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Humidification systems are the most effective at addressing drynessTrusted SourceHumidifiers and Health: Uses, Types, and RisksHumidifier therapy adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness, which can cause irritation. Humidifiers can be particularly effective in treating dry skin.www.healthline.comSkin, lips, throat and nose indoors. Besides using humidifiers and the technique of leaving a bowl of water in the room to evaporate, humidifiers are a much healthier solution as they also help purify the air we breathe.
Humidifiers are divided into two categories: warm mist humidifiers and cool mist humidifiers. Although both types of humidifiers are designed to perform the same function of increasing humidity, they work very differently.
In this cool mist vs warm mist humidifier comparison article, we discuss the pros and cons of both types to help you decide which type of humidifier is best for you.
How does a humidifier work?
In winter, and especially in modern apartments equipped with air conditioning, the humidifier has become an indispensable device. Its main function is to regulate the ambient humidity (hydrometry) of a space.
When temperatures drop, the heater operates at maximum speed, making the air in the room very dry. The humidity in a room can drop to 30%, 40 to 60% is ideal. To make the air more comfortable for the body and for breathing, the humidifier works to disperse the more humid air.
your operation
Once you understand what a humidifier does as a whole, what remains is to know exactly how it works. There are two categories of humidifiers, a domestic version and an industrial version. However, it is the first that will interest us in this post.
The device aims to increase the humidity in a room through the evaporation of water. To do this, it must be equipped with a tank containing clean and drinkable water, preferably not previously treated. However, the contact area between air and water must be maximum to be effective.
Thanks to an antibacterial filter cassette, humidification is also possible. Once turned on, the humidifier will direct the air through the filter, naturally absorbing as much water as possible, avoiding possible over-humidification.
The driven air is thus optimally humidified. But this air will also be free of dust and impurities. The impurities remain at the bottom of the water tank and require regular water changes.
With better air quality, breathing problems or problems with dry skin decrease. Dry air makes the mucous membranes more sensitive. Air with good humidity makes the immune system less susceptible to diseases. Cases of bronchitis or flu will therefore be less common in this type of environment.
Good humidity also improves the quality of sleep in the family, since very dry air tends to bother us at night.
Finally, although health comes first, you should also know that using the device respects the furniture and everything that is made of wood (floor, wall, ceiling, etc.).
Cold fog vs. hot fog: are there similarities?
Some of the similarities between a cool mist humidifier and a warm mist humidifier are listed below:
- Both are used to increase humidity in dry indoor spaces.
- Neither are suitable for all weather conditions: cool mist humidifiers are ideal for summer, while warm mist humidifiers are more suitable for winter.
What is a Warm Mist Humidifier?
The Warm Mist Humidifier is ideal for winter and releases warm moisture. It works both as a humidifier and as a soft-working heater.
This type of device boils the water in the tank to kill germs. This operation is possible thanks to the electrode lamps. Then steam is released. This kind ofthe humidifier is therefore without a filter.
It is mainly used in winter to heat the ambient air. You have to be careful with these. They are not recommended in homes with children, primarily because the humidifier water can reach a high boiling point and be dangerous to children.
Evaporation vs. Ultrasonic
The evaporation system allows you to vaporize cold or hot mist thanks to an integrated motorized fan. By aerating a water-soaked filter, fine water droplets are thrown into the air. These humidifiers are some of the cheapest and most energy efficient, with most rated at just 8 watts. There are two types of evaporative humidifiers: cold and warm mist humidifiers.
On the other hand, consumer choice is increasingly focused on ultrasonic humidifiers that incorporate new technological options. Its principle is based on treating water with inaudible ultrasonic vibrations. Water is passed over a membrane and the frequency allows microbes to be destroyed. The water particles are then thrown into the air. You will get a very fine mist, different from vapor.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are capable of evaporating a cool or slightly warm mist. They are the quietest humidifiers. However, your system will not remove scale present in the water. As with evaporative humidifiers, use distilled water or check if the device includes a descaling filter.
Advantages
- Some models may be quieter.
- It can easily warm up a room when it is cold.
- Available in compact and portable format
- They are functional in winter
Disadvantages
- They are usually noisier than the cold mist humidifier.
- Tend to use more electricity
- Not recommended for families with children
- Like cool mist ones, they need frequent cleaning.
What is a cool mist humidifier?
With cold mist humidifiers, the water is sprayed cold, i.e. at room temperature. To avoid the transmission of microbes into the air, the water must be changed daily and humidifiers with washable filters should be preferred whenever possible. With them, impurities accumulate in the water filter.
The Cool Mist Humidifier is a safe device. It is ideal for the children's room and is offered at a great price. In summer and during heat waves, the Cool Mist humidifier freshens the air while helping to maintain optimal humidity levels.
According to most users, the most reliable and effective cool mist humidifier is theEverlasting Comfort Cool Mist Humidifier. Ideal for the bedroom, this filter-free humidifier has a 6 liter tank and is silent.
Advantages
- Doesn't require as much power as warm mist humidifiers.
- Safer humidification in homes with children
- They tend to be more economical than warm mist humidifiers because they don't require heating elements.
- Available in compact and portable dimensions
Disadvantages
- While cool mist humidifiers are more prone to mold and bacterial growth, both can develop mold and should be cleaned regularly.
