Shopping for an efficient humidifier for dry skin, nose, and eyes?
Then take a look at the top-rated units we review & compare below.
For residents of arid cities, dry desert areas, and places with long winters, a good humidifier is critical to keeping your eyes, noses, and skin healthy. In addition, a humidifier can make indoor air cleaner, fresher and more comfortable to breathe.
However, with so many models and types of humidifiers on the market – and with so many features to choose from – finding the best humidifier to protect your skin, nose, and eyes can be time-consuming.
In this guide, you will learn about what we think are the best humidifiers sold online that are especially helpful in relieving common nose, skin, and eye problems associated with dry indoor air.
We also provide a brief shopping guide below that explains the features and capabilities you should look for in a humidifier to address these common conditions.
If you’re short on time, let’s start with our top picks overall for preventing dry skin, dry noses, and dry eyes:
Top 3 Picks
- Warm mist & cold mist
- Essential oil diffuser
- Can handle large open plan spaces
- Cool mist
- 24-hour timer saves energy
- LED control panel w/ alerts
- Warm mist
- Medicinal cup for liquid inhalants.
- Auto-off feature when tank empties
What Causes Dry Nose?
A dry nose can lead to extreme discomfort and irritation. During dry seasons in winters or in low humidity areas, the nasal passages are unable to produce enough moisture. As a result, mucus that acts as a lubricant for the nose thickens and dries out. This causes the nose to dry out.
Forced heating of the indoors during winters further dries out the moisture, causing irritation. Due to this condition, the membranes inside the nose become fragile and undergo damage. Bleeding results due to the cracking or damage that the nasal membranes face.
Sinuses and Dry Nose Symptoms
Many symptoms can point towards sinuses and a dry nose. These symptoms worsen in dry conditions. The most common symptoms include:
- Sinus headache
- Constant itching and nose irritation
- Pain in the facial area, especially the forehead.
- Congested nose.
- Cough, fever, or sore throat.
If any of these symptoms persist, then you should consult a doctor.
If dry weather is the cause of the symptoms, it is wise to invest in a humidifier.
What Type of Humidifier is Best for a Dry Nose?
Two types of humidifiers can counter dry air and prevent a dry nose.
A warm mist humidifier works quietly and ensures that the mist released is free of mold and germs.
In contrast, a cool mist humidifier does not work as quietly as a warm mist humidifier, but it covers a larger area.
Both types are effective for treating a dry nose.
What's in This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Now that you know the causes and symptoms of a dry nose and the basic difference between the two types of humidifiers, it’s time to choose the right unit.
We’ve reviewed some of the best available humidifiers for dry skin, nose, and eyes to help you out.
This buying guide also includes features that you should consider before buying a humidifier.
Familiarity with these features will help you get the most suitable humidifier for your needs.
Lastly, we look at the different types of humidifiers and which type works best under what conditions.
Best Humidifiers for Dry Nose, Skin and Eyes
- Best Dual Mode Humidifier: Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier
- Best Ultra-Quiet Humidifier: Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier
- Best for medicated use: Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
- Best for large rooms: LEVOIT Humidifier
- 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:
11 x 7 x 13 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
Our first pick is one of the best humidifiers for any weather.
It offers long working hours and unbeatable performance.
This dual-mode humidifier is a compact unit that weighs 5 pounds and has a lot of features packed in it.
At 11.6 x 7.7 x 11 inches, it fits easily on tabletops or in room corners where the unit is out of reach of pets and children.
Features
- It fashions a stylish black layout constructed from high-grade ABS plastic.
- You can adjust the 360o adjustable nozzle to release the mist in whichever direction you want.
- Dual functionality available: it supports both warm and dry mist modes.
- Uses ultrasonic technology to form and release mist.
- Mist output ranges from 100ml/hour to 500ml/hour.
- The humidity sensor automatically sets the mist output to optimal settings.
- Suitable for rooms up to 750 square feet.
- You can use it for up to 40 hours continuously.
- It features a sharp LED display for easy reading.
- Sleep mode lowers the operational noise and turns off the LED to provide a relaxing environment.
- Controllable via remote control, further enhancing usability.
- Usable for aromatherapy purposes.
Summary
This humidifier can release both warm and cold mists; both modes work on the latest ultrasonic technology that uses high-frequency oscillations to form water droplets.
These water droplets are released into the air as warm or cold mist, according to your preference.
With up to six liters of fluid capacity, the humidifier can serve large rooms that measure up to 700 square feet.
The large water holding capacity prevents the hassle of refilling the humidifier again and again. Moreover, one refill can last up to forty hours of continuous operation.
Various safety measures ensure safe usage. For example, when the humidifier is out of water, it automatically shuts off.
