This is our buying guide on the 3 best humidifiers for Sleep Apnea in 2023. Below is a quick summary of our top recommendations. Scroll further down to read our in depth, hands on reviews, for each humidifier.
Pure Enrichment MistAire Humidifier
- Easy to fill
- Easy to clean
- Powerful misting
- Can run up to 25 hours
- Easily handles small and large spaces
- Can run on low and high speeds
- Great for the bedroom
- Makes a noticeable difference in less than 10 minutes
- Nozzle – 260 degrees
- Nightlight
- 1.5-liter capacity
AIRCARE MA1201 Whole-House
- Fantastic coverage – 3200 square feet plus
- Automatic shut-off
- Traps hard water deposits
- Simple operation
- Acceptable noise levels
- Easy controls
- Easy to clean
- Enormous water capacity
- Digital humidistat
- Evaporative technology
- Double water capacity
Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
- Exceptional humidistat
- Prevents mold and residue
- Excellent for dry climates
- Long runtime
- 6-Liter water reservoir reduces refill requirements
- Easy refill with top-fill design
- Remote control
- As much as four times faster than other units in the range
- Warm and cold mist
- Easy to clean
- Almost noiseless
- Auto on and off
- Listens to Alexa and Google Assistant
In this piece, I’ll be sharing my personal review on the top 3 humidifiers for Sleep Apnea in 2022.
If you’re like me and struggle with sleep apnea, having a humidifier by your side practically every night is a game changer. Research shows that maintaining the right level of moisture in the air during your slumber can drastically alleviate symptoms like stuffy sinuses, a dry throat, and even deep-seated lung congestion.
But hold on! Before you rush out to grab one, remember that not all humidifiers are created equal!
I brought several models into my testing lab and meticulously narrowed them down to the top three that now grace my list of “The 3 best humidifiers for sleep apnea in 2022.”
From my trials, one thing became crystal clear: the AIRCARE MA1201 Whole-House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier stood out as the premier choice for anyone battling sleep apnea in 2022.
This wizard from AIRCARE showed remarkable performance in dry conditions, effortlessly transforming even the smallest spaces, making it the perfect companion for your bedroom.
It’s a humidifier that comes jam-packed with features, and what’s more, it’s pretty reasonably priced.
So stay with me, because I’m about to delve into the specifics of all three of my top picks.
AIRCARE MA1201 Whole-House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier
BEST OVERALL
At first sight
According to AIRCARE, their humidifier is ideal for spaces as vast as 3200 square feet.
When it arrived on my doorstep, it came ready to roll – fully assembled with the filter preinstalled. All I had to do was unbox it, fill it up with water, and power it up.
Design
Let’s get one thing out of the way – the AIRCARE MA1201 is hefty, bordering on the side of bulky. It feels like a bit more thought could’ve been put into its industrial design to make it more compact.
But let’s be fair here – it’s built to humidify large spaces, so the size might just be justified.
On their website, Aircare suggests that their humidifier is attractive enough not to be hidden away in a closet. To be blunt, it’s not exactly a showstopper. It’s not a total eyesore, but neither is it a piece of art – as thrilling as watching vanilla ice cream melt on a white plate.
That being said, its design is high on functionality.
Humidifiers are often placed in high-traffic areas of a home, so while functionality is king, aesthetics do matter.
However – and this is a huge however – the AIRCARE MA1201 Whole-House-Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier may not be a beauty queen, but when it comes to performance, it’s in a league of its own.
Seeing it in action is simply delightful!
Water Tank Capacity
The water tank can carry 3.6 gallons. During my testing, I had a chance to experiment a little.
I found a way to almost double the capacity by first emptying the water into the base and then refilling the tank. Double the capacity means double the runtime!
Refilling the reservoir is straightforward, and it sits snugly in a standard kitchen sink.
However, reattaching a full reservoir can lead to spills. I experienced this several times, so I placed the unit on an absorbent mat during the testing period.
Runtime
Standardly, this Aircare machine runs for 36 hours with a 3.6-gallon water tank. But if you use the double-fill trick, you can get runtimes stretching to an impressive 70 hours.
Coverage
Although the humidifier is rated for 3200 square feet, my tests showed it could handle more. I ran it in areas spanning up to 4000 square feet. While it took a bit longer to reach optimal humidity levels, it held them without a hiccup.
