This is especially useful if you want to be able to use a humidifier overnight, or you think you’ll be away from it for a long time and might forget to switch it off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Humidifiers for Sinus Problems
What type of humidifier is best for sinus problems?
If you’re looking for relief from symptoms caused by either a temporary sinus infection or something more long-term like chronic sinusitis, you will be best served by a cool mist humidifier.
Cool mist humidifiers are generally considered to be the best choice for alleviating sinus-related symptoms, and ultrasonic ones even better, but you shouldn’t rule out warm mist humidifiers either.
A warm mist humidifier can also provide relief from sinus-based symptoms, and some people will prefer this type, since it’s possible to add products such as Vicks for an extra congestion-clearing element.
Do humidifiers help with sinus problems?
Yes, humidifiers can certainly help reduce the severity of, and provide relief from, sinus problems.
If the air in your house is too dry, it could limit the mucus in your nasal passages from flowing as it should. As a result, you can experience pain around your nose and forehead since this process will lead to congestion and you will have trouble draining the sinuses normally.
What a humidifier does is provide moisture which the nose can use to improve sinus drainage and keep the mucus flowing.
What is better for allergies humidifier or air purifier?
Both a humidifier and an air purifier can treat allergy-based symptoms such as nasal congestion effectively.
While an air purifier go to the source of the problem and clear the air of the dust and other air pollutants which could trigger allergic reactions, humidifiers target the symptoms by providing relief from congestion and allowing for proper nasal drainage.
Some people find that it can be useful to have both an air purifier and a humidifier running at the same time, as they can work well in synergy. The air purifier cleans the air of pollutants, while the humidifier keeps the air pleasant to breathe and promotes optimal drainage and mucus flow in the nasal passages.
A Final Word From Wellness Nova
If you’ve tried everything to alleviate sinus-related discomfort but to no avail, it might be worth your while to try out a humidifier at home.
Choosing the right humidifier is crucial for getting the results you’re looking for, so make sure to consider factors such as the coverage, capacity, and other features that could inform the decision-making process.