Such a feature prevents overworking that might cause damage to the empty appliance. Furthermore, for warm mist, the temperature is maintained at a safe level so that the machine does not pose any burning risks.
The humidifier does not need any filters, but you might want to use a filter for limescale if you are using hard water.
There are two aromatherapy pads included in the package. Pouring a few drops of aromatherapy essential oils in the aromatherapy box adds a relaxing and energizing fragrance to the air. The remote controllability further enhances the ease of use.
PROS
- The appliance is suitable for use in large spaces.
- It has an auto-shutoff feature to prevent malfunctioning when the water runs out.
- A built-in hygrometer assesses the humidity levels and sets the output accordingly.
- Usable with essential oils for aromatherapy.
CONS
- It comes at a high price.
- Not the quietest model on the market.
This humidifier is suitable for use in homes with babies and the elderly.
Because of its quiet operation, it does not cause any noises that might disturb users.
Best for use in hot, dry weather or arid areas, this humidifier releases cool mist.
The cool mist not only helps make the air fresh and comfortable but also lowers the room temperature.
As a result, the moisture lasts longer in the room’s atmosphere.
Features
- Suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
- Uses UV technology to kill microbes in the water for sterilization.
- Evaporative technology ensures that the room is not over-humidified.
- A wicking filter prevents the release of mineral dust with the mist into the air.
- It enhances the circulation of air within the room.
- The wide-mouthed water tank is easy to clean even from the inside.
- A very quiet operation which makes it suitable for baby nurseries as well.
Summary
The humidifier is built to function in small and medium-sized rooms. It is a great option for bedrooms and nurseries.
To ensure that the mist is not propelling any germs into your environment, the humidifier employs UV technology to sterilize the water.
Before the water is released as mist, it goes through a UV path where it is subjected to radiation.
These radiations kill any bacteria, mold, fungi, or viruses present in the water, allowing the use of tap water in the humidifier.
Evaporative technology is one of the most robust mechanisms that you can get in a humidifier.
This technology ensures that the air is not over-humidified. Over-humidity can make the air difficult to breathe in, too.
With evaporative technology, the air remains at optimal humidity level because it cannot add more moisture or vapors to the air than it can hold. It maintains the humidity level around 40-60%, making for a perfect breathing environment.
Tapped or hard water holds mineral content. This humidifier utilizes a wicking filter to trap these minerals and prevent their release as white dust into the air.
As a result, your air remains free of minerals and any dust or powder. However, for the best performance, you should buy the Honeywell filter instead of a compatible alternative.
PROS
- A cool-mist humidifier that can efficiently and quickly restore the moisture in the room.
- It keeps the humidity at an ideal level between 40 and 60% via evaporative technology.
- It captures mineral dust in the wicking filter.
- Can run up to 24 hours on one full water tank.
- The noiseless operation makes it suitable for care rooms and nurseries, etc.
CONS
- The wicking filter needs to be replaced after a while.
- The tank is not readily visible to monitor water consumption.
Doctors often advise using a humidifier to deal with dry skin, nose, and eyes. Under such circumstances, your doctor may prescribe medicated liquids to disperse using a humidifier.
We believe that the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier is the best choice for this purpose.
Features
- A compact unit measuring 12 x 7.88 x 14.25 inches and weighing only 4.8 pounds
- You can place it on table tops, top shelves, nightstands, etc., with ease.
- Includes a medicine cup for putting liquid inhalants that need to be released into the air to help with breathing.
- Two-output settings for controlling the amount of mist released.
- Very effective against congestion of throat and nose as well as for use in the flu season.
- A small design that can work for up to 24 hours in one tank refill.
Summary
The Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier is ideal for relieving nasal congestion and dry nose. The warm mist effectively penetrates the dry air, raising the moisture level of the surroundings quickly.
As a result, it enhances the breathability of the air, which helps counter dry nose and congestion.
The compact design can fit perfectly in all spaces. Moreover, this small and lightweight layout makes it convenient to carry the unit around.
That’s why you can take it along with you on trips as well. It also includes a medicated cup in the design to make the humidifier usable for medicated use.
For users who want to use it with liquid inhalants such as Vicks vapo steam, this humidifier is an ideal choice.
Unlike other humidifiers that might malfunction if you use them with medicated liquids, the Vicks warm mist humidifier is not affected.
Even though this design features a clear glass through which you can see when the water level is lowering, the humidifier takes an extra step to ensure safety.
If it uses all the water and the tank is empty, the humidifier turns off itself, preventing any damage to the machine or the environment.
PROS
- It offers a separate chamber for medicated liquids and inhalants.
