Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, leading to poor quality sleep and other health problems. One way to manage sleep apnea symptoms is by using a humidifier. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best humidifier for sleep apnea options and how they can improve sleep quality for those who suffer from this condition.
| Image | Product | Features |
 | 1. Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Fill Cool Mist Humidifier | Adjustable Mist Output Essential Oil Tray Night light Whisper Quiet Operation |
 | 2. LEVOIT Cool Mist Humidifier | LED Display Remote Control 360-Degree Nozzle |
 | 3. ELECHOMES Humidifier | Warm & Cool Mist Humidifier Large Coverage Area Aromatherapy Diffuser Night light |
 | 4. VICKS Humidifier | Filterless Design Customer Support Affordable |
 | 5. Gocheer Portable Dehumidifier | Ultrasonic Technology Large Capacity Smart Auto Mode |
 | 6. VAGKRI Ultrasonic Essential Oils Humidifier | 360-degree nozzle Essential oil tray Night light Suitable for use in rooms up to 500 square feet |
 | 7. Vornado Evaporative Humidifier | Evaporative Humidification Adjustable Humidity Control Automatic Shut-Off |
Obstructive sleep apnea and how it can impact sleep
Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep.
This obstruction causes the body to stop breathing for a few seconds or even minutes, and the brain then alerts the body to awaken briefly to restore normal breathing.
Over time, untreated obstructive sleep apnea tend to lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Benefits of using a humidifier for sleep apnea
While there are many treatments available for sleep apnea, such as CPAP machines (CPAP machines stand for continuous positive airway pressure), using a humidifier can be an effective way to treat sleep apnea and improve sleep quality.
A humidifier is a device that adds moisture from tap water to the air, helping to alleviate dryness and congestion in the nasal passages and throat.
This can be especially helpful for individuals with sleep apnea, as dry air can cause irritation and inflammation in the airways, making it harder to breathe during sleep.
Additionally, humidifiers can help to alleviate congestion and other symptoms of nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe through the nose during sleep.
You may be interested in an article on how an air humidifier can help patients with sleep apnea continue treatment?
Factors to consider when choosing the best humidifier for sleep apnea
When it comes to choosing a humidifier for sleep apnea, there are several factors to consider.
Size and capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is the size and capacity of the humidifier. The size of the humidifier will depend on the size of your bedroom or the area where you’ll be using it.
Cool vs. warm mist humidifiers
Cool mist humidifiers are generally easier to clean and maintain and are better for use in warmer climates or during the summer months.
Warm mist humidifiers, on the other hand, can provide relief for congestion and sinus issues and are better suited for use in colder climates or during the winter months.
Additional features to consider
Some humidifiers come with an automatic shut-off feature, which can be useful for safety and energy conservation.
Others may have adjustable mist settings or built-in humidistats, which can help maintain a consistent level of humidity.
Ease of cleaning is also an important factor to consider, as humidifiers can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria in tap water and mold if not properly maintained.
Best humidifier for sleep apnea sufferers
In this review, we will compare and contrast the top humidifiers for central sleep apnea sufferers to help you make an informed decision.
Read also: The best humidifier for dogs? Here it is!
Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
This Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is one of the best humidifiers for those looking to improve their sleep and alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Pros
- Large Capacity: This humidifier has a 6-liter capacity, making it suitable for large rooms up to 500 square feet. It can run for up to 50 hours on a single fill, making it convenient for those who don’t want to refill it frequently.
- Quiet Operation: The ultrasonic technology ensures that this humidifier operates quietly, making it perfect for use while sleeping.
- Adjustable Mist Output: The mist output can be adjusted to suit your needs. This allows you to customize the humidity level in your room.
- Essential Oil Tray: It has an essential oil tray that allows you to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy while humidifying your room.
Cons
- No Warm Steam: This humidifier only produces a cool mist, which may not be suitable for those who prefer warm diffusers for their respiratory issues.
- Large Size: While the large capacity is a benefit, it also means that this humidifier is quite large and may take up a lot of space in smaller rooms.
- Lack of Automatic Shut-Off: This humidifier does not have an automatic shut-off feature, which means it will continue running even when the water tank is empty. This may pose a safety risk if it is left running for an extended period.
