Are you looking for an efficient and effective humidifier to relieve your dry skin, nose, and eyes during the winter and in arid conditions?
This article covers everything you need to know about using a humidifier for these these conditions and recommends a few top-selling models for specific situations.
If you are out of time, check out our top 3 picks – you can’t go wrong with any of them:
Our Top 3 Picks
- Cool- and warm-mist modes.
- Ultrasonic technology.
- Humidity output from 100ml/hour to 500ml/hour.
- Suitable for small- to medium-sized rooms.
- UV technology sterilizes water.
- Evaporative technology will not over-humidify.
- Designed for distributing medicine via a 95% sterile fog.
- Compact unit weighs 4.8 lbs
- Fits on shelves, tabletops, nightstands, and other surfaces with ease.
What Causes Dry Nose?
A dry nose can cause extreme irritation and discomfort.
This is because the nasal passages can't produce enough moisture during dry winters and low humidity areas.
As a result, the mucus that acts like a lubricant in the nose becomes thicker and dries out, which causes the nose to dry out.
The winter months are reduce indoor moisture, causing the nasal membranes to become fragile and prone to cracking and damage.
Dry sinuses can cause many symptoms, including:
- Sinus headache
- Itching and irritation of the nose.
- Pain in the forehead and facial area.
- Nasal congestion.
- Sore throat, fever, or cough.
Consult a doctor if you continue to experience any of these symptoms.
If dry weather is the reason for the symptoms, then you may want to consider getting a humidifier.
What Type of Humidifier Is Best For a Dry Nose?
Two types of humidifiers can counter dry air and prevent dry noses: Warm mist and Cool mist.
A warm mist humidifier is quiet and uses heat to prevent the release of germs and mold.
A cool mist humidifier is generally quieter than a warm mist humidifier and covers a larger area.
Both types of humidifiers are effective in treating dry noses.
The type of treatment you choose will depend on your preferences and the space available.
What’s In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
To help you choose the right humidifier for your issues, in this guide we review the best humidifiers in a range of sizes for several common situations.
In addition, we discuss the essential features to consider before purchasing a humidifier for a dry nose, dry skin, or dry eyes problem.
We also discuss the types of humidifiers available and how they perform under different conditions.
So let’s dive in!
Best Humidifiers for Dry Nose, Skin, and Eyes
- 1. Best Dual Mode Humidifier: Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier
- 2. Best Ultra-Quiet Humidifier: Honeywell HCM350W Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier
- 3. Best for medicated use: Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
- 4. Best for large rooms: LEVOIT Humidifier
- 5. Best for constant use: Everlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier
Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier
Best Dual Mode Humidifier
Dimensions:
11.6 x 7.7 x 11 inchesWeight:
5.1 poundsRun time/refill
40 hrs.Tank capacity:
1.5 gallons
Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Best ultra-quiet Humidifier
Dimensions:
18.58 x 10.39 x 13.03 inchesWeight:
9.4 poundsRun time/refill
24 hrs.Tank capacity:
1.1 gallons
Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
Best for medicated use
Dimensions:
12 x 7.88 x 14.25 inchesWeight:
4.8 poundsRun time/refill
24 hrs.Tank capacity:
1 gallons
EVERLASTING COMFORT COOL Humidifier
Best for constant use
Dimensions:
12 x 7.88 x 14.25 inchesWeight:
4.05 poundsRun time/refill
50 hoursTank capacity:
1.5 gallons
LEVOIT Humidifier
Best for large rooms
Dimensions:
11.3 x 7 x 10.5 inchesWeight:
4.9 poundsRun time/refill
60 hoursTank capacity:
1.5 gallons
This is our top choice for a humidifier that works in any weather condition. It has unbeatable performance and long working hours.
This dual-mode humidifier weighs just 5.1 pounds and has many features.
It is a compact unit that will easily fit on a side table or in the corner of a room away from children and pets.
PROS
- High-grade ABS plastic.
- 360-degree adjustable nozzle.
- Auto-shutoff protects prevents leaking.
- Built-in hygrometer.
CONS
- A bit expensive.
- It is not the quietest model.
Features
- Cool- and warm-mist modes.
- Ultrasonic technology.
- Humidity output from 100ml/hour to 500ml/hour.
- Humidistat adjusts the mist automatically.
- Humidifies rooms up to 750 square feet.
- Up to 40 hours between refills.
- LED display is easy to read.
- Sleep mode reduces noise and turns off LEDs.
- Remote control.
- Aromatherapy pads.
Our Review
The humidifier can produce either warm or cool mist, depending on your requirement.
In both cases it uses ultrasonic technology to form water droplets that are released into the air.
The humidifier is can reliably humidify a room up to 700 square feet for 40 hours using its large 6 liters water tank.
Safety measures are in place to make it safe around kids and pets. For example, the humidifier automatically turns off when it runs out of water.
This feature helps to avoid overworking, which could cause damage to the appliance.
