Warm vs Cool mist humidifiers?

JLDahl84

So I am working on my registry/ things I just want for the nursery and was wondering about humidifiers. They have both warm and cool mist ones, anyone have any thoughts about which is better?

I know they say warm ones kill bacteria in the water, but may increase the temperature in the room (and bacteria thrives better in a warm environment), but that they can be more of a safety issue with toddlers (getting burnt).  But then cool ones are more maintenance because you have to make sure they are always clean or you get bacteria, which then goes in the air.  So just wondering if anyone has heard anything else pro/con for either? Or if any second time moms prefer one over the other and why? 

TIA

lucylea

I have never used a warm mist humidifier, but have been using a cool mist every fall and winter since I was a teenager and have never had a problem.  I just empty it out each morning and let it air dry as the day goes on.  Then refill at night and you are set to go again.  I have no problems whatsoever with bacterial growth or buildup. We now run one in our BR and one in DD's room every night.  

hcdekarske

Good post!  I am interested as well.  I bought one for our bedroom a few months back, it is a cool air, vaporless one and I love it, and figured I would need one for baby's room as well. 

aligator423uf

We used a humidifier every night in our own bedroom and it has a cool and warm setting. Honestly I don't notice a difference at all. As soon as the mist starts coming out, it's cold whether it's set on warm or not. It's not like the warm setting is going to boil out any bacteria, it definitely doesn't get that hot!

katie4253

aligator423uf:

We used a humidifier every night in our own bedroom and it has a cool and warm setting. Honestly I don't notice a difference at all. As soon as the mist starts coming out, it's cold whether it's set on warm or not. It's not like the warm setting is going to boil out any bacteria, it definitely doesn't get that hot!

It isn't a true warm mist then.  They get super hot.

aligator423uf

katie4253:

aligator423uf:

We used a humidifier every night in our own bedroom and it has a cool and warm setting. Honestly I don't notice a difference at all. As soon as the mist starts coming out, it's cold whether it's set on warm or not. It's not like the warm setting is going to boil out any bacteria, it definitely doesn't get that hot!

It isn't a true warm mist then.  They get super hot.

Huh. Well I'm glad my mom paid the extra money for that fancy setting and not me 

mbritto4

We do cool mist. Look for one easy to clean and/or dishwasher safe parts.

katie4253

I like warm mist for myself.  They work better for me.  But for the baby's room we'll probably use a cool mist.  Especially when they are mobile. 

I find cool mist hard to clean and they get build up.  I've never had a cool mist that I didn't have to use vinegar to clean (to get the hard water scale off).

Also, we keep our house rather cool.  So, the warm mist hardly warms up the room at all.  

MrsBreezer80

Our pedi ONLY recommended cool mist, and said not to get the warm mist - DD has asthma and a history of RSV so I definately trust her!

jillybean222

cool.  we used a warm mist before and it just made the air hot and wet - never refreshing like the cool mist does.  all humidifiers require a lot of cleaning if you want them to function properly - not just cool mist

katie4253

jillybean222:

cool.  we used a warm mist before and it just made the air hot and wet - never refreshing like the cool mist does.  all humidifiers require a lot of cleaning if you want them to function properly - not just cool mist

This isn't true.  My warm mist requires almost no maintenance.   I've owned lots of different kinds.  However, I have had terrible warm mist models too.  Like the PP said, make sure you really look at how many parts they have.  The fewer parts the better.  Dishwasher safe doesn't really matter because you have to wash those parts daily anyway. 

JLDahl84

Thanks ladies! I have got to say I love this board and all the information I have gotten out of all of you the past few months!

This is the one I think I am going to get: https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3214733 Unless someone has one that they personally recommend? 

Hope you all have a great weekend! 

abergale

My pedi, DD's ENT, and the allergist all said no warm mist humidifiers for babies and young children. That a cool mist is what you should use. They even said adults don't have much reason to use it either. Not sure of the exact reason I feel like at one point I knew but I don't remember anymore (maybe because the warm dry out sinuses etc). We use the cool mist anytime DD starts to get stuff and it will usually nip whatever she is getting really quick.

Jennifer2008

My doc also said cool mist. We were thinking of the crane animal ones (the cow) - but does anyone have a recommendation based on experience?

fabfive

::lurking::

the ped always says to use the cool mist when my kids are sick.   

DuncanD80

We use a cool mist in our room every night.  They make a solution that you can add a cap full every time you fill it to kill bacteria and mold will not grow on it...  Since it is only a couple months old, I don't know how well this actuall works....