Sinusitis is a problem associated with a lack of sufficient humidity in the air. Symptoms include nasal discharge, sore throat, and hoarse voice, throat irritation and coughs, nasal pain and congestion, just to mention a few. Sinus problems are more common during cold winter months as the air is usually dry at this time of year. Breathing this dry air has been associated with sinus irritations, cracked lips, and even dry eyes. The solution to these health issues is to moisturize the air in your home, and the best way to do that is to use the best humidifier for sinus problems.
The factors we considered in our selection include runtime, coverage area, tank capacity, mist type, and sound level. Runtime is crucial since you need to know how long a device can work before needing to be refilled. Knowing the coverage area will let you select a perfect model for your room size, while the noise level will determine if the device can be used during the night relieving your symptoms without waking you up.
Your next challenge is choosing the best humidifier for your needs, but luckily you can find the right device in this post. We spent more than 72 hours researching and comparing 30 different humidifiers and finally settled on the best eight models that are specially intended for sinus problems. Since these devices come in all shapes and sizes, we’ve included in-detail product reviews and a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the best humidifier for sinus problems. But before we go any further, check out the table below for our ratings and nominations for the select products in this post:
More features: filterless design; blue LED nightlight
The Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is arguably the best cool mist filterless humidifier for sinus problems. The first thing you notice is a sleek, modern design with a small footprint that will allow you to place it on your bedside table. The unit boasts a 1.6-gallon water tank, which can last up to six days before refilling, and a powerful mist output of 270ml/hr. This device has the ability to humidify rooms as large as 400 square feet and maintain moisture levels above 43%. This is the recommended humidity level for a healthy environment, free of disease-causing viruses and allergens.
Being an ultrasonic humidifier, this unit utilizes high-frequency sound vibrations to produce a fine, cool mist that is then expelled into the room. Still, the operation is whisper-quiet, and so it won’t disturb conversations or a deep night’s sleep. There’s no water filter included, meaning the unit requires cleaning once in a while in order to remove mineral deposits and prevent mold buildup. The good thing is, you don’t have to incur expenses purchasing and replacing filters as is the case with other models.
The inclusion of an oil diffuser is no doubt a bonus. Just add a couple of your favorite essential oil drops and enjoy the aroma that comes with the healthy moisture. Try peppermint and eucalyptus oils as they also help in soothing the throat and coughs. Another useful feature is the “auto shut-off”, which automatically stops operation when the water level is very low. A built-in LED night light also indicates if the humidifier is working at night.
Overall, the Everlasting Comfort can help decrease the risk of illnesses, relieve dry, irritated skin, and dry nasal passages. And you don’t have to pay an exorbitant price for this one.
More features: comes with three aroma pads, a cleaning brush and a remote control
The Levoit LV600HH brings the best of both worlds as it’s capable of producing a warm mist and cool mist. At the touch of a button, you can enjoy the cool mist benefits such as congestion alleviation or turn it into a steam humidifier mode for cough relief and microorganism neutralization. You can even customize the mist output by selecting low mist, medium mist, or high mist setting, though the medium mist is the default setting.
Featuring a built-in humidity sensor, the unit tells the actual humidity level by showing it on its LED screen. You can then set a suitable humidity level ranging from 40% to 80% based on the surrounding environment and your own preferences. Better still, you can select the auto mode and let this cool and warm mist humidifier work for you: it’ll stabilize the humidity in the room for comfortable air space.
An integrated timer is another feature that allows you to customize runtime and you can set it from 1 to 12 hours. The humidifier will turn off once the preset time is over. All programmable settings and modes are accessible through the intuitive touch buttons on the humidifier or via remote control. The remote maximum range is 16 feet allowing you to control the device from practically any corner of your room.
The tank capacity is 1.5 gallons, and this allows up to 36 hours of continuous operation. Thanks to an extremely high mist output of 500ml/hour, this is a perfect humidifier for large rooms whether it’s a bedroom or an office, in a word, any space up to 753 square feet. Also included is an aroma box for you to add fragrance to your room, plus a handy cleaning brush.
All things considered, the dual mist control is the major selling point. Combined with its user-friendliness, the Levoit LV600HH becomes a top choice for any health-conscious individual.
More features: antimicrobial filter; 4 mist modes
The Pure Enrichment MistAire Eva is not only functional but also decorative, thanks to its beautiful design. This is an ideal option if you want to remove impurities and bacteria in the air. To make that happen, it includes an antimicrobial filter to create a clean and healthy air for you to breathe. This feature alone significantly helps reduce sinus problems and allergies, making this unit the best humidifier for sinus and allergy problems.
