Cool vs Warm Mist Humidifiers

Humidifiers are a common household item, especially for parents with young children. They add moisture to the air, which can moisturize mucous membranes and prevent physical discomfort caused by dry mouth, lips, and throat. Using a humidifier can even improve coughs and nasal congestion. Both warm mist and cool mist humidifiers are available. Which one you choose depends on the purpose and the features you need.

Benefits

Any humidifier, whether cool mist or warm mist, will add moisture to a room. Maintaining the right humidity level can add moisture to the air you breathe and protect your furniture - including wood furniture or floors. If you or a family member suffers from ongoing sinus or respiratory problems, or if your child has a cough or cold and needs symptom relief, a home humidifier may help. In addition, if you or a family member suffers from allergies, a humidifier with a fast humidification rate can help reduce dust and other allergens in the home environment.

Options

Both types of humidifiers have a water storage tank. Cool mist humidifiers either use a fan to blow air through a wet core filter or a system that sprays water into a diffuser to break the water into tiny particles. Either mechanism causes tiny water droplets to be dispersed into the air. Warm-mist humidifiers release boiled steam into the air. Not surprisingly, cool-mist humidifiers cool the room to some extent, while warm-mist humidifiers add warmth to the room air. There is also a noise difference, as warm-mist units are generally quieter compared to cool-mist humidifiers.

Protecting Air Quality

No matter which type of humidifier you choose, it is important to take steps to properly clean and use the device. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)2, adding too much moisture to the air can promote the growth of mold and dust mites. In addition, cool-mist humidifiers are more likely to release minerals (in the form of fine white dust) and microorganisms from the water into the air than warm-mist humidifiers. Therefore, the EPA recommends that cool-mist humidifiers use distilled water or a filter to remove minerals from the water. In addition, it is important to empty the unit daily, wipe and change the water, and clean the unit with a brush every three days. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. The EPA also recommends measuring indoor humidity via a built-in meter or hygrometer available at hardware stores to ensure that humidity does not exceed 50%.
Therefore, choosing a warm mist humidifier can ensure that bacteria and viruses in the water are eliminated and will not be discharged into the air. Warm mist humidifiers do not need to be cleaned and wiped every day. The internal heating parts can be cleaned once every six months. Fill it with water before use and it can be turned on. It is very convenient and suitable for mothers and babies.

Precautions

If you or a family member has persistent respiratory diseases, such as asthma or sinus problems, please discuss the best type of humidifier for your home with your doctor or respiratory therapist. If you start using a humidifier and experience respiratory symptoms related to the use of the humidifier, stop using the humidifier and discuss your symptoms with your doctor.