Typically used to help alleviate nasal congestion and other minor respiratory conditions, humidifiers are an affordable and natural way to maintain sinus health, according to MayoClinic.com. Humidifiers are sold as cool or warm versions that both release water vapor into the air. While both release moisture into the air, the main difference between the two versions is that one uses cool mist while the other uses hot steam. Talk with a doctor to determine the best option, if any, for you. If using a humidifier worsens symptoms, discontinue use. Humidifiers are never meant to replace medications or treatments for respiratory problems, unless specified by a doctor.
Cool Mist Operation
Cool mist humidifiers come in two different types: ultrasonic and wick-based. Ultrasonic humidifiers use sound waves to break water apart into small particles that are released as a visible mist into the air. Wick-based humidifiers use a wick that absorbs water and then utilizes a fan to blow over the saturated wick. Wick-based humidifiers do not produce a visible mist.
Warm Mist Operation
Warm mist humidifiers use the basic concept of boiling water to add moisture to the air. A reservoir is filled with purified water and heating to a boiling point, when the moisture is released through a towering tube. Warm mist humidifiers can get very hot and should be used with caution around children and pets, according to MayoClinic.com.
Sound
A warm humidifier makes less sound than a cool-mist humidifiers because it does not use a fan to blow the moisture. A warm humidifier, however, makes a gurgling noise periodically when water is taken into the heating element.
Cost
Cool mist humidifiers typically cost less money than a warm humidifier, according to MayoClinic.com. The heating element on warm humidifiers can cost more to purchase and to run due to the electricity needed. Most cool mist humidifiers are significantly less expensive to run.
Maintenance
MayoClinic.com warns that a humidifier can make someone sick if not properly maintained, especially a warm humidifier, which can easily grow mold and mildew in the unit and in surrounding areas. Warm humidifiers must be cleaned thoroughly after each use to ensure safety. Cool mist humidifiers should be emptied on a daily basis and left to air dry. When the wick appears to be brownish-yellow in color, it needs to be changed.
