Best Humidifier for Bedroom Use to Breathe Easier at Night

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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When temperatures drop and indoor humidity levels dip, especially in the winter months, cool and dry air in your home can be devastating to your sinuses and skin. But you probably don't just want to sit there and suffer through chapped lips, cracked hands or even nosebleeds at times. Suppose your home has persistently dry air, or you want to fight the occasional cold-particularly at night. In that case, the best humidifier for bedroom use can do wonders to enhance your air quality and health.

What type of humidifier is best for sleep?

Why Should You Consider a Portable Humidifier for Bedroom?

Unlike whole-house humidifiers, humidifiers for bedroom use are easy to use and usually reasonably priced. Despite the apparent size difference, these portable units are still powerful enough to help you cut down on dry air. Using the best humidifier for the bedroom can prevent dry sinuses, chapped lips, and hands while reducing static electricity.

As much as winter might be the most popular time to use a warm mist humidifier in your bedroom, using your air conditioner in the summer can equally wreak dry air havoc. Therefore, running a humidifier all year round could help when your home's humidity level falls under the ideal 30-60 percent range. Of course, you can always use a hygrometer if you're unsure about your house's relative humidity.

What Does a Humidifier Do?

Quite simply, a mist humidifier adds moisture to dry air. The moisture is released as either cool mist, water vapor or ultrasonic frequencies that prompt water droplets into a chamber to increase humidity. According to Michael Breus, Ph.D., popularly known as The Sleep Doctor, the best humidifiers can help to improve dry throats and mouths and have been reported to decrease congestion for better quality to your sleep. More so, if you keep plants at home, a quality humidifier should help to keep your green babies thriving.

Here's our roundup of the best humidifier for bedroom use you can get to reap the full potential of rich, moist air:

1. Best Overall: Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Humidifier

Sale
Pure Enrichment® MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist...
  • INSTANT DRY AIR RELIEF: Ultrasonic cool mist technology safely...
  • YEAR-ROUND COMFORT: High and low-speed settings combined with a...
  • ENCOURAGE RESTFUL SLEEP: Easily run the humidifier overnight to...
  • EASY-FILL TANK & AUTO SHUT-OFF: The sleek and transparent 1.5...
  • 5-YEAR WARRANTY: This BPA-free humidifier comes with an AC power...

The first thing you'll notice about this ultrasonic humidifier is its shape. The ergonomic design makes it superb for bedrooms, medium-sized rooms and even offices. The shape also makes it easy to keep track of the water levels, although it still comes with an auto-off feature.

The Pure Enrichment Mistaire Ultrasonic Humidifier has a 0.4-gallon water tank and runs up to 16 hours at its low setting. You'll probably not find a more quiet humidifier on the market, plus you can use MistAire's blue glow as a night light. The only downside is that this humidifier can be somewhat challenging to clean, but the package includes a brush, making it relatively more straightforward.

Pros:

  • Quiet and compact
  • Optional LED night-light

Cons:

  • A bit hard to clean

2. Everlasting Comfort (6L) Cool Mist Humidifier for Large Room

Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier for Bedroom...
  • ✔️ Cool Mist Humidifier: Features a 6 liter (1.6 gallons)...
  • ✔️ Essential Oil Tray: More than simply a humidifier, we...
  • ✔️ Auto Shut Down, Whisper Quiet: Our vaporizer humidifier...
  • ✔️ Filterless Design: Our ultrasonic humidifier design is...
  • ✔️ 2 Year Replacement Policy: At Everlasting Comfort we care...

If you're looking for the best humidifier for bedroom use that will last for longer time, cont on the Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier. The humidifier delivers the best value for bedrooms up to 500 sq feet. It comes with a 1.6-gallon tank that can run up to 50 hours before requiring a refill. In addition, it has a built-in humidistat that allows you to track and find the desired humidity level for your room. The Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier also has an auto-off feature, automatically shutting off the appliance when water runs out. This cool mist ultrasonic humidifier also comes with filters, which the manufacturer recommends changing every 4 to 6 months.

Perhaps its biggest draw is the quiet operation, making it ideal for a large bedroom. Despite the more compact size, it still disperses mist quite well. Moreover, it comes with a night light that you can leave on or sleep mode when you want to turn off its lights completely. The humidifier also looks pretty stylish and is available in black color.

