Warm or Cool Mist Humidifiers?

When deciding on a humidifier there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. One of the more common questions is “should I get a warm or cool mist humidifier?” If you are concerned about the temperature of the mist that is entering your lungs, then the difference between the two is negligible. This is because once the mist is inhaled it will be the same temperature, whether you have a warm or cool mist humidifier. That being said, some other benefits and drawbacks come along with different humidifiers. Let’s take a look at the other features that both warm and cool mist humidifiers have.

When it comes to the perennial debate of cool mist vs steam humidifiers or more specifically cool mist vs warm mist humidifiers, it's important to understand the distinctions between these types. Warm mist humidifiers produce steam by heating the water, which can provide soothing relief especially during the cold and flu season, while cool mist humidifiers work by emitting a cool vapor into the air, often making them a more energy-efficient option.

Though both types are effective in increasing humidity levels and helping to soothe dry skin and nasal passages, it's worth noting that the best warm mist humidifiers are often more recommended for colder climates and during winter months. They can potentially provide some heat to the room, and the steam they produce is generally free from any bacteria or germs due to the heating process. However, warm mist humidifiers can pose a risk for accidental burns, and hence are not usually recommended for children's rooms.

On the other hand, cool mist humidifiers are often preferred in warmer climates as they do not contribute to the heat in the room. Additionally, the Miro NR08M, a cool mist humidifier, has an edge over many other models due to its unique features. One such feature is the intermittent mist setting that allows you to control the amount of mist being emitted, ensuring you can achieve the desired humidity level in your room.

As mentioned earlier, cool mist humidifiers, like the Miro models, require regular cleaning to prevent bacterial and germ buildup. Luckily, the Miro humidifiers can be cleaned with just mild dish soap and soft sponge, allowing for thorough cleaning of all its components.

When it comes to the cold and flu season, using a humidifier can be particularly beneficial. Dry indoor air can exacerbate symptoms such as a sore throat and stuffy nose. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to soothe dry nasal passages and making it easier to breathe.

Steam humidifier vs cool mist often comes down to personal preference and specific needs. But in terms of overall ease of use, safety, and energy efficiency, Miro cool mist humidifiers have an edge, thus arguably making them the best humidifier choice for most households. Miro humidifiers combine advanced technology with a sleek design, ensuring you don’t just get a top-quality humidifier but a stylish addition to your home decor.

Warm Mist Humidifiers

The way that warm mist humidifiers work is through a heating element within that boils the water to make steam. The steam is then released from the humidifier into the room. In the colder months, you may prefer a warm mist humidifier to help warm your room. Additionally, with this heating element, there is a reduced risk of the misty containing bacteria and germs. This can be very beneficial for people who are worried about cleanliness. It is important to note that warm mist humidifiers still require regular cleaning. Gunk can build up on the heating element because as the water is evaporated, it leaves behind any contaminants and particles on the heating element and in the tank. They need very gentle cleaning that requires you to leave bleach or vinegar in the tank overnight. The heating element should be cleaned with a soft towel or a toothbrush to ensure that al the build-up is properly cleaned off.

Since the water needs to reach the boiling point before steam can be produced and expelled, the heating element and the water will be extremely hot. It is not recommended to have a warm mist humidifier around babies or children, as they could get burned from touching the humidifier or the steam inappropriately. Warm mist humidifiers need to be unplugged when not in use to also avoid any risk of electrical fires and burns.

Warm mist humidifiers have higher energy consumption because the heating element requires more energy than an ultrasonic humidifier. Though because warm mist humidifiers don’t have a fan, they do tend to be quieter. If noise is a concern then a warm mist humidifier may be a better option.

Inhalants and essential oils can also be added to warm mist humidifier so that they will expel medicated mist. This can be very soothing when you have a cold or cough.

Cool Mist Humidifiers

Cool mist humidifiers can either use an ultrasonic component or a fan to produce mist. In ultrasonic humidifiers, the component vibrates the water at a high frequency that produces mist. With a fan humidifier, a fan pushes out cool water from a wick filter that needs to be replaced regularly. The Miro NR08M and NR07G are both ultrasonic humidifiers, so we will be focusing on those.

In comparison to warm mist humidifiers, the cool mist does not require as much energy and can be left on for long periods without worry of overheating or accidental burns. This makes them optimal for homes with babies.

Cool mist humidifiers are more at risk of carrying germs and bacteria, but with proper cleanings at least once a week and using distilled water, this can be easily avoided. Miro humidifiers feature easy assembly so that you can take it apart and clean it thoroughly. Each piece can be washed by hand with dish soap so you can be sure that there is no gunk or residue left. The water reservoir is a simple large bowl that holds up to a gallon of water. The curved design means that there are fewer nooks and crannies for the residue to hide in.

In terms of noise, the Miro humidifiers come with an add-on part that helps minimize noise. Ultrasonic humidifiers are generally quiet, it is the fan that produces most of the noise. The fan in Miro humidifiers is small and the noise produced by it is very subtle.

What Helps What?

When it comes to allergies, sinus problems, and dry skin, both warm and cool mist humidifiers bring the same benefit of increasing the relative humidity in your home and therefore ease the symptoms of those issues.

For breathing therapy, cool mist humidifiers have been found to bring much more benefit than warm mist humidifiers. The cool mist humidifiers purify the air and make breathing easier. Since humidifiers need to be running constantly to reap the breathing benefits, cool mist humidifiers are a safer and cheaper option.