- Features auto-off settings that prevent the appliance from burning or fusing out if the water tank empties.
- It produces a 95% sterile mist.
- Complimentary products such as inhalants and hygrometers are readily available.
- It does not require much space and can fit table tops, nightstands, top shelves, etc.
CONS
- Not compatible for use with essential oils.
- The tank capacity is small.
This next pick ensures an unwavering performance even if you use it constantly. For flu and allergy seasons or for constantly dry weather, this humidifier would be a good option.
Features
- Large water tank with a water holding capacity of 6 liters or 1.6 gallons.
- The filter-less design prevents the hassle of replacing the filter.
- Ultrasonic sterilization effectively kills microbes, including bacteria, fungi, molds, and viruses.
- It supports the use of essential oils for aromatherapy.
- Lowers the operational noise to below 30db in sleep mode to provide a relaxing environment.
- User-friendly design and settings provide a very comfortable experience.
Summary
We all know that looking for spare parts like filters can become quite a nuisance when dealing with daily use appliances like a humidifier.
In case of damage to a filter, the humidifier becomes unusable unless you replace the filter.
To save the users from this hassle, the Everlasting Comfort Cool Humidifier has a filter-less design; you don’t need to search for replacements or worry about cleaning the filter.
The Everlasting comfort cool humidifier is ideal for use in large rooms, offices, apartments, college dorms, or nurseries.
It can hydrate the air in spaces that measure up to 500 square feet. Even though large rooms require more intensive working, the humidifier can last for up to 50 hours on one tank fill.
It uses ultrasonic technology to kill any microbes, germs, molds, or fungi that might be in the water before the mist is formed and released.
Moreover, this humidifier features an essential oil tray. You just have to put a few drops of essential oil of your choice in the tray to use it.
The humidifier will pass the mist through the tray before releasing it into the air. As a result, your environment will become pleasantly fragrant and relaxing.
PROS
- Very quiet operation (below 30db) makes it suitable for night use.
- Features a large tank with a holding capacity of 6 liters
- Supports a two-year replacement warranty in case it malfunctions
- Can run for up to 50 hours in one tank fill.
- Suitable for apartments, studio space, offices, and rooms that measure up to 500 square feet.
CONS
- You cannot rotate the fixed nozzle to change directions.
- The water tank is not readily visible.
This Levoit humidifier is one of the most popular sold today with excellent verified owner reviews.
It is especially effective against dry noses and sinuses.
During allergy season and dry indoor winters, many people encounter the problem of a dry nose that can lead to sinus headaches.
The Levoit humidifier is very effective in fighting this problem by reducing the dryness of the air.
Features
- The Levoit humidifier also supports dual functionality; it works as a cool and warm mist humidifier.
- This feature increases its usability, making it effective for use around the year.
- It comes with a built-in automatic sensor that can sense the drop or rise in humidity in the environment and automatically adjust its output.
- The mist passes through the box and carries the freshness and the fragrance along with it.
- It has user-friendly features and design for customer’s ease of use.
- It has a large water holding capacity and is suitable for continuous use.
Summary
If you are in the mood for some aromatherapy with essential oils, then this humidifier will serve this purpose well.
All you have to do is spread a few drops of your favorite essential oils or aromatherapy liquids into the aroma box. The mist passes through the box and carries the freshness and the fragrance along with it.
Many other features make the appliance user-friendly. These include noiseless operation and remote controllability.
It also comes with three aroma pads and absorption pads each; one of each of these comes pre-installed.
PROS
- A clear LED display represents various settings such as humidity level, timer, mist level, etc.
- It supports timer settings for up to 12 hours.
- The package includes a cleaning brush, extra aroma, and absorption pads, as well as a user guide. You don’t have to buy any additional parts.
- It is safe to use around infants and pets.
- With a water capacity of 6 liters or 1.5 gallons, you can use the humidifier in rooms as large as 753 square feet /70 m2.
- The appliance can run up to 60 hours on low mist output. You can set the mist output to 500ml/hour.
CONS
- This humidifier is a little pricey.
- It is a big unit and needs some designated space.
Buyer's Guide: What to Consider When Choosing a Humidifier for Dry Nose
A humidifier can bring a great deal of change to your living environment. It can assist with breathing when you get a dry nose or sinuses. Hydration of the atmosphere around you is also good for your skin and eyes.
Since this appliance is quite important, you should take a look at the features to consider before buying the humidifier so that you land with the most suitable deal possible. Some important things to consider include:
Humidifying performance:
The humidifying performance determines the humidity output of the model. Ideally, there should be 40-60% of humidity in a living environment.
