I am on quest to find my first humidifier.
I'm thinking of buying a small one for the bedroom. There's a Hunter brand, 31004 Ultrasonic model I see that has great reviews (and no wick) in my price-range of about $40-50.
Since I had respiratory, sinus, and dental infections last Sept.- about Jan. I don't want to go through the "infection of the month" club again. 8) Our house seems to get very dry in winter with the gas furnace going.
So, anybody have an idea on the best ones out there? What do you use? I appreciate any ideas.
Melinda
I love my Air-o-Swiss one. It is more expensive but it is cleaner and easier to clean. When I had one that was harder to clean I kept getting sinus infections that they attributed to the humidifier.
I purchased an Idylis at Lowes last winter and I love it. It is digital and has a night mode so you can turn the display light off. It is also very quiet and has 3 speeds.
Melinda, I don't remember what mine is, sorry.
It's still in storage.
It holds about 10 gallons, which gets us through a 24 hour period.
It has two containers, so you don't have to lug one huge one around.
I use an antibacterial in the water.
It is cold mist.
I got it at Walmart and it cost maybe $70 max.
I ALSO bought a digital humidity gauge that I keep on my bedside table. It shows the temperature and the % of humidity and has a little house with the words, LOW at the bottom, OK in the middle and HIGH in the attic.
It's cute!
I bought it on line and it's battery operated.
Expensive humidifiers will have them built in. But I've always had humidifiers, including one on the furnace of our first house, for 25 years!
You feel more comfortable, can keep the heat at a lower setting, and I don't know how anyone gets through hot air heating in the winter without one. Certainly not those of us with dryness issues.
Let us know what you get.
Features and benefits are more important than brand I think, and price is always key.
They don't last forever, so a big investment isn't necessary.
Hugs
Elaine
My cool-mist humidifier is by Crane and is a green frog. ;D
I'm a very light sleeper and this doesn't bother me at all.
Bucky
Thanks, folks!
So, maybe a silly question: do I need a cool-mist type? I read that the ultrasonic kinds are quieter; true?
Glad there was mention of a display light. We'd definitely be turning that down.
I told my dh that this would help me so much and also would help the gas bill for the winter. He agreed we need one!
(and p.s. If anyone has ideas how to fix my gas bill-changes to home, etc. that's not an option. We rent an older mobile home, it has an old gas furnace and we're stuck with it. We nor the landlord will be putting money into it any replacement.) Just saying... ;D
I have been running humidifiers at my house for most of the 47 years we have been married. Actually, I have been rather attached to the Hunter brand as the fans run so smooth and quiet. They can be time consuming to clean though. I hate cleaning them but do it once a week cause we have country water from a well.
I do know that I tried an ultrasonic one several years ago and I just hated it. I like the cool mist cause it sort of makes a person feel better just by breathing the cool air. It is much more soothing on the lung tissue and the nose and sinuses.
I am inclined to try a different brand sometime, but it seems like when they "die" I need another one right away and have not planned ahead enough to have a new one in storage.
Just to note to tell you that I have had 2 Hunters die from stray voltage during electrical storms. Just ticked me off let me tell you. So, I usually unplugged mine this year during the storms. I should get an plug in like I have for the computer and the TV but that would mean that I would have to write it down on my list and then remember to take my list to Walmart!!!lol Irish ;D
Thanks, Irish.
I have no idea why we've never used one before. I have no real preference to brand, just need one that works quietly, simply and is small.
Thanks for the tips. I guess you need a volt-protection plug for the storms and such. You sound like me with the lists. I have a watch I like and has needed a new battery for about 6 months. We no longer have a jewelry store in town so Walmart is the option. I can't for the life of me remember to take the watch with me! I, too, have put it on a list and forgotten my list.
Guess I need to lay the watch on my counter and put a postie on it: "Take Me to Walmart!" ;)
I believe the Ultrasonic type humidifiers are supposed to be the quietest.
