Humidifier or Vaporizer? »
The other day we found out that our youngest had the croup. Pretty nasty sounding cough accompanies the croup, but luckily, it didn't seem that there was much damage. Mostly just dried out from the lack of humidity in the winter air. Our heat pump is badly in need of repair or else it might provide the needed humidity, but that's another story for another time.
So we're supposed to get a "humidifier". Hmm. Seems to be lots of choices. Warm mist, cool mist, humidifier, vaporizer. How to choose? How indeed. According to the helpful lady at Wal-Mart, we should get cool mist (ie, a humidifier). From what I can tell, in the beginning there were only vaporizers. But as time wore on, dainty little hands were burnt from the warm mist produced. You and I both know that warm things don't burn. That mist is downright hot. But I digress.
And so, with the advent of new technology, cool mist products were born. Now there are all sorts of selections and capacities. Auto-shut off, timed humidifying, you can probably even find a model that will brew coffee with that warm mist, too.
So after two nights of use, the cool mist clearance model we found at Target started smelling funny. Not bad funny, and not quite burning funny. It was more of that smoldering smell that electronics sometimes get funny. Which is to say that even if it doesn't cause a fire, it's likely to break soon. So back to Target I went.
But before buying another model, I pulled Google into the mix. Please be aware that if you should search on humidifiers vs. vaporizers, you'll get a lot of hits on products for keeping your contraband moist. If you make it past those, you'll find that generally speaking, there is little to no difference between the two products - except for that burning issue.
While I don't want to seem callous, it occurs to me that a child who happens to learn this lesson the hard way will not be likely to have to learn it again. And our children are generally intelligent enough to at least not burn themselves severely even when they do test our advice. If you have very small children, however, you may want to keep this in mind. Close to the unit, the mist is hot. Try it yourself if you need convincing.
So with all that in mind, here's my own opinion on the matter: Vaporizers are cheap. Ten bucks at Wal-Mart. Humidifiers aren't. Water that is boiled is unlikely to harbor any bacteria of any sort. Warm air to me seems to hold water better than cold air. Normally I find warmer air to be more soothing than cold air. There are no moving parts on most vaporizers, as they just have a little heating element to do the boiling.
You'll also not find a filter on the ten dollar model from Wal-Mart, for the aforementioned reason of not having any bacteria in the mist. And finally, because of the vaporizing action, you can add menthol or a similar additive to the warm mist to help even further. Guess which product we use now? And hey - someone else even agrees!
Comments (95)
I do agree... our first non-routine trip to the peditrician was with our then 3 month old baby girl who had apparantly "the common cold"... Dr. recommends a cool mist humidifier... we, being first-time parents, immediately go to Walmart & buy the best(aka most expensive) cool mist humidifier on the shelf. Fast forward 2 months... now 5 month old has bronchiolitis(very similiar symptoms as "common cold"} and same Dr. advises us to use a vaporizer... mom is very confused... wondering if there is a difference and if so what to use when, etc. etc. etc... Pharmacist at Walmart stutters a bit when mom asks her and finally replies with "Ummm... a vaporizer can be hot and a humider can be cool." Mom (still very confused) notices she isn't going to be shelling out the big bucks for a vaporizer like she did the humidifer... buys one and goes home to attempt to educate herself on these mysterious little machines. After some internet research and personal test runs of them both... we prefer the vaporizer... I agree that the warm air is more comforting and feel like the vaporizer will just have to be added to the list of things to childproof/teach her is no-no once our little chicky is self-mobile. End of story, the vaporizer is running, baby-girl is sleeping peacefully, and mom, satisfied with her investigation and decision, is sending dad to the storage building to put the humidifier in the consignment bin.
Posted by Jamie | January 10, 2005 9:30 PM
Well, between my mixed worlds of an Ice Technician with countless hours throught the week in the ice rink, common colds come and go... i usually adapt quickly and my body recovers fast from the common cold which comesfrequently when i get run down from long hours on season.... My mothers a RN so i called her on a night i was very sick and asked her opinion, she said vaporizer, but then again, "the child is always right" so i chose the opposite... the air just didnt seem right with the humidifier, which costed me around $50 and wasnt soothing to say none the least, and because i used it i couldnt return it... to make a long story short i put out $10 for a well known brand VICKS vaporizer, and i was all set after that, nothing felt better.... lesson.... "listen to Mom"
Posted by joe | January 13, 2005 2:16 AM
great, now I feel like a putz with a humidifier.
Posted by Melissa | January 18, 2005 11:58 PM
Vicks Vaporizer. Gotta have one!
Posted by Cathy | January 25, 2005 3:51 PM
Oh Lord, I just bought a Vicks vaporizer and I was going to return it for a humidifier. My kid gets a lot of nosebleeds. Thanks!
Posted by Albert | January 26, 2005 5:28 AM
I could not decide between warm and cold mist and was even about to lose sleep over it! This was helpful. I guess tonight will tell, I am stuffed up and about to check out the warm mist.
Thanks.
Posted by Kelly | January 29, 2005 10:28 PM
Thank you! I'd rather spend $10 on something that works than $35 on something that doesn't. I just had to throw away our cool mist humidifier because I hadn't kept it clean last year, and after 8 months in the basement, it's too gross to even clean. I'm going to go get a vicks vaporizer to turn my sad, dried-out, nose bleeding wife back into the happy girl I married!
Posted by Mark Newman | February 2, 2005 4:35 PM
Thanks! Seems Doctor always says Humidifier. My 2 year old can't seem to get over nasal congestion for last 3 months(I've been using the humidifier). I'm on my way out the door with 10 bucks in hand!!
Posted by Elizabeth | February 10, 2005 1:33 PM
OK well I'm the odd man out. We're switching from warm vaporizer to cool mist because it makes my daughter's room TOO warm. She runs hot as it is, and when she's sick, she ends up just drenched in sweat from her stuffy little hot room. Incidentally, her room is the hottest in the entire house. If not for that, we would have stuck with the vaporizer. But if the heat is an issue, then the humidifier is a better bet.
Posted by Vickie | February 10, 2005 2:27 PM
I agree that warm mist is better than cool mist. I am a respiratory therapist and this is what I use for my 2 1/2 year old and my 41 year old.
I did try the cool mist route but like the warm mist better and you can use tap water in it instead of distilled.
Posted by Patty | February 16, 2005 11:41 PM
True enough - I have found that tap water works just dandy. At least here in Charlotte, however, it's a must to include some salt (as instructed). If you don't, the steam doesn't work. I don't know the mechanics, but a few pinches of salt in with regular tap water and it works great!
Posted by Chad Everett | February 17, 2005 5:30 AM
This is the most divisive issue I have had w/ my boyfriend.
As long as (great caveat) keep it clean that's the rug. with me I think I would do be to clean but just throw it out when it gets to be icky.