LEVOIT Ultrasonic Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier
For people looking to alleviate the symptoms of dry air and improve their overall air quality, this humidifier can be an option.
Pros
- Large Capacity: The LEVOIT Ultrasonic Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier has a large capacity of 4 liters, which means it can run for up to 40 hours on low mist output without needing to be refilled. This makes it a great option for people who want to keep their room humidified throughout the night.
- Quiet Operation: This humidifier features ultrasonic technology that produces a fine mist without making much noise. This makes it a great option for people who are sensitive to noise and want to use the humidifier in their bedroom while they sleep.
- Safe: This humidifier has a built-in automatic shut-off feature that turns off the unit when the water level gets too low. This helps prevent damage to the humidifier and makes it safer to use.
Cons
- Short Life Span: Some users have reported that the unit stops working after a few months of use. This is a common issue with ultrasonic humidifiers, and it may be due to the buildup of minerals in the tank. Regular cleaning can help prevent this issue.
- Leaks: Some users have reported that the humidifier leaks water, which can damage furniture and carpets. This may be due to improper assembly or a defective unit.
- No Humidity Sensor: This humidifier does not come with a built-in humidity sensor, which means you will need to purchase a separate hygrometer to monitor the humidity level in your room.
ELECHOMES Ultrasonic Humidifier
This is among the best humidifiers to improve your sleep environment.
Pros
- Large Capacity: With a 6L capacity tank, the ELECHOMES Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier can run for up to 40 hours on the lowest setting, making it ideal for those who don’t want to refill the tank frequently.
- Aromatherapy Function: The humidifier has an aromatherapy function that allows you to add essential oils to the water tank, creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
- Night light
Cons
- Bulky Design: The humidifier’s large tank and overall size may make it difficult to place on smaller nightstands or in cramped bedroom spaces.
- No Automatic Shut-Off: Unlike some other humidifiers, the ELECHOMES Ultrasonic Humidifier doesn’t have an automatic shut-off feature, which means it will continue to run even if the tank is empty.
- No Warm Option: The humidifier only produces a cool mist, which may not be as effective in some situations.
VICKS Mist Humidifier: The Best Humidifier In Our Opinion
VICKS Mist Humidifier is the best warm mist humidifier that has gained popularity among users.
Pros
- Warm Mist: One of the standout features of this humidifier is that it produces warm steam, which can be more soothing and comforting than cool mist humidifiers. The warm mist also helps to kill bacteria and germs, providing a cleaner and healthier environment.
- It has a 1-gallon tank capacity that can provide up to 33 hours of use, making it ideal for overnight use in a bedroom or other small to medium-sized rooms.
- Another benefit of the VICKS Mist Humidifier is that it has a medicine cup for adding VICKS VapoSteam or other medicated inhalants. This can help to provide relief for nasal and sinus congestion, coughs, and other respiratory issues.
Cons
- No automatic shut-off: This humidifier does not have an automatic shut-off feature, which can be a safety concern if the unit runs out of water.
Gocheer Portable Dehumidifier
This humidifier is designed to help relieve symptoms of congestion, dry skin, and other issues related to dry air.
Pros
- A large water tank capacity of 4000ml (135oz) makes it ideal for dehumidifying large areas up to 7000 cubic feet (720 sq. ft).
- Two working modes: standard and energy-saving, allowing you to choose the most appropriate dehumidification speed.
- Compact and portable design, making it easy to move around and use in different areas of your home, including bedrooms, basements, bathrooms, RVs, closets, apartments, campers, and dorms.
- Auto-off function prevents overflowing of the water tank when it’s full, ensuring safe and convenient operation.
Cons
- While the large water tank capacity is a benefit, it can also make the unit heavy and difficult to move when the tank is full.
- Some users have reported that the dehumidifier doesn’t work as effectively in larger spaces, despite the manufacturer’s claims.
- The unit doesn’t have a built-in humidistat, which means you’ll need to manually adjust the settings to achieve the desired humidity level.
VAGKRI Ultrasonic Essential Oil Humidifier
The VAGKRI Humidifier is one of the best humidifiers for those who suffer from central sleep apnea.
