12 Best Humidifiers for Bedrooms in 2023: Dyson, Honeywell, Homedics

Mar 30, 2024

By Erin Parker and Brigitt Earley

Your head is on your favorite silk pillowcase, you’re wrapped up in the best cooling bed sheets, and your white noise machine is humming. The best humidifiers for bedrooms could make drifting off even dreamier—especially if you live in a dry climate or during winter when indoor air tends to be drier, says Brian Greenberg, MD, an allergist in California. “They can help keep your throat and nasal passages hydrated, which can reduce snoring and make for a more comfortable sleep,” he says. Not to mention, a quality humidifier can help soothe dry skin, improve air quality, and even help your plant babies thrive in the winter months.

They release either cool mist, water vapor (warm mist), or ultrasonic frequencies that send water droplets into a space to increase moisture levels in the air, also known as humidity, says Michael Breus, PhD, a.k.a. The Sleep Doctor. “The choice between a cool mist and a warm mist humidifier primarily depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your home or health situation,” says Dr. Greenberg. “Both types effectively add moisture to the air, aiding in the relief of dry skin, congestion, allergies, and other symptoms associated with dry air.”

Humidifiers are generally used in the cold season, thanks to their ability to ease dry, chapped lips, scratchy throats, and parched skin. However, some people use them to relieve discomfort caused by pollen and mold in the spring and summer, so it’s not unheard of to keep them running in warmer months or year-round, especially if you have allergies. The most popular time to use a humidifier is while you sleep at night, but there are portable (and cute!) humidifiers designed with desk spaces in mind.

“The best type of humidifier for sleep tends to be a cool-mist humidifier,” says Dr. Greenberg. “The cool mist can make breathing more comfortable, particularly if you’re dealing with congestion or respiratory issues.” And if you’re concerned about noise from the fan, look for a humidifier with ultrasonic technology—these are usually quieter and therefore less disruptive to your sleep, he explains.

In short: yes. Adding moisture to dry air can help ease cough or congestion, but be wary of overuse, warns the Cleveland Clinic, noting that too-high humidity levels can actually worsen allergies and asthma, and promote the growth of mold, bacteria, dust mites, and mildew. Following the maintenance instructions for your machine will help to keep it clean, ensuring it’s not emitting harmful bacteria into the air and making your health problems worse.

This doesn’t matter much when you’re dealing with cool-mist humidifiers, but you should place warm-mist humidifiers (i.e., steam vaporizers) farther away from your bed for safety reasons, especially while you sleep. In kids’ rooms, avoid warm-mist humidifiers altogether. “Cool-mist humidifiers are often recommended for use in homes with children, because they don’t present the burn risk associated with warm mist humidifiers,” says Dr. Greenberg. As a nice bonus, they are also more energy-efficient, since they don’t use heat to evaporate the water, he adds.

Regardless of the type of humidifier you choose to use, it’s essential to maintain proper cleaning practices, says Dr. Greenberg. Instead of just filling the tank with tap water, “use distilled water or demineralized water to minimize mineral dust, which could potentially exacerbate allergy symptoms,” he says. And because bacteria thrive in moist environments, it’s vital to empty, rinse, and dry the reservoir daily.

If you want to take it a step further, disinfect your device with a bleach solution weekly, but refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual before doing so.

Not unless it’s designed specifically for essential oils. If the manufacturer doesn’t list this as a function for the device, refrain from adding anything but water. Most humidifiers are made of plastic that can’t withstand the compounds of essential oils, so if you want to use them opt for a diffuser with the distinct purpose of aromatherapy instead.

So you’re ready to bring a humidifier into your oasis of slumber? Look no further than our top picks, according to rave reviews and Glamour editors who have put them to the test.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Humidifier for Allergies: Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool

Dyson

Crate & Barrel

When it comes to tech-powered household items, Dyson is the top of the line. From state-of-the-art hair dryers to life-changing vacuums and the best air purifiers, everything Dyson makes is next-level—and its humidifier is no exception in terms of ease of use and ease of cleaning.

The Pure Humidify+Cool does triple duty as a smart humidifier, an air purifier, and a fan; it has a HEPA filtration system to remove allergens, pollutants, gas, and bacteria from the air around you. The machine has a sizeable tank, with a visible line to indicate max water level. It also includes a built-in deep-clean cycle that stops mineral and bacteria buildup in the unit itself. What’s more, the LED screen keeps you apprised of real-time pollution and desired humidity in your space, and you can control the machine from the Dyson app.

Bonus: The subtle design, available in black or white, allows the Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool to blend in effortlessly in any room size. Trust us, we could go on. Check out our in-depth review of the Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool.

Best Small Humidifier: HoMedics 2-in-1 Warm & Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

Walmart

This sleek humidifier is a master multitasker for a handful of reasons: It has cool- and warm-mist settings, easily converts from floor to table use, can be remote operated, and includes an essential oil tray to disperse your favorite aromas at home.

It’s also nice and small. Though it effortlessly adds humidity to a room, its base is only six inches, rendering it portable enough to transport from your bedroom to your home office. You can even throw it in a suitcase to set up when you’re not staying at home.

Save when you shop for the best humidifiers for bedroom with these Walmart promo codes.

By Hanna Lustig

By Bella Cacciatore

By Daniel Rodgers

Best Decorative Humidifier: Objecto W4 Hybrid Humidifier

Walmart

Pottery Barn

The best thing about this photogenic humidifier is it doesn’t sacrifice function for aesthetics. Aside from its decor-like quality and sleek design, this cool-mist humidifier does what other more industrious versions do. It boasts whisper-quiet operation, an easy-to-fill water tank, aroma trays, and automatic shutoff for empty tanks.

