Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyCOPDTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Are humidifiers any good for people who have copd?

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Glendale, AZ

I am also wondering if or how to know if it works and how to know

June 27
 · 
Reactions
A MyCOPDTeam Member

From experience, I've used humidifier. As mentioned above, 40% is the target. I use one during winter when running heater drys the air. Keep the device clean. Change the water daily. Break down and thoroughly clean the device weekly using vinegar water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. It's a big help.

June 27
MyCOPDTeam

Humidifiers can be helpful for COPD, but it really depends on the humidity levels in your home. The sweet spot for indoor humidity is around 40%. Too much moisture can actually make things worse by encouraging mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow — all of which can reduce air quality and trigger flare-ups.

The key is Show Full Answer

Humidifiers can be helpful for COPD, but it really depends on the humidity levels in your home. The sweet spot for indoor humidity is around 40%. Too much moisture can actually make things worse by encouraging mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow — all of which can reduce air quality and trigger flare-ups.

The key is balance. Here's how humidifiers (and dehumidifiers) fit into managing your environment:

- A humidifier helps when the air is too dry, which can irritate your airways and dry out mucus membranes — especially if you use supplemental oxygen
- A dehumidifier is needed when humidity is too high, as heavy, moist air can make breathing harder
- An inexpensive humidity monitor (hygrometer) can tell you exactly what your indoor humidity level is at any time To know if a humidifier is working for you, watch for these signs of improvement:

- Breathing feels less irritated or dry
- Mucus is easier to cough up or clear
- Fewer flare-ups or episodes of chest tightness

One MyCOPDTeam member shared that their breathing improved noticeably after adding a humidifier cup to their home machine.

A humidity monitor is the most reliable way to confirm your humidifier is doing its job — aim to keep levels at or near 40%. If symptoms worsen, the humidity may be too high and a dehumidifier might be the better tool. Always check with your doctor if you're unsure what's right for your situation.

June 27
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I use one during the winter as well to help keep the lungs moist and the mucus moving! Especially if you end up with a cold or anything. I use distilled water in mine.

June 27
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Hi, @A MyCOPDTeam Member - some of us do better with a dehumidifier vs a humidifier. Please be aware that most AC units include a “dehumidifier” feature when running, so if you live in a particularly humid area, you may be wasting money humidifying air that the AC unit is dehumidifying…

That being said, you should be able to get a daily humidity report for your zip code that will provide that data at to cost to you to get it. (See photo).

Google your question, and you should be able to get the answer on demand for either Glendale, AZ, or you zip code. Good luck.

Tuesday afternoon, 01-JUL-26

July 1
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Thanks @A MyCOPDTeam Member . My humidifier does say to use distilled water and I clean them once a week .now I need to find a place that sells air quality detectors. Will look on line

June 29

Related Questions

View All

What humidifier’s do people use

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
January 3

Are people using a humidifier

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
January 3

Are there any good sites for recipes for people with severe COPD ?

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boca Raton, FL
November 7, 2023

Best gifts for people with COPD...
You are good enough...
COPD in Daily Life: 6 Tips To Make Everyday Tasks Easier, From People Who Know