Cool Mist Vs. Hot Mist

Humidifiers are often recommended by pediatricians as a drug free way for parents to treat infants and children suffering from cold or flu symptoms. Dr. Jay L. Hoecker of the Mayo Clinic explains that cold mist and warm mist humidifiers affect children in the same way because the temperature of the mist of both is the same once it is breathed in. There are other factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding between a cool mist or a warm mist humidifier, particularly in homes with small children.

• Cool Mist vs. Warm Mist

Temperature and Safety

• The water in a warm mist humidifier is heated to boiling point, thus the water in the the humidifier can scald a child if accidentally tipped over. This is not an issue with the cool mist humidifier in which the water temperature remains the same as when the humidifier was filled.

Temperature and Dry Air

• Although there are safety concerns in regards to the temperature of water in a warm mist humidifier, warm mist can have added benefits in winter months. Winter months tend to be dry and according to Sylvane Air Quality Solutions the warm mist helps to relieve symptoms caused by excessive drying. A child should never be left alone in a room in which a warm mist humidifier is running.

Cost Comparison

• Warm mist humidifiers are more complex than cool mist humidifiers because the water within a warm mist humidifier must be raised to a boiling point temperature. An added heating element is built into a warm mist humidifier and this leads to a warm mist humidifier being pricier than a cool mist humidifier. The heating element in the warm mist humidifier also causes more energy usage which also may add a small additional cost in electrical bills.

Sound Differences

• There is a difference between the noise level of a warm mist humidifier and a cool mist humidifier. The mist from a warm mist humidifier comes from the steam of the water being boiled and a fan is not needed to get this moisture into the air. A cool mist humidifier on the other hand needs a fan to blow water through a wick that absorbs moisture. This fan makes a small amount of noise.

Cleanliness

• Both the cool mist humidifier and the warm mist humidifier pose no health risks if cleaned properly after each use. The mist from both humidifiers can leave a white residue on walls and surfaces near the humidifiers location. This reside is caused by mineral deposits and can be avoided by using distilled water in the humidifier rather than tap water.