Air Purifier Vs. Humidifier: Which One Is Better For Allergies

Everyone knows having allergies sucks — the constant sneezing, stuffed-up nose, and the ever-present headache are just a few signs that it's allergy season. While you may be tuned to grabbing one medication or another to calm down your symptoms, a more successful solution may be investing in an air purifier or humidifier.

Chances are you've heard of these two products, but what exactly are they? And which one is better with treating (and preventing!) allergy symptoms? According to Live Science, an air purifier cleans the air by using specific air filtration technology. Humidifiers, on the other hand, don't cleanse the air; they simply add water to the air. Per the site, humidifiers are more designed to moisturize a dry environment.

So, which one is better for allergies? Per the Review of Purifiers, an allergy-prone person's better bet is an air purifier. The website reported that, though humidifiers also improve air quality, a purifier is specifically designed to filter the air, reducing a person's contact with their allergen(s).

Both air purifier and humidifiers have their pros and cons

Even though a humidifier doesn't help allergies, it's not completely useless. Per the Review of Purifiers, a humidifier is specifically designed to increase the moisture in the air, making it easier for people to breathe and even in some cases to sleep. Plus, a humidifier is a perfect solution for clearing the air during the dry season. And, let's not forget to mention how inexpensive a humidifier is compared to an air purifier.

There are some cons to a humidifier, though. While moisturizing your air, your furniture and carpet may become damaged in the process, the Review of Purifiers added. So, if you have all carpet floors, you may want to look into another product.

Furthermore, an air purifier may not be a feasible solution either. Though an air purifier works great, its relatively expensive cost makes it inaccessible for some. And, let's forget that by purifying the air, harmful chemicals are released too — a potential medical problem you don't want in the future. All in all, both of the products, while great, have their advantages and downsides.