Best Humidifier for Respiratory, Lung, and Breathing Problems

Best Humidifier for Respiratory, Lung, and Breathing Problems

best humidifier for respiratory lung, and, breathing problems

BeCalmingHaven / Amazon

What’s the last thing you can ever take for granted?

The health of your family, of course.

Which is why you should only get the best humidifier for respiratory, lung and breathing problems.

By constantly pumping moisture into your home, these devices make sure that the overall health of your household presents a favorable fixture.

Hence the reason behind the coming into being of this article.

More...

The 6 Best Humidifiers for Respiratory, Lung, and Breathing Problems:

After reviewing over 45 models, we've selected for you the six best humidifiers for respiratory problems, lung problems, and breathing problems on the market. 

Therefore, all you have to do now is to select one which meets your requirements!

  • Coverage: 450 ft² for 45 hrs
  • Both warm & cool mist available; benefits from both types in one unit
  • Overall BEST for respiratory, lung, and breathing problems
  • Capacity: 0.5 gal (1.5 l)
  • Coverage: 250 ft² for 16 hrs
  • Our choice for Sinus Problems & Amazon's choice
  • Capacity: 2.5 gal (9.5 l)
  • Coverage: 2600  ft²
  • Best for Large Rooms
  • Capacity: 1 gal (3.8 l
  • UV technology kills 99.9% of bacteria in the water
  • Works well for asthma sufferers
  • Capacity: 0.5 gal (1.9 l)
  • Compatible with conventional plastic water bottles 
  • Perfect for those who like to travel
  • Coverage: 753 ft² for 36 hrs
  • Both warm & cool mist available; benefits from both types in one unit
  • Excellent in alleviating allergies

Overall BEST Humidifier for Respiratory, Lung, & Breathing Problems

#1 TaoTronics TT-AH018 Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier


TaoTronics | TT-AH018 Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier

  • Great range of settings provides great flexibility
  • Warm mist reaches up to 60 °C (140 °F) for quick heating
  • Easy to refill for less micromanagement of the humidifier
  • Covers up to 50 sq. m (538 sq. ft) for full home coverage
  • 360-degree nozzle
  • Great post-purchase customer service
  • Warm mist is automatically disabled during sleep due to safety reasons
  • Doesn’t support essential oils

At the top of the list, we have the TaoTronics TT-AH018. There are several reasons for that.

The first thing worth considering is how wide of an area it can humidify.

With a maximum run-time of 45 straight hours and covering up to 450 ft², the TT-AH018 has plenty of capacity for bedrooms, kitchens, and workshop garages. 

Not to mention, the great thing about most modern humidifiers is that they allow you to choose how much moisture to spread into the air.

The TT-AH018 has three speeds that release between 60 and 300 mL of water per hour, which make this humidifier the best option for small to medium sized rooms.

Secondly are its precise controls. 

By pushing a few buttons, you can configure the device to automatically shut down when the room reaches a relative humidity of anywhere between 40% and 95% at 5% increments.

It goes without saying that having full-control over how a humidifier performs contributes greatly to our comfort.

Next, one of the greatest things about the TT_AH018 is that it comes with an optional temperature control feature.

A built-in heater warms the mist as it blasts out of the nozzle, warming up the room to a toasty temperature during the winter.

This device has three heating options: 104°F, 122°F, and 140°F.

Please keep children away from this humidifier when the heater is activated. Thankfully, the unit has heat protection and a toppling sensor to prevent dry burns and spills.

The unit's low-water sensors will also hit the kill switch when their reservoirs are low on water. 

Overall, the TT-AH018 is a humidifier that many would consider as the best humidifier for respiratory, lung, and breathing problems!

Other Great Humidifiers for Respiratory, Lung, & Breathing Problems:

#2 Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier


Pure Enrichment | MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

  • Automatic shutdown feature
  • Reliable
  • Noise Free
  • 360-degree dozzle
  • Great post-purchase customer service
  • You have to buy filter separately for hard water
  • LED light can be annoying
  • Can be difficult to clean the tank

Next up we have the MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier.