Noise levels
This is a big machine, so it’s somewhat noisier than the average. However, even in the living room where I thought it might disturb my TV viewing, it didn’t cause any disruptions.
At its loudest, it emits a gentle hum, and it didn’t bother me in the bedroom either.
Special Features
Typically, humidifier manufacturers recommend using distilled water in their units to prevent white dust and scale build-up. But in my testing phase, I filled it with plain tap water and didn’t encounter any problems – no white dust or scale.
This must be credited to the unit’s evaporative technology.
Operating the humidifier is a breeze once the reservoir is filled. A simple button lets you set your preferred humidity levels instantly. The humidifier will then switch itself off and on to maintain constant moisture levels.
Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe down, rinse, and a change of the wick. It’ll take you no more than 15 minutes.
The wick needs replacing every thirty to sixty days, depending on usage. A warning light notifies you when it’s time for a change. And a new wick costs around $20, so it won’t make a significant dent in your wallet!
This humidifier is a top-notch choice for sleep apnea sufferers, easily securing the top spot on my list of best humidifiers for sleep apnea.
Pros
- Fantastic coverage – 3200 square feet plus
- Automatic shut-off
- Traps hard water deposits
- Simple operation
- Acceptable noise levels
- Easy controls
- Easy to clean
- Enormous water capacity
- Digital humidistat
- Evaporative technology
- Double water capacity
Cons
- Aesthetic design is sorely lacking
Pure Enrichment MistAire Humidifier
BEST BUDGET
Quick look
Humidifiers are commonly linked to the arid seasons, with many using them to alleviate dry skin, congestion, and allergy symptoms. But I discovered a humidifier can be a powerful ally in tackling sleep apnea, even during summer.
The MistAIre unit turned out to be the best budget option in my testing of the 3 best humidifiers for sleep apnea in 2022.
I put the Pure Enrichment humidifier through its paces, using it nightly for nearly a month, to see if it merited a spot on my list of the best humidifiers for sleep apnea.
And guess what? It not only made the cut, but also impressed me beyond expectations!
First off, setting up this humidifier was a breeze – no need to be tech-savvy or handy.
The manufacturer recommends placing it at least six inches away from the wall or similar obstacles.
Once I had chosen its home, I simply filled the water reservoir (yes, using regular tap water is fine), slotted the tank back into the unit’s base, plugged it in, and voila! The air around me was noticeably easier to breathe.
Design
Given that a humidifier usually finds its place in busy areas of a home, it’s important that it meshes with the décor, rather than being an eyesore. This unit was a delight to the eye! A fun design element is the water tank that lights up with a soothing blue glow. While it doesn’t add any operational value, it does give the unit a sleek, almost futuristic look.
The Pure Enrichment MistAire Cool Mist Humidifier comes with a single button near the base.
One click powers the unit on.
A second click cranks up the speed.
And a third touch switches it off.
It can be a bit inconvenient not being able to see the setting at a glance – I found a dial, like on some other models, to be more user-friendly.
The ease of cleaning can make or break a purchase, and this unit passes the test. Only two crucial parts require cleaning – the water tank, and the base.
No parts need to be detached for cleaning. An added bonus is the dedicated cleaning brush that comes with the package.
Water Tank Capacity
Although the 1.5-liter water tank may seem small, once I started using the unit, I found it to be surprisingly sufficient.
Runtime
The MistAire can keep going for up to 16 hours on a low setting and up to 7 hours on high. These numbers can vary depending on the existing humidity levels.
Do note: Most similar units I’ve tested tend to conk out around the ten-hour mark.
Coverage
The manufacturer recommends it for spaces not exceeding 250 square feet, particularly in extremely dry conditions.
But in my tests, the unit performed admirably even in areas of up to 400 square feet. It did take a bit longer to achieve optimal humidity, though.
Mist Volume
I put the unit through its paces in rooms mimicking a bedroom, a living room, and a home office. It delivered excellent mist output every time.
Even in the larger spaces, it took as little as 10 minutes to notice a positive change in the air quality.
Noise levels
The MistAire humidifier was incredibly quiet in all the testing spaces in my center. I simply tucked it away in a corner – especially in the office space where my team writes their reports – and it was easy to forget it was even there.
