Humidifiers vs. Vaporizers: What’s the Difference?

September 08, 2016 1 min read

I see you sell humidifiers. Can you tell me the difference between a humidifier and a vaporizer?

Humidifiers and Vaporizers share many similarities. They both create a mist and add moisture to the air around you. This can help combat symptoms such as dry nasal passages, nosebleeds, congestion, and itchy skin.

The two major differences between these devices are--

  1. Their intended purpose

    Vaporizers are often used to turn plant extracts, oils, and other substances into a breathable mist that can be inhaled. With most vaporizers, the mist is dispersed throughout the room and therefore vaporizers are not a reliable form of medication delivery. For that, you need a nebulizer.

    Unlike vaporizers, humidifiers are simply meant for adding moisture to the room and not turning extracts into a breathable form.

  2. How they work

    Vaporizers use heat to release a warm steam vapor into the air. Because of this, they can be a safety risk for children who might knock them over and get burnt. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about adding bacteria from the water you’re using into the air as it will get boiled out.

    Humidifiers use a wicking filter to extract cold water from a basin, and then use a fan to disperse that water throughout a room. For both humidifiers and vaporizers, it’s important to keep them clean so they remain safe and effective.