Incorporating a humidifier into your environment is an excellent way to enhance indoor air quality. But before you select the right device for your space, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is choosing between a cool mist vs. warm mist humidifier. Which option is best for you? We’ll help you decide by exploring each device’s core properties and specific cool and warm mist humidifier benefits.
How Does a Cool Mist Humidifier Work?
As its name suggests, a cool mist humidifier disperses cool mist into the environment, ultimately increasing the humidity levels of a particular space. Cool mist humidifiers are further categorized into two key types: the ultrasonic humidifier and the evaporative humidifier. Each type disperses the cool mist into the environment a little differently.
Ultrasonic Humidifier
An ultrasonic humidifier disperses cool mist into a space through the use of ultrasonic technology. Specifically, a metal diaphragm sits at the bottom of the water reservoir of an ultrasonic humidifier. This component vibrates at ultrasonic speed, creating microscopic water droplets pushed through an opening in the humidifier. This process creates a fine mist that spreads throughout the room. The cool mist evaporates, giving humidity levels a boost.
Evaporative Humidifier
An evaporative humidifier draws air into the device and fans the air through a moistened wick. When the air passes through the wick, microscopic water particles get pushed through the nozzle of the evaporative humidifier. The particles are fanned into the air as fine mist.
Canopy Cool Mist Humidifiers
The Canopy Bedside Humidifier 2.0 is one example of an evaporative humidifier. It uses innovative technology known as Smart Persistent Airflow (SPA)™, which is a no-mist approach to humidification. Clean, invisible moisture is delivered to your room as needed, helping to support better skin, sleep, and overall wellness. The 2.0 model has additional features to enhance your comfort, including sleep lights and white noise.
Our Nursery Humidifier 2.0 leverages the same technology as our Bedside device and comes with aromas to create a soothing environment for your little ones, while our Large Room Humidifier is well-suited for spaces up to 1,000 square feet, spreading skin- and hair-loving hydration to multiple family members.
For balanced hydration on the go, the Portable Humidifier delivers an ultra-fine mist to combat dryness in virtually any environment, from offices to hotel rooms.
Cool Mist Humidifier Benefits
Both ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers have a handful of benefits unique to cool mist humidifiers. Here are a few of the most noteworthy advantages to consider:
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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, cool mist humidifiers are the safest options for infants and small children1.
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Cool mist humidifiers use less electricity than steam humidifiers.
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With their cooling effect, cool mist humidifiers are a good choice for warmer climates and use during summer months.
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Cool mist humidifiers purify the air in your environment, offering additional benefits for people who experience allergies.
How Does a Warm Mist Humidifier Work?
Also sometimes referred to as a “steam humidifier” or “vaporizer,” warm mist humidifiers use internal heating elements to warm water to its boiling point. This then creates vapor released into the environment as a warm mist.
Water must be boiled to become vapor, so there are some considerations to bear in mind with these devices. For one, boiling hot water presents safety hazards and is therefore not recommended in homes with pets and children. For another, vaporizers can slightly elevate internal room temperatures, which might not be ideal for warm climates or seasons.
Warm Mist Humidifier Benefits
Steam humidifiers do have certain benefits that cool mist humidifiers don't have. Here are some perks to consider:
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Steam humidifiers boil water to produce steam, so the devices can kill any bacteria or mold that might be present in the water tank.
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When mist humidifiers operate without a fanning mechanism, they are generally a quieter option.
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Added warmth from a vaporizer might be beneficial for some indoor spaces. Using a warm mist model during winter months might help to create a slightly warmer indoor environment.
How Canopy Delivers Clean, Hydrated Air
While steam humidifiers eliminate the concerns of mold or bacteria growth, Canopy cool mist humidifiers do the same even without the need for boiling water. Embedded UV lights in the Canopy water tank kill 99.9% of bacteria or mold present in the water tank, and the disposable paper filter traps any remaining contaminants before they are released into your room.
Maintaining your Canopy device couldn’t be easier when it comes to cleaning. Your Canopy Humidifier parts are dishwasher safe — just pop them in the dishwasher on a regular setting and enjoy a clean device without any fuss.
Benefits of Using a Humidifier
Even if you’re still debating the merits of warm vs. cool mist humidifiers, one thing is sure: Achieving optimal humidity in your indoor spaces has compelling advantages. The recommended humidity level in your home ranges from 40% to 60% depending on personal preference. This range is considered the “sweet spot,” in which health flourishes, your home structure and foundation remain in ideal condition, and your houseplants soak in sufficient moisture.
Many indoor spaces fall below this threshold, especially when the weather is colder and drier in winter. Thankfully, regular use of a humidifier can produce ample benefits for your wellness, the health of your family (and pets), and the quality and comfort of your home.
With those general benefits in mind, here are some more specific reasons to consider incorporating a humidifier into your living space:
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Improved allergy and asthma symptoms
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Hydrated nasal and respiratory passages, which can support reduced snoring and improved sleep quality while alleviating congestion
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Reduced survival rate of airborne viruses and bacteria
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Hydrated skin, as well as reduced signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines
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Addresses skin dryness due to chemotherapy as well as chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases
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Enhanced hair quality and reduced scalp dryness
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Improvement in red, itchy, or dry eyes
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Reduced nosebleeds
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Improved cold and flu symptoms
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Reduced congestion in infants and small children
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Well-hydrated houseplants, wood furniture, and flooring
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Combats stuffiness in apartments as well as dryness caused by steam radiators
Every home deserves to have hydrated and healthy indoor air, so it’s important to consider applying these benefits to all of your indoor spaces. While the Canopy Bedside 2.0, Nursery 2.0, and Large Room Humidifiers can handle your home hydration needs, don’t overlook the importance of healthy, breathable everywhere. At work and on the go, you can enjoy the advantages above with the Portable Humidifier.
If you’re seeking balanced moisture levels without extra heat to keep your baby safe and your home at a comfortable temperature, turn to Canopy for home humidifiers and better indoor air quality in your travels. Explore our full range of humidifier products to find the best solution for effortlessly hydrated air where you need it most.
Sources:
- Alli, R. (5 July 2024). What to Know About Safe Humidifier and Vaporizer Use for Babies. WebMD. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-to-know-about-safe-humidifier-vaporizer-use-for-babies
