The 18 Best Bedroom Humidifiers 2020 (Sleep Better and Stay Healthy)

Are you dealing with sinus problems?

What about waking up with a scratchy throat, dry eyes, and itchy skin?

If the humidity in your bedroom is below 30%, those are the consequences (1).

If you have central heating and air conditioning, it’s a common side effect.

But if you sleep with one of the best bedroom humidifiers, you’ll feel better in the morning.

Today, we’ll answer questions like whether cool mist or warm mist is better.

Plus, we’ll discuss the different types of humidifiers and what they can do for you.

The Different Kinds of Humidifiers

The most common kind of humidifier is one that emits a cool mist by way of ultrasonic vibration.

Some of these double as diffusers for essential oils.

Another type produces warm mist or steam.

And yet another category adds moisture to the air by evaporation.

Each kind of humidifier has pluses and minuses. We will go over the pros and cons of humidifier types as we review them.

7 Steps to Choosing the Right Humidifier for Your Bedroom

First, check the relative humidity in your bedroom to see if you need a humidifier.

Some digital thermometers and air purifiers show this information, or you can buy an inexpensive hygrometer.

Optimal humidity ranges from 30 to 50%.  Moreover, relative humidity higher than 40% limits the transmission of the flu virus (2).

Second, measure your bedroom if you don’t already know its size. That will help you decide what size of humidifier you need.

Many humidifiers specify the square footage that they cover.

Third, and perhaps most important, is the noise level. If you find a humidifier that registers less than 30 dB, it shouldn’t disturb your sleep.

Fourth, how long will you be running the humidifier? Is it just for a few hours at night or all day long? Find one that matches your needs according to the size of its tank.

Fifth, the more control, the better. Look for humidifiers that allow you to control the amount of mist and direct the airflow by rotating the nozzle. That makes it easier to protect furnishings from the vapor.

Six, you might enjoy a humidifier with a nightlight, timer, or remote control.

And seventh, remember that this is a tool you’ll need to clean frequently. If you don’t take care of it, you could end up spreading mold, viruses, and bacteria. Also, mineral buildup from hard water could wreck the machine.

Make it easier on yourself by choosing a humidifier that’s straightforward to maintain.

Now let’s look at the top humidifiers for your bedroom.

Honeywell HCM350W Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier

Honeywell’s Germ-Free Humidifier is a top seller because it wards off illness by purifying the water before it moisturizes the air.

But that’s not all that makes it attractive.

This is an evaporative humidifier that won’t oversaturate the air. There’s also a display that shows the relative humidity.

Inside the tank, UV technology kills off microbes. Then the filter soaks up the sanitized water.

Next, a fan sends dry indoor air through the filter. The air emerges as a visible mist.

To simplify maintenance, use a Protec cleaning ball to keep your humidifier clean. And remember to change the filter when needed.

Honeywell HUL520B Mistmate Cool Mist Humidifier

If you only need a humidifier once in a while, save yourself money and get Honeywell’s compact Mistmate. It comes in different colors.

The half-gallon tank runs up to 20 hours on the lowest output setting. You’ll have fine control over how much mist it emits by dialing the knob.

It doesn’t require a filter, and it has a large opening that makes it easy to fill and clean.

LEVOIT Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier and Essential Oil Diffuser for the bedroom

Levoit offers the best of both worlds: a humidifier that diffuses essential oils. Drop in some lavender oil and relax at bedtime.

This model holds about a half-gallon of water, and it’s perfect for a medium-sized room. It operates at only 28 dB, quieter than a public library.

The spiral air duct technology ensures that the tiny particles of water disperse well without soaking the floor.

Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Small Humidifier

If you’ve ever felt relief from breathing in Vicks VapoRub, try this humidifier. It has a scent pad heater to release menthol or lavender aromas.

It runs for 20 hours on the lowest setting. The compact size fits on the bedside table, but the large opening in the tank makes it easy to clean.

Vicks Starry Night Cool Moisture Humidifier

The kids will love the Vicks Starry Night Humidifier. It projects glowing stars onto the ceiling while it keeps the air comfortably moist.

If you use a Protec Wicking Filter with it, it prevents mold and bacteria from growing inside. It also removes pollutants from the water

Venta LW25 Airwasher 2-in-1 Humidifier and Air Purifier

For maximum comfort and a premium experience, check out the Venta combination air purifier and humidifier. It’s suited for a master bedroom up to 400 ft.².

The 2-gallon tank features a water level indicator and automatic shut-off.

It adds moisture to the air and removes dust, bacteria, mites, pollen, and dander. Moreover, it doesn’t contribute ozone or ions.

Happily, it comes with a 10-year warranty.

BONECO Hybrid Humidifier & HEPA Air Purifier H680

Boneco also sells a hybrid humidifier and air purifier. Unlike the Venta, it has a true HEPA air filter.

Plus, you don’t have to use both functions at once. Choose one or the other, or both.

The display shows the relative humidity and provides information about air quality. From there, you can adjust the flow and find out when to change the water or filter. You can also dim the LED lights for sleeping.

But don’t think that you have to walk over to the wall every time you want to make an adjustment. This device comes with a remote control.

Dyson 303516-01 AM10 Humidifier

If you’re familiar with Dyson’s bladeless fan, you’ll recognize the design of this Dyson humidifier. You can purchase it in multiple shades to match your décor.

In fact, it’s both a fan and a humidifier, so it serves to cool you down on hot days.