I got my small germguardian at Lowes. Sits right by my bed & no filter to clean. It's a cool air with small nozzle to point the "mist" where you want it. It is quiet but has a blue glow that is kind of bright if you are used to it being totally black.
My daughter had to have one after she saw mine & loves it!
It is small but lasts through the night and was under $40. I hope it lasts, I've only had it a few months & it's my favorite so far. Every other humidifier I've had has only lasted me 4-6 months.
If this one stops workingI'll be so sad... and dry!!
Carie
I have a Germ Guardian, the UltraSonic one with a Night Light. It's the size for a larger bedroom. This winter will make the third winter I've used it. It can be used with a cool mist or a warm mist. Has an adjustable mozzle and a spray control setting. Also, shows the humidity in the room.
I couldn't live without it. It was in one of the episodes of "The Apprentice." Liza Minelli was giving a performance and it was one of the things that she absolutely insisted on having in her backstage dressing room. Couldn't believe it when I saw it.
A small sideline about humdifiers, om which percentage do you put it? My eyes give me less trouble when I put it om 65%. Is that too high? At work I can't get to 65%, the humdifier keeps working and gets it on 62%. I'm curious on which percentage you put it?
Take care!
Stans
About the percentage, my gauge shows me both the percentage and then a graphic which shows me if that is OK or high or low.
65% is fine most of the time, with an OK in the graphic. I don't know how the gauge decides? Probably a factor of temperature and humidity or something.
Also, the humidifier I use is so large because it is designed to humidify the entire house. It also turns out we have a humidifier on our furnace system. But it isn't enough, for sure. We found out about the one on the house system just last Spring! :-)
Anyway, having enough humidity is crucial.
Hugs
Elaine
Humidity is a real problem for us in the north, especially on the prairies. Once the outside temperatures drop, we have to lower our humidity as well. Or we will just have ice building up on our windows. It's not uncommon to have 10% humidity outside.
The colder the air, the less water it can hold. So when we have months of -25 to -40 degrees C, it is hopelessly dry. :(
We do however have lovely spring and summer here. So I'm not complaining...I'm just saying. ;)
Think I've got some good info. Thanks, all! ;) 8)
I'll be shopping over the weekend. I just never thought about the humidity in the house too much before, and how much it affects us; silly, I know.
I'm hoping to ward off some of the problems I had last fall-winter. I was newly diagnosed, just learning a lot from all of you. I had a partoid infection, thrush most of the winter, tooth absesses, sinus infections, etc. Ugh!
Now I'm better prepared~ new meds, teeth extracted, will use a humidifier daily. Oct. is time to start spraying Lysol all over the house. I feel hopeful!
Can't find the brand name on mine. It was only about $35 at Wal Mart. I like it.
Just a reminder that when you are consciously raising the humidity in the house you need to watch just how "wet" you are getting the windows, walls, carpet, etc.
Anything that is wet for a prolonged period of time will develop mold and that can be dangerous to our health. Can cause damage to wood on the windowsills and also cause breathing issues and allergic like responses.
I live in a northern state and can accumulate ice on the windows at times. It is really a pain when this happens. YOu have to keep wiping off the water as the ice melt during the day. Also, remember that when you live in a cold climate and the humidity is lower outside it helps to keep the house cooler. Just lower the thermastat and put on more clothes.
This lowers your fuel bills and it also makes the air healthier for your mucous membranes. Remember that when you do this you do not have to have such high humidity in the house. Also, keep a small fan running all the time to make sure the air cirulates and this will help with any mold issues.
The warmer you keep the house the worst your dryness will be in and on your whole body. Cool air is much healthier. Try using the heated blankets throws that you can get at Walmart.They are great for those cold nights in front of the TV. Also, once you learn to dress warmer inside your body will learn to adjust better than you thought it wouldGood luck. Irish ;D
Thanks, Irish. :D
None of us need any mold growing, for our homes or our health. Our house is rather old, and I know in the winter with the furnace turned up we see condensation on our windows. I guess that's not a good thing.
