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The demand for cool mist humidifiers is very high among most of the Americans. They pose fewer safety risks, so these humidifiers are best for households with babies and young children. These humidifiers are also recommended by pediatricians for medical purposes. This article explains three main types of cool mist humidifiers, their working principles, uses in various fields, and benefits.

Read the full article to get detailed knowledge about cool mist humidifiers.

What is a cool mist humidifier?

A cool mist humidifier is a device that emits cool moisture into the air. It helps in increasing the relative humidity level of surrounding air. A cool mist humidifier consists of an internal wick filter and a fan that blows the air through the filter. An ultrafine invisible mist is created in this process that is being dispersed throughout the large room.

Cool mist humidifiers are used to maintain the humidity level of large areas or an entire house. These humidifiers use less electricity, as they don’t heat water to generate moisture. Cool mist humidifiers are energy-efficient devices that consume less electricity to generate moisture. There are fewer chances of hot water accidents so, these types of humidifiers are also safer for kids.

Types of cool mist humidifiers

There are 3 common types of cool mist humidifiers i.e.,

Ultrasonic humidifiers
Evaporative humidifiers
Impeller Humidifiers

The working principles of these humidifiers are different but, they all produce cool moisture to increase the humidity level of the surrounding air.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Ultrasonic humidifier is a very simple device. It consists of two main elements i.e. a water reservoir and a metal diaphragm. The metal diaphragm vibrates at a very high frequency. The vibration is so high that it is above the range of human hearing. So the humidifier is called an ultrasonic humidifier.

Water reservoir: A water reservoir or, water tank stores clean water that eventually disperses into the air as water vapor or cool mist.
Metal Diaphragm: A metal diaphragm creates air waves that convert water into tiny water droplets.

Working Principle of Ultrasonic Humidifier

An ultrasonic humidifier uses advanced high-frequency technology to operate. The metal diaphragm in the humidifier is set into motion by high-frequency vibration. When the vibrations are transmitted to the water inside the water reservoir, the water attempts to move in sync with the vibration. Gradually, the water’s cohesive forces weaken which causes the water to break into tiny water droplets. The water droplets are very small that they transform into vapor almost instantly. This process makes the surrounding air around the humidifier more hydrated than before.

Evaporative Humidifiers

Evaporative humidifiers are commonly used humidifying appliances, which work on simple scientific principles. The operating principle of this humidifier is based on the natural process of evaporation. A simple mechanism is used to speed up the process of evaporation. This is a self-regulating humidifier.

The evaporative humidifier consists of a water reservoir, a wick filter, and a fan.

Water reservoir: The water reservoir stores the water that gradually evaporates.
Wick filter: The wick filter is made of paper or, cloth. This draws water up from the water tank.
Fan: The fan blows above the wick filter and evaporates the water absorbed by the filter.

Working Principle of Evaporative Humidifiers

A wick filter is fitted at the bottom of the humidifier. This filter is made up of mesh materials such as paper or, cloth etc. It draws water up from the reservoir. A built-in fan blows over the moist wick filter that allows the water to evaporate out of the device. As the water evaporates into vapor it spreads as water mist into the air. Thus it increases the humidity level of the surrounding air.

Impeller Humidifiers

Impeller humidifiers generate cool mist so they are the most child and pet-friendly humidifiers. These types of humidifiers are very safe to use in households with small babies and young children as there is no risk of burns.

The impeller humidifier consists of a water tank and a fast-rotating disk.

Water tank: The water tank stores the water that gradually converts into water droplets.
Fast-rotating disk: A fast-rotating disk breaks the water into water droplets.

Working Principle of Impeller Humidifiers

In an impeller humidifier, the fats rotating disk flings water onto a diffuser. The water then breaks into tiny water droplets that enter the air as cool mist. This humidifier adds cool moisture to the surrounding air. So, an impeller humidifier is a type of cool mist humidifier.

As there is a rotating disk inside the humidifier it also creates some noise. Clean and replace the filter regularly to avoid the spreading of any bacteria or minerals into the air. For the best result and to make the surrounding air healthy always use distilled water.

Uses of Cool Mist Humidifiers

Cool mist humidifiers are used in various fields to maintain the humidity at the recommended level such as in homes, offices, hospitals, plants, etc. Some of the main uses are listed below.

In homes: A cool mist humidifier does not contain a heating element to produce a cool mist. So, the risk of burns or, scalding can be avoided by using a cool mist humidifier. So, these types of humidifiers are safer for households with small babies, young children, and older ones.

Using a humidifier in the bedroom reduces the discomfort caused by the dry air and offers good sleep. It eases breathing difficulties and prevents cough, cold, flu, stuffy nose, irritated skin, eyes, and throat etc.

In offices

The proper use of a cool mist humidifier in an office or workplace balances the indoor temperature and humidity. It is a less expansive method to create a healthy environment for office employees. When the humidity level of an indoor environment is not maintained properly, it leads to increased bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mite growth. The installation of a cool mist humidifier in the office will reduce the risk of various health issues caused by spreading bacteria, viruses, etc.

When the employees become sick due to the unhealthy environment of the workspace, it also affects the company’s productivity and income. By installing a cool mist humidifier the employees feel more comfortable, and healthy, and they can better focus on the job.

In Hospitals

An unhealthy environment with an imbalanced humidity level will deteriorate a patient’s health. A comfortable and healthy environment with better air quality is necessary for rest and recovery. It is very important to install a humidifier in a hospital to prevent the risk of spreading airborne viruses, bacteria, etc. in the environment. It also gives a healthy environment to treat patients and reduces health risks for staff.

A humidifier is also necessary in maternity wards as low humidity can affect babies with existing respiratory problems. It is also essential in operation theatre to avoid premature coagulation.

For plants

A cool mist humidifier offers a healthy and refreshing environment for plants. Installing a cool mist humidifier is beneficial for indoor plants which require a cooler temperature and are more sensitive to heat.

Benefits of Cool Mist Humidifier

The use of a cool mist humidifier is safer than a warm mist humidifier. So, installation of these humidifiers is safer in households with pets and children.
A cool mist humidifier does not contain any heating element to produce vapor or, cool moisture. So, these devices are more energy efficient and consume less electricity to operate.
A cool mist humidifier is often prescribed by doctors to get relief from cough, cold, congested nose, etc.
A cool mist humidifier can be used year-round to maintain the humidity level of an indoor environment.

Conclusion

When used with care, proper cleaning, and maintenance a cool mist humidifier offers significant benefits. It helps to improve air quality and creates healthy surrounding air that prevents various respiratory diseases, colds, flu, cough, dry skin, irritated eyes, etc. It also helps to improve sleeping quality. You can use a cool mist humidifier year-round. These devices are safer for kids and young children. A cool mist humidifier is an energy-efficient device that requires less electricity to operate. It is also used in several fields such as homes, offices, hospitals, etc. to create a healthy environment with a maintained humidity level.

FAQS

What is a cool mist humidifier good for?

A cool mist humidifier adds cool moisture to the air. These devices are best for colds, coughs, congested nose, and various respiratory diseases including asthma and allergic infections. These devices are also best to use in homes, offices, and hospitals to create a healthy environment.

2. Is it good to sleep with a cool mist humidifier?

Yes, you can sleep with a cool mist humidifier. It adds cool mist to the air and helps you breathe comfortably. Sleeping with a cool mist humidifier is often recommended by doctors. It prevents you from a cold, cough, and congested nose, and offers you a good sleep.

Cool Mist Humidifier: Types, Uses, Benefits,