Warm Mist Vs. Cool Mist Humidifiers

I haven't had a Dr recommend a warm air mist. It think they cool air is recommended for the most part. Warm air can carry bacteria & mold.

Hi A. M.,
My oldest and I have asthma that is mostly triggered when we are sick. So coughing, at night especially, is an issue. We both respond best to the cold mist humidifier. The standard type is best; the one with a tank and motorized lid, usually around/less than $20.
Just follow the rule of cleaning it out and changing the water about every other day to prevent mildew.
Hope this helps,
Suzy & her men (Malcolm 2 & Stanley 4.5)

I've had both warm and cool mist at one time or another, and I love the Vick's warm mist humidifier the best. It's simple and easy to clean. And the sound of boiling water is a soothing sound as you're trying to get some sleep.

I have heard to always have a cool mist humidifer to reduce your chances of burns, so that's what I have. Kids are curious and get into everything! When you need warm mist heat up the bathroom with hot water and shut the door, with you in there of course!

I love my my Vick's warm mist. It's easy to clean and fill. I also like that it's a heater for our very cold room in the basement.

Cool Mist
hunter-we have 2 they do not leak ever!

EXPERT HERE!!! We have a child with a chronic need for a humidifier. In general, Cool Mist is recommended for all but very severe bronchial or lung illnesses- and your Dr should specifically tell you if you need this. Just an FYI- ALL humidifiers need to be cleaned regularly, and should be replaced annually, or after long periods of use. As far as durability, you get what you pay for (those cute animals, Spongebob, etc., do NOT last as long as some of the others), but can't really go wrong with a KAZ or VICKS--- just know that you aren't making a long-term investment anyway.

If you have younger kids, cool mist is recommended. Mainly because they do not get as hot to reduce the chance of burns if the child somehow gets a hold of it.

Most doctors and naturopaths recommend cool mist now due to the fact that bacteria breeds in warm places. I love my cool mist and I don't have any problem cleaning it. It's a Vick's Ultrasonic. I remember it costing around $20.

M.

I've always liked warm mist vaporizers best. They are easier to clean, have fewer parts, and I like the fact that the mist coming out is sterilized to a certain degree by the heat. In our house, it also seems as though I get a better level of humidity with less wet on everything.

Granted, they do generate more heat than a cool mist humidifier. HOWEVER, with either you are mixing water and electricity...the precautions I use to keep my little one safe from that combination also keep her safe from the hot vapor.

I've never spent a lot of money. The last one I bought was a Walgreen's store brand...it has been running for more than a year now. I basically run it 24/7 during the winter to keep the air from getting so dry.

If you are seeking relief from asthmatic symptoms, then a cool mist may be the way to go. Colds and flu are better served by warm mist. Doctors recommend cool mist due to the added risk of the boiling water in a vaporizer...bacteria levels are a much bigger concern in cool mist since they don't sterilize the water.

cool mist you have to clean every day with white vinegar ..warm u have to clean once a week..if its only used for when your child is sick try Gentle Vapors plug in...u can get it at CVS.. no water..just change the strip when u use it..you'll have to check it out to see what i mean

D.

I've always heard that cool mist are best, especially for the nursery as warm mist ones can create mold and bacteria. We have used a Crane cool mist humidifer in our son's sursery since birth without any problems. Plus, they come in great colors and animlas shapes so they go with the decor. Got it at Target for about $20 or less.