Warm Mist Humidifier: Types, Uses, Benefits, Working Principles 2024

If your indoor surrounding air is dry, it can adversely affect your body. Whether your sinus problems are initially due to flu or allergies, the dry air can make it worse. It becomes difficult for a person to recover from colds, coughs, allergic infections, respiratory diseases, etc. So, it is necessary to maintain the humidity level of the indoor air of your home, or, room and this is done by using a humidifier.

A humidifier emits vapors or moisture into the surrounding air, to keep the humidity of the room at a recommended level. There are generally two types of humidifiers available in the market i.e., warm-mist humidifier and cool-mist humidifier. In this article, a detailed explanation of a warm mist humidifier is presented. Read the full article to know the types, uses, benefits, and working principles of warm mist humidifiers.

What Is a Warm Mist Humidifier?

A warm mist humidifier releases warm mist into the surrounding air. It contains a heating element that boils water in the humidifier. When the water boils steam is created and then the steam is released into the air which is also called warm mist. Most warm mist humidifiers don’t contain any filter, they release steam directly outside whereas some humidifiers also contain absorption pads as filters. The filters trap the minerals and other pollutants inside the humidifier and keep the surrounding air healthy and free from dust and pollutants.

Warm mist humidifiers are less expensive and easily available in the market. The major drawback of this type of humidifier is the hot water causes burns if the machine leaks or tips over. So warm humidifiers are not recommended for households with young children.

Types of Warm Mist Humidifier

Steam Vaporizers

A steam vaporizer consists of a water reservoir and a heating element to generate a warm mist. When electricity is applied to the steam vaporizer the heating element gets heated and it boils the water stored in the reservoir. The warm moisture generated in this process is then cooled slightly and released into the environment to increase the humidity level of the indoor air.

The warm moisture generated by the steam vaporizers offers relief from colds, coughs, nasal congestion, allergic infections, etc. So, these devices are commonly used in the medical field.

Benefits of Warm Mist Humidifiers:

Produce less noise: A warm mist humidifier does not contain a fan to generate vapor. So these humidifiers produce less noise and are quieter than cool-mist humidifiers.
Offers comfort in cold weather: A warm mist humidifier produces warm moisture or vapor. So, these devices are perfect for cold weather. When the temperature becomes low outside, this warm mist humidifier releases warm moisture and keeps the room’s temperature more comfortable.
Less mineral dust: The boiling process removes harmful bacteria, germs, and mold from the water. So, a warm mist humidifier is considered more hygienic than an evaporative humidifier. The use of a warm mist humidifier can also enhance the air quality.
Offers relief from sinus problems: The warm moisture generated from a warm mist humidifier offers great relief from nasal congestion, colds, coughs, allergic symptoms, asthma, etc.

Uses of Warm Mist Humidifier

In Homes

Warm mist humidifiers offer comfort in cold weather. So, they are used in homes during colder climates or, during winter months. The warm vapor released from this device makes the indoor environment feel warmer and comfortable. It also prevents people inside the house from suffering from cold, cough, congested nose, etc.

Most homeowners prefer a warm mist humidifier as it does not produce noise like a cool mist humidifier. It creates a quieter environment and also offers good sleep.

In offices

According to National Library of Medicine , people who are working in the office spend 70% of their time in an office environment. The workspace in the office is air conditioned in summer and heated during winter and this causes low humidity in the indoor environment. When the humidity level of the workspace is not between 30% to 50%, that can result in increased viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. This creates various health issues like colds, coughs, respiratory diseases, sore throat, irritated eyes, etc.

The installation of a warm mist humidifier along with an air-conditioned or, heating device helps to maintain an optimal humidity level in the indoor environment. This improves the indoor air quality and creates a healthy environment for employees. When the employees of an office are healthy it also increases the productivity and income of the organization.

In Health Care Settings

In hospitals and healthcare settings, it is necessary to install a humidifier to create a healthy environment for patients and staff. In hospitals, if the air becomes dry there are high chances of spreading airborne viruses in the indoor air. A warm mist humidifier emits warm vapor free from dust and bacteria into the environment improving the indoor air quality. So, warm mist humidifiers are generally installed in hospitals to keep the humidity at the recommended level.

The warm moisture released from the warm mist humidifier provides relief to patients suffering from severe colds, coughs, congested noses, allergic infections, respiratory diseases, etc.

In Aroma Therapy

Aromatherapy is a treatment in which essential oils are mixed with water, and heated, and the generated vapor is inhaled for medical purposes. The warm vapor generated in this procedure offers good sleep, helps in digestion, and eases pain.

Conclusion

Adding a warm mist humidifier in the home improves air quality by supplying warm moisture into the air. This device produces less noise as there is no fan inside it. It emits warm vapor into the surrounding air that helps people suffering from colds, coughs, nasal congestion, etc. Warm mist humidifiers are generally used in colder climates and winter season. However, the hot water present inside the humidifier may cause a burn if not used properly. So, these devices are not recommended for use in households with small babies and young children.

Prefer a hybrid humidifier that offers both cool mist and warm mist according to the requirements of the users. Nowadays The demand for hybrid humidifiers is more in the market.

FAQS

Are warm mist humidifiers good for you?

Yes, warm mist humidifiers are good for you if you are suffering from colds, coughs, nasal congestion, respiratory diseases, allergic symptoms, etc. The warm mist released from this humidifier offers relief from the above problems. It also helps in keeping the humidity level constant at the recommended level. It prevents the indoor air from drying out and improves the air quality.

2. Is it safe to sleep with a warm mist humidifier on?

Yes, it is safe to sleep with a warm mist humidifier on. The warm moisture released from this device offers better sleep, clears a congested nose, and prevents skin from drying out. But always remember to keep the children away from a warm mist humidifier for safety purposes.