Stuffy nose, dry cough, throbbing headaches… These are just some of the nasty symptoms you might encounter with sinus issues.
Often triggered after catching a cold or after a bout of allergies, sinus issues occur when the membrane lining your nasal cavity becomes irritated. Once this passage has become inflamed, it will start to produce more mucus which, thanks to the swelling in your nasal passage, results in a blockage within the sinuses.
As the sinuses are the small, air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones, nose, and forehead, it’s no wonder they create such discomfort when congested. This condition affects tens of millions of people every year in America, with more than $1 billion being spent on over-the-counter medications to treat it.
Be sure to avoid catching new infections by also running an air purifier that deals with bacteria and viruses or if you perfer one unit, then look at what are the best air purifier and humidifier combos.
While getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking painkillers will put you on the road to recovery, there are some excellent long-term solutions to relieve pain and soothe symptoms at home. One of the most effective ways is to invest in a humidifier.
Unknown to many, dry conditions will exacerbate your sinus problems, so by adding moisture to the air in your space, you will help lubricate the aggravated tissue in your nasal passage. This will improve airflow, help break down congested mucus, and most importantly, relieve pressure.
In order to get a humidifier that will work best for you, it’s important to choose a machine appropriate for the size of your room. As each humidifier will work at its optimum in a specific sized space, be sure to take measurements before making a purchase. For large rooms, we recommend the Aprilaire 400M While the Pure Guardian H965AR will be ideal for smaller spaces.
By utilizing Consumer Reports and analyzing product reviews through Fakespot, we were able to find eight excellent humidifiers, each with glowing feedback from the genuine people that use them. So you can rest assured that all our recommendations will help alleviate sinus problems.
Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. LEVOIT LV600HH Humidifier
The LEVOIT Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier helps fight off dry air utilizing both warm and cool mist. This is useful for those that want more freedom to choose their type of mist based on how they’re feeling at the time. Alongside that, the unit is designed to handle large rooms, so you can feel relief no matter where you set this up in your home from the bedroom to the living room. Thanks to the large tank size, this should run continuously for around 50 hours too, giving your sinuses plenty of relief from dry air.
This is a go-to unit if you want smart humidification. This features a built-in sensor that, when set up in Auto Mode, will detect current humidity levels. If it feels the air needs more, then it will automatically adjust the mist levels so that you don’t have to. This is helpful if you run it throughout the night when no one can get up to notice any changes in humidity levels. The humidifier will consistently perform as it should so you can get through the night.
Utilizing ultrasonic technology, the fine mist is distributed in a uniform fashion so that it spreads faster. More benefits are seen in the optional aromatherapy design. You can add in your beloved essential oils so that the air is no longer just easier to breathe, but also offer other advantages from relaxation to a pleasing scent.
- Tank Size: 12.6 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 753 sq. ft
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Special Features: Warm mist technology up to 4x faster
What we love
- Ultrasonic technology allows for quiet operation for good use at night
- Ability to customize humidity to suit everyone in the home
- Included remote control for quick operation at a distance
- Adjustable display light that can be turned off completely
We don't like this as much
- Remote could have a wider range as it seems limited to a foot away
- As it is oversized, a carrying handle would make it easier to move
2. Elechomes SH8820 Humidifier
The Elechomes SH8820 Humidifier is the ideal unit for the contemporary home. It has a sleek design that is available in both black and white styles. Also, it is far more convenient for those who don’t want to keep moving the unit to refill the tank. Instead, you simply remove the top and pour water in to refill the water reservoir as needed. This makes it more user-friendly and mess-free. Also, with how large the tank is, it doesn’t require frequent refilling either as it’s meant to last 55 hours.
This humidifier is fitted for large or open spaces, so it works in multiple rooms in the home from the living room to the bedrooms. With its use of advanced ultrasonic mist technology, it intends to produce as little noise as possible. So, this can help if you need to use it in the bedroom at nighttime and don’t want anything loud to disturb your sleep. The display even turns off so that nothing will get in the way of your sleep.