Pros:

  • Nightlight and sleep mode
  • Runs quietly
  • Sleek design
  • Last for up to 50 hours

Cons:

  • Leaks after using for sometime

3. Best for Larger Rooms: Levoit LV600HH

Sale
LEVOIT Humidifiers for Bedroom Large Room Home, 6L Warm...
  • HIGH-EFFICIENCY, FOR WHOLE HOME: It provides humidification...
  • PATENT WARM MIST TECH FOR BEDROOM: It raises RH 10% in 20mins,...
  • PERFECT FOR LARGE ROOMS: With a mist output of up to 500 mL/hr,...
  • AUTOMATIC TURN ON & OFF: With a built-in sensor, Auto Mode...
  • HUMIDITY UP TO YOU: You can customize the ideal humidity...

If you've been looking for the best humidifier for large rooms, the Levoit LV600HH is an excellent and versatile option. Most humidifiers only offer adjustments in terms of high and low settings, but this cool and warm mist humidifier is well more than just that. It comes with an auto mode (thanks to an incredibly precise humidity sensor), an aroma/essential oil diffuser box, a remote and time for scheduling, plus an adjustable night light.

This humidifier has a 1.5-gallon water tank, providing run times between 20-36 hours for rooms up to 750 square feet. If you're looking for a powerful ultrasonic cool mist humidifier, the LV600HH is almost a no-brainer for a consistent humidity level in your house throughout the year. However, it also has a few minor drawbacks; namely, it has to sit on a platform to stop the mist from building up on the floor.

Pros:

  • Versatile.
  • Huge 1.5-gallon water tank.
  • Remote control and timer.

Cons:

  • Pricey.

4. ASAKUKI 5 in 1 Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Humidifier

ASAKUKI 500ml Premium, Essential Oil Diffuser, 5 in 1...
  • 5-IN-1 AROMATHERAPY DEVICE: This ultrasonic essential oil...
  • GREATLY IMPROVES AIR QUALITY: Besides its uses in aromatherapy,...
  • PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS: When it comes to our premium essential...
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  • 100% RISK FREE PURCHASE: At ASAKUKI, we have great faith in our...

You can count on the Asauki 5 in 1 Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser if you are looking for an all-purpose humidifier for your bedroom. The humidifier comes with a large tank, mist nebulizer modes, 7-LED adjusting color lights and a safety automatic shut-off feature that automatically turns off when the unit runs out of water; therefore, you don't have to worry about the device overheating.

The humidifier usually features an essential oil tray to add essential oils spicing up your breathing. In addition, the water tank is easy to clean. Therefore, you will smooth time dealing with it. Also, the humidifier features 2-mist modes and 3-time intervals, including 60, 120, 180 mins continuous intervals. Conversely, the device is easy to use and comes with a large water tank that holds much water, so you don't have to keep refilling the device, especially in the middle of the night.

Pros:

  • Features 7-LED adjusting color lights
  • Easy clean humidifier
  • You can add essential oils spicing up your breathing
  • Versatile humidifier come diffuser

Cons:

  • Has poor customer service

5. Crane Drop Ultrasonic Air Humidifier

Sale
Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, Filter...
  • VARIABLE SPEED SETTINGS: No matter the humidity level you would...
  • WHISPER QUIET: Crane's Adorables humidifiers runs whisper quiet...
  • ONE GALLON TANK: The 1 gallon tank fits under a standard kitchen...
  • 24 HOUR RUN TIME: The drop humidifier runs up to 24 hours, so you...
  • EASY TO CLEAN: Crane's easy to clean humidifier design features a...

Crane Drop Ultrasonic Air Humidifier is lightweight and allows easy mobility around the home, and comes with an entirely transparent water tank. The transparent tank usually allows you to monitor water levels during operation and comes with indicator lights for the same purposes. So when the unit is running, a green light indicator turns on and stays on for the entire duration. Although some might find it a bit discomforting at night, it's an excellent addition for you if you like a touch of brightness during the night. Besides, when the water tank runs low, the green light usually goes off, and a red light turns on, plus the auto-shutoff feature kicks in, shutting down the entire device to prevent overheating.

The humidifier is designed to serve big rooms of up to 500 square feet with a 360-degree rotational nozzle helping you direct the mist produced to your preferred location. Also, the unit runs in an ultra-quiet manner since it doesn't require filters to operate. Generally, the humidifier handles humidity control well enough in bedrooms. Plus, the water tank is easily detachable, and you can easily place it under a tap making the humidifier easy to fill.

Furthermore, cleaning is not complicated because the unit has few parts. Besides, you are recommended to use distilled water only to avoid white dust issues. Conversely, the unit has a runtime of 24 hours on the lowest setting, although it can do well in serving your small room needs. Also, it doesn't come with an aromatherapy chamber.

