Humidifiers help to increase the humidity or moisture content in the air, by introducing more water vapor into the air, explains Sanjeev Jain, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified allergist and immunologist at Columbia Allergy, with whom RetailMeNot spoke with for this article. The expert says that the best home humidifiers to help you breathe easier increase the humidity of your space to around 40% to 50% humidity. He explains that’s because if it’s too dry, humidity levels can dry out the skin and lead to an eczema flare, and can dry out mucous membranes which increase irritation of the nose and airways and trigger a flare of asthma symptoms. A too-humid room can promote the growth of organisms like mold that can also have negative health effects when exposure occurs.
Finally, for best results, place the device “in an area of your home that you spend a majority of your day in, or one that allows for the best air flow between rooms. Typically this would be your bedroom or living space,” he says.
To see the eight best home humidifiers to help you breathe easier, including two picks from the allergist, read on.