Humidifier vs. Vaporizer

Humidifiers and vaporizers are both machines (generally for household use) that change liquid to gas. Both are used for health purposes, such as minor respiratory discomfort.

A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air, increasing the humidity. They are used indoors, especially in homes, to combat arid climates or reduce cold and flu symptoms. They can be left running constantly, though they frequently need to be cleaned and refilled with water.

A vaporizer is a device that changes water or liquid medicine into a vapor to be inhaled. They are run only while the user is directly inhaling vapor or medicine. Usually, a user leans over the vaporizer with his head draped with a towel in order to capture the vapors.

Humidifiers generally release cool vapors whereas vaporizers release hot vapors. This is due to a difference in purpose and the mechanisms they use to transform water to vapor.