Air Purifier vs Humidifer: Find Your Best Fit

Air purifiers and humidifiers can both be convenient devices to keep around your bedroom, especially when the colder, drier months come around. But what exactly do each of these devices do? Do you need both? Is one better than the other? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more.

What is an Air Purifier?

Air purifiers are made to do just as their name implies, they clean the air in your room, making it healthier to breathe. They do so by dragging in the air around them, running it through a filter, then pushing it back out into the surrounding room, leaving you with cleaner air. These devices are great for removing allergens from the air like pet dander, and pollen, to help you breathe easier, and also harmful airborne germs that can get you sick. You can check out our learning center to learn more about how air purifiers improve your home's air quality.

What is a Humidifier?

Humidifiers add moisture to your room on demand. They do so by releasing water vapor or stream into the air through a number of techniques. There are two main types of humidifiers. Ultrasonic humidifiers use sound waves to create a mist that is then dispersed around the room, while steam vaporizers release cool steam into the room. These devices can be helpful during the drier months of the year when you could use a little extra humidity in the air. On top of making the environment of the room a little more comfortable, they can also help soothe sore throats, dry coughs, congestion, and other respiratory related issues. They can also help moisturize dry skin. To find out more about humidifiers, check out our blog: What Does a Humidifier Do?

What's the Difference Between an Air Purifier and a Humidifier?

As highlighted above, air purifiers clean your air while humidifiers add moisture to your air. They have two entirely distinct functions that help out with different things. Though that doesn't mean you can't use them together! Having an air purifier to purify your air, and a humidifier to keep it from getting too dry is a great way to stay healthy and comfortable year round.

Is it Good to Sleep with an Air Purifier and Humidifier?

It is usually perfectly safe, and can even be very healthy, to run your air purifier and humidifier as you sleep. When it comes to the humidifier though, you need to make sure you clean it often, and only run demineralized, distilled, or purified water through it. You're going to be breathing this vapor in so you absolutely need it to be clean and pure to ensure that you don't get yourself sick. Though running it at night can definitely be nice, using it more means you'll have to clean it more frequently. Check out our learning center to read more about how to clean a humidifier. Some people may also find an air purifier to be too noisy to run overnight. If you're a light sleeper, then you may not want to run it as you rest.

The answer to this question depends on the type of cough you're dealing with. If your cough is being caused by something in the air, then an air purifier can get rid of the source. If you're coughing because your throat is dried out, then a humidifier will do the trick. Having access to either of these devices when you're sick is still helpful. If you're dealing with cold or flu symptoms then a humidifier can help loosen mucus in your throat or sinuses, easing your symptoms. An air purifier can help eliminate any germs from the air around you, ensuring that you're getting better in a clean area. Not to mention it also lessens the chance that you'll get someone else in your home sick.

It's hard to say if either a humidifier or an air purifier is a strictly better device to have around as they both do different things. Ultimately an air purifier requires less upkeep than a humidifier, as you only need to change the filter once in a while, while with a humidifier you have to dump and clean the reservoir often to avoid mold growth. Figuring out which one you need will come down to your needs, but it may make more sense for you to have both.

Of course you can! Having both devices allows you to get all of the perks of each at the same time. With each device working simultaneously you'll have clean, comfortable air all year long.

Air purifiers and humidifiers both have their uses. Regardless of if you decide to get one of or both devices, we wish you luck in your hunt and hope you enjoy your cleaner, fresher air.