Winter is hat time of the year when sniffles, sneezes, and coughs make their way back into homes and workplaces. Despite our best efforts to keep surfaces clean and frequently wash our hands, which is a very realistic scenario post-2020, we cannot always avoid getting sick. What’s more, the dry winter air could worsen those symptoms. However, there’s a simple solution to them all – humidifiers! The best humidifier in winter, whether warm mist humidifiers or for sleep apnea, is one well-designed and nifty solution that can offer some relief during this winter. Moreover, it can also relieve you of your snoring issues due to obstructive sleep apnea, thus helping you (and your partner) sleep better. During winters, the cold dries out the lips, nose, and lungs, while the warm air inside becomes stuffy and dry. Humidifiers improve air quality by lending moisture to the air, thus combating dryness.
Furthermore, they even help to relieve common symptoms such as a bloody nose, cough, and a scratchy throat. For the lucky few that live in typically newer homes, humidifiers are usually in-built into the HVAC system. But, a humidifier is a necessity for the rest of us and a much more affordable alternative instead of changing the entire cooling and heating system of your home. To that end, here are the 13 best humidifier in winter options, including warm mist humidifiers and those for sleep apnea.
How To Choose The Best Humidifier in Winter?
Humidity levels vs. space
When choosing the best humidifier for your home, you need to consider the size of your space. Basically, you need to achieve the right humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. With too much humidity, you run the risk of promoting the growth of mold, dust mites, and bacteria. If the humidity isn’t adequate, you’ll still experience a stuffed nose and sore throat symptoms. For assessing your humidifier needs accurately, measure the square footage of the room where you’ll be placing it. The general thumb rule is that large humidifiers are best for spaces more than 500 square feet, medium ones work in spaces of 399-499 square feet, while small humidifiers work for rooms up to 300 square feet.
Another factor to consider is exactly how much space you can dedicate to keeping a humidifier in your home permanently – after all, space is premium nowadays. You also need to assess whether you need a model that sits on the floor or can sit on a table. whether it’s easy to maintain, how much noise it makes, and whether you need any additional bells and whistles such as a humidistat or a timer.
Technology
The technology of the humidifier is another important factor to take into consideration. For instance, you’ll need to look for disinfection technology such as in-built silver ion cubes or ultraviolet light in ultrasonic humidifiers. That’s because the water is projected into the room could contain stuff such as limescale or bacteria, thus leaving a chalky white residue all over. other things to look for are “machine intelligence” features, such as an automatic mode that monitors the room’s humidity level and automatically switches on and off when required.
Do you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and travel around a lot? Aside from getting the best humidifier for snoring, you must also read up on the Best Small Portable CPAP Machines.
Cleaning and maintenance
No matter how technologically advanced a machine it is you take, it should be easy to clean. Also, look for a machine and a water tank with physically removable parts, so that it’s easy to clean. Or, one where you could put your hand inside the tank to clean it, or a machine that has a specific cleaning cycle.
Versatility
Finally, an important consideration whether you’re looking for a multi-functional humidifier. For instance, pricier models can work as an air purifier, a heater, and even a fan. Also, machines that use essential are different, so you’ll want to find a model that’s specifically designed for that. If you love essential oils, then maybe you need to check out the Best Humidifier Essential Oils.
Why is a humidifier so important in the winter?
While it was an option earlier, a humidifier is now a necessity during the winter since the heated air that emanates from a furnace is dry. It’s the low humidity levels in this dry air that’ll absorb moisture from your skin and from everything inside your home. Not only does it waste money and energy, but also it makes you uncomfortable. Since dry air doesn’t hold heat well, adding water vapor from a humidifier prevents your furnace from working overtime, makes the moist air warmer, and balances the humidity. Paired with a thermostat set at a lower temperature, a humidifier can help you and your home feel comfortable, thus keeping your utility bills lower. All in all, consider the best warm mist humidifiers for a great winter.
Levoit Ultrasonic Air Humidifier
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The best humidifier in winter is the Levoit Ultrasonic Air Humidifier. This remote-controlled humidifier is perfect for wintry days when you’re snuggled up on the couch, allowing you to make selections without having to get up no matter where you are. Ideal for large rooms, this humidifier is supremely quiet and holds as much as 6 liters of water, and offers 60 hours of continuous humidity. What’s more, this is amongst the best humidifiers, warm mist and cool mist both, helping relieve dryness and congestion. Moreover, the in-built sensor adjusts humidity levels automatically, so you don’t have to keep making changes. Plus, you can even set a timer from 1 to 12-hour increments. Finally, it’s available in both black and white shades.
Pros:
- Perfect for pets and children.
- Works as both warm and cool mist humidifiers.
- Works with essential oils too.
Cons:
- Wets the surfaces it sits on sometimes.
