When cold temperatures or low humidity rob the air of moisture, your breathing passages can become dry, making it difficult to breathe and increasing allergy symptoms. Humidifiers--machines that introduce moisture back into the air--come in warm- or cool-mist models.
Differences
Cool-mist humidifiers do not heat the water before spreading the mist, while warm-mist humidifiers warm the air prior to dispersal. For this reason, they also are known as steam humidifiers or vaporizers, according to Allergy Be Gone.
Temperature
The biggest distinguishing factor between the two types of humidifiers is the temperature at which they disperse water, according to Allergy Be Gone. A cool-mist humidifier spreads cool mist, which can be soothing when living in a climate that is warm and dry. Warm-mist humidifiers use a heating element to emit warm mist, which can be soothing during the winter. Inhaling this warm mist can help to dilate airway passages, resulting in easier breathing.
Considerations
If you will be using the humidifier in a child's room or have very young children, a cool-mist humidifier can be a safer alternative than a warm-mist model, according to Dr. Jay L. Hoecker, a physician and Mayo Clinic consultant. Because warm-mist humidifiers produce steam and vapor, this can present a burn risk for young children. Also, the temperature of the mist from a warm- or cold-mist humidifier is the same by the time it reaches the lower airway of a child, according to Hoecker.
Noise
Cool-mist humidifiers use a fan to disperse cool-water droplets in a room, according to Allergy Be Gone. This means the humidifier may be louder than a warm-mist humidifier. Noise can be a factor if you are using the humidifier while sleeping, as a loud noise can interrupt your sleep and disrupt its quality.
Cost
Warm-mist humidifiers tend to be more costly than cool-mist models because warm-mist humidifiers include a heating element, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cool-mist humidifiers also may save money in terms of electricity bills because they require less energy to heat the mist.
Warning
Because humidifiers create a moist environment where germs and bacteria can grow, regularly and thoroughly clean your humidifier, according to Family Education. Warm-mist humidifiers are considered slightly more difficult to clean because the hot water can leave behind mineral deposits that are tough to clean. Follow the humidifier's instructions for cleaning in order to avoid introducing harmful elements into the air.