Posted by Kathryn Stone | February 20, 2005 1:59 PM
A warm mist vaporizer is best for stuffy noses and sinuses. Studies have shown that an ultrasonic (read expensive) humidifier provides a clean fine mist that is better at getting down to the lower airways. So an ultrasonic humidifier would be best if you or your kid has bronchitis.
Posted by Bob | March 1, 2005 3:56 PM
This is driving me crazy- all this contradicting information! I think the hot room is an issue also- I have a 2 month old who is very stuffy.. but kind of a dry stuffy.. I think it would get way too hot in the already -too warm for my taste-perfect temp for the baby- room... I did buy a humidifier with the filter.. we'll see I guess I put tap water in it... I didnt read the instructions though. If it doesnt work I guess I will just go buy a vaporizer.. blah!
Posted by bacetti | March 2, 2005 2:03 AM
I had been scouring the net for about an hour before I stumbled upon your forum. Unfortunately I have been suffering from some sort of life threatening disease that more then likely could be a strain of what I would like to call the "apocalyptic cold" and decided that because of the dryness of the house that a humidifier was in order. Because I am on a student budget I was dreading shelling out the $50 for something displayed as a "wonder of technology".........because of this site myself and my classmates are all running out to Wal-Mart.
Just goes to show ya, when in doubt, ask a mom.
Posted by Andrew | March 9, 2005 10:43 AM
Thank You!!!!!! My daughter is 2 and has caught the cold & flu more times this winter than I have in my life time. I haven't slept in 2 nights. With all the money already spent on medication & doctor visits, $10 on a vaporizor is an investment I'm more than willing to make. Thank you all again.
Posted by Alina | March 16, 2005 5:19 AM
Horray for you! Thanks for the info, as a new mom I'm very confused with a constantly sick baby. Vaporizer it is!
Posted by Jennifer | March 24, 2005 11:32 AM
I dont know about you guys but i am still confused .since i have a 1 1/2 yr old boy who suffers from asthma I still dont know which one to buy...i have used humidifiers like for ever with him and they seem to work the Dr says it is not good to use a vaporizer with any medicine. well thats that...
Posted by Michelle | March 31, 2005 9:05 AM
I just went and bought a cool mist humidifer and I have been waking up completly dry, sore throat, and cough. I will not use a cool mist humidifer again.
Posted by Liz | March 31, 2005 3:57 PM
Found out steroids caused fungus to grow on my vocal cords. Anti-fungal medication worked but now my asthma is worse than ever. Installed a funace humidifier turned up high enough for water to condense on the windows. Expensive Air Purifier is nice but did nothing for my wheezing. Haven't slept for more than an hour at a time for years. I am mad as hell at my doctor because when I finally bought a $20 vaporizer I now can sleep. You do the math.
Posted by Jo | April 4, 2005 2:22 PM
Thanks for the input! I am a single mom of a wonderful 6y/o little boy who has not had clear sinuses for years now. After 2 bouts of strep throat, beginning this past January, (Kindergarten.. welcome to the world of constant cough and cold!)wise or not, I stopped all the over-the-counter stuff and turned to a more homeopathic approach. I feel confident that the body needs to be assisted to health, not suppressed!! Now, first-time mom and single, sleep is of utmost value! My son and I have not gotten a good night's sleep in MONTHS. That awful cough and fever returned last night. Before jumping in the car to go to Wal-Mart to stand for who knows HOW LONG in front of the humidifier/vaporizer shelf, I thought I'd check the web. I'm on my way to purchase a vaporizer! Lord help us!!!
Posted by Carolyn | April 9, 2005 11:42 AM
I just bought the VICKS cool mist humidifier for my 6 month old to treat his cold/congestion and after running it for about an hour, his room smelled awful! Similar to the not-quite burning/electronic smell described in the initial story above. After reading this site, I am going back to the warm-mist vaporizer!
Posted by Rachel | April 23, 2005 11:00 PM
Confused as hell!?!, My mom was diagnosed with emphysema and I want to get her something that would really really help her and not to make her condition worst, I read through all of your stories and I thought I got the point until I get to different stories and such, you guys are all talking of different kind, what would be the best for her?, the last thing she needs is the any kind of funny smelling of any sort material in her bedroom, uuummmm.......help?
Posted by Rhon | April 28, 2005 8:42 AM
Vaporizer is the way to go. I remember my mother always used one in my room as a child. The pediatrician recommended it at the time. This was in the early seventies; I think the doctors nowadays need to go back to the way doctors thought then. Remember: warm mist vaporizer.
Posted by M | May 2, 2005 6:03 AM
Thanks so much everyone. I have an 8 month old with her 2nd ear infection. I bought the Vicks Vaporizer last night, did not do the salt, it did not work, so I used my $40 humidifier and, of course, the $1 gallon of distilled water did not make it thru the night. I will try the vaporizer again tonight. Love that you can use tap water and don't have to keep gallons of distilled water on hand. Do you still need to clean it after each use? Is it still useful even if you don't add the inhalant medication?
Posted by Heather | June 16, 2005 4:56 PM
This was an extremely helpful site! And now with my head hung down and my tail between my legs, I am off to Walmart to take back the Humidifier I purchased and buy the $10 Vaporizer. Glad I decided to keep the receipt! Thank you all.
Posted by Rebecca S. | June 27, 2005 2:11 PM
What about the fact that the warm mist vaporizers can burn you though? I know I have been burned on it several times without thinking. I recently bought a cool mist humidifier for this reason but I agree it does not work as well as the vaporizer and I would like to put one in my infant's room.
Posted by Kristy | August 27, 2005 11:35 AM
After weeks of a night cough and waking up with severe sinus headaches, I bought a cheap warm mist vaporizer from Walgreens. It does make the room hot, but I just turned down the heat. I slept perfectly, woke up without a headache. I also have asthma. For those with kids or those prone to burning themselves, well, it does get hot. But so does my stove, my curling iron, my dryer, my microwave, etc. and I manage to navigate around them safely. I'm not going to stop using my stove because it's hot. Just be careful and keep the little ones away from it. I've used the more expensive humidifiers before and only bought the vaporizer because that was all I could find at that time. But I won't be buying an expensive humidifier again - I'm sticking with the cheap warm mist vaporizer.
Posted by Tropical Lei | December 12, 2005 10:50 AM
Thanks this is very helpful. I have been suffering every night. Since the air in my bedroom is so dry. I am going to have to pick up a vaporizer this evening.
Posted by L. Jones | December 13, 2005 12:14 PM
Cool mist makes my kids' room too cold in the winter and the vaporizer makes it too warm in the summer (95-100 degrees every day in the summers in Texas).
One problem I have had with the vaporizer - sometimes it does it's job too well. By loosening up the congestion in the chest, it actually can make my son cough more.
Posted by Rachel | December 20, 2005 1:56 PM
Goodness, that was a simple, non-product indorcing explaination. I appreciate it. Heck, when there are no hidden agendas the explaination can be easy, eh?