This model is one of the easiest to use. It has only a single button for changing between four mist modes, which include Low, Medium, High, and Turbo. Refilling is done from the top, and you don’t even need to detach the tank to add water. You can even refill while it’s working. The tank has a maximum and minimum water level marks, again making it convenient to use.
It also benefits from auto shut-off feature, which is useful in case the water runs out and you are not around. The tank mouth is large enough to reach into and clean as well. Also, the unit has an integrative design that ensures no drop will spill if it’s accidentally knocked over.
This humidifier is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, owing to its smaller tank capacity of 0.7 gallons. Runtime is up to 10 hours, and the mist output is 300ml/h maximum. This unit has passed EMC test to guarantee complete safety, and it even has a 5-year warranty. An excellent choice for cleaner air and a healthy lifestyle.
More features: 4 fan speeds with auto mode; refill and check filter indicator
With a coverage area of up to 3,600 square feet, the AIRCARE MA1201 is hands down the best whole house humidifier. This evaporative humidifier features a humidistat that automatically maintains the desired humidity level with digital precision. When the set level is reached or when the tank is empty, the unit automatically shuts off for added convenience.
Speaking of the water tank, it’s a whopping 3.6-gallon capacity that is capable of providing moisture for up to 36 hours. The humidifier has four fan speeds: ultra-quiet, medium, high, and auto, allowing you to choose a speed depending on how fast you want it to expel moisture into your home.
A refill indicator notifies you when to add more water, while check filter indicator lets you know when it’s time to clean the integrated filter. The tank is also easy to fill due to its front position. This model is fitted with caster wheels that allow you to push it to the sink for refilling and then back to its designated location.
The unit itself is easy to clean, and it is a must because the evaporative wick inside it traps mineral deposits from hard water, which may cause a buildup of mold and bacteria.
Even though this model has a fan, it’s not that loud to disturb a sound sleep. It can be set to ultra-quiet mode at night. A digital control panel along with simple push buttons make it easy to operate the humidifier. If you want a unit that you just set your desired humidity level and it does the rest for you, the AIRCARE MA1201 makes a great choice.
More features: touch button control; optional nightlight
The Pure Enrichment MistAire Silver Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is another decent pick for any small to medium-sized room. In fact, many people tend to buy two or more humidifiers depending on the size and number of rooms and floors in their homes, and this unit can serve that purpose since it’s affordable and compact to put wherever you need to.
The device expels cool mist, which makes it totally safe, to begin with. Maximum runtime is 25 hours on low setting, while the high setting moisturizes up to 12 hours with a mist output of four ounces per hour. This means every person in the room can breathe easily and sleep comfortably throughout the night. The device is also perfect for placing in the baby’s nursery to help soothe their skin and battle nasal congestion.
One touch button control allows you to choose between high and low mist settings and activate night light. An integrated mist nozzle can be turned to direct mist where you want it to. Another handy feature is the auto shut-off, which stops the device the moment water level is very low. The noise level of this humidifier is just a whisper, and the unit has no filter, so it’s easy to clean.
The design of this humidifier is sleek and stylish, so it won’t be an eyesore in the living room. Also supplied is an AC power adapter and a disk cleaning brush. Lastly, this product is covered by a five-year warranty for a complete peace of mind.
More features: top fill design, built-in sensor, 1-8h timer, 3 mist levels, auto standby
As for the Mooka Smart Humidifier, it provides several features that can help eliminate some of your sinus problems. From the device’s outlook, it has a simple but elegant design that a lot of you will love. It is also dependable in 372 sq.ft. rooms and smaller. However, if you use it on the upper side of that limit, you can set the humidity level at 10% higher than you need. This will allow the device to humidify the room more evenly.
The water tank in this model is built into the machine and has a 1.2 gal capacity. Also, thanks to the top-fill design, filling this device with water and cleaning it up is a cakewalk. Once you ensure the reservoir is full, you can turn the humidifier on and expect close to a 30-hour runtime. That is, however, only on the medium output setting. At maximum humidification, the runtime will be reduced to 14 hours.
Moreover, you get a humidistat built into the humidifier as well. Consequently, you may not need to adjust mist output levels manually. The product will sense humidity levels and adjust output to ensure you get what you need. There is also a timer that shuts off the humidifier after between one to eight hours. It’s up to you to set your ideal time limit, and this helps when you forget to turn the device off.