(In general, though, don’t expect a humidifier to act like an air conditioner. Extra humidity in the air makes it harder for your body to cool down on a hot day.)

There are two main benefits to this product. First, it has Ultraviolet Cleanse technology that removes 99.9% of bacteria before it mists the air.

Next, the Intelligent Climate Control checks both moisture and temperature to prevent over-humidification.

SHARP KC860U PlasmaCluster Air Purifier Humidifier

Get the latest Japanese technology to promote healthy air in your bedroom. Sharp’s air purifier/humidifier has True HEPA filters.

It’s been proven to remove bacteria, molds, fungus, and odors when it was tested in laboratories around the world.

At the same time, it humidifies the air perfectly as it uses sensors to detect air quality.

Furthermore, at just 26 dB, you’ll never notice it operating as you drift off to sleep.

Honeywell Easy to Care Cool Mist Humidifier, HCM-710

Honeywell’s HCM-710 is a wicking humidifier that’s silent and effective. It’s also very easy to clean.

It runs up to 36 hours on a full tank. But it has three speed settings to allow you to adjust the output and the sound.

An illuminated window reveals the water level.

The only con is that you’ll need to remember to change the filter on occasion. The filter prevents white dust from forming on surfaces if you use hard water.

Safety 1st 360-Degree Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

Safety 1^st puts two mist nozzles on the top of this humidifier. They rotate 360°.

A full tank means 24 hours of mist. Before the water is gone, a light will remind you to refill, or the humidifier will shut down automatically.

LEVOIT Cool Mist Humidifier for Bedroom, 4.5L, Essential Oil Diffuser

This high-capacity humidifier by Levoit operates up to 40 hours on the lowest flow setting. At the maximum rate, the mist comes out at 300 mL per hour to humidify large rooms.

While it’s running, the noise level is only 28 dB.

Add an essential oil like lavender to the aroma box and enjoy the fragrance while you relax. This is also helpful if you’ve been congested. In that case, add eucalyptus or peppermint.

Honeywell Easy to Care Warm Mist Humidifier

If you have a cold bedroom or you’re ill, you might prefer a warm mist humidifier. This one from Honeywell operates up to 24 hours nonstop on low.

It also has a medicine cup if you use liquid inhalants.

Vicks Warm Steam Vaporizer with Nightlight

Vicks built their Warm Steam Vaporizer with a Steam Guard to prevent burns. It’s suited for small to medium rooms and has a comforting nightlight.

Instead of just one scented pad, you can put two to release soothing aromas like menthol and lavender. There’s also a medicine cup.

Finally, when the water runs out, the vaporizer shuts off automatically.

Homasy VicTsing 2.2L Cool Mist Humidifier

What if you’re not sure if you really want a humidifier? This model has a 30-day no questions asked return policy.

The tank holds about a half-gallon of water and works up to 24 hours without a refill. You can turn the nozzle 360° to direct the mist away from furnishings.

The noise level is rated at just 28 dB, which is quieter than a whisper or desktop computer.

Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, Filter-Free, 1 Gallon

Crane is the company that makes those adorable kids’ humidifiers that look like different animals. They also sell this sleek model with a transparent tank.

It runs up to 24 hours and never needs a filter. It’s powerful enough to humidify up to 500 ft.². If the water runs out, the humidifier shuts down by itself.

TaoTronics Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier

If you can’t decide between buying a warm mist or cool mist humidifier, get this model. It has both functions.

There are three temperature levels, with the maximum reaching 140°F.

Since the tank holds over a gallon of water, it works up to 45 hours continuously. It’s best suited for rooms up to 450 ft.².

At night, you can deactivate the sound and light in sleep mode.

TaoTronics Ultrasonic Humidifier, 4L (1 Gallon)

TaoTronics put an LED display on this humidifier to show you the current relative humidity. Then you can choose from three mist levels.

It has a nightlight, or you can put it in sleep mode to turn off lights altogether.

With a one-gallon tank, it runs up to 30 hours each time you fill it.

On the downside, the operating volume of this model is about 38 dB.

AIRCARE 831000 White Whole House Evaporative Humidifier

Instead of moving your humidifier from room to room, install a whole-house solution. This one covers up to 2700 ft.²

It has an automatic humidity sensor and digital controls to ensure that you don’t overdo the moisture in the air.

With a six-gallon tank, it runs continuously up to 70 hours. The Trapmax Filter keeps the air free of microbes as the humidifier works.

Since it’s an evaporative humidifier, it doesn’t make a mess, either.

ProTec PC-1 Humidifier Tank Cleaning Cartridge

Keep the water in your humidifier tank pure by adding this cleaning cartridge. It prevents slime buildup with silver, not harsh chemicals.

You won’t have to replace it until after 40 refills.

KAZ PC1F Protec Humidifier Tank Cleaner

If your humidifier tank is transparent, this cute little fish is an attractive addition. But it’s not a decoration – it’s an anti-microbial cleaning cartridge that’s compatible with practically every humidifier on the market.

It works for up to 30 days before you need to replace it.

Conclusion

Add humidity to your bedroom air to sleep better at night. The right amount of relative humidity keeps your skin comfortable and your breathing clear.

It also reduces the transmission of colds and the flu.

If you found a humidifier today that you love using, tell us about it in the comments below.

Resources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021 accessed September 23, 2019

2. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0057485, High Humidity Leads to Loss of Infectious Influenza Virus from Simulated Coughs, by John D. Noti , et al., published: February 27, 2013, accessed September 24, 2019