During frigid winter months the air in your home can get excessively dry. That can lead to a lot of negative consequences to health and comfort for all residents, human and animal alike. To keep your family and your pets breathing freely and contact shock-free, run a humidifier. This is an easy solution to the problem, but humidifiers also require considerable maintenance. However, choosing a filterless model can save you some hassle. We have collected five best filterless humidifier choices to take the effort out of maintaining a healthy humidity level in your home.
Benefits of Using a Humidifier
There are several reasons to run a humidifier in your home. We’ll dig into them, below.
Better health
Humidifiers can relieve the symptoms of respiratory illnesses, especially asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease that leads to sore and swollen airways. When those passages are sensitive they become reactive to irritants of all kinds. This causes coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness, limiting air flow.
Humidifiers help reduce asthma symptoms because the moist air they distribute relaxes lungs and improves breathing. Another benefit – humidity binds with pollen and other environmental irritants to keep them low to the ground, rather than circulating in your airspace. Overly dry air, on the other hand, irritates nerves in the lungs.
Many people also use a humidifier for sinus problems or for snoring issues.
General comfort
Air that is too dry can cause sore throats and itchy eyes, dry and cracking skin, and painful static electricity throughout the house. If you are waking up with a painful throat and dry eyes, spending way too much money on moisturizer, or getting shocked every time you touch anything in your home, you need a humidifier!
Properly hydrated air also keeps nasal passages from drying out and may therefore reduce the number of nosebleeds you have during the cold winter months. You can also count on your humidifier for dry skin relief. You will feel a lot more comfortable in your home when the humidity level is maintained adequately.
Consistency throughout the seasons
Throughout the year, natural humidity levels fluctuate. In most climates, the winter months are much drier. But no matter the weather outside, central air conditioning and heating can pull moisture from the air and make your indoor environment uncomfortable. Therefore you may want to run a humidifier year round.
For most people, a humidity level somewhere between 30-60% is ideal. If you can keep the humidity within this range, your family will be less susceptible to seasonal illnesses and allergies. You will also find that it greatly improves the quality of your sleep.
White noise/ambiance
In busy homes there is a lot of noise, hustle, and bustle. Some people like the gentle white noise that humidifiers provide to drown out the sounds of televisions in other rooms and other sounds of family life. In general, this noise is not significant, but can be just enough to help you feel like your private space is really private.
Some of the humidifiers on our list also have lighting incorporated. It usually offers several different color choices to add some ambiance to your room or serve as a nightlight while sleeping. Integrated lights can be both pretty and useful.
What to Look for in a Humidifier
For the purpose of this article, we are assuming that you want your humidifier to be filterless. Following are some other important factors to consider before choosing the right product for your family.
Ease of cleaning
One of the side effects of a humidifier is that it separates minerals from water. Over time, that process leaves behind a white powder in your machine. Left alone, that material can be expelled with the water when the humidifier is on. That leaves a white film on furniture and nearby items, but that’s not all.
Your family will also breathe this dust in. The minerals themselves are not harmful to health – after all, you drink them all the time – but they can irritate your lungs when inhaled. To avoid this problem, regular cleaning of your humidifier is crucial. Choosing a unit that is easy to clean can make your life a lot easier.
Mist temperature
There are a couple of different types: you can choose between a cool mist humidifier and a warm mist humidifier. Warm mist machines heat the water to the point that it becomes steam, while cool mist units use ultrasonic technology to create mist without heat. The type you choose depends on your ultimate goals.
Warm steam can be better at reducing congestion, but when it comes from a humidifier, the moisture tends to match room temperature by the time it is inhaled anyway. Going into a steamy bathroom with the shower running is a better way to deliver warm steam when needed. A cool mist humidifier is ideal for regular maintenance of the humidity in any room.
However, running a warm mist humidifier can actually raise the temperature of your room and therefore lower energy costs during cold winter months. Since that is when the environment is also naturally quite dry, it might be the only time you need a humidifier. If this is the case for you, consider a warm mist machine.Noise & lights
Many humidifiers utilize beeps when you’re setting them or as an alert that the water tank is empty. They also often have indicator lights. Several of the humidifiers on our list actually have soft nightlights incorporated, and if this is the case with yours, you’ll want to make sure that you can control the lights adequately so that you aren’t forced to have them on when you might prefer darkness.
TOP 5 Best Filterless Humidifier
Product Overview
Start here with quick specs on each of our reviewed humidifier models.
Brand | ranking | Image | Capacity | Max Runtime | Nightlight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Editor’s choice |  | 6L | 40 hours | No | One year | |
#2 |  | 1.8L | 23 hours | No | 18 months | |
#3 |  | 2L | 10 hours | yes | One year | |
#4 |  | 5L | 12 hours | No | 90 days | |
#5 |  | 1 gallon | 24 hours | Yes | One year |
REVIEWS
Following are in-depth reviews of five great filterless humidifiers.
