The Difference Between a Vaporizer and a Humidifier

Vaporizers and humidifiers can address air that's too dry in your home. Dry air can worsen allergies, contribute to dry skin and dehydration, lead to sore throat or a stuffy nose, and even give some people headaches or nosebleeds. Dry air can also affect our immune systems, because if the nasal passages and lungs aren't lubricated, they can't properly trap germs.

We all need a certain amount of humidity to feel comfortable and stay healthy. This article discusses the key differences between vaporizers and humidifiers and how you can choose the right one for your needs.

How They Work

Vaporizers and humidifiers have different methods of adding water to the air:

• A vaporizer boils water and releases it into the air as steam.
• A humidifier uses an ultrasonic part to diffuse the water into mist, or a fan that creates a mist.

So while both vaporizers and humidifiers add moisture to the air, they use different methods to do so.

How They Help

Humidifiers and vaporizers can both make the home more comfortable by relieving excess mucus, dry skin, chapped lips, and sore throats. They may be helpful for people with allergies.

Humidifiers and vaporizers can be especially beneficial when someone has a cold to ease symptoms, though they can be used whenever moisture is needed.

Allergies

Air with sufficient humidity can soothe irritated nasal and throat passages. This may help relieve allergy symptoms.

If you have indoor allergies, consider a humidifier if the relative humidity in your home is below 30% and you have symptoms like chapped lips, dry skin, or irritated sinus passages. Be aware, however, that high humidity can increase dust mites, mold, and other allergens, so check with your healthcare provider before you invest in a humidifier.

People with allergies should clean their device thoroughly every day and use distilled water to help keep allergens at bay.

Babies

Babies have sensitive skin and delicate nasal and throat passages, so adding humidity to a dry room can be soothing.

For a baby's room, a humidifier is a safer choice so that there's no chance of scalding the baby with the steam from a vaporizer. Make sure to clean the device daily and thoroughly and monitor the humidity level.

COVID-19

There is evidence that the coronavirus thrives in dry air, so adding moisture to the air could lower the number of viral particles present. In general, airborne viruses tend to die off in more humid air.

Asthma

If you have asthma, a humidifier or vaporizer may not be a good idea. But if the dry air is bothering you and you want to use one, be extra diligent about cleaning it so that nothing in the air could trigger a flare.

Keep a close watch on the humidity level so that it does not become too humid, which promotes mold and bacterial growth. This is bad for asthmatics.

Dry Skin

If you have chapped lips and dry skin, a vaporizer or humidifier can help relieve the symptoms.

Keep the device clean and don't let the air get too humid. If you still need more moisture, drink more water to stay hydrated and use moisturizing products appropriate for your skin type.

How to Clean a Vaporizer or Humidifier

Machines can vary, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. Using distilled water is best to help prevent mineral buildup, which is a breeding ground for mildew, mold, and bacteria.

Follow these general steps below to clean your humidifier or vaporizer:

1. Wash the water container with a mixture of water and a weak acid cleanser like white vinegar.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it.
3. Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to wipe down or clean buildup on other parts of the machines, but be sure not to immerse any electrical parts in water.
4. Consider disinfecting the machine with a dilute bleach or hydrogen peroxide solution. However, ultimately it's best to follow the instructions that come with the machine, as these chemicals may harm the plastics or seals causing the unit to leak or malfunction.

Cost

Vaporizers tend to be less expensive than humidifiers, but there's a wide range in both. You can pay anywhere from about $15 to more than $700 for a room humidifier. Vaporizers range from about $20 to $200.

Measure the room you want to humidify and check the capacity of the machine. Figure out which features you need or want. Some machines come with remotes, a sleep mode to turn off lights, timers, and humidity set points. The types of features you want may dictate the price of the machine.

Safety

Cleanliness is essential when you use a humidifier or vaporizer. If not kept clean, you could be releasing pathogens and allergens into the air in addition to moisture.

For a baby or a child, vaporizers are not recommended because the steam could burn them.

Always make sure the device is unplugged before cleaning.

Summary

Humidifiers and vaporizers both add moisture to the air. The difference is that humidifiers use cold or warm mist and vaporizers boil water and release steam. These machines can make you feel more comfortable and relieve irritated noses, throats, chapped lips, and dry skin. It's important not to over-humidify and keep the machine clean.

A Word From Verywell

Humidifiers and vaporizers are simple and effective at adding moisture to the air. If you want more humidity in the house, make a list of what features you want and what is safe and best for your needs. If you have asthma or allergies, talk to your healthcare provider before using a humidifier or vaporizer, because they are not recommended for everyone. The possible drawbacks could outweigh the benefits.