Pros:

  • Very quiet when operating
  • Easy to fill and clean
  • Features 360 degrees rotational nozzle
  • Has automatic shut-off feature to prevent overheating

Cons:

  • Has short runtime
  • Features small water tank

6. Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier with Adjustable Mist Output

Sale
Cool Mist Humidifier, Magictec 2.5L Bedroom Essential...
  • LARGE CAPACITY, ENJOY OVERNIGHT OF COOLING ATMOSPHERE: Get the...
  • 360° NOZZLE SPRAY + ADJUSTABLE MIST OUTPUT COOL HUMIDIFIER: Our...
  • DISCRETE MIST + POWER SAVING AUTO SHUT-OFF MECHANISM: Nothing is...
  • HUMIDIFIES EVERY LIVING SPACE, FRESH AIR QUALITY FOR THE WHOLE...
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You might be worried that humidifiers are expensive and not afford any, but that is not the case with the Magictec Cool Mist Humidifier. Instead, this humidifier comes with an affordable price tag that you can comfortably work with. Conversely, the humidifier features a 2.5-liter water tank and operates for about 24 hours in a medium mist setting. So, you don't have to wake up in the middle of the night to refill it. Moreover, the ultrasonic humidifier features a 360-degree rotational nozzle sprayer that usually offers all-around humidification.

The ultrasonic humidifier has inside low water protection, especially when it has no liquid inside. It automatically directs mist to places that require moisture and keeps away from the dried place. Also, the evaporative humidifier is designed with ultrasonic technology and usually provides a super quiet mist of less than 30dB.

Additionally, it has an auto-shutoff feature with starts which usually starts when water runs out to ensure safety and prevent overheating of the unit. This ultrasonic model is perfect for your kids' bedroom, living room and office. It usually creates a breathable living environment at home, especially during winter.

Pros:

  • Comes with an affordable price tag
  • Features 360 degrees rotational nozzle
  • Creates a breathable living atmosphere
  • Perfect for living room, bedroom, kid's bedroom and even for office

Cons:

  • A bit tricky to clean

7. Frida Baby Humidifier (3-in-1) with Nightlight and Diffuser

Sale
Frida Baby Fridababy 3-in-1 Humidifier with Diffuser...
  • COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER: Uses the power of ultrasonic vibration to...
  • DIFFUSER: Add Breath Frida Vapor Drops or any aromatherapy-grade...
  • COLOR CHANGING NIGHTLIGHT: Equipped with a range of nightlight...
  • AUTO-STOP FEATURE: Designed to automatically turn off when the...
  • 3-IN-1: Use humidifier, diffuser and nightlight all together, or...

If you're looking for the best humidifier for your bedroom, especially for your kids' bedroom, count on the Frida Baby Humidifier. This is a cool-mist humidifier, and it's considered the best option for a mist humidifier for nurseries since they lack a heating element and the likelihood of injury due to steam. Also, this humidifier is an excellent option if you are looking for a quiet and safe unit for your kids' bedroom. Furthermore, the humidifier is unique for its simple design as well as multi-functional capabilities; it operates as a humidifier, diffuser and nightlight.

Frida Baby Humidifier usually utilizes ultrasonic condensing technology resulting in a quiet, stable production of cool mist. You can change the mist being released with a simple turn knob. Besides, the humidifier comes diffuser is designed for rooms up to 320 sq. ft. It comes with a 0.5-gallon tank that operates for about 12 hours. Conversely, you can choose to add aromatherapy drops or essential oils to the water for a soothing sensory experience.

Unlike some larger ultrasonic models, the tank on this unit comes with a smaller opening, making cleaning more tedious. However, the capability to have both a mist humidifier and a nightlight all in one usually makes this device a popular choice for most parents for their kids' bedrooms.

Pros:

  • Versatile humidifier
  • Ideal for kids' bedroom and other small space
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Runs quietly and features ultrasonic vibration

Cons:

  • A bit tricky to clean

8. Levoit Smart 4L Cool Mist Humidifier

LEVOIT Humidifiers for Bedroom, Smart Wi-Fi Cool Mist...
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: By using the Vesync app, you can choose Auto...
  • SMART AUTO-MODE: The Auto Mode will AUTOMATICALLY adjust the mist...
  • EFFECTIVE FOR DRY AIR: The 4L humidifier can last for 5 nights,...
  • REMOTE APP CONTROL: Use the Vesync App to turn on/off the...
  • QUIET SLEEP WITH AROMA: 25db ensures you get a full night's...

