Investing in a portable humidifier can dramatically improve your quality of life, from helping you sleep better and enjoy clearer skin to alleviating cold and flu symptoms. With so many options, how do you select a humidifier for your home? And what about when you’re on the go?
Whether you want to add clean hydration to your bedroom or combat the effects of dry air on a long flight, Canopy has a solution. This article explores everything you need to know about portable humidifiers, from their functionality to why you should choose one and how to pick the best portable humidifier for your needs.
The Basics of Portable Humidifiers
There are two types of humidifiers: portable — including console, tabletop, and tower models — and whole-house. Both types of humidifiers increase the moisture level of the surrounding environment. A whole-house humidifier works with the HVAC system to maintain the ideal indoor humidity in every room of your home.
Room humidifiers, like the Canopy Bedside 2.0, Nursery 2.0, and Large Room models, are mobile. You can move them from room to room, concentrating the moisture where it’s most needed. The battery-powered Portable Humidifier is ideal for customizable hydration when you’re out and about (or not near an electrical outlet).
One of the most significant differences between portable (in general) and whole-house humidifiers is moisture output and water use. Whole-house systems use roughly 12 gallons1 of water per day, compared to a portable humidifier’s 0.5 to 9 gallons2.
Compared to the Portable model, the difference between the Nursery 2.0, Bedside 2.0, and Large Room humidifiers is how they produce moisture. All use state-of-the-art evaporative technology, while the Portable model also releases a fine, light mist for cooling hydration.
Why Use a Portable Humidifier?
A portable humidifier offers the same hydration benefits as a whole-house unit but with the added flexibility to use it anywhere.
Remain Healthy & Productive at Work
If you work in a cubicle in a shared office, a portable humidifier can help you breathe easier throughout the day. The surrounding moisture bubble weighs down airborne germs3, reducing the risk of getting sick from coughing coworkers.
The Portable Humidifier is a necessity in the workplace. Because of the cordless design, you can use it during a morning commute and in your cubicle while sipping coffee.
The Bedside Humidifier 2.0 and Nursery Humidifier 2.0 are welcome additions to the home and office settings. Both models can hydrate up to 500 square feet, releasing clean, filtered moisture for optimal humidification that benefits everyone in the office.
The updated Nursery model has a quieter fan, so using the device won’t disturb anyone’s work. The Bedside model produces white noise, which can aid concentration4 to increase productivity while also helping you sleep better at night.
Rehydrate After Air Travel
The air circulating in airplanes is notoriously dry for a reason. Outside air is sucked into planes to replace carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, the high-altitude air is dry. Using a travel humidifier can help counter the drying effect, reducing fatigue and the risk of respiratory infections.
The cordless, filter-free Portable Humidifier is the perfect TSA-approved travel companion. When you get to the airport, empty the water tank before the security check and follow the flight crew’s instructions.
The Portable Humidifier’s sleek, lightweight design is available in three colors, and the battery can run up to 11 hours on the low setting. The humidifier doesn’t require a filter and easily comes apart for quick cleaning on the go.
Address Your Family’s Seasonal Concerns
Dry winter air could be why your family often feels itchy and under the weather. Cold air doesn’t retain much moisture, and cranking the heat to stay warm dries out the air even more. Dry air draws moisture from wherever it can get it, which includes your skin and airways. Using a humidifier will keep nasal passages and airways lubricating and skin in top condition.
Select the Large Room Humidifier to hydrate up to 1,000 square feet of your family home. The Nursery 2.0 Humidifier can help ease your little one’s congestion and protect their delicate skin.
Steam heat in a multi-unit apartment building and the smells wafting from other tenants’ homes can make for a less-than-ideal living situation. The Bedside 2.0 and Nursery 2.0 humidifiers are excellent choices for single rooms and smaller spaces, countering the dryness and stuffiness to keep you comfortable.
You can even enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy thanks to the convenient scent-diffusing puck system. Simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the included diffuser puck and breathe in your favorite relaxing, energizing, and uplifting aromas.
How to Use a Portable Humidifier
Placing your humidifier in the right spot is key to maximizing its benefits. It’s best to put the unit on a table or desk, which helps prevent dust buildup on the fan and keeps the unit clean and sanitary.
If you’re using the Portable Humidifier, keep it upright and a safe distance from computers. Angle the mist away from the electronics to safeguard the sensitive components. Place the Nursery 2.0 in a central area of the room and 3 to 4 feet away from the crib.
Shopping for a Portable Humidifier
With so many types of humidifiers on the market, shopping for a portable humidifier can be overwhelming. Not all humidifiers are created equal. When shopping for the best portable humidifier for your space, prioritize portability, tank capacity, and output.
Portability
The best portable humidifier for you depends on your intended use. Do you need to balance moisture levels in a stuffy workspace? Do you want to maintain skin and hair health while exploring the world? Do you want to combat dry air in an expansive area of your home? Take these considerations into account to aid the decision-making process.
Tank Capacity
The second most important feature to consider is tank capacity or run time. Do you need a humidifier to run all day or night or only for short bursts? If you plan to use your humidifier through the night, you’ll need a portable humidifier with at least 8 to 10 hours of run time to optimize humidity levels while you sleep. Canopy humidifiers deliver 24 to 36 hours of uninterrupted hydration.
Output
What is the square footage of the space (or spaces) you intend to humidify? You will need a humidifier with a square footage output comparable to the largest space you plan to place your new, portable humidifier.
Here’s an example: If you would like to place a humidifier in your bedroom at night and in your living room during the day, you must calculate the square footage of both rooms. Let’s say your bedroom is 300 square feet, and your living room is 500 square feet, you will need a humidifier with a 500-square-foot output like the Bedside 2.0 or Nursery 2.0.
Stay Hydrated Wherever You Are
Whether you’re combatting the effects of dry air in your office, improving the effectiveness of your skincare products during your daily routine, or feeling more comfortable after a long flight, Canopy humidifiers are the best portable humidifiers to add to your self-care arsenal. Shop the collection now and start enjoying fresh, clean hydration everywhere you go.
Sources
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Hebert, J. (January 15, 2023). How Much Water Does a Whole House Humidifier Use? HVAC Buster. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://hvacbuster.com/how-much-water-does-a-whole-house-humidifier-use/
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(August 1, 2023). Portable Humidifiers for Your Home. HVAC.com. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://www.hvac.com/expert-advice/portable-humidifiers-home/
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Roberts, C. (March 2, 2022). Should You Use a Humidifier to Prevent COVID-19 or Flu? Consumer Reports. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://www.consumerreports.org/health/flu/use-a-humidifier-to-prevent-flu-a6503801917/
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Young, E. (September 23, 2022). Can listening to white noise help you focus? The British Psychological Society. Retrieved February 7, 2025, from https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/can-listening-white-noise-help-you-focus