Aussie
Posted by Austin of Sundrip Journals | December 24, 2005 6:38 PM
thank you much. i'll be a pharmacist in 5 months and get these questions nearly every day at the counter. they don't teach these things in pharmacy school---anecdotal evidence once again proves king! thank you al gore for the internet.
Posted by jason | December 29, 2005 7:31 AM
Thanks. I'm a grandmother - when my oldest were young it was vaporizers - my youngest, the doctor said humidifier - someone even gave me an explanation - but I don't remember what it was so I came on to find out which to use because my 9 month old granddaughter has a cold. The doctor gave her medicine but we have a vaporizer and started using it last night. . .it helped, but since I couldn't remember the difference and love her with sll my heart, I needed to know which to use for sure. Thanks for easing my mind. Now I'll be able to sleep better. My youngest son is in college and he and wife and daughter live with me. Thanks again. . .
Posted by Sandra | December 30, 2005 11:20 PM
does anyone know if there is a difference between a humidifier or vaporizor to humidify the air in the winter if vapor additives arnt used in vaporizor. or do the both do the same thing. thks
Posted by andrew sabol | January 4, 2006 6:21 AM
Exact repeat of #5, except there are no kids here.
Posted by Keith | January 4, 2006 7:20 PM
This site was very helpful. I have both cool mist and a vaporizor, and was on the fence, on wich one to use. My son is 7 and has a bad cold, so I guess I will be using the vaporizor!!!!
Posted by Lindsay | January 27, 2006 10:23 PM
I'm 22 and I share an apartment with my fiancee. We both wake up feeling "dry" most mornings. About a month and a half ago, I went to Wal-Mart and bought the $20 cool mist humidifier. I haven't really noticed a difference in the air, although she has been complaining about the smell. (which, in our case, smells like mildew) I'll also admit that I was disappointed that there was no visible mist coming from the humidifier. I do remember my mom using a vaporizer when I was little, so yeah, I'm off to try that.
Posted by Daniel | January 29, 2006 10:24 AM
Okay. Here's my two cents. I'm 55 with a 14 year old daughter.
I had a vaporizer she was 6 months. It got all junked up so I used cider vinegar to clean it up.
Then I got sick and allergies and the doctor said to use cold mist not warm. Warm mist will add to the mold in our 1928-built house and give me more allergies.
I bought a Kaz cool mist humidifier that has a replaceable wick. I used it periodically over the years and had to replace the wick every week or so because it got hard and wouldn't draw water.
This year, 2006, my daughter has been coughing and no stores around me carry the Kaz anymore, so no more wicks. I guess I could order over the internet. I went out to Walgreens and bought a new cold mist humidifier for $20. It said 'quiet' on the book. The heck it was quiet. I ran it for one night in my daughter's room - dang thing was so noisy, I had to wear earplugs. I took it back the next morning for cheerful refund.
I'm going to try a $10 Vicks 150 warm air vaporizer. For just a few times a year, I'm not going to worry about mold.
Posted by Paul | February 6, 2006 2:39 PM
Hey Paul
You can order the wicks over the internet--thats where I get mine from. Just do a search and compare prices.
MY 2 cents--warm mist in my 9 month olds room-sufering his first real cold & fluid behind his ear, hoping it won't go to an ear infection. In my room -I've slept with a cool mist for years, I just turn it on when I go to bed & turn off when I get up. My sinuses don't give me nearly as much trouble as they used to.
Posted by Leann | February 10, 2006 3:34 PM
So after reading all of these great posts I opted to go out and buy the Vick's Vaporizer over the humidifier my husband was wanting to buy. We've been using it every night now for a week or so, and have noticed no difference. We use a wood burning furnace, and the air is very dry. We were waking up very stuffy and parched, and my husband was getting alot of bloody noses. We are still waking up feeling parched, and the room gets exceptionally hot from the steam going into the air. Any advice on where the vaporizer should be placed? Does it make a difference? It is currently at the foot of the bed, does it need to be right next to our heads? Should we put some of the menthol in if we don't actually have a cold? Help!
Posted by Janice | February 16, 2006 9:11 AM
How do you clean these?
Posted by Kathrine Silver | February 19, 2006 1:17 AM
As I write this, my husband is on his way home from Giant at 12:45 am with a Vicks Vaporizer. My 7-year-old was just diagnosed with either walking pneumonia or first signs of asthma, the doc's not sure which it is yet, so she was put on albuterol spray and an antibiotic to cover all bases, I guess. She got her first dose of both before 9:00 pm tonight, and was coughing up a storm by 11:30 pm. I was told not to give her any cough medicine, only the albuterol, so I was kicking myself for not picking up the vaporizer the CVS pharmacist suggested when I was filling her prescriptions.
So while my husband is driving to our 24-hour Giant, I am furiously searching the web for opinions on vaporizers vs. cool mist humidifiers vs. warm mist humidifiers. We always had cool mist humidifiers in our daughters' rooms when they were babies/toddlers (the pediatrician warned against warm mist due to bacteria forming in the air - ?) and they did seem to help, but I thought they made the air cold, they were noisy (not necessarily a bad thing with babies) and I despised cleaning them, so much so that when we moved out of our old house almost 5 years ago we ended up throwing BOTH humidifiers out because they were grungy and slimy and orange inside from lack of pristine and frequent cleanings - yuck!
So here I am racing against my husband's route to Giant to figure out in 10 minutes which way to go. Then, with hubby standing, cell phone in ear, in front of the vaporizers/humidifiers, I am still compulsively searching the net for the RIGHT answer to the all important question, reading him excerpts from various websites . . . wracked with indecision, hubby anxious to get home so he can still get 5 hours of sleep before getting up for work in the AM, I blurt out, "get the vaporizer! It's the cheapest one, we'll try it tonight, and if I hate it we'll return it tomorrow and try something else!" He rapidly hung up the phone before I could change my mind again, and only then did I stumble on this perfectly appropriate message board.
This was exactly the website I needed to find, to assuage my vaporizer/humidifier anxieties. Thank you all for your very helpful comments and personal experiences. I will now get this bad boy up and running, and hopefully be as satisfied as the majority here. Happy breathing!
Posted by Leah | February 21, 2006 1:00 AM
I am so glad I found this article. Just like Albert I too was about to trade my vaporizer in for the humidifier. Glad I didn't. And some of the other parents are right. Once our little ones touch it, they won't again. My daughter had her first bout of curiousity with our vaporizer lastnight. Her fingers weren't badly burned but it was hot enough for her to know never to touch again. I also agree with Vickie. My daughter tends to be a hot child too and when the vaporizer is running her room tends to get hot and stuffy; a slight down side. However, the results from using the vaporizer when she is congested are well worth the warm room.
Posted by Amanda Archer | February 23, 2006 5:28 PM
I have a 6 month old infant and I just put him in his own room in his crib about two weeks ago. His room is the hottest room in the house so I used the cool mist humidifier. He started to get more and more congested and I was using a gallon of purified water every night. This morning I pulled out my Vick's Vaporizer and added a capful of Tea Tree Oil and he is napping soundly. He sweats alot so I am going to dress him at night in just his onesie and open his bedroom door a little more so he won't get too hot because the vaporizer can really heat up a room.