Furthermore, if you still need the extra humidity, you can turn the machine on again at will. The Mooka Smart Humidifier will also activate standby mode when your tank runs out of water or if you lift it out of the device for a refill.
More features: works with Vicks VapoPads; built-in soft glow nightlight
The Vicks Mini Filter Free Cool Mist Humidifier a compact and quiet humidifier that makes a great option in a bedroom. It has a very small footprint so that it can comfortably rest on a shelf or a dresser top. The unit is incredibly lightweight too, though keep in mind that you will need two hands to carry its water tank during each refill as it’s a bottom-fill design, and the reservoir doesn’t have any handles.
The tank itself is made of clear plastic that allows you to see when refilling is required. That’s good because the unit doesn’t have an indicator light to alert you when the reservoir is running low, although an auto shut-off feature will turn out to be useful if the tank runs dry. It also has a large mouth for easy access when cleaning.
Performance-wise, this filter-free unit provides up to 20 hours of soothing mist. Adjustable humidity control allows you to customize the output intensity. Recommended for spaces up to 250 square feet and in addition to its whisper-quiet operation, this unit is perfect for your bedroom or baby’s nursery. This device will help alleviate coughing and congestion so you or your loved one can sleep better at night. For extra relief and improved sleep, the integrated Vicks VapoPads can provide cold-soothing menthol and lavender vapors.
On the whole, this is a perfect low-cost humidifier for a baby room.
More features: timer for 2, 4, or 6 hours; can be battery or USB-operated
If you are looking for a personal humidifier or a device that’s perfect for very small spaces, the Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier is an excellent choice. Simple in design, this unit utilizes standard water bottles as their reservoirs to produce mist quickly and efficiently. Some of the bottles you can use include 16 to 20-ounce Dasani, Smartwater, Aquafina, Evian, Fiji, or even soda bottles with standard-sized necks. A really hassle-free way of humidifying your personal space anywhere: in your car, office, bedroom, or on a trip, thanks to its wireless design.
The Fancii mini humidifier uses PureMist Moisture Technology to improve the air quality and add sufficient moisture in the air while fighting the severe effects of dry air such as dry skin, cold, and sinus infections. Moreover, it is a great option if you are looking for a humidifier for eczema. It also runs quietly with sound level rated a mere 15 decibels for complete peace of mind while working or sleeping.
Equipped with a timer function, this model allows you to choose your appropriate hours of operation between two, four, and six hours, after which the device will automatically shut off. It additionally has a preset auto shut-off of eight hours.
The unit can either be powered by 2 x 3AA batteries or a USB power source such as a laptop, car USB port, and power bank. Note that batteries are not included and that the integrated 3 WX2 filters must be changed every two months for optimal performance. As you’d expect, this tiny device is really cheap, unlike the larger models.
Having seen our select humidifiers for sinus problems, it’s time to know the essential features to consider before buying one. This buying guide will also answer some of the common questions about humidifiers.
We have already mentioned plenty of them in the product reviews, but in this section, we elaborate on the significance of each feature. Keep in mind that not all bells and whistles are worth the extra money as some may have no major impact in the long run.
Every humidifier has a specific runtime, basically, a number that tells how long the unit can produce mist. This depends on a number of factors including the tank capacity and mist setting. Generally, the more water in the tank, the longer the runtime.
If a humidifier has one setting, then its mist output is constant, and it’ll likely run for the specified amount of time. However, if it has more than one mist mode like the Levoit LV600HH humidifier, then the runtime will depend on the selected mist output. The highest mist setting expels more mist than the medium and low setting. Thus you can expect the tank to run out much quicker.
A unit that offers 10-12 hours of runtime will definitely provide healthy air for a whole night. On the other hand, a portable model to be used on the go, such as the Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini humidifier, may have a runtime of just four hours, yet that’s still enough for its purpose.
Basically refers to how much water the tank can hold. Smaller units have smaller capacities, while larger models such as the AIRCARE MA1201 can hold a lot more. We’ve already mentioned that the tank capacity is a major factor in the unit’s runtime. Not everyone wants the largest tank though. It comes down to your needs. Do you want a humidifier that can run for 2-3 days without refilling or you don’t mind doing it every day?
Note that the more water stays in the tank, the more the chances of mold growth are. So as much a large tank sounds great, consider the inclusion of filtration systems that can trap lime scale and other particles. That way you can rest assured the air coming into the room is free of allergens and bacteria. The Pure Enrichment MistAire Eva with its air filtration capability is a perfect example.