I understand what you mean about the humidity being low outside, so we don't want it too high inside. I never thought about that!
Me and my honey will need to discuss this; he lost 65 lbs. (!) last year and now feels the cold like he didn't before, so he likes to crank up the heat. If the house is too hot, I feel ill like I do in summer. :P We already use a small fan all the time.
We need a new electric blanket for the bed; ours croaked last year, and the warming throws sound nice. I've seen those at Walmart. He might really go for one when he comes home from work tired and chilled.
So, we need to do some talking and shopping. ;) Thanks for your ideas. How have you and your husband been doing this week?
Melinda
I'm guessing it is better to get a small humidifier if you have a small room vs. a larger one set on low?
I've got a 200 sq ft room. And I had been looking for a humidifier to aim it at the head of my bead to help my sinuses at night. But the smaller units don't have alot of extra functions like the bigger units. Problem is my room is already at 50%-55% humidity.
I'll probably be looking at a warm/cold mist ultrasonic type humidifier.
The smaller one may not last through the night. A larger one set on low means you don't have to add water as often. Plus they come with antimicrobial things inside to keep it clean.
Hey everyone, sorry for the lateness of this reply but I wanted to tell you about my experience with a Vicks Warm Mist table-top Humidifier, purchased at Kmart for around $40.00 USD. Model # V745A
It has hi and low output settings, a glow night light, and automatic shut-off. With a one gallon tank, it runs continually for 12 hours, and covers a medium to large sized room.
My main problem was with the automatic shutoff feature that activates when the tank runs dry because there is no reset button to restart the machine. In order to restart it after filling the tank, you must turn the switch to off position and unplug it. From the first day I used the humidifier, I found that turning it off and unplugging it didn't necessarily result in the machine restarting. It takes anywhere from 3-8 tries before the machine starts working again. The other issue I have is that the design doesn't allow for easy cleaning. You need to use a screwdriver to disassemble and it takes me about 30 mins. Please note that if you like to sleep in a dark bedroom, the night light is on while the machine is operating and cannot be turned off.
It's not an ideal machine for a person suffering from fatigue, so I will not buy this model in the future. Outside of difficult cleaning and restarting it's a delightful machine with great features and it provides good relief for my dryness issues. In many ways I will miss it. :)
stephi, The reason the humidifier takes to long to restart it probably because of the autoimatic shut off switch. Sometimes these shut off switches can act like a circuit breaker and may need a minute or two to"recycle". When it shuts off just wait awhile and then plug it in again.
It issuch a crap shoot buying these darn humidifiers. I hate having to clean mine so much. If I added up the time I have spent cleaning humidifiers over the year and got paid I would have a good chunk of change.
Any of you remember those old green or beige round ones we had years ago. You took off the top and had to take a screwdriver to flip the little piece of plastic off the bottom where the water was sucked up. Then you had to take a pipe cleaner and try to clean the crud out without getting water on the motor. Oh, I remember the days!!!!! Irish ;D
Irish, I would like it if the top of the tank could be completely removed and either put in the dishwasher or scrubbed by hand. The only opening to the tank is a small fill opening, and I'm not satisfied that its cleaned thoroughly by rinsing repeatedly with sudsy water or vinegar. A yellowish film of minerals coat the inside of the top which requires many rinses with diluted vinegar and I can never quite get it all removed. It really takes a lot of my spoon energy to do it too. I take comfort in the fact that the water is boiled in a warm mist humidifier, hopefully that kills bacteria that might be feeding on the mineral scale that clings to the top.
After this discussion, I think maybe I should splurge and just buy another model. lol
I know just how you feel about the energy used to keep the darn things running. I now have 2 larger Hunters minus the motor assembly part. I hate to throw them away cause if I buy another like it and happen to drop and crack the water holding tank I will have a spare. I have 2 other ones that are needing attention with the filters.
