The Best Cool Mist Humidifiers for Your Child’s Stuffy Nose

Finding a Quality Cool Mist Humidifier: A Buyer's Guide

When it comes cool mist humidifiers, there are many options to choose from. And, with so many choices, finding a model that suits your home’s needs can be a little daunting.  To avoid selecting the wrong product, you need to make sure you have considered everything about your humidifier of choice. To help you out a little, we’ve put together this detailed buying guide that breaks down everything you should know. Let’s take a look!

How To Pick the Right Cool Mist Humidifier

Maintenance

Regardless of the specific cool mist humidifier you choose, maintenance is an important factor to consider; after all, any unit will require regular maintenance. Regular cleaning will necessitate removing and reassembling the tank and other components safely. Here are some tips:

• Look for simple control buttons.
• Look for a robust structure and well-fitting components.
• Opt for an enclosed base that won’t let moisture seep into your floors.

Remember, it is essential to keep the device clean to prevent the formation of bacteria and mold, and you will need to refill the tank every time the water runs out. With cool mist humidifiers, you also should frequently replace the filter to keep the air clean. With ultrasonic humidifiers, you may find yourself dusting more frequently, as these models can leave a residue behind. It’s recommended to clean your humidifier at least once a week, or a couple of times a week.

Space

You should seek out equipment that’s capable of humidifying the amount of space you need. Most humidifiers are designed to humidify small rooms, so a larger room will require the use of a larger unit.

Before deciding on a certain humidifier, you should measure its intended location. For larger rooms, you should consider whole-room humidifiers that cover between 500 and 1,000 square feet. But, for an even larger space like your entire apartment or house, opt for a whole-house humidifier that can handle more than 1,000 square feet. If you need a humidifier for a small room, or just the area surrounding your desk or bed, a portable model might suffice; in most circumstances, these will work for spaces up to 300 square feet.

Size

It is crucial to have a size and location in mind before beginning your search for a cool mist humidifier. Many desktop humidifiers that are suitable for small homes and places will not require much space and can fit easily on a nightstand or desk. Whole-room and whole-house versions will be more challenging to accommodate and may require a large amount of space for storage. Before making a decision, it is important to measure the available space so you don’t wind up with something that won’t fit where you need it to.

Noise

When installing a humidifier in a bedroom, you should consider whether the noise will disrupt your sleep. Due to their fans, evaporative cool mist humidifiers are often noisy, but some models are quieter than others. In general, ultrasonic humidifiers are notable for their silence. If you are sensitive to noise while sleeping, you should look for a cool mist humidifier that won’t disrupt your sleep. 

Tank capacity

When you have a cool mist humidifier, replacing the tank’s water is one of the most common maintenance activities you’ll have to perform. The more space a humidifier covers, the more water it will consume. Nevertheless, the larger the tank, the longer you can go without changing the water. Opt for a humidifier with a higher tank capacity if you want to avoid the hassle of regular refilling.

Style

Typically, your humidifier will be in an area where you spend a lot of time. As such, most consumers choose a model that goes with the design of their home. Humidifiers are available in many designs and colors, including some adorable models that are ideal for children’s bedrooms. If you’re looking for something to complement the interior of your space, you have a variety of options.

Cost

A cool mist humidifier can range from $20 to over $600, and a variety of things contribute to a model’s price. One of the most important factors is the quantity of space the humidifier covers — a humidifier designed for the entire house will often cost more than one designed for a single room. Additionally, the type of humidifier you choose will also influence the price. For example, ultrasonic models are more expensive than other types that are the same size. In many instances, however, investing extra in a humidifier will result in either a longer-lasting product or one that is easier to operate regularly.

It’s also crucial to consider the continuing expenditures involved with your humidifier, in addition to the initial investment. Continuous use of a humidifier will increase your water bill, as all humidifiers need water to function. For evaporative cool mist humidifiers, you should also consider the expense of replacing the filter regularly, and you should anticipate slightly higher energy expenditures compared to ultrasonic models.

Benefits of Using a Cool Mist Humidifier

Reduced risk of disease 

Dry air helps viruses and other microorganisms to grow, raising your risk of infection. Humidifiers increase air moisture, reducing the chance of contracting harmful airborne diseases.

Improved breathability

Dry air can cause sore throats, dry eyes, and airway irritation, so improving the air’s moisture content makes it easier for you to breathe. As the parent of a 5-month-old, I can also confirm that this is also invaluable when fighting off a cold that’s left you with a dry, congested nose. When my daughter caught her first cold (which was about as fun as you’d expect), the first thing I did was pick up a cool mist humidifier to help alleviate her symptoms (nasal drip, bad congestion, a cough), and I’m definitely glad that I did.

Improved temperature control

Dry air is difficult to control and frequently does not retain heat as effectively, resulting in higher heating expenses and even drier air when you attempt to warm it. Humidifiers give moisture to the air and make temperature regulation easier.

Healthier-looking skin

When exposed to dry air, your skin can become cracked, flaky, and itchy (especially if it’s already dry to begin with). The addition of a humidifier will keep your skin hydrated and looking its best, even in the dead of winter. 

Types of Cool Mist Humidifiers

Evaporative cool mist humidifiers

Most people use evaporative cool mist humidifiers because they are affordable and have been around longer. They circulate the cool water through a filter with the help of a fan. This filter aids in improving the quality of the air in the room and keeps the air cool.

Evaporative cool mist humidifiers need frequent cleaning to prevent mold growth. You’ll also need to change the filter, which will raise the overall cost of owning this type of humidifier. One of their primary drawbacks is that evaporative cool mist humidifiers are louder than ultrasonic ones; since many store humidifiers in their bedroom, the noise they make could prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Benefits

• A more affordable option
• Able to effectively humidify huge areas

Things to bear in mind

• Often a little loud
• Requires ongoing maintenance

Ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers

Ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers are preferred by consumers who dislike the maintenance and noisiness of evaporative humidifiers. They operate considerably more quietly than other models, consume less energy, and use a piston that vibrates rapidly to break water into a mist. Typically, you won’t need to replace a filter, though you will still need to refill the tank and keep it clean.

The main drawback of ultrasonic humidifiers is that the technique for generating mist also generates white dust that spreads around the room as the humidifier is in use. They are also not suitable for very large rooms, so you’ll need to select a different type of cool mist humidifier for large homes. 

Benefits

• Energy-efficient design
• Effective yet quiet
• Little maintenance needed

Things to bear in mind

• Produces dust that will settle in the room
• Only suitable for relatively small areas