The proper humidity in the air -while you're sleeping- has a significant impact on how you wake up feeling the following day. It also helps you to avoid dry nasal passages and scratchy throats. So a good humidifier, especially the quieter models, can benefit even the light sleepers. The compact Levoit Smart 4L Cool Mist is designed as the best humidifier for bedroom use, primarily due to its suitability for rooms up to 376 square feet and exceptionally quiet operations.

This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier features a patented silencer, plus an ultra-quiet DC hydraulic fan, which keeps the sound ratings at just 25 dB. For context, this is about as quiet as an isolated, rural area or just above a whisper. Thanks to a one-gallon tank, the Levoit Smart 4L can operate between 10-40 hours (based on the settings) before needing a refill. Furthermore, it comes with a Vesync app to monitor and program the humidifier.

Pros:

  • Extremely quiet
  • Auto-dimming display
  • Separate diffuse tray
  • Smart capabilities

Cons:

  • Some users reported leaking.

9. Dyson Pure Hot + Cool-HEPA Air Purifier, HP01

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool, HP01 HEPA Air Purifier, Space...
  • The Dyson Pure Hot Cool purifies, heats, and cools you delivering...
  • Dyson technology helps create a cleaner, healthier home - Our...
  • CAPTURES: The sealed HEPA filter captures 99; 97 Percent of...
  • PROJECTS: Projects purified air throughout the whole room; Air...
  • HEATING: Can be used for long range personal heating or fast,...

If you're looking for the best air purifier come humidifier that will purify your breathing air, count on the Dyson Pure Hot+ Cool Air Purifier. This device purifies, cools and heats the air, offering multi-functionality without compromise. It usually detects airborne particles and gases automatically then purify the air using Dyson technology. Moreover, it features a sealed HEPA filter that usually captures 97% of allergens.

This air purifier purifies air throughout your bedroom or any ample space using an air multiplier technology that usually delivers over 77 gallons per secs of smooth, powerful airflow. Besides, you can use it for long-range personal heating since it features multi-functionality, including a space heater, tower fan, humidifier and HEPA air purifier. Additionally, it comes with a sleep mode timer, ten airspeed settings, oscillation and auto-shutoff when tipped over.

Pros:

  • Purifies the air and captures 97% of allergens
  • Versatile humidifier
  • Easy to use
  • Ideal for large spaces

Cons:

  • Comes with a high price tag

10. Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier

Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier, Small to Medium Rooms, 1...
  • WARM MIST HUMIDIFIER – Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier helps to...
  • COUGH AND CONGESTION RELIEF – Vaporizers for bedroom...
  • QUICK AND EASY TO USE – This filter-free humidifier can be used...
  • HUMIDIFIERS FOR BEDROOM AND MORE – A warm mist...
  • A CENTURY OF POWERFUL RELIEF– At Vicks, we believe that...

If you primarily want to resist the occasional cold, instead of running a humidifier throughout winter, warm-mist humidifiers are an excellent choice. This model from Vicks is quite affordable and popular, partly because it comes with a compartment for Vicks VapoPads, plus a medicine cup for soothing inhalants such as Vicks Vapostream.

For regular use, this humidifier has a one-gallon tank that can run for up to 12 hours if you change between the output settings. It's a great option if you'll be running your humidifier at night. It has a convenient tank opening, making it easy to fill and clean. The Vicks warm-mist humidifier also sports a light indicator that notifies you when the tank needs refilling.

One key thing to bear in mind is warm-mist humidifiers, particularly ones that use medicinal additives, require more frequent cleaning to make sure they continually stay germ-free.

Pros:

  • Compatible with Vicks inhalants
  • Easy to clean
  • Features automatic shutoff
  • Comes with an affordable price tag

Cons:

  • Requires cleaning frequently

Why Should You Consider a Portable Humidifier for Bedroom?

As opposed to whole-home humidifiers, humidifiers for bedroom use are easy to use and usually reasonably priced. Despite the obvious size difference, these portable units are still powerful enough to help you cut down on dry air. Using the best humidifier for bedroom can prevent dry sinuses, chapped lips and hands, while also reducing static electricity.

As much as winter might be the most popular time to use a warm mist humidifier in your bedroom, using your air conditioner in the summer can equally wreak dry air havoc. Therefore, running a humidifier all year round could help when your home's humidity level falls under the ideal 30-60 percent range. You can always use a hygrometer if you're unsure about your house's humidity. 

