Humidifiers and vaporizers perform the same function: They add moisture to the air. According to the Iallergy website, "The optimal humidity level for overall healthy air ranges from between 25 percent to 55 percent relative humidity." Anything higher than 55 percent can promote the growth of bacteria, and a humidity level lower than 25 percent is unhealthy.
Method
A warm mist humidifier works by heating water to the boiling point and releasing the water as steam. This method helps to kill bacteria. The mist also is free of minerals since, according to the Iallergy website, "any mineral content that was present in the water is left behind in the humidifier." Some warm mist units use absorption pads that draw in the mineral deposits. A vaporizer also boils water to add steam to the air.
Features
Both the warm mist humidifier and vaporizer are built as tabletop units. Warm mist models might come with a medicine cup to help push medicine into the air. The vaporizer is a basic humidifier without added features. It is less expensive but is just as quiet. Adding a mask to the vaporizer transforms it into a nebulizer, used to treat asthma, colds and respiratory infections. Both the warm mist humidifier and vaporizer might come with safety latches to protect against burns.
Maintenance
Neither the warm mist humidifier nor a vaporizer use filters., so the maintenance cost is low since there aren't any filters to replace. Both styles can be cleaned with vinegar to remove any mineral deposits left behind in the unit. The tabletop size allows for removing the reservoir tank to fill or clean. Some humidifiers also are dishwasher-safe.
Alternatives
Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency vibrations to turn the water into a fine mist. This style of humidifier has the option of either a cool or warm mist, and is the quietest humidifier on the market. Some ultrasonic humidifiers have specific cartridges for catching the minerals before they enter the air. In-duct humidifiers are used with a forced air heating system. They are quiet and some emit a warm mist.
Considerations
Warm mist humidifiers and vaporizers are not recommended for children's rooms as the risk for burn or scalding is too great. Both models will emit heat with the steam and subsequently heat the room. The size of these humidifiers is convenient for moving and filling, but since they are small they humidify only one room. The downside to any warm mist humidifier or vaporizer is the cost of running one: They are more expensive because they use more energy.