I get so darn sick of this. We live in the country with the hard water (in spite of a water softener) and I know what you mean about the hard stuff. I have so much trouble with the filters getting hard and crusty. I clean mine once a week and I hate it!!!
If you find a winner please let us all know. Irish ;D
I will keep you posted on my quest. lol
One solution to prevent mineral build up would be to buy steam distilled bottled water but that could get pricey. I could never lug all that water into the house, I would have to have it delivered and delivery is a little more expensive than buying in a retail store. And then I would need to find a place to store it. :D
Another option is to buy a steam distillation machine for the kitchen counter top to make distilled water at home, but these will set you back a few hundred US Dollars. I think Amazon has them if anyone is interested.
I have gone through many, many gallons of distilled water in the last 12 years and I have often thought that I should set up a distillery. Maybe I could also distill some other things to sell and offset the price of the distillery.
I use the distilled water (I have to boil it also per ENT) to irrigate my nose and I use lots of it. Irish
:) I had a bear of a time finding mine. I highly recommend the animal ones by Crane (at Target and online) or here:
Crane EE-0865 Adorable Humidifier - Animals - Penguin
If you use distilled water they don't require a filter, don't get that annoying heavy water stain, and are fairly quiet. Plus they are fun to look at and since most of these things only last a year, why not have some fun. Get a penguin, duck, dragon, etc.
At work I have a very serious humidifier that looks like a UFO.
My Fine Home and Office Ultrasonic Mist Humidifier MF-3K037
Mine is older and lights up blue, but it works well with the spring water provided by work. It was lasted three years so far. My son just got a really great humidifier that uses bottled water and is tiny for travel.
Travel Ultrasonic Humidifier
by Air-O-Swiss
But I like the cool air since it just feels more refreshing than the warm.
Good luck.
I have a humidifier as part of our heating system and every year I used to complain to the furnace people that it wasn't working - LOL then they changed my diagnosis from MS to Sjogren's and I had one of those DUH moments - the furnace people are right, it is working properly - it's me who has the problem. At night I use a cute blue penguin Crane humidifier that I use at night that I bought on sale at Target and I use distilled water.
Like Irish, I made the mistake of raising the humidity too high - I felt better, but I had to dry off everything in the house - it wasn't worth it. She is right, it can be a health hazard as well as destructive to your home.
Carolina mentioned adding antibacterial to the humidifier's water - frankly I wouldn't do that - I don't want to breathe in that antibacterial solution into my lungs - I have enough problems that I like to limit air pollutants as best I can in my home. I prefer to clean it regularly to avoid build up of crude or growth.
I have the Crane frog . . . I love my frog! ;D I've had it for several years now - no problems. Our son takes it in his bedroom when he has a cold.
Bucky
I don't use the antibacterial solution in the water either. I don't want anymore pollutants in my air than I already have.
I just bought a humidifier that I thought would work good. Sheeeesh! It is one of those for the kids rooms and it has a filter and uses distilled water plus you can put it in the dishwasher. It is not big and sort of egg shaped on top. Forget the brand, sorry.
Anyway, it has 2 speeds and I thought it would be good to use in the family room which is very separate from the rest of the house. Well, you turn it on low fan and run it for hours and the water level doesn't go down. You put it on high fan and it does move some water though the filter(not much though) but it is so darn noisy that you can't hear the TV.
Maybe we should all get together and invent the perfect humidifier. Wouldn't that be great! Irish
I finally found a filter for my older, smaller Hunter humidifier. I had to nurse the old filter through the last winter cause I could not find one in any store. I should have ordered one but I was too darn tight to pay the shipping and handling.
I found the filter at Menards only it is in 2 pieces now. Same size, etc but 2 pieces. Maybe this way it fits one of the newer models.Irish ;D