Quiet Cool Mist Humidifiers for Bedrooms: here's what actually helps. If dry air has you waking up with scratchy eyes, a dry nose, and itchy skin, a humidifier may help you sleep better. But some humidifiers are too noisy for bedrooms or nurseries.
Why Cool Mist Humidifiers Help With Dry Air
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping your home's humidity level between 30% and 50%, which can be difficult during colder months.
Cold mist humidifiers come in several types. Evaporative models rely on a wick filter that draws in water - combined with a fan that blows into the wick, which turns the water into mist and forces it into the room. Though inexpensive, they're less efficient and typically louder than other types of cool mist humidifiers.
How Quiet Cool Mist Humidifiers for Bedrooms Work
Instead of a wick and filter system, ultrasonic humidifiers use two small ceramic plates called a nebulizer or a "piezoelectric transducer" to vibrate at a high frequency. These vibrations create microscopic bubbles in the water, which burst to produce a fine cool mist. The humidifier then blows the mist into the air with a built-in fan or relies on natural convection.
Because there's no fan - ultrasonic models are usually quieter. And because they don't use a heating element, they're more energy efficient than a warm mist vaporizer, which boils water to produce moisture.
Levoit's Superior Studio models, for instance, operate at near-silence at just 19 decibels on the lowest fan speed. They're also small and portable - weighing in at just over four pounds. The company says its humidifiers are powerful enough to reach relative humidity levels of up to 50% in rooms of up to 400 square feet.
Some ultrasonic humidifiers are even fanless, such as the WELOV H500 Pro BoostMist Cool Mist Humidifier, which has an oscillating design that disperses a fine mist silently. "The WELOV H500 Pro BoostMist Cool Mist Humidifier operates quietly, making it perfect for bedrooms and nurseries," says Christina Green - the brand's director of marketing.
One thing to be aware of: Some ultrasonic humidifiers can leave a white film on nearby furniture because of minerals in the water, including calcium and magnesium. To prevent residue buildup, use distilled or demineralized water. You can also install a water softener that removes minerals.
Maintaining Your Humidifier to Prevent Mold and Bacteria
No matter what type of humidifier you choose, it's important to regularly clean and disinfect it to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Clean portable humidifiers every third day to reduce the buildup of scale and microorganisms. And empty the water tank every time you change the water because standing water can become stagnant.
It's especially important to properly maintain cool mist humidifiers during flu season. If you or a family member has a lung disease or congestion, consult your healthcare provider before using a humidifier.
After every third-day cleaning - you should also sanitize the water tank. Green says to wash and sanitize any buckets or filter systems every two to three days. For deep cleanings, she suggests using a combination of vinegar and baking soda to scrub the inside of the tank with a soft-bristle brush, then rinsing well with water.
Features to Look for in a Bedroom Humidifier
Because of their silent operation and sleek lines, ultrasonic humidifiers are often designed with bedroom use in mind. Many feature night lights and sleek designs that don't draw attention. The WELOV H500 Pro BoostMist Cool Mist Humidifier, for example - has an adjustable night light with eye-protecting brightness levels, suitable for children's rooms.
Smart technology is finding its way into newer humidifier designs, such as the Levoyt Oscillating Smart Cool Mist Humidifier. In addition to being quiet and energy efficient, this model lets you control the humidifier from your smartphone using an app. It also has a remote control and multiple mist and oscillation settings.
When to Stop Using a Humidifier
As spring arrives and the humidity outside increases, you may want to stop using your humidifier altogether. According to Energy Star - an ideal moisture level is between 30 and 50 percent.
If you notice condensation on windows, double-check the humidity level with a hygrometer, which measures humidity levels. Place it on a bedside table to ensure the humidity level stays within a healthy range during sleeping hours.
References
- use two small ceramic plates - levoit.com
- H500 Pro BoostMist Cool Mist - welovhome.com
- 50 percent - consumerreports.org