Posted by patty | February 24, 2006 7:49 AM
Can you tell me why I can't even find a warm mist vaporizer when I pull up the Wal-mart web site?
I have tried the cool-mist humidifier and I don't like it. I fould this web site very interesting and glad to see that others have come to the same conclusion as I have on the warm air vaporizer.
Posted by Stacey | February 27, 2006 5:41 PM
Vicks now makes a waterless vaporizer. It is a bit more expensive at $20 but you seem to avoid all the water issues. It comes with it's own night light, Vicks vapor pads and is SILENT! I am trying it out for the first time today so I will let you know how it works.
Posted by Marsha Alekel | March 22, 2006 11:49 AM
I recently moved to Charlotte from South Florida and as soon as I got here, my face and hands became extremely dry. On top it, my alergies flared up and it felt as though I was walking around in a fog. I was about to make an appointment at the doctor when I stumbled onto something about humidifiers and how they help for dry skin.
I didn't know what to get so I bought a warm mist and a cool mist. I used the warm mist for a day and for some reason I thought I'd feel better with the cool mist so I switched to that. What a mistake that was because it made my condition even worse and my whole body felt terrible. On top of it, my face and hands were so dry no amount of moisturizer was getting rid of the flaky skin. I was at a loss and didn't know what to do. I thought it was stress. Then lo and behold I stumbled onto this site and read a post from Chad Everett who also lives in Charlotte. He said to put salt in the water so I immediately did that.
Unbelievable, it's been about a week and my face has never looked better, my sinuses are all clear, alergies much better and my energy level is VERY high. I am in complete shock that all I needed was a little bit of salt. I guess my body was used to living near the ocean which I had all my life until now and completely flipped out when it wasn't getting enough salt. Anyway, I just came here to share my story (hopefully it helps someone else) and also say thanks to Chad Everett.
Posted by Scott | April 2, 2006 4:31 AM
I'd been suffering from what I called the Tree syndrome for years ever since I've moved up north from Florida. Every year begining in the fall season throughout winter my hair would start to shed ridiculously even though I moisturized daily. This was devastating to me because it takes forever for my hair to grow. I got the vaporizer because I was waking up with dry mouth and unknowingly saved hundreds of (annual) dollars from unnecessary trips to the hair salon for protein treatments since it was actually the dry cold air outside and the dry hot air inside. My vaporizer is worth it's weight in gold!
Posted by Guerline | April 5, 2006 4:53 PM
My 11 year old daughter has chronic year round allergies and I was told I should be a humidifier to put moisture back in the air. Her nose is always stuffy and she also suffers from asthma. I am having a difficult time deciding whether a warm humidifer or cold mist humidifer is best. I went to Wal-mart and confused by the help, I purchased a warm humidifier. I am having second thoughts if this was the right one. She does feel the rooms smells cleaner but I don't want it to increase her allergies or asthma.
Posted by Tabetha Young | May 10, 2006 5:29 AM
We too have a humidifier. We bought the kind that came with both hot and cool mist, you just need to switch the top part that plugs in. We've only ever used the cool mist once because it's so LOUD! It keeps us up! Now we were given a vaporizer and can't wait to use it. Not only does it go for 24 hours with one fill but also doesn't cause the mold and bacteria like hot air humidifiers.
Posted by Lillian | May 25, 2006 4:52 PM
I have long preached the advantages of a vaporizer(warm) and am constantly getting shot down by doctors and pharmacists to use a humidifier. Most of my friends don't own either, a fact that I find amazing since they are a godsend when you are sick.
I have used warm vapor all my life and started listening to the doctors recently about cool air. Well, it may help but it doesn't do the job of warm vapor.
It just didn't make sense that cool air would loosen mucus. I had to go with what made sense. Call me bitter but I think my doctor only says humidifier because if someone gets burned by the hot vapor he's afraid of being sued.
Posted by JoAnn Piccioli | October 14, 2006 5:08 AM
Thank you. My daughter has nose bleeding and we already have a Vicks vapor. at home and was planning to buy a cold mist humidifire thinking the cold mist is better. Now I can save my money and continue using the vaporiser.
Posted by Anonymous | January 29, 2007 2:14 PM
I'm glad I found this site. My husband and I are also victims of which to buy. Our doctor told us at first to use a cool mist humidifier and then a month later when our infant daughter was sick again we were advised to use a warm vaporizer. So needless to say we now have both. In the long run, whether you are using warm mist or cool mist, moisture is moisture. That is what helps keep the musous loosened. However, it would make sense that warm mist would keep the passage ways opened to get the mucous out where cool mist I would think restrict the passage and not allow for the drainage to occur as well. We prefer to use the warm vaporizer.
Posted by Heather | February 9, 2007 11:03 AM
I've been using a warm air vaporizer for years for lung congestion due to drainage from nasal polyps. I would get a little shortness of breadth, because the mucous drains down to the lungs. When it really bothers me I use a warm air vaporizer and it really helps clear it up and I can take full deep breadths.
Then I had this bright idea to buy to cool mist humidifiers with all the bells and whistles for $99.00 each x 2. Big mistake. Yeah, they created a lot of humidity in the rooms, but I felt like crap and by breathing was worse.
The simple old warm air vaporizer can't be beat. I remember my mother using it in by bedroom when I was a very young kid. Listen to Mom. They already had it figured out. Trying to re-invent the wheel didn't work. I'm going out and buying 2 more warm air vaporizers and cranking them up.
When it gets a little too warm in the room, guess what. Open the window a little...problem solved.
Good luck to all, hope this helped...
Posted by George Tatosian | February 25, 2007 9:27 AM
Thanks for posting your experiences online for the benefit of all. I was doing a search to help me choose between a warm and cool mist humidifier.
Now I'm going to check out CVS and Target, and save myself $40.
Posted by Mitch | February 28, 2007 5:06 PM
Found this site looking for vaporizer info--I do like the steaming type vaporizer--but am concerned about chemicals that purify tap water.
Chlorine can be removed by standing 24 hrs.--or so I have heard--but chloramines cannot. You need more chemicals to remove those and that can get complicated.
I also wonder about the plastic in vaporizers--does hot water contain PCB's disperse into the air? Distilled water can get expensive for some of us,but its worth it if its healthier.
Do I add salt to the water and how much? I am searching for a glass vaporizer like we had as a kid--that would at least eliminate the concern about plastic.
I have used the cold water type--several of them--they are noisy--and actually put out too much water--one made me think I was next to a waterfall.
If anyone knows anything about any health concerns relating to any chemicals that may vaporize along with H2O, please post them here.
Posted by River | March 3, 2007 2:00 PM
Hi River -
I can't speak to the vaporizing of other chemicals, but I've not had any problems. As to the water, I just use tap water. It seems to work fine. I add a pinch of salt to help it get going faster.