Sure, the unit is on the expensive side, but it’s a cost you can justify. After all, you’re killing two birds with one stone: enriching the air in your bedroom and adding a chic addition to your credenza. All at once.

Save when you shop for the best humidifiers for bedroom with these Walmart promo codes.

Best Humidifier and Oil Diffuser Combo: Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser

Amazon

Save nightstand space with this two-in-one humidifier and oil diffuser. It’s only about six inches all around, but it has a large 500-milliliter tank. A single fill can provide steady mist levels for up to 16 hours—perfect for a small room with less square footage. And don’t worry if you forget to turn it off—the portable humidifier has an auto-shutoff.

Most reviewers love all of the fun LED lights, noting this is a great nightlight for kids, but it’s worth noting that some testers found the night mode a bit too bright for sleeping. Adding to your options, this humidifier is available with three colors of base: white, dark, or tan (pictured).

Best Easy-to-Clean Humidifier: Canopy Humidifier Starter Set

Nordstrom

The one-of-a-kind device is touted as world’s smartest anti-mold humidifier. It operates with air, not mist. The water in the tank is sanitized via UV light, so it refreshes your skin; the maker even claims this will alleviate symptoms of the common cold or flu without the same risk of mold growth. The Smart Persistent Airflow technology features sensors that continuously run until the humidifier is completely dry inside. The result is less cleaning on your part—especially because its parts are dishwasher safe.

Adding to the convenience factor, the rechargeable humidifier runs for an impressive 36 hours. Still, it’s less than 12 inches at its largest point, so it won’t overtake your nightstand.

Save when you shop for the best humidifiers for bedroom with these Nordstrom promo codes.

Quietest Humidifier: Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier

Amazon

When you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep, the last thing you want to hear is a machine rumbling. The Honeywell Designer Series Cool Mist Humidifier has a barely noticeable noise level, so you’ll breathe better air and get the sleep you need.

The gadget—a relatively small 8 x 13 inches, is also filter-free and exerts an ultrafine mist with up to 24 hours of running time. Once the water runs out, it’ll automatically shut off, so you know it’s time to fill up the tank again.

By Hanna Lustig

By Bella Cacciatore

By Daniel Rodgers

Best Humidifier for Large Rooms: Vitruvi Cloud Cool Mist Humidifier

Amazon

Nordstrom

Whether you keep this cloud-shaped humidifier on your nightstand or on your dresser, it’ll look chic while doing its thing. It's available in three metallic shades, all of which sound fancier than the next: dove, white, and oat.

But this humidifier is more than a looker. It uses an ultrasonic cool mist to raise the room’s humidity levels in 8-, 16-, and 24-hour increments—all while remaining whisper-quiet and virtually invisible. (There’s no sneaky light in the corner of your eye disrupting your sleep.)

Biggest Water Tank: TruSens Clean Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

Amazon

Some humidifiers require filtered water for use, but this one from TruSens doesn’t. It actually has a mechanism that minimizes the mineral buildup in hard water before pumping it out, ensuring that you’re getting the cleanest possible air.

This humidifier also has a large water tank for a long-lasting stream, plus a sensor to track humidity levels in real-time and a remote control to easily adjust the dimmer and misting speed. Reviewers also like the nice, soft light the device emits—it delivers the perfect soft glow.

Best Humidifier With Permanent Filter: Air Innovations Humidifier

Amazon

You won’t have to buy replacement filters with this humidifier. We repeat: no replacement filters. Air Innovations’ chic lilac humidifier is about as low-maintenance as it gets, since it contains a permanent ceramic filter.

It also runs for a truly impressive 96 hours at a time. Plus, the humidifier features five mist settings that allow you to control the direction and output of the stream.

Best Warm-Mist Humidifier: Levoit Humidifier for Large Bedrooms

Amazon

From the ultraquiet stream to the built-in aroma box that allows you to add drops of your favorite essential oil, this ultrasonic bedroom humidifier is worth a second look. It may not be the prettiest of the bunch, but it’s a definite workhorse.

The humidifier can run undisturbed for up to 50 hours. It’s sizable too: The 1.5-gallon tank spits out enough fine warm or cool mist to cover up to 753 square feet.

By Hanna Lustig

By Bella Cacciatore

By Daniel Rodgers

Best Humidifier for Sinus Issues: Vicks Warm Moisture Humidifier

Walmart

Ideal for colder months and allergy season, this warm-mist humidifier by Vicks was designed to temporarily relieve cough and congestion for those with sinus issues. It works in tandem with VapoPads or VapoSteam for maximum relief.

It delivers the long-lasting benefits you need when you’re under the weather—the device runs up to 24 hours before automatically shutting off. And because nobody wants to work harder than they need to when ill, the humidifier’s parts are even dishwasher-safe.

Best Humidifier for Baby: Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier With Diffuser and Nightlight

Amazon

Nordstrom

Since the brand is known for innovative products to make a parent’s job easier and keep babies and toddlers more comfortable all at once, it’s no surprise that Frida Baby makes a quality humidifier you’ll reach for whenever someone has the sniffles. Especially since you can add Breath Frida Vapor Drops or any aromatherapy-grade essential oil for easier breathing when the croup strikes.

Of course it runs on baby-safe cool mist for peace of mind. Ultrasonic vibration turns water into a hydrating mist that runs for up to 24 hours. Adjust the level of mist via the easy-to-use dial. There’s even a color-changing nightlight to set the mood in the nursery.

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