Dry air is a trigger for many chronic health ailments, especially those related to respiratory and skin health. Even studies indicate a correlation between dry air and inflammation in the airways, a complication that, if not treated on time, can cause lasting damage.
Fortunately, there is a simple yet powerful solution to this complication: humidifiers. As the name suggests, these are devices that add moisture to the air, further improving indoor humidity levels. From cool mist to warm mist settings, these are available in various types.
If you’re considering installing a humidifier in your home to combat dry air, here are a few health benefits to be aware of.
What are the Complications of Dry Air?
Before we take a closer look at the “health benefits” of a humidifier, it’s crucial that we understand why you need one in your home.
Ideally, indoor humidity levels must be within the range of 30% and 50%. When this level drops, the air becomes too dry, causing discomfort to our bodies. This leads to a cascade of complications like:
- Respiratory irritation
- Increased susceptibility to illness
- Aggravation of existing conditions like asthma, allergies, chronic bronchitis, etc.
- Further skin dryness and skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Nosebleeds
- Throat discomfort and hoarseness
- Sleep disruption, etc.
Installing a humidifier in your home not only combats dry air indoors but also helps prevent these health complications, ensuring that you are at your best.
What are the Health Benefits of a Humidifier?
Humidifiers are a Godsend, especially for individuals who struggle with allergies, colds and coughs, a constant sore throat, or respiratory complications.
A few of the notable health benefits of this device include:
1. Relieves Dry Skin and Irritation
One of the first “organs” that dry air affects is your skin. When the humidity in your home and the surrounding environment is low, it will lead to complications like dry skin and irritation. So, the first health benefit you’ll experience after installing a humidifier is relief from dry skin and irritation.
A good-quality humidifier will:
- Restores moisture in the air to balance hydration.
- Prevents common skin issues like eczema flare-ups and chapped lips.
- Enhances the effectiveness of moisturizers.
If you have dry, sensitive skin or it’s winter and you’re using indoor heating, a humidifier can be a game-changer for your skin.
If you’re curious about how these devices compare and which one best suits your needs, check out our detailed guide on the differences between diffusers and humidifiers.
2. Soothes Dry Sinuses and Reduces Nasal Congestion
Often, you might experience discomfort and soreness around the back of your nose and your throat, especially when you try to breathe. This primarily happens due to dry air, which leads to inflamed and irritated sinuses, making it harder for people to breathe and also increasing the risk of nosebleeds and sinus infections.
A good-quality humidifier will:
- Keeps the nasal passages moist and clear.
- Thins out mucus, allowing it to drain more effectively.
- Helps reduce sinus pressure and congestion.
This is especially great for allergy sufferers or people prone to sinusitis, or those recovering from a cold or flu.
3. Eases Symptoms of Respiratory Conditions
Besides your skin, the dry air often targets the respiratory organs, further exacerbating pre-existing conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) etc. Since the dry air irritates the lungs and respiratory tract, experiencing these worsening symptoms is quite normal.
A good-quality humidifier will:
- Keeps the bronchial tubes moist.
- Reduces inflammation and irritation in the airways.
- Makes breathing more comfortable, especially at night.
So, if you have already been diagnosed with chronic respiratory ailments or you are recovering from certain infections, having a humidifier in your home, especially the bedroom, can be a good choice.
4. Improve Sleep Quality
Breathing in dry air can lead to several complications related to your sleep, including snoring, sore throats, nasal congestion, and general discomfort. Not only does it make it harder to breathe, but it also affects people’s sleep quality inadvertently.
A good-quality humidifier will:
- Reduces snoring by keeping the throat and nasal passages moist.
- Prevents waking up with a dry mouth or scratchy throat.
- Supports uninterrupted breathing, leading to deeper and more restful sleep.
When buying a humidifier to improve sleep quality, place the device near your bed so you can breathe in moist air and have a good night’s sleep. Also, ensure that the humidifier maintains the humidity levels in the room between 40% and 60%.
5. Prevents Dry Eyes and Irritation
Not just the skin and respiratory tract, humidifiers also impact the eyes, causing dry eyes and irritation. If you suddenly feel that your eyes are becoming itchy or red, it’s a sign of dry air around you.
A good-quality humidifier will:
- Restore natural moisture to the eyes.
- Reduce irritation for people who wear contact lenses.
- Help with conditions like dry eye syndrome.
This is especially effective in air-conditioned rooms or for offices where employees work for 9-10 hours at a stretch.
6. Reduces the Risk of Infections
Persistent dry air indoors often enhances the risks of infections, particularly sinus and respiratory infections. This happens because airborne viruses like the flu tend to survive longer in dry air. In short, being exposed to “lower humidity” makes it easier for you to get sick.
A good-quality humidifier will:
- Maintains ideal humidity levels that reduce viral transmission.
- Keeps your mucous membranes moist, which serves as a first line of defense against pathogens.
- Promotes a healthier indoor environment overall.
If you want to keep infections in check and prevent persistent colds and coughs, especially during flu and allergy season, it’s ideal to install a humidifier.
How to Choose the Right Humidifier for Your Home?
Now that you have a good idea about the benefits of humidifiers and how they can benefit your health, the key is to choose the correct humidifier.
The first step is to identify the type of investment you wish to make. Some of the most common types include:
- Cool mist
- Warm mist
- Ultrasonic
- Evaporative
Depending on your needs and budget, you can explore the different pros and cons of each type of humidifier and finalize one to buy.
Besides the type, the following are a few more features to look out for:
- Adjustable humidity settings
- Auto shut-off
- Easy to clean design
- Built-in hygrometer
Some of the best humidifiers on the market include the LEVOIT Top Fill Humidifier, Homvana Humidifiers for Bedroom, and Everlasting Comfort Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier. You can conduct further independent research to find the best fit of humidifier for your home.
Final Words
Dry indoor air is more than just a minor annoyance; it can significantly impact our respiratory health, skin condition, sleep quality, and overall well-being, potentially increasing our vulnerability to infections. Humidifiers offer a simple yet effective solution by restoring moisture to the air, creating a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment. So, if you’ve been on the fence about purchasing a humidifier until now, now is the time to make the move.
