Should I Use A Humidifier For Dust Allergies

 

Are dust allergies affecting your quality of life? If so, you may be searching for effective ways to alleviate symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. One potential solution is using a humidifier, but is it the right choice for your dust allergies?

 

 

Understanding Dust Allergies and Humidity

Dust allergies are triggered by dust mites, tiny organisms that thrive in dry environments. When the air in your home is too dry, it can aggravate allergy symptoms by drying out the sinuses and nasal passages. By adding moisture to the air, a humidifier can help maintain optimal humidity levels, usually between 30-50%, making it less conducive for dust mites to thrive.

 

Benefits of Using a Humidifier

1. Eases Breathing: By increasing air moisture, a humidifier can soothe dry airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing symptoms like congestion and inflammation.

2. Comfortable Indoor Environment: Balanced humidity levels can also help maintain a more comfortable temperature, making your home environment more pleasant overall.

3. Skin Hydration: Humidifiers prevent skin dryness, a common problem when suffering from allergies aggravated by low humidity.

 

Important Considerations

While humidifiers can be beneficial, it's crucial to use them correctly. Over-humidifying can increase the likelihood of mold and dust mites, potentially exacerbating allergies.

Conclusion: Should I Use A Humidifier For Dust Allergies

 

In Short: No! a humidifier is not useful if you have a dust allergy instead for the majority of people would benefit from a dehumidifier

• If your home is below 30% humidity, you could consider a humidifier, however the majority of homes will never get to below 30% humidity (unless you live in a desert!) 
• If your home is above 50% humidity, you should instead get a dehumidifier, as this will kill dust mites.

 

You can find our recommended best Dehumidifier for dust mite allergies here

Find out the best 6 steps to get rid of dust mites here

 

Instead Use A Dehumidifier to Reduce Humidity

Dust Mite Humidity Control

• Set Humidity to 50%: Dust mites will start to die of dehydration once humidity is below 50%.

Picking The Best Dehumidifier for Dust Mite Allergy

A dehumidifier is the easiest way to reduce humidity in the home here are the top 3 features you should be looking at to solve your dust mite allergy:

1. Humidity sensor that activates whenever humidity drops below 50%. We recommend setting the sensor to 45%, as humidity levels tend to be higher further away from the device.
2. Washable filter to make sure the air coming out doesn't spread dust.
3. Quiet Operation so you can keep the dehumidifier running all night. A 2-hour rise in humidity will allow dust mites to rehydrate

Tips On Reducing Dust Mite Humidity Level

• Do not air dry inside: dry items outside or in a drying machine

• Keep windows closed when it's humid or wet outside. You can check the current humidity by googling "humidity in my area" or buy a humidity monitor to place outside your window. If humidity is above 50%, it's best to keep the windows closed.

• Fold blanket when you wake up: fold your blanket at the end of the bed to release any trapped damp air when you wake up.