Who doesn’t want their air fresh and filled with nice aromas? Well, unless you are allergic to fragrances. Even so, aromatherapy option is not a necessary requirement for humidifiers. Aromatherapy is a plus if available, but it doesn’t make a unit without it less a humidifier. It’s something you find in the best rated personal humidifier for sinus and allergy problems like the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic humidifier. This model includes an essential oil tray where you can add your favorite oils to enhance the room’s air quality and your overall mood.
Indeed, you want the humidifier to supply healthy moisture in your room, but it should not be a nuisance. You can’t sleep with the unit humming loudly near your bed, or even have a conversation with a loud unit next to you. So pay attention to the sound level of the humidifier you want to buy.
The models on our list have sound ratings of 35 decibels and below, meaning they are all whisper-quiet. The Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier is the quietest humidifier on this list with less than 15 decibels of sound, which is equivalent to a pin dropping.
The first thing you need to decide is the size of the area you are aiming to cover and probably the number of rooms. Apparently, a small humidifier will take very little space on the shelf, but it won’t be ideal for humidifying a considerably large area.
Portable humidifiers like the Pure Enrichment MistAire Silver Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier are only ideal for single rooms such as a bedroom. A mini unit like the Fancii Cool Mist Personal Mini Humidifier is even excellent for traveling as it can easily sneak into a bag.
Room humidifiers are larger and give you plenty of options to choose from that will efficiently moisturize a multi-room area of 600 – 1200 square feet. The Levoit LV600HH falls in this category.
Then there are whole house humidifiers that are intended for humidifying an entire home, as long as the doorways are left open. The AIRCARE MA1201 is a great example, measuring 21.5 x 23.5 x 16.5 inches and with maximum coverage of 3600 square feet.
Generally, the larger the area you need to humidify, the larger the unit you need.
Although you wish your humidifier could last a lifetime, sometimes improper handling during shipping may cause defects. There could also be a manufacturing default. These kinds of issues need to be covered so that you don’t end up paying for repairs that you are not responsible for.
Some of the models we’ve reviewed here come with from 12-month to two-year warranties. Others like the Pure Enrichment MistAire Eva have additional incentives such as a 45-day money back guarantee. Once in a while, you will find models with extended warranties like the five-year warranty on the Pure Enrichment MistAire Eva model.
Ideally, the more extended the warranty, the safer you feel about the product. Be sure to find out what is and what’s not covered by the warranty.
A few bonus features will make your unit more worthwhile. For instance, a timer setting will allow you to run the humidifier for a certain number of hours before it automatically shuts off. At least every unit has the auto shut-off feature to avoid the risk of running dry, which can be very dangerous.
If the humidifier comes with remote control, then it means you can input your settings from the comfort of your couch. Another useful feature is a humidistat, which will measure the actual humidity level, and once it reaches a set limit, shuts off. A very convenient feature for accuracy.
You just need to compare the extras and decide the ones worth splashing a little more money.
Sinus infections tend to go away after a few days even without any prescribed medications. In cases where your symptoms can’t go away, or they keep coming back, you may try the following methods to combat sinusitis:
Cool mist humidifiers are ideal for homes with children, use less electricity than warm mist models, and they’re less expensive than their warm counterparts.
Try to use distilled or demineralized water since it has less mineral content than tap water. Too much of mineral deposits lead to limescale buildup, which can affect the parts of the humidifier.
Clean the unit after every few days with a mild cleanser and a soft-bristled brush for inside. Wipe down the exterior with a clean, wet cloth.
Replace filters (if it has one) as often as recommended by the manufacturer.
A humidifier could mean the difference between comfort and pain for anyone experiencing sinus problems. All the models above are great life-savers, but there are a few that have gone over and above expectations.
Our ultimate choice is the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. This sleek unit offers unmatched runtime up to 50 hours alongside a generous tank capacity of 1.6 gallons. With 400 square feet coverage, this comfortably serves most large rooms plus it’s whisper-quiet.
Our runner-up is the Levoit LV600HH. Perfect for multi-room use owing to its 735 square feet coverage, this unit also includes the aromatherapy option. The supplied remote control and cleaning brush are amazing accessories too.
The Pure Enrichment MistAire Eva is another worthy mention. With its antimicrobial filter, three mist modes, whisper-quiet operation, and decent tank capacity, this unit has some awesome features for the money.