1 Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier 6L Vaporizer Warm and Cool Mist for Large Room Baby Bedroom with Remote, Customized Humidity, LED Touch Display, Sleep Mode, 12-40 Hours, 550ml/h Max Humidity
For people who crave a feature-rich experience, you’ll love this Elechomes humidifier. It has a large water tank, long continuous run time, and a huge coverage area, but that’s just the start. This product does not come with a filter, but use of one is optional (appropriate ones can be purchased separately.) If you ever change your mind about preferring a filterless humidifier, you won’t have to purchase a new unit.
This ultrasonic humidifier can deliver both cool and warm mist. Cool mist is great in the summer, but in the winter you’ll find that using the warm mist setting actually lowers your heating bill. The convenient dual nozzles rotate 360° to direct moisture wherever you need it, preventing the problem of moisture settling on curtains or furniture.
Knowing what the ambient humidity actually is can also help keep your room from getting too damp. To that end, this humidifier comes with a built-in humidistat. Set it to your desired humidity level and the machine will cycle on and off as necessary to maintain it. Another helpful setting is Sleep Mode. On this setting, the unit will darken its LED screen and run at a whisper-quiet 34dB.
Continuous runtime settings range between 1-12 hours. Want to add some aromatherapy to your humidification? Not all humidifiers support this, but Elechomes does with a built-in aromatherapy box that can be used or not as desired.
The cherry on top is that you can control all of these features with the included remote control. There’s no need to get up and crouch in front of the unit to make adjustments to the settings. This humidifier works ably in rooms up to 750 sq. ft. and can deliver up to 40 hours of continuous use with its large 6L tank.
SPECS:
- 11.6 x 7.7 x 11 inches
- 5.07 pounds
- One year warranty
PROS
- Covers huge spaces
- Included remote control
- Accurate built-in humidistat
CONS
- Run time between refills diminishes the higher you set the humidity
- Can be challenging to refill and reseat water tank
- Makes audible beeps while setting and continually flashes some readings
2 TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifiers [BPA Free], Quiet and Small Ultrasonic Humidifier for Bedroom Nightstand, Space-Saving, Filterless, Auto Shut Off-(1.8L/0.48 Gallon, US 110V)
![TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifiers for Babies [BPA Free], Quiet and Small Ultrasonic Humidifier for Bedroom Nightstand, Space-Saving, Filterless, Auto Shut Off-(1.8L/0.48 Gallon, US 110V)](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61F3XbClpYL._SL400_.jpg "TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifiers for Babies [BPA Free], Quiet and Small Ultrasonic Humidifier for Bedroom Nightstand, Space-Saving, Filterless, Auto Shut Off-(1.8L/0.48 Gallon, US 110V)")
Sometimes you need a humidifier but have limited space in which to run one. In that case, take a look at the compact and streamlined cool mist humidifier from TaoTronics. It is made with BPA-free materials so that nothing harmful leaches from the plastic. It works quietly and shuts off automatically when the water runs out. A simple slider allows you to turn the unit on and select the level of humidity you prefer.
Because this is a smaller unit, the water tank is only 1.8L. Therefore, it doesn’t run as long as other humidifiers on our list before needing a refill. The good side of this is that it is easy to refill one-handed and replace the tank without spilling water. It also makes it a perfect desk humidifier.
This humidifier has a 360° nozzle that allows you to direct water vapor where you need it most, and away from curtains that can quickly become damp and retain moisture. This product is hygienic and easy to clean due to a special feature. When the humidifier is turned off, the fan continues to run for a few minutes in order to dry water condensation left in the works. For thorough cleaning, use the special cleaning brush that comes with your purchase.
At the highest humidity setting, you can expect about 5.5 hours of continuous use. At the lowest setting, this unit can go for 23 hours on one tank! For overnight use, choose a medium to low setting.
SPECS:
PROS
- Streamlined design takes up little room
- Nozzle can be directed anywhere
- Works very quietly; will not disturb sleep
CONS
- Air intake is on bottom of unit and can be blocked by carpeting
- Relatively small water tank can’t run all night on highest setting
- Not for use with essential oils
3 UCareAir Cool Mist Humidifier – Humidifier for Bedroom, Quiet Mist Humidifier, High Low Mist, Waterless Auto-off, Night Light, Baby Kids Nursery, 2L Tank, Filterless Humidifiers for home office, ETL Approved
A mid-sized humidifier can be ideal for tighter spaces because too much moisture is just as harmful to human health as too little. This product from UCareAir holds 2L of water and runs for up to 10 hours, making it just right for about 200 sq. ft. of space.
There are two mist settings to control both the direction and speed of the water vapor. Two settings are ample on this product because the humidifier utilizes advanced ultrasonic technology to create a very fine mist. That prevents pooling water on surfaces, so you don’t ever need to place a towel under the machine. In fact, you shouldn’t, because this can block the vents.