As for how this humidifier works, it has modes for both cool mist and warm mist. The versatility allows for far greater uses depending on the specific issue you would like to help alleviate. You can even set the timer, with a range from 1-12 hours, so that you can better control just how much humidity the room receives.
- Tank Size: 13.9 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 755 sq. ft
- Weight: 8.18 pounds
- Special Features: Cool and warm mist modes
What we love
- There's a child lock function on the screen to protect your settings
- The touch panel is very responsive
- The swivel heads allow you to direct where the mist goes
- It has three levels of warm mist to choose from
We don't like this as much
- Could help if the included remote were backlit to see in low light conditions
- The aromatherapy function could be a little stronger
3. Aprilaire 400M Humidifier
When you need a way to deal with dryness that irritates your sinuses throughout your home, the Aprilaire Whole Home Humidifier may be the right unit for the job. This humidifier is especially helpful if you live in an area that’s known to be dry or experiences standard seasonal dryness. Not only will the unit maintain proper humidity levels for the sake of your health, but also for everything else in your home from your furniture to plants and pets.
In fact, this unit is able to maintain a comfortable humidity level between 35%-45%. This can help alleviate your sinus problems as well as reduce bacteria and germs in the air. You can even control this range thanks to the fact that this is a manual unit. In the control monitor is a single sensor built-in. This way, you can set what is the best humidity level for your home, giving you complete freedom in customizing the unit as much as possible.
There is no worry about a mess being made either with this unit, as a drain isn’t actually needed since the humidifier is designed to conserve water. This has a unique evaporation process so that 100% of the water that flows into the water panel is evaporated.
- Tank Size: 163 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 4,000 sq. ft
- Weight: 8.7 pounds
- Special Features: Evaporates 100% of water flowing into the water panel
What we love
- The manual control panel is straightforward to use
- Thanks to quality instructions, it's easy to set up in no time at all
- Good incremental adjustment for the humidity levels
- Accounts for low outside temperatures well to maintain proper levels
We don't like this as much
- Water panels may need to be frequently replaced
- We wish current humidity levels could be sent to your phone via an app
4. Pure Guardian H965AR Humidifier
If you need help easing dry skin issues as well as your sinus problems, then the Pure Guardian Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a great choice. Since it produces tiny water molecules, the air quickly absorbs moisture so you may feel effects not too long after turning it on. Although it has a small tank, it has the ability to run for up to 70 hours if used on the lower speed. This design can give you more than enough time to run this throughout the day and night without having to refill the water tank.
There are three speed controls overall so that you can adjust just how intense or how mild you want the humidifying process to be. The mist is multi-directional too. So, not only can you control the intensity, but you can also control exactly where the mist will focus on coming out toward. Whenever you do run out, there is an indicator light that will come on to tell you when it’s time to refill, and it will automatically shut itself off.
With its overall compact size, this humidifier is further handy for those of you that don’t have that much space to use. You can set it up on a desk or table while still having room for other items. With its 5ft cord, it doesn’t have to be so close to a wall outlet to work, giving you more options in where you wish to set it up.
- Tank Size: 9.6 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 320 sq. ft
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Special Features: Silver clean protected tank
What we love
- Has a sleek design that blends in with the décor well
- Easy to understand controls
- Silver clean tank design fights off mold growth
- Has a built-in blue nightlight that you can turn on and off
We don't like this as much
- Refilling it can be awkward if you don't have a deep enough sink
- There's a chance it can be top-heavy when full
5. Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier
The Vicks Sweet Dreams Cool Mist Humidifier is a must-have for child and baby sinus sufferers. Available in blue or pink, the humidifier is perfect for use during the cold season as well as to relieve cold symptoms and congestion. It works well in medium-sized rooms and it is designed to run for 24 hours, giving babies and children a pleasant night’s rest. More so, the humidifier features a projector that has nine different images to give kids a cooler nightlight option. You can select from three themes: stars, safari, or the ocean.
