AIR PURIFIER VS HUMIDIFIER

To help readers understand the differences between air purifiers and humidifiers, this comparison guide was updated on October 15, 2023, to incorporate the newest models.

Nobody cares about the type of air they are breathing unless something is wrong. At that point, the issue of air purifier vs. humidifier presents on its own. Both of these units contribute to improved indoor air quality. Any new parent or homeowner might need to look into purchasing one of these items to prevent the chance of flu or allergies.
But which one precisely are they supposed to get? Which one is the best item for them? Which one will be the most beneficial?
Are the questions that every buyer thinks about before buying any of these items? No worries, this article will address and respond to all your questions in depth so you can better comprehend the differences between an air purifier and a humidifier to make a more informed choice.

Air purifiers – Working Principle (and what they do)

Air purifiers are known to capture anything that is in the air such as pet hair, dust, mildew spores, etc. in order to make the air clean. Particular respiratory symptoms such as skin rashes, asthma, allergies, and sneezing attacks make an air purifier indispensable. People who suffer from asthma recommend air purifiers because of their numerous benefits, such as less need for treatment, easier breathing, etc. The air purifier applies filters to take out the air contaminants.
The unit draws in air through electric fans and then forces it to pass through filters to supply clean, fresh air. Most air purifiers are equipped with filters, and there are several types. The filter-based units use replaceable filter compartments to trap particles.

You already realize that an air purifier clears dust, pollen, asthma-triggering particles, etc., which is beneficial for people with asthma. For a baby's lungs, this item is absolutely ideal. Besides, it is helpful to keep your home clean.
Also for those who might experience allergies, an air purifier purifies the air and helps in making it a lot more pleasant to breathe. And not to forget the fact that pet owners would absolutely love this air purifier too since it cleans their pets' skin dander and helps facilitate their breathing.

Characteristics of the air purifier:

● For infants: If you are thinking of having an air cleaner that you can use for the nursery, it is going to contribute to a cleaner and more healthful air for your baby.
● For allergy victims: getting an air purifier for people with allergies will be the absolutely ideal idea. It gets rid of all sorts of dust particles, pet hair, and lots more. Thus, preventing these particles from reaching the lungs, eyes, or throat, relieves any health issues.
● For asthmatics: as we mentioned before, an air purifier is a great thing for asthmatics. It takes out the airborne debris that could be a source of asthma.

Humidifiers – Working Principle (and what they do)

Did you ever wake up and get the feeling that your nose or throat was stuffed with sandpaper? The reason is that the dry air has affected your breathing passages. And this is precisely when a humidifier is necessary. It makes sure that your throat and nasal passages remain moist.

Do humidifiers purify the air?

Well, no, they don't. Rather, the humidifier infuses moisture into the air, which helps ease the irritation that comes from dryness. It is advantageous for people who experience issues with sinuses or respiratory tract irritation because of dry air.
There are various kinds of humidifiers that belong to various categories. The following are 3 types of humidifiers.
● Cool mist: It uses several methods, like an ultrasonic unit, to allow the water to turn into steam.● Warm mist: this method uses the heat from electric power to generate steam.● Electromechanical: Equipment like paddles and electric engines are used to move water to produce fog.

Advantages and properties of humidifiers

Having dry indoor air could cause severe impacts on your health. The breathing system of your body and your sinuses gets drier than usual. Just like an air purifier, a humidifier works to benefit your baby's lungs, yet it functions in a completely unique manner. Besides, for asthma sufferers looking to get a humidifier, it is highly beneficial.

Characteristics of the humidifier:

● For babies: having a humidifier for the nursery can be a smart choice. It would greatly facilitate your baby breathing more easily and comfortably more than ever by slightly re-humidifying the dry air.
● For asthma patients: a humidifier is a great option for asthma victims too. While it may not eliminate the airborne particulates that provoke asthma, nevertheless, it certainly tends to make the air more pleasant to breathe.

What is the difference between an air purifier and a humidifier?

An air purifier is supposed to purify the air by getting rid of or in some other way " deactivating" contaminants from the air. There are two key components to an air purifier: a fan and a filter cartridge, although the precise filter technology can differ, from conventional HEPA filters to ionizers, to the very latest PECO technology. With most air cleaners, the air is forced through the device, impurities are collected or eliminated in a filter, and the clean air is delivered back into the room. Air purifiers actually are not adding any moisture to the air.
A humidifier, meanwhile, does not purify the air. It only adds water to the air by using ultrasound to boil the water into vapor, vibrate water droplets in the air, and vaporize the water by using a fan and a wick. Be aware that ultrasonic humidifiers may also emit minuscule mineral particles into the air if they use tap water in place of distilled water. The health impacts of these particles are unclear, although recent studies have indicated that they can harm pulmonary tissues. The EPA strongly recommends the use of distilled water and regular cleaning and sanitizing of the humidifier.

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How do air purifiers and humidifiers impact your health?

Air purifiers and humidifiers have several impacts on air quality that may impact our health. Listed below are several of the more frequently notified medical conditions:
Asthma and allergies - Particular air purifiers are purposely made to decrease airborne allergens, among them dust mites, pet hair, pollen, and mildew spores. A lot of people experiencing allergies or asthma may be using an air purifier to decrease their exposure to any of these trigger agents. These allergens are carried by airborne particles which are oftentimes so minuscule they stay in the air for hours at a time. Common air filters capture these particulates, whereas the molecular air purifier can be the single most effective technology for removing allergens.
Conversely, humidifiers do not impact allergen levels. Instead, they can cause symptoms to feel milder when your sinuses become dry and irritated. Be aware that humidifiers do not ease the signs of allergies and asthma; they may even actually raise the chances of allergies and asthma. Additionally, if a humidifier has not been thoroughly cleaned, it can create mildew and release mildew spores in the air, which can again lead to allergy and asthma problems.
Colds, Flu, and Respiratory Irritation - Ordinary air purifiers catch airborne particles, despite the fact that certain particles carrying viruses may be so minuscule that they are able to get through regular air filters. Although an air purifier won't fight an ongoing cold, it can ease your symptoms by eliminating other airborne irritants.
A humidifier might be able to relieve a blocked nose and the unpleasantness of a cold or flu, according to the NIH. Maintaining the appropriate humidity can also offer a defense against viruses. A number of research studies have shown that raising humidity levels to 40 to 60 percent decreases the capacity of viruses to affect people. It is also vital to remember that a humidifier does not cure you if you have an existing cold, however, it may alleviate the symptoms by stopping a dry, scratchy nose and throat.
Dry Air - An air purifier will not add moisture to the air, so it won't do anything to help with overly dry air, which can make a variety of respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis more serious.
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, thereby increasing relative humidity and enhancing dry air conditions. When the air is too dry, which is common in winter when the heating is on, this can lead to irritation of the nose and throat.

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