Why Warm Mist Humidifiers
Air humidifiers have become popular today, especially cool mist humidifiers. But there is a rather less popular type of this product which is the warm mist humidifier. Do they work the same as the cool mist? What benefits do warm mist humidifiers offer? Essentially, they both have one purpose; which is to add moisture or humidity to the air.
This is supposed to help soothe health problems and irritation caused by dry air, such as nasal congestion, dry skin, and eyes, and sometimes even prevent a cough and cold. The main difference is that warm mist humidifiers preheat the water before the mist is produced, creating a warm soothing vapor. This is great during the cold seasons or winter months.
To have a better idea about humidifiers in general, how they work and the different types and models, you can check our Best Humidifiers Buying Guide. In this article, we will focus on the important features of warm mist humidifiers and the benefits they offer, compare products to help you choose best warm mist humidifier for your home.
Best Warm Mist Humidifiers Comparison Table 2017
| Name | Rating | Price | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier V745A/V745-JUV | 4 | $ | Single room |
| Air-O-Swiss AOS 7147 | 4 | $$$ | Warm / Cool Mist |
| PureGuardian H1510 | 4.5 | $$ | Warm / Cool Mist |
How They Work
Before we discuss the different features that make a good warm mist humidifier, here is a simple and basic overview of how it works.
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Preheating
Unlike the cold mist units which use micro vibrations to produce the mist, warm mist humidifiers preheat the water to produce the mist. In other words, the water is boiled. This is an added advantage because boiling kills germs and other bacteria that might be in the water. This means that the mist will always be fresh and clean.
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Evaporation
This mist evaporates into the room which increases the humidity level. The quicker it evaporates, the more effective the humidification is.
The main advantage of a warm mist humidifier is that it adds moisture to the air and also to your skin with an added comfort because it warms the room a little bit during the cold seasons. Take note that a warm mist humidifier is not enough to keep you warm during the winter. You would still need to turn your heating system on.
If you are not sure whether you need a warm or cool mist humidifier, you can read our Best Cool Mist Humidifiers article to compare features.
Things to Consider
Now that you have a better idea about how warm mist humidifiers work as compared to a cool mist, here are some important factors to consider when choosing a warm mist humidifier for your home.
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Water
Even though it boils the water to produce the mist, some impurities and elements in the water are very difficult to purify, especially if you have hard water at home. So make sure to find out what type of water you have from your tap. If you have soft water, there won’t be much problem. To be sure, you can use distilled water instead or a demineralization cartridge.
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Demineralization
In relation to hard water, removing the mineral contents from the water is really important when using a humidifier. If you don’t want to spend on distilled water regularly and only have hard water available in your location, it is best to choose a model that comes with or offers a demineralization cartridge. This purifies the mineral contents from the hard water.
There are other factors to consider, of course, depending on your location, physical conditions and other needs. That is why it is of special importance to keep versatility in mind. It is always nice to have some features that you might also use in the future. If you anticipate needing a cool mist humidifier, perhaps it would be more practical to invest in a dual function model, like the Air-O-Swiss AOS 7147 Ultrasonic Humidifier – Warm and Cool Mist, which works both as a warm and cool mist humidifier.
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Special Warm Mist Humidifier Types
Some warm mist humidifiers offer a little extra to give added comfort to the air you breathe.
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Aromatherapy
Some warm mist humidifiers also allow you to put essential oils that can help create a more relaxing mist.
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Medicine Humidifiers
Vicks humidifiers often have a special input for liquids like Vaposteam and Kaz inhalants which help in a cough and cold. It creates a minty warm vapor that prevents the sickness for. I getting worse, especially when used during the first signs of a cold. One of these products is the Honeywell Germ Free HCM-350.
Conclusion
If you have other medical or physical conditions that require attention, please note that it is not advisable to rely solely on a humidifier. Please consult a healthcare professional or medical doctor to make an informed decision in your use of warm mist humidifier products.
Further Reading on Best Humidifiers
- Best Humidifiers for Bedroom
- Best Whole House Humidifiers
- Best Humidifiers for Baby
- Best Filter Free Humidifiers