Usually it will still boil, it just takes longer. You can experiment to find out what works for you.
But if you're concerned about other chemicals, you might want to check elsewhere, as I am not a doctor (or a lawyer) - this is just from my own experience. Sorry.
Posted by Chad Everett | March 5, 2007 3:48 PM
From the EPA website:
Types of Humidifiers and Associated Pollutants
The two types of humidifiers which generally appear to produce the greatest dispersions of both microorganisms and minerals are:
* Ultrasonic, which create a cool mist by means of ultrasonic sound vibrations.
* Impeller, or "cool mist," which produce a cool mist by means of a high speed rotating disk.
Two additional types of humidifiers can allow for growth of micro-organisms if they are equipped with a tank that holds standing water, but generally disperse less, if any, of these pollutants into the air. These are:
* Evaporative, which transmit moisture into the air invisibly by using a fan to blow air through a moistened absorbent material, such as a belt, wick, or filter.
* Steam vaporizer, which create steam by heating water with an electrical heating element or electrodes. "Warm mist" humidifiers are a type of steam vaporizer humidifier in which the steam is cooled before exiting the machine.
Note: Steam vaporizer and evaporative humidifiers are not expected to disperse substantial amounts of minerals. A steam vaporizer tested by EPA did not disperse measurable amounts of minerals; evaporative humidifiers have not been tested by EPA for mineral dispersal.
Posted by Anonymous | March 12, 2007 10:15 AM
I have been using a Vicks Vaporizer in my 6-month-old's room for about two months now. Sebby has been stuffy for more than half of his little life, and I still can't find anything to help him.
I use the liquid inhalant that you pour into the tiny reservior at the top of the machine.
Half way through the first night, I went into his room and I was choked by the overwhelming smell! I have since left his door slightly open to keep his room from becoming a cloud of camphor.
I have heard through word-of-mouth that babies can overdose on camphor, but I am wondering if this word of caution only applies to the vapo-rub or the liquid inhalant as well.
BTW, I bought the inhalant in the baby section at Toys-R-Us, so shame on them if it turns out that little babies can suffer complications from this stuff...anyone know?
Posted by Pearl | March 15, 2007 12:31 AM
I had the same confusion and made the wrong decision by buying two expensive cool mist humidifiers for my and my son's room. They did help but the humidity level inside my house was still not satisfactory and the cleaning requirements were a bit annoying. Switched to the walmart 10$ vaporizers seven months ago and it has been so far so good. I clean it up once every week just to get the scales out of the heating element but there is not much risk of bacteria in the steam and the humidity levels are way higher than what I observed with cool mist. I add a pinch of salt the first time I fill up the vaporizer after the weekly cleaning and because the salt stays back in the remaining water, you may not have to add it everytime unless your drain away the remaining water everyday. For those with nose bleed issues in low humidity regions, I believe this might help 'bigtime' as it did for me (just based on my experience, I'm not a doctor).
The only caution is not to place this in a small room and close all the doors as it does its work too well resulting in heavy condensation overnight and mold growth in the long run.
Posted by Bala | March 19, 2007 3:14 AM
My BIGGEST and only problem with Cool Mist Humidifiers (I do have one) is that they leave the white mineral powder all over the place - And I am not buying 20 Gallons of distilled water a week to humidify my apartment with a clean mist humidifier.
Last year I read somewhere that the FDA or (whatever board governs this) does not have any conclusive evidence as to whether OR NOT the powder is harmful. It's basically mineral from the water that is being jettisoned into the air during the ultrasonic vibrations that create the mist. You will especially notice this white powder around electronic LCD screens. After a few months, you will have a nice thick coating of white around things that have a static charge.
To me this is a bit scary...we have enough crap in the air of our homes without shooting more into it. I would never have one of these in my house if I had a baby. Warm mist vapourizers are the way to go. They may be a little more $ to operate due to the heating element, and not quite as safe around small hands but ultimately it's pumping out CLEAN (bacteria and particulate) steam... Not just vibrating whatever junk is in the trunk so that it "jumps" into the air.
So.... burned fingers, or respiratory illness for life.... no brainer there - bring on the steam!
Posted by Mark | November 1, 2007 1:09 PM
Glad I Googled! I'm planning on getting another vaporizer tonight (I already have two - one in each child's room - now the grownups need one). I had a humidifier first and it was a mess. I set it on a dresser, but the wood got soaked, so I quickly moved it to the floor, but the floor got soaked. I ended up putting it on a plastic bag, on a towel, on the floor until I'd finally had it with soggy towels every day and the flaking white powder and the nasty orange *stuff* on the inside ... threw it away. I've been using the same vaporizers ever since, descaling twice a year, cleaning as needed (the humidifier really should have been cleaned DAILY. C'mon peeps, I have three kids. Like I have time for that?) and they are wonderful!
None of my curious and peril-prone children have been burned from the mist, just FYI.
Posted by LM | November 8, 2007 2:41 PM
I use the vaporizer too, but it isnt enough to counter our central heating system's drying effects, , so you know what, I just spray water on the carpet in my bedroom ! In the morning, the carpet is bone dry, my 2 year old baby is breathing well, and i dont have pins in my throat!
Oh, i also dry clothes in winter on a rack that I place right underneath the vents. The house smells nice , clothes dont get static. I live in an apartment with public coin operated dryers, so i am happy that i get to ensure hygeine as well as save money by avoiding them!
Posted by shanmathi | November 15, 2007 10:01 AM
I was wondering if you could put anything into the vaporizer to make the room smell good- I like the smell of lavendar and chammomile when I sleep- is there a way for the steam to be scented with lavendar or chammomile and not vicks cold medicine?
Posted by Cassie | November 15, 2007 10:58 PM
Hi Cassie -
My wife works with scents when she creates lotions and soaps, and using a few drops in the water shouldn't hurt anything - but keep in mind that Vick's is some pretty powerful stuff. If you have to use enough to overpower the Vick's it might not be a good idea!
Posted by Chad Everett | November 16, 2007 7:32 AM
Can somebody please tell me the best way to humidify a large high ceiling living room? I recently moved from FL to CT and am no expert on humidifiers. I see that everyone is recommending warm mist vaporizers but surely one of those can't be used for my large room in which I have several musical instruments that should be kept in air that isn't too dry. Many thanks!
Posted by Tara | November 24, 2007 9:38 PM
I have been using a vaporizer for my daughter when she's sick ever since she was a baby. She is now 11 yrs. old and I would NEVER even think of changing to a cool mist. After a long hot shower, the warm, mentholyptus-smelling air not only helps loosen the congestion in her head and chest so she can get through the night, but it is just a comforting feeling to her in general-I know there are bunches of Mom's out there that know exactly what i'm talking about! Beware though, I live in Florida and the last time I tried to purchase the liquid that goes into the vaporizer machines, I had to go to 3 stores before I finally found it. The store employee's told me that they no longer were carrying the liquid because the vaporizers were not being made anymore and people were switching to humidifiers. I don't know how accurate this info. is, but I do know that I finally had to drive to my local Walmart to find the liquid. I will definetly be stocking up on it and probably purchasing an extra vaporizer just in case! GOOD LUCK!!
