Cold air can be very dry, which can irritate your airways and make it harder to breathe. Using a humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, making it easier to breathe and reducing the risk of irritation. For those with lung conditions such as asthma and COPD, a humidifier can help to alleviate symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This is because the moist air can help to reduce inflammation and make it easier to breathe. Further, dry air can also make it difficult to sleep, as it can cause nasal congestion and dry out your throat. Using a humidifier can help to add moisture to the air and make it easier to sleep, particularly if you use a cool mist humidifier.
If you are shopping for your first humidifier or upgrading your current model, it is important to understand the different types. Humidifiers come in four main styles–evaporative, impeller, ultrasonic and vaporizer (also known as a warm mist humidifier). Each has a different way of producing and pushing hot or cold moisture into the air. Which one you choose depends on your own space and needs.