Although the water tank is merely 1.5 liters, you can expect it to run for 8 hours straight.

While it may not be enough for a large-sized room, the MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier works the best for middle-sized rooms.

So, it will suffice the needs of your bedroom or office. 

With the 360-degree nozzle, the humidifier gives you the power to control the mist direction and speed.

However, pushing the button repeatedly can be irritating. A knob would’ve been better.

If you don’t want to be worried about when to turn off the unit like me, then this the humidifier for you as it comes with an automatic shutdown feature.

So, if you have removed the tank or the water is low, the humidifier will automatically switch off.

The humidifier is perfect for the bedroom as it does not make any noise. However, the bright LED light might be too distracting.

Moreover, it doesn’t come with a filter. So, you’ll have to get that separately if you’re not using filtered water.

MistAire's Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier comes with a warranty of 2 years. You wouldn’t see that many companies giving away warranties. That’s a plus!

#3 AirCare MA0800 Digital Whole-House Humidifier


AirCare | MA0800 Digital Whole-House Humidifier

  • Auto-humidistat
  • Massive Coverage
  •  A work horse
  • Automatic shutdown feature
  • Large tank and long-running
  • Makes noise
  • Filters need replacing frequently and are costly

Next, we have the AirCare MA0800 Digital Whole-House Humidifier. The humidifier comes with a digital control and humidistat for automatic regulation.

This smart device will turn itself off at the right humidity level, making your breathing more comfortable.

The automatic shutdown feature will also activate when the 2.5 gal tank gets empty.

Plus, this beast has a massive coverage of 2600 square feet - you can use this one for the entire house!

Together with its latest technology, this humidifier will keep the flu virus, allergens, and other microbes away from you.

If you’re impressed by the features, then the price will shock you. The cost for this is well worth the investment.

The catch is that the filters can be costly - which you have to replace every 2 to 3 months.

While not as quiet as other ultrasonic humidifiers, AirCare's MA0800 Digital Whole-House Humidifier has a nighttime feature which you can set to keep it quiet.

This is a work horse of a humidifier that you should look at to alleviate your breathing and respiratory issues in a larger sized home.

#4 Honeywell HCM350W Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier


Honeywell | HCM350W Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier

  • Wicking filter for impurities
  • Germ-free and cool mist
  • UV technology to reduce bacteria
  • Easy to clean and refill
  • 3-year warranty
  • Large size
  • No automatic shutdown
  • Humidity monitor needs to be purchased separately

Next on the list is a humidifier liked by many.

The Honeywell HCM350W Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier comes with a capillary filter to get rid of the impurities from the water.

Plus, the filter removes the allergens causing symptoms of asthma. Although this humidifier is not a cure for asthma, it can help with it.

Moreover, their patented germ-killing UV technology will eliminate all the bacteria, molds, and other microorganisms from the water.

Therefore, what you get is an entirely germ-free cool mist in your house.

The tank uses about 2 gallons of water daily. So, if you are running it for a full day, you’ll have to fill it twice. It is doable if you ask me.

Also, the tank is easy to clean, the handle makes lifting simple, and it is safe for dishwashers. All of this is of great convenience.

You might have to replace the filter from time to time, but that won ‘t put a dent in your wallet.

However, the humidifier doesn’t come with an automatic shutdown feature. So, you’ll have to keep an eye on the water level. The humidifier will damage itself if it’s low on water.

Since it is not an ultrasonic humidifier, you can expect it to be noisy.

Moreover, the large size won’t fit in a nightstand. 

#5 BONECO Travel Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier


BONECO | Travel Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

  • Comes with a cleaning brush, an international AC adapter, and a travel bag
  • Compact design
  • Automatic shutdown feature
  • You can use different sizes of bottles
  • You cannot buy the water valve piece separately
  • A bit noisy
  • LED light is too bright for dark rooms

Here is a humidifier that you don't see everyday but well worth considering.