If you are living in a dry arid environment, make sure that the humidifying performance of the model you buy can maintain a 40-60% humid environment. However, the humidifier should not raise the levels above 60%; otherwise, the moisture accumulation could damage the room’s furniture and paint.
Cleaning and maintenance:
One of the best things about humidifiers is that they are very low maintenance. But to ensure their longevity, you must clean them regularly.
Routine cleaning should involve inspecting the water tank for any mold, mildew, or bacterial growth. You should also wash the water tank at least once every week during regular use. Some humidifiers have a dishwasher-safe water tank; you can very conveniently put them in the dishwasher when required.
You also need to check the mist ducts regularly to ensure that there are no blockages. In homes with children, the humidifier should be 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.
Cool mist humidifiers use a wicking filter to capture mineral dust. These filters need to be replaced as advised by the manufacturer. If not, the mineral dust buildup might affect the performance and cause a blockage. An overused filter also poses the problem of releasing mineral dust into the air.
To be on the safe side, do not put any other part of the humidifier under water except for the water tank. Make sure that water does not splash onto the control panels, nor does it enter the tray for essential oils.
Lastly, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the use and turn the appliance off in between long-hour uses.
Operating cost:
Another very important consideration about humidifiers is their operating cost. The appliance runs on electricity, so you should expect an increase in your utility bills. Power-intensive humidifiers will add more to the bill compared to smaller units.
However, those used mainly for rooms and apartments are not very power-intensive. The average operational cost is between $2.5 and $4.5 per 100 lbs of water turned to mist. However, the maintenance cost is low. Occasionally, you might want to invest in a filter if the humidifier uses one.
Easy to fill
A humidifier’s functioning is dependent upon the water present in its storage chamber or water tank. You need to fill the chamber frequently. Therefore, the tank must be easy to fill. Humidifiers with wide-mouthed, easily detachable tanks are the most convenient to fill.
Tank capacity
The tank capacity determines the run time of the humidifier. Smaller capacity humidifiers shut down early once the tank empties, and they need frequent refilling. If you do not want to refill the tank daily, then it is best to invest in humidifiers with 6 liters of capacity. Such tanks can run for up to 50-60 hours on one tank on continuous use.
Smaller tanks usually last for about 24 hours before they need refilling. If you don’t mind refilling the tank daily, then a smaller capacity humidifier will also suffice your needs.
Speed settings
Cool and dry mist humidifiers come with output speeds or levels.
The speed level determines how much mist the unit releases every hour.
In humidifiers, this speed ranges between 200 and 500ml/hour in cool mist models.
Warm mists models have a couple of options for fixed speeds rather than a range.
If the rate or speed of output is slower, then it will take more time for the air to become hydrated.
Faster speed gets the job done quicker.
Filter or no filter:
The purpose of the filter in a humidifier is to ensure that no microbes or mineral dust escape into the air along with the mist. Some humidifiers like cool mist humidifiers need a filter to make sure that the mist is free of contaminants.
But other types like warm mist or ultrasonic humidifiers have other built-in mechanisms such as UV or ultrasonic technologies. These technologies get rid of any microbes present before the water turns into mist.
The choice for filters depends on whether or not the model you buy requires it or not. If the humidifier requires a filter, then the only consideration is that the filter will need changing every now and then.
Cost & warranty
Many humidifiers for dry skin, nose, and eyes are available from $50 to $100.
If you want your humidifier to include features like aromatherapy, timers, and a large water tank, then you will have to spend more.
Also, make sure that the humidifier you buy has at least a year-long warranty.
Types of Humidifiers for Dry Nose
There are three types of humidifiers for dry nose. These types differ based on the method they use to form the mist and the temperature of the mist.
Warm mist humidifiers
The best type of humidifier to relieve congestion, dry nose, and throat is a warm mist humidifier.
Warm mist humidifiers are usually built to serve one small to medium-sized room.
Cool mist humidifiers:
For larger rooms, cool mist humidifiers may be be more useful.
This is because cool mist humidifiers spread mist over larger spaces more easily.
The cool mist is formed by the application of ultrasonic technology vaporizing water.
The mist is then released at room temperature (no heating elements are involved).
Cool mist humidifiers are more commonly used year-round use than other types, as well.
Evaporative humidifiers:
This type of humidifier works without electricity.
It depends on water evaporation to increase the moisture level of the room.
Although inexpensive, evaporative humidifiers are slow and not suitable for large rooms.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Humidifier for Dry Nose and Why?
We believe the Levoit humidifier reviewed above is the best humidifier for dry noses for most people.
It is capable of producing warm and cool mist and utilizes the same modern ultrasonic technology as the Vicks Filterless Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier to do so.
The Levoit can also be used for aromatherapy and is built to last.
Finally, the price is very affordable.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
