Ultrasonic Humidifiers Buying Guide Cool Warm Mist

Ultrasonic humidifiers are very popular. Read about the pros and cons of cool and warm mist ultrasonic humidifier models with our buying guide for the best.

The biggest advantage is the quiet operation, making them ideal for bedrooms. Generally the ultrasonic humidifier virtually silent, even on high. There is a noise of water gurgling through the machine, but this is generally soft.

The big drawback to the cool mist ultrasonic machine is the white mineral dust that is produced. The white dust comes from the minerals in the water that are released into the room when the water evaporates. Water lands on surfaces and after it dries, the minerals coat the surfaces. It has been reported that this mineral dust can be irritating and potentially harmful to the lungs when it is in the air.

I recommend only buying cool mist ultrasonic machines which offer demineralization tablets. Another option is using distilled water in the humidifiers, because most of the minerals have been removed already.

There are two types of ultrasonic humidifiers. Cool mist and warm mist. Cool mist humidifiers do not heat the water before releasing it into the room, but warm mist humidifiers do. With cool mist humidifiers, the air around the machine feels cool. If it will be close to you, people prefer to have warm mist humidifiers during cold winter months. If you won’t be near the unit, you probably won’t notice a difference in the air temperature when the humidifier is operating.

There is a risk of bacteria forming in the water if it is left to sit in the tank more than a day or two. This bacteria would then be propelled into the room in the mist. Ways to avoid this happening are:

  • 1. Changing the water in the tank daily and emptying it when it is not in use. Swishing around vinegar in the tank weekly, while it is in continual use, to eliminate possible bacteria is recommended.
  • 2. Using Air O Swiss- Ionic Silver Stick eliminates most bacteria in the water naturally.

    How do ultrasonics work? A metal diaphragm vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency to create water droplets. The droplets come out as a cool mist or fog. It is a very effective way to release water into the air.

    What are the pros to ultrasonic humidifiers?

    • Quiet operation. Ultrasonic cool and warm mist humidifiers are very quiet and are great for the bedroom because the noise won't keep you awake like some humidifiers.
    • Some ultrasonics, like Air O Swiss and Germ Guardian humidifiers, offer the option of cool and warm mist on the same humidifier. This is a big help if you use a humidifier all year and want warm in the winter and cool in the summer, like I do!
    • No filters to replace. No need to buy or replace filters as ultrasonics are filterless.

  • What are the cons to ultrasonic humidifiers?

    • White dust. I would say this is the biggest problem with ultrasonics. Using distilled water or a deminerialization cartridge will reduce this problem.
    • Keeping humidifier clean. Since the water is propelled directly into the air, it is more important that other kinds of humidifiers to keep the tank clean and free from bacteria.

    I have determined the best ultrasonic humidifiers are the Air O Swiss units. They consistently get good consumer reviews and good ratings with experts. Their demineralization tabs, antimicrobial tank lining and Ionic Silver Stick eliminate the problems which can be associated with humidifiers. Most units also offer both warm and cool mist humidifier options. Read the full Review on Air O Swiss.

    From Ultrasonic Humidifiers Page To Air-Purifiers-Humidifiers Home Page