This feature proved even more valuable when my team members took it home to test in their bedrooms.
Special Features
The automatic on-off feature is a godsend. It ensures the unit can’t overheat when the water tank runs dry.
Thanks to its compact size, storing this Mist Aire is a piece of cake. It can easily be slid into a closet or even under a bedside table.
Its compactness makes it ideal for smaller living spaces. It fits snugly on any nightstand, desktop, or end table. It’s even travel-friendly!
At a quiet hum of under 32dB, this humidifier discreetly does its job in the background, making it perfect for workspaces, bedrooms, or living rooms.
Who’s it for
This humidifier is a perfect match for those who have a hard time settling down at night, those who suffer from sleep apnea, or those who experience congestive issues while sleeping.
Pros
- Easy to fill
- Easy to clean
- Powerful misting
- Can run up to 25 hours
- Easily handles small and large spaces
- Can run on low and high speeds
- Great for the bedroom
- Makes a noticeable difference in less than 10 minutes
- Nozzle – 260 degrees
- Nightlight
- 1.5-liter capacity
Cons
- Single-button settings
Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
BEST PREMIUM
Quick look
The Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier is the high-end model that secured a spot on my list of the 3 best humidifiers for sleep apnea in 2022.
The highlight of this unit is its incredibly accurate humidistat. Impressively, this premium model handles spaces well beyond 750 square feet with ease.
Upon unboxing, I found a remote control, a cleaning brush, a detailed owner’s manual, three aroma and absorption pads (with one pre-installed), and of course, the humidifier.
Among all the humidifiers I’ve tested, the Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic was one of the easiest to clean. The reservoir opening is wide enough to allow even a large hand to comfortably reach in for a thorough scrub.
Plus, the unit’s built-in agitator acts as an excellent mold and residue solution.
Design
This humidifier offers comprehensive adjustability. If you want your humidifier tailored to your specific conditions, having a good set of controls is crucial.
Its humidistat is accurate to a staggering two percent, setting it apart as a clear class leader.
Moreover, when set to fully automatic, the unit will turn itself off once the water tank empties, an added feature for self-protection.
Water Tank Capacity
The Levoit boasts a 1.6-gallon water tank capacity. Conveniently, the tank is small enough to fit into any kitchen sink – no more messy refills!
Runtime
In a low-mist setting, this Levoit can run for up to 36 hours without needing a refill. Bear in mind, though, that this runtime is influenced by the existing moisture levels in the atmosphere and your chosen settings.
Coverage
The manufacturer asserts that the Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier can effortlessly maintain suitable humidity levels (around 43%) in spaces of up to 750 square feet. It thrives in living rooms and large open-plan areas.
Mist Volume
The standard mist output on this Levoit is up to 500ml per hour.
The unit also offers a choice between warm and cold mist, making it perfect for both summer and winter use.
Noise levels
Once switched on, it operates at a whisper-quiet level. The unit features an LED display that can be independently turned off – making it perfect for bedrooms or children’s rooms.
Special Features
All it takes to keep this Levoit in pristine condition is a deep clean once a week and an occasional rinse with white vinegar.
Note that this Levoit model isn’t compatible with hard water. The manufacturer recommends using distilled water, but if you decide to use mineral-rich tap water, you’ll need to clean the humidifier more frequently.
While the mineral deposits and white dust might seem like just a nuisance, they could cause more permanent damage to the humidifier over time.
One standout feature of this Levoit Humidifier is the diffuser function. By adding your favorite essential oils, as detailed in the owner’s manual, you can fill your entire home with wonderful aromas!
The Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier is undoubtedly a top contender in its price range.
The option for warm and cool misting, coupled with the remarkably intuitive controls and accurate humidistat, makes it tough competition!
Who’s it for
It’s an ideal choice for anyone residing in dry climates and suffering from sleep apnea.
Pros
- Exceptional humidistat
- Prevents mold and residue
- Excellent for dry climates
- Long runtime
- 6-Liter water reservoir reduces refill requirements
- Easy refill with top-fill design
- Remote control
- As much as four times faster than other units in the range
- Warm and cold mist
- Easy to clean
- Almost noiseless
- Auto on and off
- Listens to Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Pricey