In addition, the temperature is maintained at a safe level on warm mist mode so it doesn’t pose a burning risk.
Although this humidifier doesn't use filters, you may want to soften your water before adding it to this unit if your water is hard. Or use distilled water.
This unit includes two aromatherapy pads, where you can add a few drops of essential oils to add a relaxing and energizing aroma.
The remote control is a breeze to use.
This humidifier is best for homes with infants and the elderly.
It is quiet and does not make noises that will disturb.
This humidifier produces cool mist only and is best for hot, dry areas or arid areas.
Cool mist helps to make the air feel fresher and more comfortable and lowers the temperature in the room. The moisture in the space lasts longer because of this.
PROS
- The evaporative technology keeps the humidity between 40-60%.
- One water tank provides 24 hours of operation.
CONS
- After a while, the wicking filter needs replacement.
- No way to monitor water consumption.
Features
- Suitable for small- to medium-sized rooms.
- UV technology sterilizes water.
- Evaporative technology will not over-humidify.
- Wicking filter prevents mineral dust.
- Easy to clean wide-mouthed water tank.
- Quite and suitable for nurseries.
Our Review
The humidifier is suitable for both small and large rooms. It’s perfect for bedrooms and nurseries.
The humidifier uses UV technology to sterilize water so that it doesn't carry germs. Before releasing water as a mist, it must go through a UV pathway exposed to radiation which destroys bacteria, mold, and viruses in the water. You can use tap water in your humidifier, too.
Tap water and hard water contain minerals. The humidifier uses a wicking filter that traps these minerals to release them from white dust into the air.
As a result, your room is kept free from dust and minerals. Honeywell filters are superior to any compatible alternatives.
Doctors often recommend a humidifier to treat dry skin, nose, or eyes. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe medicated liquids for humidifier use.
The Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier comes in handy for such purposes.
PROS
- Auto-shutoff setting prevents burning when water tank is empty.
- Complementary inhalants and hygrometers readily available.
CONS
- Cannot be used with essential oils.
Features
- Designed for distributing medicine via a 95% sterile fog.
- Compact unit weighs 4.8 lbs
- Fits on shelves, tabletops, nightstands, and other surfaces with ease.
- Includes a medicine cup.
- Two mist settings.
- Lasts up to 24 hours on one tank.
Our Review
The Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier can help relieve nasal congestions and dryness. The warm mist penetrates dry air quickly to increase the humidity level.
It improves the airflow, which counters dry nose and congestion.
You can easily fit into any space, thanks to its compact design. The unit is so lightweight and compact you can take it on a trip.
The humidifier also comes with a medicated cup, so it is ideal for vaporizing liquid inhalants like Vicks Vapor Steam. This humidifier will not be affected by medicated liquids, however.
This design includes a clear glass window that lets you monitor the water level.
The humidifier will shut itself off if it has used all of the water in the tank. This prevents any damage to the machine and the environment.
PROS
- Bright LED display.
- 12 hour timer.
- Package includes cleaning brush, scents, and absorption pads.
CONS
- Quite expensive.
- This unit is large.
Features
- Warm mist + cool mist modes (all-season use).
- Auto-adjusting humidistat maintains humidity to preset level.
- Suitable for pets and infants.
- Humidifies rooms up to 753 square feet
- 1.5 gallon water tank lasts up to 60 hours on low-mist mode.
Our Review
This humidifier is designed for use with aromatherapy / essential oils.
Simply add a few drops to your aroma box. The freshness and fragrance are carried along by the mist as it passes through the box.
The appliance also has many other valuable features that make it user-friendly. You can also control the device remotely and have a noiseless operation.
The package also includes three absorption and aroma pads; one each, one of each of these comes pre-installed.
PROS
- Two-year warranty.
CONS
- Fixed air nozzle (cannot direct flow).
- Hard to check water level.
Features
- Humidifies rooms up to 500 sqft.
- Large water tank lasts up to 50 hours.
- Filter-less design eliminates need to replace filters.
- Ultrasonic sterilization kills bacteria, molds, viruses, and fungi.
- Essential oils tray.
- Suitable for night-time due quiet operation (below 30db).
Our Review
The Everlasting Comfort Cool Humidifier is filterless, so you can avoid having to replace costly filters a few times a year.
This cool mist humidifier is suitable for large rooms, offices, apartments, and college dorms and nurseries. It can hydrate air up to 500 square feet for up to 50 hours on one tank.
Like many other models, the Everlasting Comfort humidifier uses ultrasonic technology to kill microbes and molds present in the water before misting and releasing it.
This humidifier features an essential oil tray. To use it, you need to put a few drops in the tray.
Buyer's Guide
A humidifier can make a huge difference in your comfort level if your nose is dry or your sinuses are irritated. Your skin and eyes will also benefit from the hydration of the surrounding environment.
Here are the features and factors to consider when purchasing a humidifier to ease these medical issues:
Humidifying Performance
The model's humidifying performance is a measure of its humidity output. Ideal humidity levels should range from 40-60% in a living environment.
