If you suffer from chapped lips or itchy dry skin, or have a cold with congestion, increasing the amount of moisture in the air can help bring relief. Cool mist humidifiers release a cool or room temperature mist into the air, unlike warm mist humidifiers or vaporizers that create a warm, moist environment similar to a sauna. Physicians often recommend cool mist humidifiers to help with breathing and other issues, but before you choose a humidifier, consider all of the benefits and drawbacks.
For some, the moist air from a cool mist humidifier may be easier to breathe than the warm air that comes from a warm mist humidifier or vaporizer. Physicians believe that cool moist air can help alleviate inflammation in the airway, making it easier to breathe.
Cool mist humidifiers are safer than warm mist humidifiers, especially when used around children. In a warm mist humidifier, the water is heated and released as steam. The water can get extremely hot, and the machine will cause burns if it is spilled or if you touch the heating element or get too close to the steam. Also, warm mist humidifiers can raise the overall temperature of the room, which is not always appealing to those in warmer climates.
In general, cool mist humidifiers are less expensive than other types of humidifiers. In addition, the operating costs for a cool mist humidifier tend to be lower, as you are not using energy to power a heating element. However, with any humidifier, you need to consider the cost of replacement filters, as some models are more expensive than others.
Cool mist humidifiers have a tendency to be noisier than other types of humidifiers, which can be a significant drawback if you plan to use it in a bedroom. Some cool mist humidifier models include a silent feature.
All humidifiers must be cleaned regularly, but it is especially important to clean cool mist humidifiers every day. Because the water is not heated, mold and bacteria can quickly grow in the reservoir and filter. If these harmful molds and bacterium are allowed to grow, they can be released into the air along with the cool mist and cause health problems, including lung infections. Some users of cool mist humidifiers have reported that the moist air has caused a white powder to cover furniture and other surfaces in the room. This is caused by minerals in the water being dispersed and can be prevented by regular cleaning.