Posted by elizabeth stanton | November 29, 2007 5:23 AM
Hi Elizabeth -
Thanks for the note! If you don't happen to have a Wal-Mart nearby (and who doesn't), you can get it online.
Posted by Chad Everett | November 29, 2007 7:08 AM
Tip: Just add "one drop" of eucalyptus oil to the water - it will be mild and pleasant. You can add more if needed. Or you can use a diffuser instead of adding oil to the water. You can easily make you own diffuser by using a small glass bottle, add few drops of the oil and cover the mouth with cotton ball, and leave it on the nightstand. Few drops will be enough for "many days" of aromatherapy. Little goes a long way. Don’t have to waste money on Vicks and other products; most all contain eucalyptus and/or camphor/menthol anyway. NOTE: It is toxic and highly flammable - handle with care.
Posted by Praana Yaama | December 3, 2007 2:14 PM
WARNING: Do NOT keep eucalyptus oil in plastic containers. Do NOT keep it in the medicine cup on your vaporizer, which is plastic. Eucalyptus oil can melt plastic - this has happened to me. Don't add too much to the water - remember it is highly flammable - it can damage the heating unit of the vaporizer. It is safer in a glass bottle diffuser.
Posted by Praana Yaama | December 4, 2007 9:43 AM
We pulled out our Vicks Vaporizer for our 18-month-old, and it has worked wonders, helping him breathe and sleep well. However, we kept the door and window closed, and when we went to check on him during the night, found his room had literally turned into a steam room with condensation dripping off the walls and ceilings. We didn't realize his room was so well sealed. Opened the door after that and it was better. Be wary of this!
Posted by Juliette | December 10, 2007 11:06 AM
After watching my first two little girls suffer with asthma and allergies and the works, I purchased a warm mist vaporizer when my newest addition was born. I wasn't sure how to use it or what it was for. (You'd think somebody would have told me by now to use one! Hello Doctor?) This site has been the most helpful and I can't wait to see the results tonight. You've all helped answer all my questions regarding using a vaporizer!
Posted by Stacey | December 25, 2007 8:58 PM
My mother has sworn by vaporizers for years and now that I have 2 kids of my own I also do. In this overly safety concious world, they have stopped recommending warm mist because you can get burned if you stick your hand in them(lawsuits and all). Tell your kids "Don't touch! Other than that they work great. Fill them to the proper line, use cold tap water (it works better), add a shake or two of salt, then plug it in. I recommend putting a towel under it, make sure you keep the door of the room open a crack and place the vaporizer close to the head of the bed about 2 1/2 to 3 feet away. After all you need to breathe in the moist air. Make sure to empty the water out before you store it away. Also, I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it, but eventually the salt that is needed to make it steam will corrode the inside of the heating element and little pieces of build up will fall out into the water. They do not hurt anything, just dump out the water and start with fresh. They will eventually try to plug up the hole on the bottom of the heating element. UNPLUG FROM ELECTRICITY - turn over and use a tooth pick or wooden skewer to clean the hole - turn back over and shake over the trash can. I have done this many times in the 11 years I have owned the same machine. One person above said it worked too well and it loosened her childs mucus and made him cough more. Well the whole point is that it needs to come out so they can breath better. Hopefully this will help and be useful information.
Posted by Tina | January 20, 2008 10:20 AM
Ok, alot to read. I don't have the exact answer but want to share my experience from the last 2.5 years with a son who had baby asthma and pneumonia on his first nite home and was rushed to the ER due to difficulty breathing (you learn fast in this scary situation).
1st, def read the post about the different types of machines:
-ultrasonic is $$ and disperses bacteria and mineral dust
-impeller type use a fan or rotating disk to make the mist and also can cause both bacteria/micro organisms and mineral dust.
-Evaporative (if you can find it) seems to be the best way to go as it only causes less of the above. They contain a filter or wick.
Warm vs cool
If your room is cold, use the warm (with caution for tiny hands)
if your room is hot or too warm, use the cool mist
I've heard that cool is better for asthma but I have to think every situation is different. For instance, my son is reactive to cold air and it triggers his asthma. He has been this way since birth. In his situation, and with his ice cold room (no matter how high the heat is, his room is the coldest), we tried the cool mist and it was freezing and not helpful. But in our room, which is too warm from trying to keep his room warm (wow do we need multi-zone heating), it works well.
We have had several types of vaporizers/humidifiers. The Vicks is good as a somewhat disposable vaporizer. I wouldn't keep it more than 2 seasons of use. It turns very black and is hard as anything to empty all the water out of the base.
But, since all of these units eventually become too gross to use, even if you clean them properly and use distilled water only to avoid mineral buildup, it may be best not to overspend on any unit.
The cheaper vicks unit does heat up nicely (warm mist), does get very hot (keep far from curious hands) and makes the room nice, moist and warm and easy to breathe.
Our cool mist is great, was more expensive (also by vick's but called a humidifier) but on some cold east coast winter nites, is hard to take that cold air. Less worry about mold due to cool mist though.
So I would say, before buying, consider YOUR- personal needs:
-Health issue (severe mold allergies, asthma, sensitive to cold, very curious little toddler hands, etc)
-Room temperature (too hot or too cold)
-Use distilled water to avoid mineral dust issue
-Keep a check on the temp and humidity with a therm/barom and be sure to stay in 'the comfort zone'. As long as you keep it away from your curtains and fabrics, and keep the humidity below 50%, mold should not be an issue.
-Budget
Avoid super expensive units as they all eventually needs parts replaced and the cost can be more than buying a new unit once shipping is added.
for Vicks, visit kaz.com to get replacement parts
:() WORD ABOUT CHEMICAL LIQUID MEDS to put in dispenser cups:
Please do try a more natural approach, such as peppermint oil which smells awesome and clears sinuses.
To prevent melting your plastic, dilute oils very well with a cooking oil that can withstand high heat such as canola, coconut or safflower. It is the undiluted essential oils that can melt things and irritate skin.
However, those liquids they sell contain harmful chemicals and you would not want your child eating any of these things so keep it away from them (ugh, another thing to keep from those little hands).
Real eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree oil are anti-viral, anti-bacterial and safe to breathe in. Avoid wintergreen which many people have allergies to (myself included). Don't overfill, dilute and wash it out with oil every day or 2 at the most so it doesn't collect dust. DO NOT PUT OILS inside with the water- only add it if your unit says you can and only into the dispenser cup.
You can buy organic or regular essential oils online or at a drugstore. Don't buy blends (synthetic garbage) and don't buy anything with ingredients you don't understand. Real is better and safer. The price is initially a bit higher but essential oils last forever (years!).
