Humidifiers can help you enjoy better sleep by lubricating your throat and nasal passages. But to achieve this benefit, placement is a crucial consideration. The distance of the device from your bed can either boost or ruin its perks for you. With this, you’re likely asking, how close should a humidifier be to your bed?
Below, we answer this question, so you can use your humidifier at night safely and in the best possible way. Read on before you tuck yourself in!
How close should a humidifier be to your bed?
Sleeping with a humidifier on is beneficial, but you must place the unit in the right spot. Putting it right next to your bed may not be a good decision.
The rule of thumb is that you should place your humidifier at a minimum of 3 feet away from your bed. Here’s why you should follow this rule:
❄️It protects the humidifier from being knocked off.
All of us move during sleep. And if you place a humidifier right next to your bed, you’ll probably knock it off.
This is dangerous for many reasons. First, the water inside the humidifier will leak and potentially cause electrocution. Also, it may damage other items that are placed close to it.
Overall, you wouldn’t want to clean a wet mess in the middle of the night.
❄️It protects you from direct mist exposure.
While humidifier mist helps decongest your nose and throat, it’s not supposed to blow directly to your face. This is why you should always put a humidifier at a considerable distance from your bed.
Those who are using warm mist humidifiers should heed this advice even more. It’s because close exposure to the warm mist can lead to mild burns.
❄️It allows even moisture distribution.
Placing the humidifier at a distance will allow efficient distribution of moisture all over your bedroom. Overall, this will give you a more comfortable sleep.
It also prevents moisture from accumulating on the wall near your bed. Always remember that such moisture is a catalyst for a potential mold infestation.
❄️It prevents gurgling noises from disrupting your sleep.
Humidifiers produce a gurgling and humming sound. Such sounds can be louder if you’re using high speeds on the device. This can be bothersome, especially for light sleepers.
To prevent this noise from disturbing your sleep, you should place the humidifier a few feet away from your bed. With that, the humidifier sounds will become gentle white noise that could even help you doze off.
❄️It keeps the bright display away from you.
Humidifiers are often equipped with night lights and indicator lights. While most of these look mild, they will be more visible in the middle of a dark room. This can distract you from falling asleep.
With this, you should place the humidifier away from your bed. While the light is still on for you to locate the device, it won’t be as annoying as having it right next to you.
Reminders when using a bedroom humidifier
Aside from placing your bedroom humidifier in the location, it’s also important to keep in mind a few tips. Here are some points you should know for safer and more comfortable sleep:
- Don’t place it on a non-metallic surface. You should never place a bedroom humidifier on a metal surface. This is due to the risk of electrocution, especially if leaks happen. It’s best to place it on top of a non-porous surface with a mat underneath.
- Elevate it from the floor. Others place their humidifiers bare on the floor. Overall, this is a safe practice, but it also prevents the moisture from reaching you properly. Instead, try to elevate it at least two feet from the ground. You can place it on a chair or any secured surface.
- Don’t place it near foot traffic. At night, there’s a high chance that you’d have to use the bathroom. Make sure that you don’t place the humidifier where you might trip on it. If it’s unavoidable to put it on your walking path, you should keep the night light on for visibility purposes.
- Don’t place it against walls and furniture. Running humidifiers should be 2 to 3 feet away from any blockages. This is to prevent moisture from seeping through wooden furniture and other porous items.
- Use a plastic tray. For added safety, we recommend placing a plastic tray underneath the humidifier. This way, leaks won’t spread wherever you place them. It will also add stability to the humidifier in case the surface where you put it on is slippery.
How a humidifier help with sleep
The use of humidifiers during bedtime has a myriad of benefits. Here are some that you can enjoy:
- It soothes your sinuses. The mist from humidifiers moisturizes your nasal passages, sinuses, and throat. This will help you breathe easier, so you’ll be comfortable in your sleep. Those who suffer from sinusitis, clogged nose, and sore throat will reap this benefit the most.
- It prevents snoring. Since the moisture from humidifiers is soothing, it helps open up your airways. This will prevent or reduce snoring.
- It aids with sleep apnea. Those suffering from sleep apnea will find temporary comfort when running humidifiers during bedtime. It helps open up your airways, so you can breathe easier. Still, you should remember that humidifiers are only complementary solutions and not a replacement for CPAP machines.
- It relieves symptoms of asthma. Dry air makes asthmatic individuals prone to attacks. With a humidifier, you can keep humidity levels at a healthy rate. This will prevent asthma attacks whenever you’re staying in your room.
- It helps you relax for bedtime. Some humidifier models can be used to diffuse oils at the same time. This will help you tone down and relax as preparation for your sleep schedule. It’s a big deal for those who have insomnia and other sleeping problems.
- It reduces the risk of respiratory infections. Dry air can irritate your nasal passages, making you susceptible to various infections. By running a humidifier, you can help reduce this risk.
- It aids with chapped lips. Do you always get chapped and cracked lips during winter? If so, it’s best to sleep with a humidifier running in your bedroom. The moisture will prevent further dryness on your lips and skin. For the best results, you should still apply a lip balm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it okay to sleep with a humidifier each night?
A: Some people find it easier to sleep when they run a humidifier at night. Overall, this is a safe practice as long as you place the device in a safe spot. Make sure that it won’t fall off or tip while you sleep. Also, it shouldn’t be too close to your bed to avoid direct exposure to the mist, especially if you’re using a warm type.
Q: Can you put a humidifier on a nightstand?
A: Putting a humidifier on a nightstand is okay, but you have to mind its distance from your bed. If the humidifier is too close to your bed, you might knock it off accidentally. Also, the mist might be blown directly to your face. So if possible, try to look for a spot that’s slightly farther than what your arms can reach.
Q: What is the best humidity level while sleeping?
A: The ideal humidity level while sleeping is around 30% to 50%. Others are more comfortable sleeping with a higher range at 60%. Overall, humidity levels shouldn’t exceed 60%, whether you’re sleeping or not.
Q: Should I use a humidifier in my bedroom?
A: Running a humidifier in your bedroom can be beneficial, especially if you’re dealing with sore throat and sinus problems. Other models of humidifiers can double as a diffuser, which boosts its benefits for you. However, this is only beneficial if your room’s humidity level is below normal. If the humidity level in your place is at least 40%, there’s no need for a humidifier.
Q: Is sleeping with a humidifier during winter good for you?
A: Running a humidifier during winter will help you sleep better. It’s because the cold temperature makes the air dry, which can cause skin and respiratory irritations. A humidifier can help ease these issues by restoring the moisture in your indoor air.
Q: Why is my bedroom so dry at night?
A: Your bedroom may feel too dry during the winter season. In this case, you can run a humidifier to restore the moisture and make your room comfortable again. Just make sure that you place it in a safe spot to avoid knocking the unit off. Also, you should monitor the humidity level in your room to avoid over-humidification.
Final words
How close should a humidifier be to your bed? In general, you should place a humidifier at least 3 feet away from your cot. You should also secure it at least two feet from the ground for efficient distribution of the mist.
Aside from safety purposes, keeping your humidifier at a distance ensures a more comfortable sleep on your part.
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
We believe that “Quality air brings a healthy life.”
