Difference between an Air Purifier and Humidifier: Which One Do You Need?

Difference between an Air Purifier and Humidifier: Which One Do You Need?
  
 
No one pays attention to the kind of air they’re breathing until things go wrong. Then, the air purifier vs humidifier question is deeply felt. Both of these devices help improve indoor air quality. Every new parent or homeowner should consider buying either of these products so that the risk of contracting flu or suffering from allergies could be avoided.

 

But what exactly should they buy? What would be the best product for them? Which one is more useful?

These are every buyer’s questions before going out to buy either of these items. Don’t worry, in this article all your issues will be addressed and answered in detail, thus, helping you understand the differences between an air purifier and a humidifier and make a better decision for yourself.

How Air Purifier Works

Air purifiers are known to catch everything floating around in the air, like pet dander, dust, etc. to purify the air. Some respiratory problems, like a rash, asthma, allergies, and sneezing make having an air purifier essential. People who have asthma highly recommend air purifiers because of their countless benefits, such as a reduced need for treatment, and easier breathing, etc. It uses filters to eliminate airborne contaminants.

It works by utilizing electric fans to draw in air, and then pushes the air through the filters to give out clean, fresh air. Most of the air purifiers are filter based, although several types exist. The filter-based ones use replaceable filter sections to catch particles.

Benefits and Features of Air Purifiers

By now you’re aware of the fact that an air purifier removes dust, pollen, asthma-triggering particles, etc., and it’s incredibly beneficial for people who have asthma. For a baby’s lungs, this product works just about perfectly. It also helps keep your home clean.

Also, for people who have allergies, an air purifier purifies the air for them, hence, making the air more pleasant to breathe. Don’t forget the fact that a pet owner would love to have it because it cleans pet dander and allows your pets to breathe with more ease.

Air Purifier Features:

  • For Baby: If you’re looking to buy an air purifier for your baby, then this will provide cleaner air to your baby and will promote better health.
  • For People with Allergies: Getting an air purifier for an allergic person could be the best option. It gets rid of all kinds of dust particles, pet dander, and more things. It doesn’t let any of these things reach your lungs, eyes or throat, and relieve health issues.
  • For Asthma Patients: As stated above, an air purifier is the best choice for people with asthma. It gets rid of asthma-triggering particles in the air.

Types of Humidifiers and How They Work

Ever woke up and felt as if your nose or throat was stuffed with sandpaper? That’s because the dry air has affected your respiratory system. And that’s when a humidifier is needed. It helps in keeping your throat and nasal passages moist.

Does a humidifier clean the air?

No, it doesn’t. Instead, the humidifier adds moisture to the air, which calms the irritation caused by dry conditions. It is beneficial for people who have sinus issues or irritated respiratory area problems due to dry air.

There are different types of humidifiers, and they fall into various categories. Following are 3 types of humidifiers.

  • Cool Mist. It uses different methods, such as an ultrasonic device, so that the water can be changed into vapor.
  • Warm Mist. In this method, heat from electrical power is used to generate steam.
  • Electromechanical. Devices, like blades and electric motors, are used to stir water, thus, creating a mist.

Benefits and Features of Humidifiers

Dry indoor air can have a severe impact on your health. The respiratory system of your body and nasal cavities will get drier than usual. Just like an air purifier, it’s also helpful for the baby’s lungs, but it works differently. And for asthma patients who are looking to buy it, a humidifier will be very helpful.

Humidifier Features:

  • For Baby: Buying a humidifier for your baby will be a great idea. It will help your baby breathe more comfortably than ever before by simply adding moisture back to the air when it’s dry.
  • For Asthma Patients: For asthma patients, a humidifier is pretty useful as well. Although it won’t remove the asthma-triggering particles, it makes the air more breathable.

Air Purifier vs Humidifier F.A.Q.

Can You Use an Air Purifier and Humidifier Together?

You can use an air purifier and a humidifier together, but you need to follow some rules for the location of devices in the room. It is recommended not to direct the stream from the humidifier to the air purifier, especially if it is electric. The steam jet should be directed into the open space, but not on walls, furniture, household appliances, etc. The distance between the devices should be at least 2-3 meters.

Air Purifier vs Humidifier for Baby?

Both of these devices are suitable for children. An air purifier cleans the air in the room from pollution, harmful microorganisms, and unpleasant odors. A humidifier creates an optimal humidity level. For a children’s room, it is better to choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter and an ionizer, since it is most effective, and an ultrasonic humidifier, since it works silently and can create 50 percent humidity.

Air Purifier vs Humidifier for Asthma?

Both an air purifier and a humidifier are great for people with asthma. An air purifier removes components that irritate the throat and lungs, and a humidifier controls a relative humidity level, making it easier to breathe. But still, blocking asthma triggers is primarily a task for an air purifier.

Conclusion

Simply put, both of them are quite useful in their respective places. An air purifier cleans the air from all the harmful particles, while a humidifier moistens the air. They have some differences, like an air purifier is better for a baby and an asthma patient.

A humidifier would work similarly except in the case of an allergic person. A humidifier is not the best choice if you’re planning to buy it for removing dust particles, pollen, etc. Instead of eliminating all that, it promotes the factors that cause a higher humidity level. So, if you’re diagnosed with asthma, buying an air purifier would make your life easier. Also, you will notice that your number of visits to the doctor will be reduced.