You should ensure that your humidifier can keep a room at 40-60% humidity if you live in an area with dry conditions. However, the humidifier should not raise the levels above 60%; otherwise, the moisture accumulation could damage the room's furniture and paint.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Humidifiers are generally low-maintenance appliances.
However, they need regular cleaning keep them at peak performance.
During regular/routine use, you should wash your water tank at least once a week.
Routine cleaning includes inspecting the water tank to check for mold, mildew, or bacterial growth. You can place humidifiers in the dishwasher if they have a dishwasher-safe water tank.
To ensure there are no obstructions, you should also inspect the mist ducts regularly.
In homes with children, the humidifier should be kept out of reach of children to ensure their safety and prevent any blockage due to small objects that might be a part of their toys.
To capture mineral dust, cool mist humidifiers often use a wicking filter. The manufacturer will usually recommend that these filters need replacement. The performance of the filter could be affected by mineral dust buildup and may cause a blockage. An overused filter also poses the problem of releasing mineral dust into the air.
You should not place humidifier parts underwater, other than the water tank. You need to ensure that water doesn't splash onto the control panels or into the tray for essential oils, either.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on using the appliance and make sure to turn it off during long hours.
Operating Costs
You humidifier’s operating cost is another aspect to consider.
You should expect an increase in your electricity bill because the appliance runs on electricity.
However, humidifiers for single rooms and apartments are not very power-intensive. On average, it costs between $2.5 to $4.5 per 100 lbs of water turned into mist.
Moreover, the maintenance cost is very low.
Easy to fill?
The water in the humidifier's storage tank or chamber is critical for its operation. The chamber needs refilling regularly.
For this reason, the tank should be easy to fill.
The most convenient humidifiers to fill are those with large-mouthed, easily removable tanks. We prefer top-mounted tanks as well.
Tank Capacity
The tank capacity will determine the running time of the humidifier.
Humidifiers with smaller capacities shut down quickly once the tank is empty. They also need to be refilled frequently.
You don't need to fill the tank every day, so it's worth investing in single-room humidifiers with at least 6 liters of capacity. These tanks can last for 40-60 hours of continuous use.
Tanks with smaller capacities usually last about 24 hours before needing to be refilled.
Modes and Speed Settings
Cool and dry mist humidifiers come with selectable output speeds or modes.
The output speed determines how much mist the unit emits every hour. Room humidifiers can release between 200 and 500ml/hour in average cool mist models. Warm mists models have a couple of options for fixed speeds rather than a range.
Filter or no filter?
A humidifier's filter can help prevent microbes and mineral dust from escaping into the mist.
Cool mist humidifiers, for example, often require a filter to ensure that the mist does not contain contaminants.
Other types of humidifiers such as ultrasonic humidifiers and warm mist units include UV or ultrasonic technology that eliminate any microbes before the water turns to mist. So these often do not require water filters.
That said, if you have hard water in your home, then you should use distilled water instead of tap water in a warm mist or ultrasonic humidifier in order to prevent hard mineral dust from accumulating in your home.
Warranty
The majority of humidifiers that can help dry skin and dry noses cost between $50-100. There are often promotions.
You will need to spend more if you want features such as aromatherapy compatibility, timers, and large water tanks.
You should also ensure that your humidifier comes with a minimum one-year warranty.
Types Of Humidifiers For Dry Nose, Skin and Eyes
There are three types of humidifiers that can ease dry noses.
They differ in the way they form the mist and the temperature of the mist.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers are the best for dry throat, congestion, and dry nose. As the name suggests, these humidifiers release a warm mist that forms by the action of heating elements powered by electricity. As a result, these humidifiers are more effective in combating dryness and congestion, but they are best suited for small to medium rooms.
Cool Mist Humidifiers
Cool mist humidifiers are usually much more effective for larger rooms and spaces since these humidifiers can efficiently spread the mist easily over larger areas. Ultrasonic technology vaporizes water to create cool mist. Because there are no heating elements, the mist is released at room temperature. Cool mist humidifiers can be used all year round, making them more popular than other types.
Evaporative Humidifiers
This humidifier does not require electricity. To increase the humidity level in a room, the device relies on the evaporative qualities of water. These humidifiers can be pretty expensive, but they are not suitable for large rooms.
Final Verdict: Which Humidifier is Best for Dry Nose?
The Levoit humidifier, we believe, is the best humidifier for most people suffering from dry nose and dry skin issues.
It can produce both warm and cool mist using modern ultrasonic technology, so it doesn’t need a filter and works in all season. In addition, it can be used for aromatherapy and will withstand constant use.
As a degreed engineer, I love new technology as much as you do (perhaps more). I also understand how to sort the best products from the rest. My team and I spend dozens of hours each week reviewing the best & latest products for your bedroom. Many are tested in-house, and others we break down based on our technical understanding. Whether you need a bed-cooling system, an adjustable bed, or a new CPAP machine – we've got you covered.