The BONECO Travel Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is compact and can be used with different water bottles.

Hence, you can easily take it anywhere and set it up. 

You can get your desired humidity level by adjusting the settings. Plus, this travel humidifier comes with an automatic shutdown ability.

It will turn off by itself when the water levels are low to prevent damage.

While there are several travel humidifiers, this one from BONECO is the most compact, versatile and enduring.

You can use it up to 12 hours straight. However, the usage depends on the size of the bottle you’re using.

Furthermore, you get an international AC adapter, a travel bag, and a brush for cleaning.

Thus, making the BONECO Travel Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier one of the best for travelers.

However, this humidifier, like any other, is not perfect. Some issues bothered me.

First, the water valve piece, the one that you attach to the bottle, isn’t sold separately. So, there’s no luck finding one if you lose or break it.

Plus, I find the light to be irritating when I turn off the lights.

Moreover, the machine isn’t as quiet as ultrasonic humidifiers should be. 

#6 Levoit LV600HH Ultrasonic Humidifier


Levoit | LV600HH Ultrasonic Humidifier

  • Both cool and warm mist
  • Self-regulated
  • Remote control provided
  • Automatic shutdown feature
  • You can add fragrances
  • 360-degree dual nozzle
  • You cannot use hard water
  • The water tank opening is at the bottom
  • Can be difficult to clean

This one is for the large rooms. If you have got a room over 150 square feet, then other humidifiers would fail to cover the area.

Usually, humidifiers cannot cover that much area. However, the powerful Levoit LV600HH Humidifier will do for a room that big.

It comes with a control panel and remote control for your convenience.

Plus, both warm and cool mist with this one means that you can use it throughout the year.

The humidifier features a dual 360-degree nozzle. Along with it are a 6-liter tank, speed and mode adjustments, and a humidistat. The humidistat is surprisingly accurate.

Being ultrasonic, it won’t be noisy at all.

Also, the device can smartly regulate the humidity levels.

It also has an air freshener box in which you can add the essential oils. Therefore, you can add fragrance to the mist.

You get 2 pieces each of aroma pad and descaling pad, along with a cleaning brush.

So, if you think the price is steep, then think again. The price is right with all the features.

However, you might find it annoying to turn the tank upside down to fill it.

Also, there is no filter. So, you’ll have to use distilled water for this one. 


Considerations when buying the Best Humidifier for Respiratory, Lung, and Breathing Problems

best humidifier for respiratory lung, and, breathing problems

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, so if you have problems in breathing, nasal congestion, allergies, or other respiratory problems, then getting a humidifier will definitely help.

But with all these options available, how do you know which humidifier is suitable for you?

To get the right one, we have just the guide for you:

a) Types of humidifiers

warm vs cold mist humidifiers

The first thing to consider is the type of humidifier you are getting.

When it comes to the types of the humidifiers, there are three – cool mist, warm mist, and dual mist (ultrasonic) humidifiers. 

Let’s check what each of them has to offer.

warm vs cool mist humidification

Warm Mist Humidifiers

The warm mist increases the room temperature by boiling the water in it, thus converting it into steam.

These are the ones you should get for winters as it is easier to breathe in the warm air. Plus, the warm mist kills the microbes in the water.

However, some pediatricians do not recommend warm mist humidifiers if the children are around due to safety issues.

Cool Mist Humidifiers

Then there are the cool mist humidifiers which will decrease the room temperature.

There are various ways in which it does that: It is either by evaporating water or by using impellers to convert water into tiny drops which the air takes up. 

Dual Mist Humidifiers

The best of both worlds. The third type is the one which is capable of producing both cool and warm mist. Therefore, you can use them all year long.

However, unlike the warm mist humidifiers, it typically does not boil water, making the vapors generally less warm than the warm mist ones.

b) Level of humidity for respiratory, lung, and breathing problems

Humidity Gauge

Ideally, the indoor humidity level should be at 20 to 40 percent in winter. For summer, it should be less than 60 percent.