Good luck. I'm off to replace our Vicks vaporizer to put in our son's room.
Best of luck
Posted by Mom of child with asthma and husband with sinus infections, chronic | January 20, 2008 4:41 PM
The steam from a vaporizer isn't all that hot. Ever go to a sauna with a steam room? You can sit in the steam and breathe it without getting burned. The vaporizer steam seems about the same temperature to me. It feels very nice five or six inches from where it comes out -- you can even make a little tent with a towel over your head over the vaporizer and breathe it in. That's an old trick -- though done with boiling water -- for loosening congestion.
Posted by Suzanne | January 20, 2008 7:04 PM
Thank you, everyone, for sharing your experiences with hot vaporizers! We bought a Vick's vaporizer and it works very well. However, black particles appear in the water. We assume that they are coming from the filter and may be charcoal. Or perhaps they are scales from the heating element? Has anyone experienced this problem? We tried rinsing the filter under running tap water and replacing the blackened water with fresh tap water. Of course, we are very concerned about whether the steam is dispensing the black particles and consequently we are inhaling a dangerous substance? I looked at the Vick's Web site, but I did not find any mention about this problem.
Posted by Karen | February 10, 2008 1:10 AM
I have the same problem with the black particles forming in the water. They stain anything that they come in contact with. It really does resemble charcol in that manner. Can anyone tell me what causes the particles to form? Any way to stop them forming?
Posted by Lee | March 10, 2008 11:50 AM
I have also having the black water problem...any ideas?
Posted by lula | March 10, 2008 8:25 PM
From this page: "It is normal for mineral deposits to collect at the bottom of the Base. Deposits may appear as black flecks and should be rinsed out after every use."
Posted by Chad Everett | March 13, 2008 8:49 AM
My precious little darling is 10 months and after we bought the Vicks vaporizer ($20) she sleeps much better at night. It even helped my husband's chronic cough. It just feels so wonderful and it is completely silent. I don't add salt as the instruction (written by lawyers) says that it could short circuit. I clean it every time I refill and weekly I use white vinegar or bleach to clean it. I don't use any inhalant liquids in the tray. The small stream of steam goes a long way. My skin is more supple too. I have an air cleaner running at the same time but avoid ionizers since they produce a small amount of ozone that destroys lungs. I just luvit luvit luvit. I had humidifiers too but all my clothes and towels always felt icky and wet and the air felt chilly like the feeling you get after drinking a ton of cheap wine. Also I got me a digital device that reads the humidity.
Posted by Joy | May 6, 2008 9:19 AM
Can anyone tell me how to get the condensation stains off my walls? I love the Vicks Vapouriser but my sons room and my own room now have condensation marks on the walls. My house is for sale and I can't seem to remove the marks. Does anyone have any ideas? I would prefer not to repaint.
Posted by HJ | June 5, 2008 6:43 AM
Coolmist Humidifiers are great and no bacterial problems quite the opposite if you put in Hydrogen Peroxide. Read www.alkaliseforhealth.net/oxygenhtm
Posted by S J | June 9, 2008 11:07 AM
I bought the Vicks at wal-mart, but am a little disappointed that the steaming mist is weak coming out of it. You have to place it right next to you to actually feel the effects of it.
I really need a stronger unit.
I really don't know how some others here on this forum claimed that it turned there room into a rainforest.
I don't see how thats possible with this Vick's unit. I mean, for the money its of as a travel vaporizer of something like that, but its definitely on the weak side as far as misting power..
the search continues ...
Posted by Jake | June 28, 2008 11:36 AM
Hi Jake -
You may want to try a bit of salt in your water to create some extra steam. I've found that helps a good deal. Still, if it doesn't help you, best of luck in your search!
Posted by Chad Everett | July 7, 2008 4:34 PM
Great info, just in time when I was trying to get to the bottom what the heck I had purchased. I had thrown away the box it came in so I didn’t know if I had a vaporizer or a humidifier or the difference between the two. All I knew was that no fog came out of it but lots of noise. Thanks to all this good information, I now realize that I have a cheap humidifier.
My take on all this is, which ever you use, be it a vaporizer or a humidifier, I would sure the heck use distilled water and hydrogen peroxide. Tap water is full of chlorine and some tap water now has pharmaceutical drugs found in it. All this is spewed out with the water fog. Yes distilled water is more expensive but were talking about our health.
I would beware of black particles in the water as it my be a type of fungi. The way to stop things from growing in your water, start with distilled water and add hydrogen peroxide. I like 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide but is some times hard to find unless you order it. Wonderful stuff just be very careful with it.
Posted by James Harmon | July 9, 2008 12:19 AM
My son is 8 months old and has a terrible cold/cough. I put the vicks vaporizer in his room and within minutes he was sleeping and slept through the night. The Dr. won't give him any meds and I feel so sorry for him as he can't breath, nose is running, post nasal drip etc. etc. I also put baby vicks on his chest, back and pj's. I know that this machine has helped him tremendously. I am going to buy another one for my daughter's room as she is sick too. Heck maybe I will buy one for my room too as my husband and I are also sick. Vicks Vaporizers all around for EVERYONE!!!!!!! :-)
Posted by Stacie | August 15, 2008 2:31 AM
Thank you everyone for the comments.
Posted by Michelle | September 25, 2008 9:38 PM
The Vick's vaporizor is a fantastic product! A little salt in the water, and Vapo steam really gets it working well. It can wam your house, and even bring your utility bills down in the cold winter months. I've been using the Vick's vaporizor for years. The only problem I have is that once they start getting old they start to spurt water out instead of the steam. I can't complain though, the unti is so inexpensive it's worth replacing when necessary. I have sinusitis, and although it isn't bothering me, the doctor recommended a humidity to relieve the inflammation. I of course with be using my handy dandy vick's vaporizor. As far as children are concerned, I have an 8, 6, and 4 year old. I've been using this vaporizor long before my children were born. Teach them, and they will learn. The best course of action, is to hold their little hand just close enough for them to feel it's warmth, and to say "hot". As parents it's our jobs to teach our children, not to coddle them. If they don't listen, the parents should be close enough to observe their chilren so they get close enough to feel it gets hot, but not close enough to get burned. 2 of my 3 children listened to me, and never touched it. However, the youngest, most stubborn of the bunch likes to find things out for herself. She didn't get burned, but she did get her hand close enough to feel it's warmth, and never touched it again.
Posted by Mary | November 16, 2008 10:46 PM
I just left the WalMart where I had the $43 cool mist humidifier in my hand, but something told me to Google "WalMart humidifiers" to see if I was paying too much and getting the right product. I'm glad that the internet (and each of you) came along during my lifetime :-)
Posted by Roger | January 6, 2009 7:24 PM
I just took my 18 month old son to the doctor, he has upper respiratory infection, sinus congestion,ear infection. we have been using warm mist vaporizor on and off. it makes his room very hot and everything in the room is very damp even the baby. the doctor told us to use a COOL MIST humidifier! and said that using a Warm MIST vaporizor can cause neumonia! so i'm very very confused! i told he we have been using the warm mist he said for us to stop and use a cool mist for his condition. so i'm very confused, please help!