- Requires regular filter changes (especially for humidifiers that require a fan, such as evaporative humidifiers)
Cool mist humidifier vs warm mist humidifier: best uses for each
Not every type of humidifier is right for everyone. Both are recommended for different types of people and situations.
for dry skin
Cool mist humidifiers are best for people suffering from dry skin and eczema issues. Hot mist humidifiers can make symptoms worse. OThe best humidifiers for dry skinthese are usually cold air humidifiers.
for cough
Cool mist humidifiers help relieve coughs.Warm-mist humidifiers do not provide significant help with coughingTrusted SourceWarm mist or cool mist humidifier: which is better when you have a cold? - Mayo ClinicWhen should I use a cool mist humidifier instead of a warm mist humidifier on a child with a cold?www.mayoclinic.org, according to the Mayo Clinic. therefore, thebest humidifier for cough and sinusitisare cool mist humidifiers.
for allergies
Cool mist humidifiers may not be suitable for allergy sufferers. especially cold allergies. Warm mist humidifiers, on the other hand, can help you feel better if you have an irritated nose or suffer from dermatitis. However, they are not ideal if you have laryngitis or bronchiolitis. If you have asthma, it is best to avoid using humidifiers.
for babies
For safety reasons, cool mist humidifiers are best for babies and children. Warm mist humidifiers are not recommended in homes with children. This is mainly because the water in the humidifier can reach a high boiling temperature and pose a danger to children.
For babies who are still in their crib and can't crawl or walk, warm mist humidifiers are great in cold weather and winter in general.
If a warm mist humidifier is used in a household with children, always place it in a safe place out of the reach of children.
monitoring: Manufacturers are now becoming innovators in the production of cool and warm mist humidifiers. Why buy two humidifiers when you need both types? That's why you can now find models that combine both technologies: warm fog and cold fog humidification systems.
According to our expertsthe humidifier LEVOIT 6Lis the most innovative and effective use of this technology. It is an ultrasonic hot and cold mist air vaporizer that comes with a remote control.
final thoughts
Cool mist humidifiers are useful for improving your comfort in hot, dehumidified indoor environments.
Warm mist humidifiers, on the other hand, are suitable for cold-shy and cold-prone areas. The warm mist humidifier can help you feel better when you have an irritated nose or suffer from dermatitis.
So which one should you choose? A warm or cool mist humidifier? As you read the comparison article between cool mist and warm mist humidifiers, both types have their advantages. For example, warm mist humidifiers achieve the highest levels of moisture saturation while killing the most bacteria. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, use filters to remove dirt, don't make enough noise to disturb your sleep, and are safer.
In the end, both do their jobs. It's up to you to decide which features best suit your specific preferences and needs. You can even choose a model that combines both technologies. Whatever you decide, make sure you stay healthy and hydrated.
references
1.
Humidifiers and Health: Uses, Types, and Risks
Humidifier therapy adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness, which can cause irritation. Humidifiers can be particularly effective in treating dry skin.
2.
Warm mist or cool mist humidifier: which is better when you have a cold? - Mayo Clinic
When should I use a cool mist humidifier instead of a warm mist humidifier on a child with a cold?
FAQs
How do you know if you need a cool or warm mist humidifier? ›
The easiest way to figure out which humidifier works best for an individual is by simply knowing which type of air is easier for them to breathe. If you inhale well in a sauna, then a warm mist humidifier might be the best. If you have allergies or asthma, you might benefit more from a cool-mist humidifier.
Why is a cool mist humidifier better than a warm mist humidifier? ›Unlike warm-mist humidifiers, cool-mist versions add moisture to indoor air without boiling water and producing steam. With no potential to burn or scald, cool-mist humidifiers are the only humidifier type that pediatricians recommend for households with babies and young children.
Is a cool mist or warm mist humidifier better for baby? ›While both are effective in adding humidity to the air, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the use of a cool mist humidifier.
Why do doctors recommend cool-mist humidifiers? ›Dry sinuses, bloody noses and cracked lips — humidifiers can help soothe these familiar problems caused by dry indoor air. And cool-mist humidifiers also may help ease symptoms of a cold or other respiratory condition.
Why would you want a warm mist humidifier? ›A warm mist humidifier promotes clean vapors in your house and leaves the air smelling clean and fresh. Warm mist humidifiers are popular for promoting higher moisture levels within a room. They also kill germs and bacteria. They work with medicated products like essential oils to make the room smell better.
What is the healthiest type of humidifier? ›The type you choose is ultimately up to you, but in general, cool mist humidifiers are the safest option (especially if you have children or pets around), according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Warm mist humidifiers, meanwhile, run hot and have the potential to cause burns if you get too close.
Is it OK to sleep with a cool mist humidifier? ›The short answer is yes: it is healthy to sleep with a humidifier in your room. Sleeping with a humidifier can have several health benefits, even if you don't have asthma.
Is warm mist humidifier better for stuffy nose? ›Warm mist humidifiers tend to work well for easing symptoms like congestion that come with a cold or allergies.
Is a warm mist humidifier good for sinus congestion? ›According to sinus experts, adding moisture to the air with a humidifier is generally good for your sinus health. Moist air can help thin out and loosen mucus. And the water vapor in the air can moisturize and calm irritated airways and ease dry eyes caused by sinusitis.
When should you run a cool mist humidifier? ›As with adults, it is best to incorporate a humidifier during both the winter months and summer months or when your home hygrometer reads below 40%. You can also introduce a humidifier for baby when you notice signs of minor nasal congestion.