Last Updated: February 26, 2024
Sinus infection, or sinusitis is a common condition among people of all ages and affects a lot of people every year. It is an inflammation of mucous membrane that lines the sinuses resulting in symptoms like thick nasal mucus, plugged nose, and facial pain. Those suffering for sinus problems may also experience cough, headaches, fever, poor sense of smell, and sore throat.
The reason for Sinus problems can vary in different people –
- It may be caused by allergies, or infections.
- Air pollution can also be the cause of sinus problems.
- Dry air can also cause irritation of the sinus.
- Some people have structural problems in the nose that can cause these problems.
- People with conditions like Asthma, cystic fibrosis, and poor immune function may also experience recurrent bouts.
- Viral infection is the most likely cause, although if the problem persists or worsens after getting better, it may be due to bacterial infection.
- If the humidity levels are more than 50%, dust mites can cause a problem.
- Mold growth can also irritate the sinus for some people.
Prevention and Treatment
It can be avoided by keeping the surroundings clean, washing hands whenever possible, and avoiding smoking. Usually, the first line of treatment is waiting and observing if it’ll pass. If it doesn’t, here’s what you can do –
- Consult with your doctor to get antibiotics.
- Pain killers can be used to treat the symptoms.
- For chronic patients, surgery can also be an option.
- Properly humidify your air.
Sinus infection can be divided into different categories based on the seriousness, and can be treated accordingly.
Generally, it subsides on its own, but in case where it persists, antibiotics can be used. Other than using antibiotics, drinking lots of hot water can be done to thin the mucus. Use of humidifiers inside the home is also useful.
Are Humidifiers really effective for sinuses-
Humidifiers add moisture to the environment and solve the issue of low humidity which is a contributing factor to the sinus problem.
There are plenty of humidifiers extremely helpful in taking care of people with sinus infection. Humidifiers make rooms fresh and safe for breathing. While buying, you should consider a few simple things. Consider the size of area you want to humidify. Some humidifiers are good for medium to big spaces, while others only for smaller spaces. A smaller unit will fail to do a proper job in larger areas, while a larger unit will be redundant if you only need a small area humidified. Also, there are different control options and operational systems that differentiate these humidifiers, and you should get the one that fits your requirements. If you’re buying for a small baby, you want a noiseless humidifier that doesn’t wake the baby up while he/she’s sleeping. Consult a physician before installing a humidifier in a newborns nursery.
You also need to consider your budget while making your decision.
If you’re looking for a humidifier, here is a list of some good humidifiers for the people suffering from sinus problems.
List of the best humidifiers for sinus problems
1.) Honeywell HCM350W Humidifier
Honeywell HCM35OW is a cool mist humidifier that you can install in your house to improve upon any sinus problems. The scientifically proven process of the humidifier kills 99.9 % of the bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus in the unit’s water, using UV technology. This process ensures that the air in your room is totally free of germs and good to breathe.
The Honeywell HCM35OW has a tank with one gallon capacity, and can operate up to twenty four hours. Evaporative technology in the unit helps moisture evaporate into air quickly. The best thing about this technology is that it’s impossible to over humidify the room air with this.
You can place this humidifier in your baby’s nursery, living room, bedroom etc.
The humidifier helps in relieving congestion, cough, and also protects your furniture. Keep the RH level between 40-60 % to reduce the survival of flu viruses.
2.) Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier from Everlasting Comfort is made to humidify an entire room, and has a slick design. The unit has a huge six Gallon tank that is enough to keep it going for fifty straight hours. It definitely delivers everlasting comfort. The humidifier can humidify an area of 400 sq. ft and the ultrasonic technology ensures there’s no disturbance while sleeping.
In this humidifier, you also get an essential oil tray, which is very similar to the oil diffusers. The oils are circulated into the mist by the fan, producing a fresh and pure aroma. There is a blue LED nightlight, that is just perfect for a baby’s nursery.
You can adjust the mist and steam output with a knob, and the three sixty degree nozzle makes sure that every corner is well humidified. This results in decreased risk of illness, germs, and bacteria that cause sinus trouble. Keeping humidity up to 43% helps with allergies , coughs, and clearing sinuses.
There is an auto shut off option that swings into action when the water level is too low. Unlike many humidifiers, this unit doesn’t require filters. Use demineralized water to keep white dust from settling.
3.) BONECO Warm or Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier
This warm and cool mist humidifier from BONECO turns water into fine mist by using high frequency vibrations.
This humidifier has built in hydrostat, which you can use to regulate desired humidity level in the room. You can choose between the warm and the cool mist to maintain desired room temperature. The unit works in complete silence, giving you a comfortable good night’s sleep. There is a demineralization cartridge which is replaceable, ensuring that there are no lime scale or mineral residuals in your water mist.
To keep the water fresh for a longer time, there is an added Hydro cell. There is a LED display, multifunctional display with practical reminders for refill, and cleaning. There is sleep mode, if you want a low noise operation for when you’re sleeping. Using the preheating function the mist exists the at 40 degree Celsius which is quite a comfortable temperature.
The water tank in the unit has a capacity of 3.5 Gallons and can operate for an amount of twenty four hours. It can humidify an area up to 650 square feet. You can adjust it to suit your requirements.
4.) Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier
This warm mist humidifier from Vicks is very helpful for dealing with congestion relief, and alleviating cold and flu symptoms. It is a good option to be placed in your child’s room. It can be used with Vicks vapo steam for medicated vapors. It’s quiet operation ensure a noise-free, comfortable sleep. There is a soft glowing night light, which lights the room while the baby sleeps.
The unit has a one gallon tank which can help it operate for twenty four hours. In the dry season, it is very easy to catch a cold. Your nights can be restless with wheezing and cough. Vicks warm mist humidifier diffuses 95% bacteria free mist into the air. It is perfect for allergy season and for dry air.
There are two output settings for ideal comfort. There is medicine cup that you can use with liquid inhalants like Vicks Vapo steam to relieve your sinus problems. The auto shut off setting ensure that your machine stays safe.
5.) Aprilaire 700 Automatic Humidifier
Aprilaire 700 comes with automatic digital controls, alleviating symptoms caused by stale, dry air. This is a unit built to operate in larger areas, and can humidify areas up to 4, 200 square feet. This unit can deliver up to fifty times more moisture than other competitive units.
This humidifier has an outstanding evaporation capacity of 0.75 Gallons per hour, making it a name among the highest capacity humidifiers sold. It is very easy to operate with truly automatic controls. With this humidifier, there is no need to wait monitor your settings, or to wait until you feel uncomfortable. Even if you’re using manual mode, you won’t feel out of place. It provides vital service, temperature, and relative humidity in manual modes as well.
It is not very hard to maintain, and requires simple yearly maintenance. It only weighs 15 pounds, which is not a lot, considering its specifications.
These are some good humidifier options for people with sinus problems. Getting a humidifier is the first step. You need to maintain the humidifiers to keep them in good condition. A well-maintained humidifier will work better and will ensure that you stay in good shape.
Tips – Here are a few simple steps to maintain your Humidifier-
- Make sure that you’re using distilled water. Hard water contains mineral that can deposit and make a layer in the water tank which is bad for your humidifier.
- Keep cleaning the humidifier properly, on regular intervals.
- Change the water inside your humidifier regularly.
- Don’t keep the humidifier in areas that are damp.
- Keep away from children and pets to avoid accidents.