Factors to Consider in the Best Humidifier for Bedroom

1. Type of Humidifier

Choosing between a warm and cool-mist humidifier is arguably the first thing you'll have to decide. Both types effectively work by adding moisture into the air, but their applications tend to differ ever so slightly.

a). Cool-Mist Humidifier

Cool mist humidifiers are more suited to homes with children and pets since there's no risk of burning from the heating element. Furthermore, these humidifiers can also help shrink nasal passage swellings, making it easier for you to breathe. There are two variations of cool mist humidifiers:

  • Evaporative humidifiers- use a fan to blow air through a wet wick, cooling the air as it picks up the moisture from the wick.
  • Ultrasonic humidifiers- use a nebulizer (a small vibrating diaphragm) to create the cool mist. Ultrasonic modifiers don't have fans, hence they are usually quieter.

b). Warm Mist Humidifier

Warm mist humidifiers draw on a heating element to boil water which creates the warm mist. Also known as steam vaporizers, these are better suited when temperatures drop. They are cheaper than cool most humidifiers, although they also consume more energy. It's worth noting that warm mist humidifiers can cause nasal passages to swell, which makes breathing more difficult. While not completely unheard of, it would be best to avoid using them to relieve cold symptoms.

Furthermore, they're not particularly the best for homes with children since the hot water in the humidifier tank can burn a child or pet if the humidifier leaks or tips over.

2. Size

Generally, the size of the humidifier you'll opt for largely relies on the size of the room you want to add moisture to. For the best humidifier for bedroom, you'll probably go for a portable unit, also known as tabletop humidifiers, which more often than not are placed on a nightstand or desk.

Portable humidifiers are compact, with smaller water tanks that need to be refilled more frequently. To put that into perspective, most portable humidifiers hold the same capacity as a water bottle. On the other hand, they are much more affordable and be moved from one room to the other quite easily.

3. Water Tank Capacity

Water tank capacity relies on the size of the humidifier. If you're looking to use a humidifier all night or all day-or both-you'd be better off going for a product with a large enough capacity. Whatever the case may be, it's important first to check at the manufacturer's estimated run time to have an idea of how frequently you'll need to refill the tank.

You can also opt for a humidifier with a removable tank, making it very easy to refill from a kitchen or bathroom faucet. While at it, you'll also have to consider how heavy it'll be when you're carrying it back. If it's too heavy to be practical, you can always bring water to the humidifier with a jug or pitcher.

4. Run Time

You'll also have to consider how long the humidifier can run before it needs refilling. Some can operate for a couple of hours, while others can run for a full 24 hours. If you opt for a humidifier that needs frequent refilling, it would be best to get one with an auto-off feature. This ensures the humidifier will stop running as soon as the water runs out.

5. UV Filtration

Moist, humid conditions can easily quickly turn into breeding grounds for bacteria, pathogens and mold. As such, some humidifiers come with UV light. A specialized light filtration system eliminates microbes that could be breeding in the humidifier's tank while also preventing them from being emitted into the air with the mist.

6. Humidistat

A built-in humidistat is a nifty feature to have on a humidifier. It monitors the room's humidity and regulates the appliance accordingly. As much as this is not particularly necessary, it helps prevent releasing excess moisture into the air, which can fog up windows or leave a musty odor in the room.

7. Ease of Cleaning

Most manufacturers and experts recommend cleaning your humidifier at least once every week. This prevents the growth of microbes, bacteria and mold. Ensure you go for a humidifier that is simple to disassemble and easy to clean since you'll be doing it pretty often.

Frequently Asked Questions on Humidifiers

1. When should I use a humidifier?

Humidifiers are mostly used in the cold season, thanks to their effectiveness in easing chapped lips, scratchy throats and parched skin. Some people also use these devices to relieve discomfort caused by mold or pollen, mostly in spring and summer. As such, it's not completely inconceivable to keep a humidifier running all year round. That said, the best time, arguably, to use a humidifier is while you sleep at night.

2. How close should the humidifier be from my bed?

If you're dealing with a cool-mist humidifier, you don't have to worry much about this. However, a warm-mist humidifier should be placed far away enough from the bed for safety reasons, particularly at night. You should take even extra caution if you're using the humidifier in a kid's room.

3. How do I clean a humidifier?

The general process of cleaning a humidifier is to "empty, rinse and dry the base tray or reservoir before refilling." You can even disinfectant the appliance with a bleach solution if you want to be thorough. However, ensure you refer to the instruction manual before you do so. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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