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Why Are Home Air Humidity Levels Important?

Words by Jhena Waring

Photography by Santiago De Hoyos

When was the last time you thought about your air? The air at home is yours to control—from scenting it with natural oils to adding moisture to it, you can change and elevate it however you like. One of our favorite ways to care for our air is with a humidifier.

What is a humidifier?

A humidifier is a device that uses water to change the humidity level in your air, bringing it to an optimal range. This results in many health, wellness, and beauty benefits.

How does a humidifier help the air?

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which is something that our homes are often lacking—especially in the winter and in dry climates.                                       

Why are air humidity levels important?

Humidity levels are important for many reasons. If the air doesn’t have enough humidity (or has too much), it can cause germs to spread more easily. This can in turn affect your immunity, making you more susceptible to colds, flus, and allergens. Humidity levels can also affect how the body is able to maintain its temperature, making it harder to cool down or causing heat to escape more easily. And if the air isn’t at an optimal humidity level, the environment will feel less comfortable, which can also negatively impact your sleep. Dry air can also result in dehydrated skin and frizzy hair.

What are the benefits of optimally hydrated air?

Air at an optimal humidity level boosts your immunity, giving you better chances of fighting off any colds or flus. By supporting your immune system, it helps your health in general—for instance, humidifiers can reduce allergy symptoms. This can also help you get a better night’s sleep, as you’ll be less likely to cough or sneeze throughout the night. On an external level, hydrated air benefits your skin and hair; this looks like healthy, dewy skin that can better absorb your skincare products, and strong, silky tresses, too.

Do the seasons affect humidity levels?

Air temperature has a major effect on humidity levels, meaning that the seasons bring different humidity levels with them. Cold air tends to hold less moisture than warm air, and vice versa. Because of this, the winter and summer seasons can be quite harsh for our air. A humidifier is perfect for maintaining an equilibrium all year long.

How do you measure humidity levels in your home?

Humidity sensors are devices that measure the humidity level in the air. Every home is different, and it also depends on the season—but usually, a humidity level between 40 percent to 60 percent is recommended. A humidity sensor will quickly read your air’s humidity level and tell you if it’s in this optimal range.

Where should I buy a humidifier?

We love vitruvi’s Cloud Humidifier. Coming in a beautiful, modern silhouette, Cloud naturally hydrates the air in your home and looks beautiful while doing it. Smaller than most humidifiers and with a curved design, it was made to easily fit on your bedside table amongst all your other possessions. Safe for babies, whisper quiet, and running for up to 24 hours, it’s perfect for using all day and while you sleep. To measure the humidity levels in your home, grab one of vitruvi’s Humidity Sensors as well; it has easy-to-read icons, includes a built-in thermometer, and is small enough to fit anywhere you place it.

Perfectly hydrated air: coming right up.