My nose, throat and skin dry out every winter. Can a humidifier help?
What Humidifiers Offer
Simply put, humidifiers add moisture to the air. But it's not just homes in the desert than can benefit: Even on a rainy day, heating systems can suck the water from indoor air.
"It's not about what's happening outside, it's about what's going on inside, Dr. Voigt said. "Most of the patients I see in New York City experience dryness-related symptoms in winter, even when the humidity is high outdoors."
Humidifiers can be especially helpful for those with conditions like mild eczema; dry, irritated skin; and irritated nasal passages in contained spaces, like bedrooms or offices, said Dr. Aderonke Obayomi, a dermatologist and assistant professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.
However, many of the studies supporting the role of humidifiers in treating or preventing these conditions are small and preliminary. Dr. Shaik said that humidifiers could relieve skin tightness or itchiness, but that serious eczema flares and painfully cracked skin will likely require other treatment, especially if they persist.
"Humidifiers work best as part of a broader approach that includes proper moisturization and gentle skin care," Dr. Obayomi said.
And while humidification may keep you from waking up with a dry nose or throat, Dr. Shaik added, don't expect it to treat an underlying sleep disorder. At the very least, they can make dry rooms more comfortable, experts said, and for some people, that might be enough of a benefit.
Using a Humidifier Correctly
The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. Levels below that range are too dry, and those above it can promote dust mites and mold.
To check the dryness of your air, you could buy a hygrometer, which measures the humidity in the air. Many humidifiers come with them built in.
Make sure the humidifier you select is the correct size and strength for the space, or it may not raise the humidity level enough to help. When planning where to place the device, consider the humidity of the entire room rather than a specific section, like next to your bed, Dr. Kelley said. This could mean turning the humidifier on several hours before you go to sleep so it has time to do its work.
It is important to clean humidifiers regularly, or they can actually worsen indoor air quality and contribute to respiratory issues, according to the American Lung Association. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends cleaning them every third day, which involves emptying the tank and using a scrubbing out film and scale deposits.
Generally speaking, you will have less residue if you use distilled water, and some models specifically request you use it. Some higher-end models will filter your tap water for you.
Lastly, don't bother with adding essential oils that can then linger in the now-humid air.