Posted by missy | January 30, 2009 6:00 AM
my son is 3 and has nosebleeds due to the dry air in the house. thanks to this site, ive decided against the cool spray and will be purchasing the vicks vaporizer. im just curious as to whether the vicks can be used without the vapor packets. im not trying to clear up a cold or cough, i just want to add moisture to the air when my son sleeps. does anyone know?
Posted by tia | February 3, 2009 1:51 AM
I cannot believe in ALL these posts that no one has pointed out all the misinformation presented (except for two little posts, which everyone ignored). There are FOUR types of humidifiers; ultrasonic, cool-mist, evaporative, and warm-mist. The ultrasonic, and evaporative are being lumped into the category cool-mist and this is incorrect.
Ultrasonic (a type of cool mist). Uses high frequency sound waves to literally shake water molecules into a fog which is ejected from the machine by a tiny (usually) silent fan. This fog is both visible and cool. Very quiet. Any minerals, chemicals viruses and bacteria in the water will be added to the air. This type can raise the humidity level in a room to an unacceptably high level, which will cause moist fabrics and condensation in the room.
Cool-Mist (original meaning). Uses a 3-7 inch high speed disk to pump water from the reservoir and sling it very fast against a row of closely spaced teeth which breaks the water into minute droplets which are helped to flow out of the machine by a small fan. The fog is both visible and cool, and is "heavier" than ultrasonic due to larger droplet size. Reasonably quiet. Any minerals, chemicals, viruses and bacteria in the water will be added to the air. This type can also raise the humidity level in a room to an unacceptably high level which will cause moist fabrics and condensation in the room. These machines are somewhat old technology and are becoming difficult to find.
Evaporative (a type of cool-mist). Uses a small fan or centrifugal blower to draw air across a water soaked pad or wick. The water naturally evaporates into the air, so no fog is visible. Much louder than any other type of humidifier due to the large fan, though different models can vary drastically in sound levels. Will not add minerals, chemicals, viruses or bacteria to the air since these things will not evaporate naturally off of the wicks or water pads (They stay behind on the wick). The amount of moisture added to the air is self-regulated by how dry the air is; dryer air will evaporate the water faster than moisture-laden air, therefore this machine is self-regulating and cannot over-humidify a room.
Warm-Mist. These machines simply boil water in a small chamber to produce steam, which is naturally aspirated from the machine. The fog is visible and very warm. Very quiet. Will not add minerals, most chemicals, viruses or bacteria to the air (they stay behind in/on the reservoir and heating element). This type can also raise the humidity level in a room to an unacceptably high level which will cause moist fabrics and condensation in the room.
More random facts:
-Salt should only be added to warm-mist humidifier if the water will not boil sufficiently to produce enough steam. Salt hardens the water a little so that it will boil off better. It is completely useless in all other types of humidifiers as it will just remain in the reservoir when all the water is gone.
-All types of evaporative and cool mist humidifiers will not make a room colder. Adding moisture to a room actually raises the dewpoint, which makes the room feel warmer. At a constant 70 degrees, people will feel much warmer in a room at 60% humidity than they will at 20%.
-The vast majority of "whole-house" humidifiers that some have on their furnaces are "cool-mist" evaporative types. They are nothing more than a wet pad that some of the furnace air circulates through as it passes through the furnace.
-Wick/Pad replacement is essential for evaporative types once the wick becomes caked with minerals which cause it to no longer absorb and evaporate water properly. The length of service for wicks and pads varies greatly due to water hardness and, of course, the amount of time you use your humidifier.
-Ultrasonics and the older style impeller type cool-mist machines are by far the worst "white dust" offenders due to the fact that they disperse everything in the water into the air. Nearly all ultrasonics have a demineralization cartridge that filters out most of the heavy minerals from the water as it leaves the reservoir and goes the ultrasonic misting unit. These cartridges do not last long with hard water. The only remedy is to always use distilled water.
Posted by Micah | February 19, 2009 10:37 PM
I always admired my Mother-in-laws sonic mist* that appeared to me to be commercial size, though probabally just a large home model, and would put out this amazing room temperature mist at an astonishing volume. Mind you my husband runs space heaters on top of our central heater and our so our home humidity is likely negative. I figured the likelihood of myself finding a 1980's sonic mist was pretty much null, but I wanted one just the same! And finally one lucky day in spring I stumbled upon a small unit for $5 at a thrift shop. I was in love, and frankly still am. I had tried the honeywell humidifiers that have a fan and filter and blow frezzing cold air out and turn black before the week is over. I am over that! Though I am still in need of more moisture bearing devices as my house has more than one room. So the sonic lives downstairs as of this winter, and I am looking to get something for upstairs. Which is where this post comes in, and I too like many others have decided to go pick up a vicks vaporizor, however, I am thrilled to read the last post about distilled water for the sonic! It did not occur to me that viruses and bacteria could be introduced into the air with this model. I am curious to know if there are additional precautions I could take like adding an antimicrobial or antiviral agent to the water such as tea tree oil or ginger or something. In the end I am happy to know that I can keep my sonic and get my vicks too!!
Posted by whitney | October 15, 2009 9:35 AM
I have two grown children (ages 28 & 26) I bought a KAZ warm mist vaporizer 28 years ago to use when they were congested. I haven't used it everyday but it has been used a lot. It has been stored on a shelf in the laundry room for about a year. I had been reading online about aromatherapy and I came across some information about using the oils with a warm mist vaporizer. I took old faithful off the shelf and fired her up; she works great. I put lavender oil in the little plastic cup, mixed with some water in the cup too. My bedroom smells great, my skin feels great, I breathe better and it has been a little chilly, so it warms the room too. This little machine is a miracle worker at my home!! Oh by the way, it was stored in its original box and I paid $7.49 for it at Kmart 28 years ago. Hows that for quality service, I definitely have gotten my money's worth of service!!!! I hope this helps everyone with questions.
Posted by Posted by Judy / November 04, 2009 | November 4, 2009 11:10 PM
I have to agree with everybodys comments in regards to vicks warm vaporizer or katz either or, its the same. My son is 3months old and has a HORRIFIC cough took him to the ER and there was nothing they could give him, so we decided to be old school and get the vicks out w/ little baby vapor rub with 1/2 the amount of vapor steam solution w/ the machine so its not so over powering it worked great plus to really help the little one i used Johnsons Vapor Bath it seemed to help him. I mean used in moderations so the poor kid doesnt get immune to it or cause camphor OD but I have to say thnks to this web site i feel good about my decisions and I can sleep w/o a frantic baby screaming in my ear cause hes in pain. And it works for adults too so just if you were wondering help yourself your momma did it to you!! Enjoy
Posted by Karren | November 7, 2009 3:00 AM