Air Purifier Vs. Humidifier: Which One Is Better For Asthma?

Some self-care products are all about rest and relaxation, and others are about keeping yourself as healthy as possible. When it comes to fighting asthma, every season is a new challenge. There might just be a way to make your life, and your breathing, a little easier. The difference between air purifiers and humidifiers can be a game-changer for those with asthma. It turns out, however, that more isn't always merrier. There's only one gadget that is proven to help asthma.

Let's cut right to the chase here. If you have asthma, it might be time to invest in an air purifier. According to BlueAir, "air pollution and asthma are strongly linked." That means that an air purifier — even just a portable one — is the way to go when it comes to taking control of your asthma symptoms. It turns out humidifiers aren't all that helpful. Here's everything that you need to know about the two, so you can make the best decision for you and your health.

If you're looking for the most effective way to help combat your asthma symptoms, it seems that the air purifier is the way to go. Per GoodRx, "Air filters work to ease the symptoms of asthma and COPD by reducing the number of irritating particles in the air caused by smoke, pets, pollen, and other irritants." All of those things listed can trigger asthma. While you can't always stop the outdoor triggers, you can take a stand on those found indoors. While you should always consult with your doctor if you have asthma, buying an air purifier is a pretty simple way to help combat allergens in your home.

A humidifier, on the other hand, pumps cool or warm water vapor into the air to make it more pleasant to breathe. According to Healthline, humidifiers can actually make asthma symptoms worse, especially if you don't take care of the machine. If they aren't maintained and cleaned, they can provide a home for various bacteria and fungi. So if you're looking for something low-maintenance that is pretty much guaranteed to have benefits, then an air purifier is the way to go.

Now that you know that it's time to invest in an air purifier, it's time to start talking about which one you should get. HEPA air purifiers are typically considered the best option for those with asthma, GoodRx states: "HEPA filters are popular because they can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, cleaning the air of 99.7% of allergens that pass through it." Basically, that means that it captures a whole lot and keeps your air clean.

That might all seem fancy, but you don't actually have to spend an enormous amount of money to make your air cleaner. While there are some rather pricey HEPA air purifiers, even a small-scale model will help you purify the air in your home. No matter which design you opt for, you can breathe easier — literally and figuratively — knowing you're cleaning up the air in your home.