Operating noise comes in at a quiet 32dB so sleeping with this unit is no problem. The lights are blue, pink, and green – they can be set to dim at night as well or you can turn them off entirely. With an automatic shutoff that triggers when the water runs out, this humidifier can be set and run for hours without supervision.
There is no filter to clean or replace, the water tank is designed to make cleaning easy, and your purchase includes a special brush to help get the job done in a snap. The water tank is narrower at the top to help you grip it easily in one hand to remove.
SPECS:
PROS
- Long run time for the size
- Easy to set, refill, and clean
- Detachable cord for safety; keeps water away from critical parts during cleaning & refilling
CONS
- Water gurgles as it fills reservoir; can bother very light sleepers
- Covers a relatively small area
- No carrying handle on water tank
4 Proaller Cool Mist Humidifier Ultrasonic 5L/1.32 Gal for Baby, Bedroom, Home, Filter Free Vaporizer, Humidity Monitor, 12Hrs Timer/Sleep Mode, Whisper-Quiet, Waterless Auto Off, 3 Mist for 30 Hrs Working
A mid-sized humidifier can be ideal for tighter spaces because too much moisture is just as harmful to human health as too little. This product from UCareAir holds 2L of water and runs for up to 10 hours, making it just right for about 200 sq. ft. of space.
There are two mist settings to control both the direction and speed of the water vapor. Two settings are ample on this product because the humidifier utilizes advanced ultrasonic technology to create a very fine mist. That prevents pooling water on surfaces, so you don’t ever need to place a towel under the machine. In fact, you shouldn’t, because this can block the vents.
Operating noise comes in at a quiet 32dB so sleeping with this unit is no problem. The lights are blue, pink, and green – they can be set to dim at night as well or you can turn them off entirely. With an automatic shutoff that triggers when the water runs out, this humidifier can be set and run for hours without supervision.
There is no filter to clean or replace, the water tank is designed to make cleaning easy, and your purchase includes a special brush to help get the job done in a snap. The water tank is narrower at the top to help you grip it easily in one hand to remove.
SPECS:
PROS
- Almost silent operation
- Touch screen
- Built-in humidistat and thermometer
CONS
- Mist nozzle does not rotate
- Cannot be used with essential oils
- Humidity sensor reads high if moisture lingers near the unit
5 Pure Enrichment MistAire XL Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier for Large Rooms - 1 Gallon Water Tank with Variable Mist Control, Automatic Shut-Off and Optional Night Light - Lasts Up to 24 Hours
Pure Enrichment's MistAire XL Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is a powerful and attractive unit with a large one gallon water tank. It can run continuously between 10 and 24 hours depending on the setting and covers rooms up to 500 square feet. The unit shuts off automatically when the water runs out or when the water tank is removed.
An optional nightlight can be set in either blue, green, or red hues. You can also customize the mist output with dual nozzles that can run together or one at a time. The variable control mist knob sets the intensity precisely. This could be an ideal filterless humidifier for baby or for bedroom use with any member of the family.
The ultrasonic humidifier technology allows for near-silent operation. Your purchase includes a special cleaning brush and an industry-leading 5 year warranty.
SPECS:
PROS
- Comes with cleaning brush
- 3 light color choices
- Long 5 year warranty
CONS
- Tank can be awkward to refill
- Base has some areas that are challenging to clean
- Power indicator light cannot be dimmed
Measuring Humidity
When using a humidifier to improve health and comfort, it is important to keep an eye on the actual humidity level in the room. A great tool for this is a hygrometer or humidistat. These measuring devices look like thermometers but measure moisture rather than heat.
Some of the humidifiers on our list contain a built-in humidistat, which can be a very convenient feature. However, the air nearest to the humidifier will naturally be the most humid, so these may not accurately measure the level in the room as a whole.
Dirty Humidifiers and Health Concerns
Humidifiers do a great job of improving respiratory health, but only if they are clean. Dirty reservoirs and water tanks create breeding grounds for mold and bacteria which easily becomes airborne. This can be seriously detrimental to health, triggering asthma and even causing lung infections.
How to Keep Your Humidifier Clean
When it comes to humidifier safety, be sure to follow the guidelines as written in the user manual of your dehumidifier. The following tips can make the job easier.
Conclusion
There are a lot of great reasons to use a humidifier, not the least of which is that you’ll just feel better. Maintaining a humidity level in the range of 30-60% will not only improve respiratory conditions and lead to better sleep, it can also lower the incidence of seasonal colds, flus, and allergies. Each of the models on our list is filterless, making for easier maintenance without sacrificing anything in form or function. Whether you need a humidifier for winter air or to overcome the effects of central air conditioning, the time is now to make your choice. We hope we have made it easy for you to choose the best filterless humidifier for your home!
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