Warm Mist Humidifiers
These humidifiers actually boil the water which causes a distilled steam to be expelled into the room. This steam is like a gentle spray of warm water, as opposed to a vapor, and this is concentrated in the area closest to the humidifier.
This warm mist is easier to breathe in a cool room. These units are often also used for steaming medications.
They are a little quieter than cool mist humidifiers, and are sold in small portable units. They require more frequent cleaning due to the warm water which encourages bacteria growth in the unit.
Cool Mist Humidifiers
Cool mist models are slightly noisier, though some models have a 'silent' feature for operating in bedrooms. They pass the water over a wick and expel a vapor, that cools down the room temperature and makes it easier to breathe. They vary in size, from units that can be circulated through the house's heating system, floor console units, or room size models.
All humidifiers require regular cleaning to reduce the risk of bacteria, and some models have filters which require changing to maintain performance levels.
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