Besides offering a light mist to soothe irritated nasal passages, the humidifier also has a VapoPad Slot. With this slot, you can fit in a variety of VapoPads that best suit your needs. It has room for up to two pads as well for the ultimate experience. So, if you need something that is both calming for nighttime use and soothing in terms of congestion, you can insert them to take advantage of both types.
Thanks to the translucent tank, you will always know how the water levels are so you’re ready to refill the tank when needed. Also, thanks to the wide opening, it shouldn’t be a hassle to fill. This unit has a nice compact shape too so that you can fit it off on a nightstand without disturbing anything else.
- Tank Size: 9.6 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 300 sq. ft
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Special Features: Projector lights up the ceiling
What we love
- The knob makes it simple to control the mist level
- The mist disperses well through the stated room size
- It's very easy to clean so that it lasts longer
- The unit produces a gentle, white noise
We don't like this as much
- The projected images could appear a little larger on the ceiling
- Since the water tank is small, it may require daily refilling
6. Pure Enrichment MistAire XL Humidifier
The Pure Enrichment MistAire XL Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a great choice when you want easy control of your comfort with your sinus problems. This unit features a mist control knob that is simple and quick to use so you can make the mist output stronger or lighter depending on your needs in the moment. There are even two different nozzle options, single and dual, so you can even customize the flow of the mist.
This unit works well in medium-sized rooms, and with its size, it’s no trouble setting it up on a nightstand if you need to use it while you sleep. Thanks to the different nozzles, you can rotate them both 360-degrees so that you can aim them directly at yourself or in a way so that it disperses across the room. If you run it on the lowest speed, this should last you 24 hours.
Also, for those that need a variety of comforts at night, this humidifier has an optional night light function. You can select from three different color settings. Alongside that, you can also decide to just run the light function on the unit without the mist, just run the mist alone, or combine both the mist and the lighting.
- Tank Size: 9.6 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 500 sq. ft
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Special Features: Optional night light
What we love
- Stable design makes it safe for use around pets and kids
- Water doesn't appear to condense or puddle around the unit
- 5-year manufacturers warranty
- Does not produce a lot of noise
We don't like this as much
- The refilling process can be a bit awkward due to its design
- We wish the LEDs on the control panel could be switched off
7. Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
The Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is designed for use throughout the day whether you’re working from home and need quick relief from sinus issues, or if you want to sleep better with less congestion. This unit provides great coverage in an average-sized room, and on its lower speeds it should last up to 50 hours. It’s safe to use in a nursery or child’s room too as it will automatically shut off when empty.
The mist has a rather high output as well so that it disperses evenly throughout the room. This way, you don’t have to have the unit directly next to you to feel the effects. It doesn’t produce that much noise when running either no matter how high or how low your mist levels are. So, this shouldn’t disturb those of you that are light sleepers.
If you want some more versatility, this humidifier is a great choice because it also comes with an essential oil tray. Just put in a few drops of your favorite essential oils so that you experience both relief from sinus problems and a relaxing ambiance. With its simple control knob, managing the unit is simple and quick so that you can begin feeling at ease sooner.
- Tank Size: 12.2 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 500 sq. ft
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Special Features: Whisper quiet operation
What we love
- Nice modern design that blends into the background
- The LED will turn red to let you know that the unit is empty
- Smooth analog control knob
- The tank holds a good deal of water for less frequent refilling
We don't like this as much
- We wish you could switch off the LED light
- Being able to fill this unit from the top rather than the bottom would be a bonus
8. MADETEC Cool Mist Humidifier
The MADETEC Smart Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is good for those that want to control exactly how long the unit runs even while they’re sleeping. This unit features a timer function, so you can set it to run for an hour, four hours, or eight hours before it shuts off regardless of how much water is left in the tank. If you don’t use the timer function and run it straight, this should last up to 40 hours on low speed or 20 hours on high mist.
