Is an air humidifier safe? Doctors opinions on evaporative humidifiers - Klarta

Are humidifiers safe, healthy devices? What are the pros and cons of their usage according to medical specialists? We debunk some of the popular myths, bringing in some experts’ voice to the discussion.

5 most frequently emphasized air humidifiers assets

1. Improves congestion, facilitates hoarseness and cough symptoms

According to Dr. Killol Patel, humidifiers can also help relieve cold symptoms or help those suffering from chronic conditions, such as asthma or COPD. He also recommends cold misters (evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers) for colds, RSV, or COVID—anything with congestion.

Our membranes have glands responsible for throat moisturization. Glands and cilia are integral parts of the respiratory mucosa. Producing fluid (mucus) glands tend to warm and humidify inhaled air (around 10,000 liters per day). Moreover, this mucus traps smaller particles like pollen, dirt, gems, or smoke.

Subsequently, Clia comes into play. These hair-like structures line the mucous membrane and move the particles trapped in the mucus out of the nose. Once dry, the nasal or throat mucosa are incapable of transporting pathogens out (coughing, nose-blowing). Therefore, their protective function becomes impaired.

Learn more about air humidifiers and allergy sufferers: Klarta air humidifier for allergy sufferers? Allergy relief

2. Alleviates skin problems

Marina Peredo, MD (dermatologist) advises: When your skin's protection barrier is damaged, it creates small cracks in the skin, causing moisture to escape. Running a humidifier pulls moisture back into the air to improve dry, itchy skin and help it retain that hydration.

That is also the stance of Dr. Rachel Westbay, MD FAAD, dermatologist at Marmur Medical, who adds that: 'Humidifiers also help prevent dry skin and irritated eyes by maintaining optimal humidity levels, which can reduce skin dryness, itching, and eye irritation, contributing to overall comfort."

Using a humidifier preserves the good condition of your skin-preventing excessive dryness, regulating sebum production, and reducing acne breakouts, tightness, and premature wrinkles.

It also helps individuals with conditions like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, making humidifiers an essential tool for maintaining skin hydration and comfort, especially during winter.

3. Allergy and asthma relief

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 25.7 % of adults in the U.S. were diagnosed with a seasonal allergy. 22 million Americans are diagnosed with asthma.

Humid air not only moisturizes the glycan layers lining the throat and nose mucous membranes, helping them serve as a natural barrier against allergens. It also increases the mass of floating microscopic particles, which irritate respiratory tracts, making them heavy and more likely to fall down on floors and furniture.

Unfortunately, humidifiers do not have the potential to cure anyone from asthma, however, they can alleviate the symptoms. Austin Emergency Center’s website also shares this attitude.

"If you’re sensitive to dry air, having a humidifier in your home might help prevent more frequent asthma attacks. It’s worth a try, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t cure your asthma entirely. It could help alleviate some of your symptoms, which could be worth the maintenance and upkeep. It is also good to keep an inhaler nearby in the event of an asthma attack."

4. Improves quality of sleep

Running a humidifier at night can increase your sleeping comfort. Dried-out air does not promote restful sleep. It also contributes to more frequent spontaneous waking up to cough or get rid of nasal congestion (not mentioning more severe cases, like nosebleeds)

5. Prevents diseases

Having this in mind, air humidifiers can be a useful preventive measure. One of the proponents of this belief is the aforementioned Sobia Farooq, MD. 

"Dry air can irritate your nose and lungs, potentially aggravating existing conditions,” explains Farooq, continuing that, "When the air lacks proper humidity, it becomes uncomfortable. Investing in a humidifier is an investment in your health. If you use one — and use it correctly — you’ll notice the difference and feel better."

How often to run a humidifier? Is it safe to use it all the time?

The key conclusion here is to observe the surrounding humidity level. You can do it easily with your own, freestanding hygrometer or avail yourself with our precise hygrometers in Klarta’s evaporative humidifiers. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping your home’s humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Other institutions and experts stand for 40-60 % as the optimal metric. 

The numbers have their justification in symptoms you may observe, both in case of your organism and your environment. Some of them were already mentioned by the medical specialists above.

How long should you leave a humidifier on? Is it ok to run a humidifier 24/7?

As long as the humidity levels within your premises persist to be lower than the abovementioned ones, there are no contradictions to running humidifiers, even 24/7. Remember only to monitor the current moisture level in the room.

Klarta Humea WiFi comes with a practical, precise hygrometer and humidistat, which will help you observe and maintain your desired humidity level.

At the end of the day, the amount of operating time depends on:

• The size of the room (Klarta Humea fits best for spaces up to 475 ft2)

• What is the initial humidity level

• What kind of symptoms do you experience

What you need to know about humidifiers: how to use them safely and effectively?

Some of the physicians, i.e. the Canadian Association for Asthma Sufferers (Asthma Canada), do not recommend air humidifiers, as they may provoke more harm than good.

As evidence to support this allegation, the organization states that higher moisture levels (above 45 %) encourage mold, bacteria, and dust mites growth, which are common asthma triggers.

We fully agree with it, pointing out, however, that most modern, smart humidifiers have a humidistat, which blocks further humidification every time the desirable level of humidity (e.g., 45 % or 50 %) is reached.

Another important thing to remember is tank and filter cleaning. Left dirty, along with residual water they create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

Therefore, humidifiers can indeed be dangerous whenever exploited improperly. That is why designing our humidifier, we put the utmost care to create a user-friendly, intuitive, and hygienic device that will be safe both for aware users, as well as amateurs or children.

Apart from that we also created a short manual on how to run your humidifier safely.

5 useful tips to run your humidifier safely

1. Pour out any residual water before refilling with a new one.
2. Rinse the filter under running water (every 2-3 days with regular use)
3. Clean the tank, float, and plastic filter parts once a week
4. Descale filter once or twice per month (according to your needs), rinse it in a solution of water and food-grade citric acid
5. Follow the guidelines about optimal humidity level (40-50%, alternatively 60 %).

Additionally, it is not advisable to put any chemicals or oil fragrances to the device. To clean the tank, please use mild detergents. 

Read the full article here: How to use the Klarta humidifier so that the filter lasts up to 6 months?

Sources:

1. Angelon-Gaetz, Kim A et al. “Exploration of the effects of classroom humidity levels on teachers' respiratory symptoms.” International archives of occupational and environmental health vol. 89,5 (2016): 729-37. doi:10.1007/s00420-016-1111-0

2. Kuek, Li Eon, and Robert J Lee. “First contact: the role of respiratory cilia in host-pathogen interactions in the airways.” American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology vol. 319,4 (2020): L603-L619. doi:10.1152/ajplung.00283.2020

3. Rearick, L, Bhagwat, R. Can Using a Humidifier Help Dry Skin? Experts Weigh In. RealSimple Blog. November, 2024. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/humidifier-benefits. Access to website: 2025-03-20

4. Unknown author. What a Pulmonologist Wants You to Know About Humidifiers. Hackensack Meridian Health Blog. https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2024/01/05/what-a-pulmonologist-wants-you-to-know-about-humidifiers. Access to website: 2025-03-20

5. Unknown author. Does a Humidifier Help With Asthma? Austin Emergency Center Blog. https://austiner.com/blog/does-a-humidifier-help-with-asthma. Access to website: 2025-03-20