Pros
- Ultrasonic technology: The ultrasonic technology used by the VAGKRI humidifier creates a fine mist that can be easily absorbed by the air and provides better moisture output compared to other types of humidifiers.
- Whisper-quiet operation: The VAGKRI humidifier operates at less than 30 decibels, which is equivalent to a whisper. This makes it ideal for use in a bedroom, nursery, or any other quiet space where you don’t want to be disturbed by the sound of the humidifier.
- Essential oil diffuser: The VAGKRI humidifier also functions as an essential oil diffuser, allowing you to add your favorite essential oils to the water tank to create a relaxing and aromatherapeutic environment.
- Automatic shut-off: The VAGKRI humidifier has an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the unit when the water level is low or when the tank is removed, ensuring that the unit is safe to use and won’t overheat or cause damage.
Cons
- Bulky design: The VAGKRI humidifier is a bit larger than other humidifiers, which can make it difficult to store in smaller spaces or move around the house as needed.
- Requires regular cleaning with a cleaning brush: Like all humidifiers, the VAGKRI humidifier requires regular cleaning to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. This can be time-consuming and may require the use of special cleaning products other than a cleaning brush.
- No timer function: Unlike some other humidifiers, the VAGKRI model does not have a timer function that allows you to set it to turn off after a certain period of time. This may not be a problem for everyone, but could be an inconvenience for some users who prefer to have more control over the unit’s settings.
Vornado Evaporative Humidifier
This is also an excellent option for people who need relief from dry air, allergies, and sleep apnea.
Pros
- Even Humidification: The humidifier has an evaporative technology that evenly distributes moisture throughout the room, ensuring that there are no dry spots.
- Large Coverage Area: The humidifier can cover an area of up to 750 sq. ft, making it perfect for large bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces.
- Automatic Humidity Control: The humidifier comes with an automatic humidity control feature that adjusts the output according to the desired level of humidity, making it easy to maintain a comfortable and healthy level of moisture in the air.
Cons
- Limited Settings: The humidifier only has two settings – high and low – which may not provide the level of customization that some users desire.
- No Filter Indicator: The humidifier does not have a filter indicator, so users need to manually check and replace the filter when needed.
- Cost: The Vornado Evaporative Humidifier is more expensive than some other humidifiers on the market, which may be a drawback for budget-conscious consumers.
In conclusion
Many customers have reported that using a humidifier in combination with other sleep apnea treatments, such as a CPAP machine or an air purifier, has helped to alleviate symptoms and improve their sleep.
It is important to note that the best humidifier for sleep apnea sufferers may vary depending on individual needs and preferences, and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Compared to its competitors, the VICKS Mist Humidifier has several advantages for sleep apnea sufferers.
It is a reasonable cost and can provide up to 33 hours of continuous use. This means that users don’t have to refill the tank frequently, and the humidifier can provide consistent relief throughout the night.
There is no need for frequent filter replacements, and it saves money in the long run.
Finally, it is designed to be easy to use and clean, with a simple control panel and removable parts that can be washed by hand or in a dishwasher.
These features make the Vicks Humidifier convenient and effective — the best humidifier option for sleep apnea sufferers.
FAQ
1. Can humidifiers help sleep apnea?
Humidifiers can help alleviate some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as dry throat and nasal passages.
However, humidifiers alone are not a treatment for sleep apnea and should be used in conjunction with other treatments prescribed by a doctor.
2. What type of humidifier is best for sleep apnea?
An ultrasonic humidifier is generally considered the best type of humidifier for sleep apnea, as it produces a cool mist that is easier to breathe in and can help keep nasal passages and throat lubricated.
3. Is cool mist or warm mist humidifier better for snoring?
A cool mist humidifier is generally better for snoring as it produces a cool mist that can help keep nasal passages and throat lubricated without increasing the room temperature.
This can help reduce congestion and snoring.
4. Are humidifiers good for snoring?
Humidifiers can help reduce snoring by keeping nasal passages and throat lubricated, reducing congestion and inflammation.
However, they are not a cure for snoring and should be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as lifestyle changes or medical interventions, if necessary.
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