Best humidifiers to revive your sinuses this winter
Capable of relieving ailments from migraines to eczema, and boosting the health of everything from your skin to your houseplants, a humidifier is the multipurpose wonder you need.
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In a country as temperate as Australia, you’d be forgiven for assuming that humidity is one thing we don’t need more of – but humidifiers are much more useful than you think.
Eczema, asthma, colds, flus, migraines, allergies, sinus problems: believe it or not, humidifiers are the simple remedy that can alleviate each of these common health issues.
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Capable of dispersing moisture-infused air through your home, humidifiers can also prevent your skin from drying out and keep your indoor houseplants happy and healthy all year long.
BEST HUMIDIFIER GUIDE
Considering investing in a humidifier for your house? We’ve found our top picks to make your life a little easier.
EDITOR’S PICK: BEST HUMIDIFIER
Philips Air Humidifier with NanoCloud Technology, Amazon Australia, $129
Unsurprisingly, the home appliance experts at Philips have worked their way into the humidifier category with this hi-tech model. It offers a three-stage evaporation system with NanoCloud technology: the absorbent filter captures large particles as it draws in dry air, then bacteria-free water molecules are added, and the healthy humidified air is then evenly dispersed through the room without creating any wet mist.
It has a 4.2 out of five-star average rating from over 50 reviews, with one five-star reviewer writing, “After looking around for ages, I finally found a humidifier with good reviews and it has lived up to them. The large reservoir means I only fill it one to two times a week and it holds the humidity at a good level, is not too noisy and really it just works without much effort…this has helped reduce my migraines and my house plants are loving it too”.
BEST SMART HUMIDIFIER
Breville The Smart Mist Humidifier, The Good Guys, $229
Suitable for rooms up to 40 square metres in size, the Breville Smart Mist Humidifier automatically detects the ideal level of humidity based on the room temperature, and keeps it in that sweet spot. Choose from cool mist in summer and warm in winter, and enjoy a near-silent operation thanks to the water-atomising transducer. There are seven mist levels and preset modes, including baby or health options.
“My young daughter had a spate of bad eczema,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “This worked like a charm and has helped her skin remain moist and thus lessens the scratching”.
“For anyone who suffers sinus problems this is a must buy. We noticed the improvement from the first night,” added another.
BEST AFFORDABLE HUMIDIFIER
TaoTronics 6L Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, Amazon Australia, $113.99
Capable of providing up to 60 hours of continuous mist from a single fill, this super quiet TaoTronics Humidifier packs plenty of value into its low price tag. The built-in humidistat detects the level of humidity in the room and auto adjusts to your preferred level, for effortless operation – and the clear LED display keeps you informed of all the settings.
Reviewers are all impressed by the quality of the machine, with one writing, “This humidifier helped with the family’s issues with asthma and hayfever. I’m amazed that a device like this can actually clean the air and helped to solve a health issue that has been bothering us for years”.
InnoBeta Cool Mist Humidifier, Amazon Australia, $79.99 (RRP$99.99)
Using ultrasonic technology to keep things whisper quiet, the InnoBeta Humidifier can be easily controlled via the touchpad or remote control. The three litre capacity means it can run for up to 20 hours on a single fill, and there are timer and nighttime settings for your convenience.
“Bought this for my 8 year old who’s prone to overnight nose bleeds in our dry climate, where we regularly have airconditioning or fans running due to the heat,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I can feel the difference in the air walking into her room in the morning, and no nose bleeds since we’ve had it! Love that there’s an aroma pad for adding oils if desired, planning to use it in winter.”
BEST UV HUMIDIFIER
Ionmax ION90 Humidifier, Dick Smith, $215 (RRP$299)
If you’re a bit of a germaphobe, this one’s for you. The Ionmax Humidifier uses UV Bio-Photocatalyst sterilisation to neutralise bad odours and clean unhealthy air as it humidifies. Ideal for spaces from 16 to 30 square metres in size, it has a built-in humidistat and hydrostat to inform you of humidity stats and maintain your desired level. Plus, thanks to its process that softens water by dissolving mineral salts and removing additives, it produces a superfine ultrasonic mist that won’t disturb you.
BEST MINI HUMIDIFIER
USB Air Humidifier with LED Nightlights, Harvey Norman, $16
Looking for a miniature option for smaller spaces? This USB Humidifier is a super compact tabletop option that will fill your room with a fine mist. The 120ml water tank is easy to refill and clean as needed, and the low price tag is a bonus.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HUMIDIFIER?
Unsure which model is for you? These factors may help you narrow down your search:
• Room size: How big is the space you want to humidify? Is it a smaller bedroom, or a large living room?
• Water tank size: A larger water tank requires less refilling if you leave it running for extended periods, but larger sized machines may cost you more.
• Purpose: Are you buying one for health purposes, for air-cleaning purposes, or to keep your plants happy? The purpose may influence which model you buy.
• Additional features: Different humidifiers may have specific functions targeted to your needs, from sleep modes to ionising function.
DO HUMIDIFIERS HELP WITH CONGESTION?
If you’re experiencing sustained health issues, you should always consult a doctor, but there is evidence to show that some congestion can be eased with a humidifier.
DO HUMIDIFIERS CLEAN THE AIR?
While some humidifiers have added capabilities that allow them to filter and clean air before adding moisture to it and dispersing it back around your home, not all do. Make sure to check the specifics of the model you’re after to find out if it has cleaning functions.
Looking for more nifty home gadgets? We found the cheapest way to stay warm this winter, plus the best garment steamers to replace your iron.
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