Think all humidifiers are the same? Think again. While they all operate under the same concept—putting moisture into the air of your home, there are a few different models that will operate in different ways and offer different benefits.

The two most popular models are warm mist and cool mist humidifiers, but what is the difference? We’ll go over cool mist vs. warm mist humidifiers in this article so you can make the decision on which is the best fit for you.

Benefits of Humidifiers 

Humidifiers have been in homes for years, and for good reason. There are plenty of health benefits to adding much needed moisture to your home, especially in the winter months when the air is dry and the heat is cranked up in your house. 

Humidifiers can be a life saver for some. If you fight allergies, congestion, nose bleeds, or itchy dry skin, a humidifier can be of benefit to your home.

Adding humidity to your home can do wonders for clearing your nasal passages, allowing to breathe—and sleep better. In addition to this, they work quickly, which provides you quick relief should you fall victim to the symptoms of dry air.

Humidifiers clear the air of dust and allergens and limit the ability of bacteria and viruses to easily pass around your home, giving you an added layer of protection from illness borne in your home.

Warm Mist Humidifier Facts

First, we need to discuss exactly what a warm mist humidifier is. Warm mist humidifiers, like all humidifiers add humidity to the air. They do by releasing water vapor into the air in the form of warm steam. This steam is similar to what is released from a pot of boiling water on the stove. 

The benefits of a warm mist humidifier are most seen when fighting congestion from illness or allergies. The warm steam is very soothing to the nasal passages and clear up unwanted mucus build up in the nose and throat. 

Warm mist humidifiers are best used in small spaces like bedrooms or offices. Another benefit to this type of humidifier is its quiet operation, limiting interruption of sleep from unwanted white noise. 

Some models offer compartments where you can add medicated inhalants such as chest ointment or essential oils. This adds to the humidifiers ability to treat upper respiratory symptoms. 

Cool Mist Humidifier Facts

Cool mist humidifiers operate in the same fashion as warm mist humidifiers, except instead of releasing moisture in the form of steam, they release it at room temperature. 

Cool mist humidifiers are best suited for arid climates, where you’re looking for relief from the effects of a dry climate, including dry skin, chapped lips, or relieving nasal pressure. In addition to this, they are much better suited in areas where kids or pets are present because if spilled, the hot water in a warm mist humidifier can be a safety hazard. 

Some risk factors come with cool mist humidifiers as well, as you’ll need to be cognizant of cleaning them regularly as mold and bacteria can build up inside of them. Weekly cleaning is recommended to keep them both safe and operating at peak efficiency. 

What’s the Difference?

Warm mist and cool mist humidifiers operate in the same manner and offer some of the same benefits, so what’s the difference? Well, there are certainly a few that you’ll want to consider when looking to purchase one for your home.

Warm mist humidifiers excel in colder climates during the winter months. They help relieve heavy congestion related to allergies and illness. They also help to give off a soothing warmth in any room they’re in. They’re a great fit for those looking to add additional therapeutic inhalants to the steam, giving you more relief.

Cool mist humidifiers are great for warm, dry climates, or summertime use. They offer similar benefits to their warm mist counterparts, although they’re not quite as effective on stubborn heavy congestion. Cool mist humidifiers thrive in fighting dry skin conditions and helping you breathe more cleanly. The hidden benefit to these is the cooling effect they have in your home, which makes for a more comfortable living space. 

Conclusion

In essence, both warm mist and cool mist humidifiers offer similar benefits, however they each have unique qualities that you can use to fine tune your experience with them.

You need to take a look at what you need in your personal space and determine which is the best fit, or if you live in an area with hot summer and cold winters, you might even consider one of each!