Honeywell HWM705B Filter Free Warm Moisture Humidifier
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The Honeywell HWM705B Filter Free Warm Moisture Humidifier is the best humidifier for sleep apnea. This incredibly affordable humidifier is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms and brings about a soothing and warm mist into your home during cold winters, thus helping ease your breathing and making you more comfortable. This well-designed product has a moisture output of around a gallon of water per 24 hours, making this great for long times when you don’t want to get up. If that wasn’t enough, the transparent water tank features an easy top-fill design and weighs just 5 lbs, and doesn’t occupy much space either. Finally, it even comes with an included medicine that cup can be used with essential oils for adding a nice aroma to the ambiance and atmosphere and for aromatherapy.
Pros:
- Best filter-free option.
- Easy to clean and fill.
- Comes with a medicine cup to hold essential oils.
Cons:
- Some users said that they could hear a faint bubbling sound.
TaoTronics Top-Fill Ultrasonic Air Humidifier
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The TaoTronics Top-Fill Ultrasonic Air Humidifier is yet another of the best humidifier in winter for large rooms or smaller apartments. This 6-liter humidifier covers an area of about 750 square feet and is amongst the best humidifiers warm mist and cool mist as well. What’s more, it improves indoor humidity levels for up to 60 hours on a single tank of water. It features a top-fill design and is simple to operate, and also has remote control access for timers, humidity levels, mist temperatures, mist levels, and other modes. An additional bonus is that this works as an essential oil diffuser as well, generating a nice aroma and making for a relaxing environment for you to unwind. The best bit is that the sleek design doesn’t scream humidifier, unlike other traditional models.
Pros:
- Excellent for large rooms.
- Remote access control.
- Works for 60 hours on a single tank.
Cons:
- The mineral absorption pads aren’t long-lasting.
Urpower Diffuser Aromatherapy Humidifier
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The Urpower Diffuser Aromatherapy Humidifier doubles as an aromatherapy diffuser and as well as the best humidifier for snoring due to sleep apnea. The humidifier boasts seven different mood lights to choose from and a one-of-a-kind square design, this device is a great choice for those who value style. Featuring a water tank capacity of 700 ml, thus humidifier can dispense clean mist for more than 20 hours in the low mist mode on a single charge. What’s more, it even has an auto-off feature, which means you don’t need to bother about keeping an eye on it constantly. If that wasn’t enough, it can also be timed according to your needs.
Moreover, the tank has a lid that can be lifted and refilled, making it easy to fill and clean. Finally, it’s easy to use as a diffuser too – all you need to do is put a few drops of essential oil into the water tank when it’s filled with water.
Pros:
- Different mist levels.
- Seven changing color options.
- Easy to fill and clean.
- Unique design.
- Compatible with essential oils.
Cons:
- The tank volume is quite small
- Not very quiet.
Rowenta HU5120 Whole Room Mist Humidifier
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The Rowenta HU5120 Whole Room Mist Humidifier is the best humidifier in winter that’s a warm mist one. Humidifying the entire room, this humidifier produces two gallons per day but speeds up by 20 percent on the warm mist setting. What’s more, it can run for up to 24 hours, allowing you to relax once it’s turned on. Moreover, the warm mist mode is great, since it ensures not only bacteria-free mist but also speeds up the unit by 20 percent. While the water is heated up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the fine mist stays warm enough for you to be comfortable. During the winter months, it’s nice to sit next since it offers warmth. If that wasn’t enough, it’s whisper-quiet too, is easy to clean and maintain, and also offers 360 degrees steam diffusion, thus reaching all corners of the room.
Pros:
- Three automatic modes.
- Warm mist.
- Whisper quiet.
Cons:
- Requires frequent cleaning.
Pure Guardian H4810AR Ultrasonic Warm Mist Humidifier
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The Pure Guardian H4810AR Ultrasonic Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier is the best humidifier for snoring due to sleep apnea. The Pure guardian has the option of both cool and warm mist as well as three-speed settings and even has a low water indicator light so you know when to refill the water tank. What’s more, it even has a soft glow night light and a timer that shuts off when the preset humidity is achieved. It’s perfect for dispensing the dry air that gathers in winter, relieving dry skin, allergies, and colds, besides helping with sleep apnea. Moreover, the easy-to-fill 2-gallon tank is perfect for 600 square feet rooms and runs for up to 2 days!
If that wasn’t enough, the silver clean protection in the tank fights the growth of mildew and slimy mold on the surface. Finally, the ultrasonic technology is whisper-quiet, making it perfect to have on while you’re sleeping.
Pros:
- Warm and cool mist and three speed settings.
- Runs for up to 2 days on the 2-gallon tank.
- Whisper-quiet.
Cons:
- Some users found the design difficult to fill.
TTLife Ultrasonic Warm Mist Humidifier
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The TTLife Ultrasonic Warm Mist Humidifier is the best humidifier in winter. Featuring a capacity of 1.45 gallons, this one can run continuously for 40 hours in one sitting. Focusing on safety and health, this humidifier is designed from BPA-free plastic and comes with an in-built resin filter that can soften hard water. This warm mist humidifier purifies the dry air that’s around during winters and releases fresh air into your home. What’s more, the special integrated ionic generator allows you all to breathe better and prevent secondary pollution. If that wasn’t enough, the dual 360-degree rotatable nozzles spread the warm mist in all directions, thus humidifying and warming every corner of the room. Rounding up the features is the sleep mode, which is an excellent choice for kids and light sleepers. And of course, you can even add essential oils to it!
