Cool mist vs. warm mist or steam humidifiers? Ultrasonic humidifier vs. evaporative humidifier? How do you choose the right humidifier to fit your lifestyle?
With so many humidifier options available, it may seem like a daunting exercise of endless research. Take a deep, perfectly humidified breath because we have your one-stop guide to choosing a cool mist vs. warm mist or steam humidifier!
We will discuss the following topics in this blog post:
- What are the general benefits of a humidifier?
- What are the effects of low humidity?
- How does a cool mist humidifier work?
- What is the difference between an ultrasonic humidifier and an evaporative humidifier?
- How does a warm mist humidifier work?
- What are the benefits of a cool mist and a warm mist humidifier?
How Does a Cool Mist Humidifier Work?
A cool mist humidifier disperses cool mist into the environment, ultimately increasing the humidity levels of a particular space. The type of humidifier determines exactly how the cool mist humidifier disperses the cool mist into the environment. There are two types of cool mist humidifiers: the ultrasonic humidifier and the evaporative humidifier.
Ultrasonic Humidifier
An ultrasonic humidifier disperses cool mist into a space through the use of ultrasonic technology. At the bottom of the water tank of an ultrasonic humidifier, there is a metal diaphragm. This metal diaphragm vibrates at ultrasonic speed creating microscopic water droplets that are pushed through an opening in the ultrasonic humidifier creating a fine mist that spreads throughout the room.
Evaporative Humidifier
An evaporative humidifier, in contrast to the ultrasonic humidifier, draws air into the device and fans the air through a moistened wick. When the air passes through the moistened wick, microscopic water particles are pushed through the nozzle of the evaporative humidifier, and fanned into the air as fine mist.
The Benefits of Cool Mist Humidifiers
The ultrasonic humidifier and evaporative humidifier have a handful of benefits unique to cool mist humidifiers. The major benefits of cool mist humidifiers are as follows:
- The ultrasonic humidifier and evaporative humidifier are considered the safest humidifier options for infants and small children according to the AAP.
- Cool mist humidifiers use less electricity than their steam humidifier counterparts.
- Cool mist humidifiers can have a cooling effect on a room, making them a great option for the summer months.
- Cool mist humidifiers have a purifying effect on the air in your home creating a great option for those who suffer from allergies.
How Does a Warm Mist Humidifier Work?
A warm mist humidifier can also be referred to as a “steam humidifier” or a “vaporizer,” and we will use these various labels throughout this section.
The steam humidifier is a humidifying device that uses an internal heating element to heat water to its boiling point. The vapor produced from the boiling water is then released into the environment slightly elevating the room temperature as a warm mist.
The Benefits of Warm Mist Humidifiers
The steam humidifier has a few benefits unique to warm mist humidifiers that are not present with the ultrasonic humidifier or evaporative humidifier. These benefits include:
- Since steam humidifiers boil water to produce steam, they can kill any bacteria or mold that may be present in the water tank.
- Warm mist humidifiers operate without a fanning mechanism. As a result, steam humidifiers are generally a quieter option.
- Vaporizers, as we mentioned, release warm mist into the environment, which can slightly elevate internal room temperatures. This makes vaporizers a great option for the winter months to save on electricity.
The Canopy Humidifier
Canopy Humidifier is an evaporative humidifier that releases cool, hydrated air into the environment making Canopy mist-free and mess free.
Canopy Humidifier operates with a unique, anti-mold technology that stops mold from growing in your device's water tank. 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.
In addition, Canopy could not be any easier to clean. Your Canopy Humidifier parts are dishwasher safe; just pop them in the dishwasher on a regular setting, and go about your day! It’s that easy.
The General Benefits of a Humidifier
The recommended humidity level in your home ranges from 40% to 60% depending on personal preference. 40% to 60% humidity is considered the “sweet spot,” in which health flourishes, your home structure and foundation thrive, and your summer houseplants bolt up with sufficient moisture.
Regular use of a humidifier in your home can produce ample benefits for your health, the health of your family, and the quality and comfortability of your home. Whether you prefer an ultrasonic humidifier or a steam humidifier, the increase in humidity levels of your home will keep you comfortable year ‘round.
The general benefits of using a humidifier in your home include:
- An improvement in allergy & asthma symptoms
- Improved congestion and runny nose
- Reduced survival rate of airborne viruses and bacteria
- Reduced snoring
- Subsequently, improved quality of sleep
- Improved skin hydration
- Reduction in the appearance the early signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles
- Eliminate dry, flaky scalp and improve hair condition
- Improve itchy, red, and dry eyes
- Reduced nosebleeds
- Improved symptoms of the cold and flu
- Improved congestion in infants and small children
- Healthy wood furniture and flooring
- Healthy, hydrated houseplants
The Side Effects of Low Humidity
Low humidity can severely impact your overall health and well-being. When humidity levels are at a deficit in your home, you can experience the following symptoms:
- Congestion or runny nose
- Chronic bloody noses
- Watery, red, and irritated eyes
- Dry, red, itchy or cracked skin
- Dry, cracked lips
- Dry, flaky scalp
- Sore throat and/or frequent cough
- Respiratory issues
- Infant congestion
The effects of low humidity reach further than your physical health. In fact, the effects of low humidity can damage your home and your houseplants, as well. Low humidity is known to have the following effects on your home:
- Dehydrated or dying houseplants
- Peeling wallpaper
- Cracking or separating wood floors
- Cracking wood furniture
Regulating humidity levels in your home between the recommended levels of 40% to 60% is beneficial for your home, your health, the health of your houseplants, and more. Cool mist humidifiers (including ultrasonic humidifiers and evaporative humidifiers) or warm mist humidifiers (known as “steam humidifiers” or “vaporizers”) can regulate indoor humidity levels in your home, creating an environment suitable for optimal health.
The Canopy Diffuser
While our Canopy Humidifier offers aroma diffusion by way of our
Aroma Puck (with a wide array of aromas to bat) sometimes you need a little more oomph. Or, maybe your partner likes to fall asleep with our Canopy X Open Spaces Dusk blend featuring hints of vanilla, lime, and lavender while you prefer our Sanctuary Suede Smoke blend with suede, jasmine, and vetiver oils for a sophisticated night of rest.
However you choose to pass your morning, spend your day, or fall into a restful sleep, our *NEW* Canopy Diffuser is your new companion for at home wellness turning your home into a well of beautiful aromas. The Canopy Diffuser is a no mist alternative to traditional home diffusers. Canopy Diffuser operates entirely without water; if you like to switch up your scent, simply use the Aroma Puck for clean and short term diffusion, or, place your favorite essential oil bottle into the Diffusion Well for a gradual, long-lasting home scenting experience.
Canopy Diffuser is a no water, no mess, no mold solution for clean, healthy aroma diffusion.