With its 360-degree nozzle, you can adjust how the mist comes out beyond the intensity of it. Also, this features automatic humidity monitoring. Once you set your desired level between 40% and 80%, in Constant Humidity Mode, the unit will turn off or on depending on what it detects the indoor quality to currently be. You can tell the humidity level at a glance too thanks to the sleek and clear LED display screen.
A standout feature of this unit is its 4-layer water filter. There are two AG silver ion filters, one on top and one on the bottom. In between, there’s a lava medical stone layer and a cotton filter. This design helps purify the water, reducing any noticeable white mineral dust from being left behind as well as cutting down on airborne viruses and germs.
- Tank Size: 13.9 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 430 sq. ft
- Weight: 3.85 pounds
- Special Features: Automatic humidity monitoring
What we love
- You can turn off the LED panel and all the lights
- The remote appears to have a good distance
- Good size water reservoir lasts without frequent refilling
- It's easy to refill as you pour water in from the top
We don't like this as much
- The humidity sensor could be a bit more accurate
- The remote emits a loud beep noise when pressed
FAQs About Humidifiers for Sinus Problems
How do humidifiers improve sinus problems?
If you suffer from sinus problems, whether from colds, the flu, allergies, or the condition known as sinusitis, humidifiers work to alleviate the discomfort and pain. With sinus troubles, your nasal passages and sinuses become inflamed. If all the air you breathe in is dry, the protective mucus within your sinuses can’t do its job as effectively. This, in turn, leads to congestion.
A humidifier provides much-needed moisture to the air. This can help that mucus freely flow, protecting your sinuses and warding off congestion. From there, you can breathe better and feel more comfortable. This isn’t a miracle cure, but it can alleviate some of the common aches and pains that sinus problems bring.
What humidifiers are more effective: warm mist or cool mist?
Both warm mist and cool mist humidifiers are effective at relieving sinus discomfort. This is because both add moisture to the air, and moisture is all you need to start alleviating some of the harsh congestion that comes from sinus problems. However, they do work slightly differently. So, it’s important to understand exactly what you want and need before choosing either one.
A cool mist humidifier is ideal if you want something quiet as they emit little to no noise. Warm mist humidifiers, in contrast, can create some noise due to the boiling water inside. At the same time, that boiling water makes warm mist humidifiers appealing because they produce helpful steam. The mist is also naturally free from germs due to the heat. Also, consider cool mist humidifiers around children and babies to help minimize the risk of accidents.
What is the best way to use a humidifier to help with your sinuses?
The best way to use a humidifier starts with setting it up. If you know the air in your home is dry, then turn on the humidifier nearby. It will only help you if you can actually feel the effects. Additionally, consider when your sinuses trouble you the most. Are you feeling more congested at night? Then perhaps running the humidifier throughout the night may lead to a better night’s rest.
Don’t forget to clean your humidifier. No matter which types you get, they require frequent cleaning. Meanwhile, cool mist humidifiers require dumping of the water that fills up inside since there’s no heat to ensure this water remains free from bacteria and germs.
Which Humidifier is Best for You?
For those of you who suffer from temporary or chronic sinus problems, a humidifier can become a lifeline to better breathing. They add important moisture to the air that keeps your sinuses and nasal passages from drying out and causing you discomfort and pain. So, there is no denying just how beneficial humidifiers are in this case. However, that doesn’t mean choosing the best one is any simpler. You have to weigh both warm mist and cool mist humidifiers. From there, you must look at several features to figure out what’s most important to you.
Do you need something that’s silent for nighttime or otherwise undisturbed use? Is something more compact required so that you can set it up on a nightstand, desk, etc.? Or maybe you need a humidifier that’s a bit more versatile? Many are designed with various useful features such as a digital display or even designed for both warm and cool use. There are even some humidifiers designed to manage the entire home rather than just one spot in a single room.
- Budget/Small room: Pure Guardian H965AR Humidifier
- Mid-range rooms: Elechomes SH8820 Humidifier
- Larger rooms: Aprilaire 400M Humidifier