Some humidifiers have a built-in hygrometer which can measure the humidity levels, and some come with a humidistat for the regulation of humidity levels.

Humidifiers with these features are a huge bonus for me!

Low humidity levels cause respiratory and skin problems. However, if the humidity levels are too high, the bacteria and other microbes can grow easily.

So, it is best to keep the humidity in range.

ideal humidity level for humans

BeCalmingHaven / Amazon

c) Ease of usage

Some models come with a display showing the humidity and water levels. Others come with a remote control to let you adjust them from a distance.

easy to use humidifier

There is also a third category which gives you the best of both worlds – a humidistat for automatic regulation.

Regardless of which model you intend to buy, make sure that it comes with an automatic shutdown feature, which turns off the unit as soon as the humidity in your home exceeds safe levels.

As a result, it prevents the device from doing more harm than good. 

d) Type of water

Best Humidifier for Respiratory, Lung, and Breathing Problems

Next, what type of water are you using? The answer to this question depends on the humidifier you have.

If your humidifier comes with a filter, then you can use hard water. Adding the filter will add to the cost.

However, for the ones without a filter, you’d have to use distilled water.

e) Room Size

A humidifier can also only cover a limited area. Therefore, it is critical to get one according to the size of the room.

Best Humidifier for Respiratory, Lung, and Breathing Problems

First, you have to measure the size of the room.

Travel humidifiers can cover up to 25 square feet, enough for hotel rooms. 

Going further, small-room and medium-room humidifiers cover up to 300 square feet and 500 square feet respectively.

If the room size is greater than 500 square feet, then a large-room humidifier ought to do the job.

f) Noise

Best Humidifier for Respiratory, Lung, and Breathing Problems

Lastly, noise. If you’re after a model which would let you sleep as you leave it turned on at your bedside table, the ultrasonic models are your best bet.

Of the three types of humidifiers that we’ve discussed earlier, the ultrasonic ones are undoubtedly the quietest.

That’s because the operation of these models make sure that they churn out moisture without the involvement of too many moving parts. 

Bottom Line - Best Humidifier for Respiratory, Lung, and Breathing Problems

Overall Best

Best for Sinus Problems

Best for Large Rooms

Best for Asthma

Best for Travelling

Best for Allergies

Header
Header

TaoTronics TT-AH018 Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier

MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

AirCare MA0800 Digital Whole-House Humidifier

Honeywell HCM350W Germ-Free Cool Mist Humidifier

BONECO Travel Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

LEVOIT LV600HH Ultrasonic Humidifier

Price

Weight

10.3 pounds

1.75 pounds

8.5 pounds

9.4 pounds

1.3 pounds

4.92 pounds

Coverage Area

450 sq. ft

250 sq. ft

2600 sq. ft

N/A

N/A

753 sq. ft

Tank Capacity

1.5 gal

0.5 gal

2.5 gal

1 gal

0.5 gal

1.5 gal

Auto Shutdown

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

There you have them; six of the best humidifiers for respiratory, lung, and breathing problems.

Overall, we recommend that you should definitely consider TaoTronics TT-AH018 Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier to alleviate your breathing or lung problems.

Despite having a smaller reservoir and reduced run-time compared to some of the other models, the convenience-adding features (humidistat and preset relative humidity levels) set it apart from the rest.

Also, we can't forget about the awesome temperature control feature that lets you humidify and warm up a room during the frigid winter months.

These features, in our opinion, are why the TT-AH018 deserves the number one spot on our list.  

If you are looking for a humidifier specific for Asthma, do check out our review of the best humidifiers for Asthma and Allergies!

And if you would like more options for sinus problems, check out this list which contains a comprehensive buying guide for sufferers of sinusitis!

Regardless of what your requirements are, we hope that this feature-list of these models is so diverse that you can get a model which fits the bill for you to breathe freely again!