Pros:
- Comes with an ionic resin filter.
- Has a one-year risk-free satisfaction guarantee.
- Very durable.
Cons:
- The user instruction manual isn’t very clear.
Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Warm Mist Humidifier
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Yet another of the best humidifier for snoring due to sleep apnea is the Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Warm Mist Humidifier. Offering oodles of convenience, this humidifier comes with both remote control and a timer. What’s more, it’s customizable and has a large 6-liter tank, and weighs just over 5 lbs. So, it’s more than perfect for small to medium areas measuring up to 750 square feet and can run for up to as many as 40 hours continuously. Plus, it can be easily refilled by simply lifting the top and unscrewing the cap. Going further, the humidifier even has an essential oil diffuser on the side, in case you want your warm mist in the winter to smell good too. Finally, you can select three control modes from the time remote and even set a humidity setting.
Pros:
- Easy to set up.
- Comes with remote control.
- Has adjustable nozzles to direct the mist.
Cons:
- No fill line on the water tank.
TotalComfort 2-in-1 Warm Humidifier
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The TotalComfort 2-in-1 Warm Humidifier is yet another of the best humidifier in winter options that also looks sleek and beautiful. Besides being easy to place just about anywhere, the humidifier has a 360-degree mist nozzle with a removable extended spout for maximum coverage. Since it’s also one of the best humidifiers warm mist ones, it’s also a great humidifier for those who suffer from sleep apnea and snoring issues. The whisper-quiet operation aside, the humidifier also has a remote control and an essential oil tray and can operate up to 37 hours on a 0.79-gallon tank. Finally, the auto-shutoff feature when the tank’s empty protects mildew and mold buildup.
Pros:
- Has three essential oil pads, remote control, and three mist settings
- Quiet operation.
- Removable nozzle with a 360-degree design for dispersing mist.
Cons:
- Difficult to fill.
Honeywell HWM-340B Easy-to-Care Warm Mist Humidifier
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The Honeywell HWM-340B Easy-to-Care Warm Mist Humidifier is an excellent humidifier for wintry dryness. Featuring a 5.5-liter water tank, this one covers small to medium-sized areas up to 755 square feet. What’s more, it also has a variety of customization options, especially the two swivel heads on the top that allows you to choose the direction of the warm mist. Plus, you can even choose between warm and cool mist settings as well as the exact humidity percentage you want in the room. Featured in both white and back, this humidifier is very easy to clean, simple to use, and easy to fill thanks to the top-fill design.
Pros:
- Easy to fill.
- Doesn’t leak.
- Simple to use.
- Comes with two mist options.
Cons:
- Makes a slight noise.
Aircare Aurora Ultrasonic Tabletop Humidifier
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The Aircare Aurora Ultrasonic Tabletop Humidifier is the best humidifier in winter. The cute little humidifier can easily fit on a nightstand or a table or nightstand, and can still work perfectly in a room measuring up to 750 square feet. What’s more, this versatile little humidifier is even a nightlight and an essential oil diffuser. Furthermore, it can run for up to 24 hours on a 1-gallon tank capacity. The tank is very easy to fill and doesn’t create any white mineral dust even while filling. Plus, it has an aroma box for adding your own essential oils! Wrapping up the features are the 7 LED colors for a gentle glow, a whisper-quiet operation, and the automatic shut-off feature when the tank is empty.
Pros:
- Easy to fill.
- Quiet operation.
- Is also a night light and an essential oil diffuser.
- Compact and cute design.
Cons:
- Not really durable.
Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
2
The best humidifier for snoring list is incomplete without mentioning the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier. One of the best warm mist humidifiers, this humidifier provides much-needed relief from snoring, especially if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. What’s more, it provides relief from nasal congestion as well since the clean and bacteria-free hot mist spreads silently in the room, with aromatherapy being an additional advantage. Moreover, it’s free from filters and can run in the low configuration for 24 hours on the trot. If that wasn’t enough, this sleep apnea humidifier even turns off automatically once the 1-gallon tank is empty. Amongst the best warm mist humidifiers ever, this is a great buy.
Pros:
- Budget buy.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Can run for 24 hours.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that it’s not easy to clean.
Steamfast SF-920 Warm Mist Humidifier
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The absolute best humidifier in winter is the Steamfast SF-920 Warm Mist Humidifier. With a capacity of 1 gallon, this warm mist humidifier can run continuously for 24 hours without interruption. So, it makes for a great humidifier for sleeping [peacefully through the night as well. It comes with a 3-minute heat-up time, 2 steam settings, and even an auto shut-off feature for peace of mind. Moreover, the water tank is removable and comes with an integrated handle for easy carrying this one around. Plus, the easy top-fill design with a max-fill indicator ensures filter-free humidification, low maintenance, and easier refills. Finally, the humidifier is even aromatherapy ready, allowing you to add your favorite essential oils to fulfill the room with your favorite aroma.
Pros:
- Auto shut-off feature.
- Integrated handle for easy carry.
- Filter-free.
Cons:
- None!