Veridian Steam Inhaler : This steam inhaler works with distilled or tap water and provides treatments of up to 9 minutes. The inhaler is latex-free and heats up in 1 minute. Mypurmist Free Ultrapure Steam Inhaler : This cordless, handheld device does not require any maintenance and uses HEPA filters to remove particles from the air. It is suitable for individuals aged 12 years and older.

Key specs – Dimensions: 26 x 25 x 34cm (WDH); Tank size: 3.8l; Running time: Up to 22 hours; Automatic shut-off: Yes; Warranty: Lifetime According to Healthline, allergies that cause symptoms such as nasal congestion and inflammation will indeed be relieved by greater levels of moisture in the air. Take one look at the claims of any humidifier and you will see that many claim to cure ills ranging from mild hay fever to asthma, flu and dry skin. As with any technology like this, results will inevitably vary, but is there any truth in these claims?However, a 2016 study found that steam inhalation is ineffective. The researchers behind the study observed that steam inhalation had no significant effect on symptoms of sinus congestion apart from relieving headaches. Are steam inhalers safe to use? It’s also super stylish, very quiet, can be controlled via your smartphone or remote control, and it’s extremely easy to keep bacteria-free. There are no filters here; instead, Dyson uses a high-power UV lamp to kill off nasties before they’re pumped into the air. The only cleaning you have to do yourself is periodically to run a so-called “deep clean” which involves, essentially, descaling the parts that accumulate scale over time. Also consider the size of the humidifier you buy. Smaller models are easier to move, while larger ones cover a bigger area. Here are the three main sizes:

It’s also great at filtering out indoor air pollution and a mighty powerful fan to boot. Expensive, then, but it does a lot and looks exceedingly attractive, too. You don’t get a sensor or any automatic controls – you’ll need the more expensive Dual 200S for that – but the Dual 150 puts out plenty of fine mist, raising the humidity in our test room by around 18% in half an hour. It’s also very quiet, measuring 28dB at most, which makes it perfect for a living room or bedroom. What’s more, you can add essential oils and aromas to the water without fear of damaging the ultrasonic mechanism. Compact, effective and affordable, it’s an excellent choice for a quiet bedroom or any smaller space. Console humidifiers are larger, freestanding units, designed to deliver moisture for a whole office, flat or an area of a house. A good console humidifier can balance the air quality in a whole house, provided the house isn’t too big! Little, P., et al. (2016). Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. With frequent cleaning, this shouldn't cause too much of a problem, but it's something to keep in mind if you live in an area where the tap water is particularly hard. Which humidifier is best?On the other hand, using a humidifier too often can present its own problems when humidity levels become too high. As mentioned, 40% is optimum; but indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% are considered fine for health and comfort. Lower than 30% is too dry, and risks causing short-term health problems and exacerbating long-term problems. Higher than 50 to 60% creates a welcoming environment for bacteria, dust mites and mould – not to mention a musty smell. If your humidity levels regularly rise above 60%, particularly in the winter, you might want to think about investing in a dehumidifier. What features should I look for in a humidifier? Cough & cold season: The right humidity level helps easy breathing and favorizes a more comfortable and restful sleep. No matter what, humidifiers need to be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria and mould from developing and causing health problems of their own. Do this with natural solutions such as vinegar, rather than bleach or other chemical cleaners. Are humidifiers good for babies?

Humidifiers are also touted as an alternative treatment for colds and flu, which can feel worse in dry environments. Indoor heating in the winter can contribute to this discomfort, so it may be helpful to use a humidifier during the colder months if you suffer from breathing issues. Humidifiers often have a choice of continuous or intermittent spray patterns, giving you a non-stop stream for six to 12 hours, or a longer running time with regular pauses. You may also get additional heat, mist or power levels, depending on the technology used. For safety reasons, it is also important to follow manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning the device.

Beyond the basic humidification functions, you’ll find oodles of clever optional features such as antibacterial UV lights, digital control panels, spill-proof tanks, and air-cleaning “pre-filters” that are designed to trap pet hair, dust and even some pollen. Perhaps the most important features in a humidifier are the following:

In general, a higher level of moisture in the air (though not over 50%) promotes better sleep for everyone, including babies. Humidifiers and essential oils (like scented VapoPads) can help you and your family stay healthy during the cold season. Scarborough, A., et al. (2020). Steam inhalation: More harm than good? Perspective from a UK burns centre.

Pharmacy product

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), steam inhalation is one of the common treatments for sinusitis. The AAFA also notes that people use this therapy option three to four times per day. You only have to fill up the tank once a day and it’s a doddle to clean. The release of mist is much more consistent than with some cheaper machines (and even some more expensive ones), but be warned that the mist can cause dampness on fabrics, so keep it away from curtains and furnishings. That aside, this humidifier is hard to beat for the price.